Principia Discordia

Principia Discordia => Aneristic Illusions => Topic started by: Thurnez Isa on December 29, 2006, 04:11:55 PM

Title: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on December 29, 2006, 04:11:55 PM
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/282006g.asp

Year In Review: 'Net Neutrality' a Must for Most Christian

Christian broadcasters are concerned about legislation that could make it tougher for the public to access their websites. Recent action by a House committee would seem to allay some of those fears.

The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill that would allow broadband network operators to offer streamlined access to websites that pay them extra for a higher level of service. Frank Wright, president of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), says such an arrangement would put many nonprofit radio stations at a disadvantage.

"The telephone companies and cable companies that control access to the Internet are talking about creating kind of a better level of service for those who are willing to pay for it," Wright explains, "and everyone else sort of gets what's left over."

Broadband Internet providers such as Verizon and AT&T have been lobbying for a sort of "fast lane" on the web that would be reserved for video and other high-priority content. But last week, the House Judiciary Committee approved a bill [PDF] that would require such providers to abide by strict "Net neutrality" principles -- that is, operate their networks in a nondiscriminatory manner.

Wright obviously sees merit to such a move. "A system of Internet control that shows favoritism to one group over another would probably disadvantage non-profits like religious broadcasters," he says. "We don't have the revenue streams that would help us pay for a better level of Internet service that they're talking about."

Despite being opposed by several Republicans on the committee, the Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006 (H.R. 5417) was passed out of committee on a 20-13 vote. Committee chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, a congressman from Wisconsin, said the measure "will provide an insurance policy for Internet users against being harmed by broadband network operators abusing their market power to discriminate against content and service providers."

The president of the Christian Coalition of America is asking Congress to preserve what supporters of what has come to be known as "net neutrality." Roberta Combs says Sensenbrenner and others on the committee have stood up for continued freedom on the Internet.

"We urge Congress to move aggressively to save the Internet -- and allow ideas rather than money to control what Americans can access on the Worldwide Web," she says. Congress, says the Christian Coalition, must make sure the Internet remains accessible to all Americans, rich or poor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 29, 2006, 04:13:22 PM
Wow, they must be deluded.  Sometimes, Christian paranoia actually works in peoples favour.  Amazing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on December 29, 2006, 04:15:49 PM
I made this thread cause i notice sometimes we have 2/3 threads of the same newstories
ie. planet eris, james brown
this way we have a thread to dump it all on
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 29, 2006, 04:17:22 PM
Point.  But now we also have non-absentee mods who will actually merge stories too.  Still, this can be good for random shiz.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on December 29, 2006, 04:17:38 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 29, 2006, 04:13:22 PM
Wow, they must be deluded.  Sometimes, Christian paranoia actually works in peoples favour.  Amazing.

yes
this could make some really strange bed fellows
Quoteand allow ideas rather than money to control what Americans can access on the Worldwide Web
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 07, 2007, 08:26:49 PM
http://www.tv.com/story/7321.html

:argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 08, 2007, 03:18:21 PM
I just think it's funny to see who qualifies as a "celebrity"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 08, 2007, 03:25:53 PM
Come on "La Toya Jackson"
She's as famous as her brother Tito
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 08, 2007, 03:39:08 PM
I imagine they contrived this whole idea just to get Erik Estrada in a police uniform again.  The rest were afterthoughts when everyone else turned them down. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: DJRubberducky on January 08, 2007, 04:37:31 PM
Ah shit, man!  I know somebody in Muncie.  And he only knows me by a different online handle.  Maybe I should call the show and rat out a stoner who works at Blockbuster and see if he makes it onto an episode. ;)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 12, 2007, 11:58:54 AM
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article2145136.ece

Ali Ansari on the lastest Iran happenings.  I think alot of Ansari's opinions, the dude is one of the best experts on the country.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 12, 2007, 04:40:12 PM
time for the bunkers?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 16, 2007, 02:58:11 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070116/world/international_iraq1_dc

U.N. says 34,000 Iraqis killed in 2006

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The United Nations said on Tuesday more than 34,000 Iraqi civilians were killed in violence last year and it chided the government for allowing the killers, some of them inside the security forces, to go unpunished.

Several bombs that killed 35 people in Baghdad were a reminder of the violence that killed 94 every day last year, by the U.N. count. It was not clear if the bombings, among the bloodiest this month, were related to the hangings on Monday of two aides to Saddam Hussein, which angered minority Sunni Arabs.

The government is preparing a security plan backed by U.S. reinforcements and billed as a "last chance" for Iraq to pull back from a sectarian civil war pitching Sunni rebels against Shi'ite militias and dragging in millions of armed civilians.

"Without significant progress on the rule of law, sectarian violence will continue indefinitely and eventually spiral out of control," the U.N. human rights chief in Baghdad, Gianni Magazzeni, told a news conference presenting his latest report.

Sectarian tensions have been inflamed by the botched execution of Saddam's aides. The ousted president's half-brother Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti was decapitated by the noose. Mourners visited the two fresh graves in the home village where Saddam himself was buried after he was hanged two weeks ago.

Magazzeni said 34,452 civilians were killed and more than 36,000 wounded in 2006. He accused the government of failing to provide security and blamed some of the violence on militias colluding with or working inside the police and army.

"The root causes of the sectarian violence lie in revenge killings and lack of accountability for past crimes as well as in the growing sense of impunity for on-going human rights violations," the U.N.'s latest report on Iraq said.

The casualty figures are much higher than statistics issued by Iraqi government officials. The government itself branded the United Nations' last two-monthly report in November grossly exaggerated and banned its civil servants from releasing data.

"The focus of this report is actually on the need for the government to increase its action with respect to the rule of law," Magazzeni said. "Law enforcement agencies do not provide effective protection to the population of Iraq."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 16, 2007, 02:58:54 PM
"DEATH SQUAD KILLINGS

According to the latest U.N. report, based on data from hospitals compiled by the Health Ministry and from the Baghdad morgue, 6,376 civilians were killed in the last two months of 2006 -- comprising 3,462 in November and 2,914 in December.

Of 4,731 people killed in Baghdad in November and December, Magazzeni said most died of gunshot wounds -- an indication they were victims of individual death squad killings, not bombings.

Though Baghdad is the epicenter of violence, the U.N. report said increasing violence in typically less restive provinces such as Mosul illustrated the overall deterioration in security.

It said more than 470,000 Iraqis had fled their homes and now claim refuge within Iraq since the February bombing of a Shi'ite shrine in Samarra that prompted a surge in violence. Many more do not register or have fled the country altogether.

A roadside bomb followed by a blast from a motorcycle rigged with explosives killed 15 people and wounded 70 near a Sunni mosque in central Baghdad on Tuesday, an interior ministry source said. Two more bombs in the capital killed 10 people.

University students were among the dead in a car bombing that killed 10 people and wounded 25.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, with the help of some 20,000 more U.S. troops being deployed by President George W. Bush, is preparing a major crackdown on sectarian killers in Baghdad -- including militias loyal to radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and other fellow Shi'ite allies of Maliki.

Senior Shi'ite politicians call it a "last chance" to avert civil war and save a government that represents Shi'ites' first real taste of power in Iraq for centuries.

U.S. commanders have said crucial to success will be whether Maliki fulfils his commitment to deal as strongly with Shi'ite militias as with Sunni Arab insurgents."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 16, 2007, 03:03:44 PM
Whats interesting is that no-one so far has reported that a Baathist insurgent group has hung 100 Shiite muslims in retaliation for the death of Saddam Hussein.  Thats a grizzly way to go and I'm surprised the media hasn't reported, for the sheer "urgh" factor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2007, 03:06:55 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on January 16, 2007, 02:58:11 PM
The ousted president's half-brother Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti was decapitated by the noose.

Now this I really gotta see  :-o
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 16, 2007, 03:11:47 PM
http://www.hollywoodrag.com/index.php?/weblog/comments/the_fraggle_rock_movie_is_coming/

for anyone who grew up in the 80's
:-)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2007, 03:14:12 PM
Fraggle rock in general and the Doozers in particular I blame 100% for my teenage descent into the depraved pits of sex, drugs and madness.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 16, 2007, 03:16:14 PM
They'll probably screw up the movie
but its still Fraggle rock
and one of Frank Zappas sons is making it
so there still is hope
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 17, 2007, 02:30:01 PM
http://www.oregonlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news/1168667764242580.xml?oregonian?lcfp&coll=7

David Wu of Oregon fires Star Trek metaphors at Bush's Iraq plan


WASHINGTON -- If David Wu tires of the congressman gig, he might have a second career lecturing at Star Trek conventions.

Reaction is flying in from across the galaxy to the Oregon Democrat's comparison of the Bush administration to Klingons on the House floor this week.

"What's been said of me is that I've always had the lowest profile in the Oregon delegation," Wu said in an interview Friday. "You know what? This is not the way that I would have chosen to raise my profile."

Wu said his speech referred to "Rise of the Vulcans," a book about the influence of neoconservatives on President Bush's war policy.

"Right after I said it, I kind of had a notion that maybe it wasn't going to be understood in the way that I meant it," Wu said. "Maybe not everybody read 'Rise of the Vulcans.' "

Wu, who Thursday was named chairman of the technology and innovation subcommittee of the House Science and Technology Committee, said he has long been a Star Trek fan. He admitted Friday that while recovering from a recent back injury, he watched "a whole basket of Star Trek tapes" lent to him by a neighbor. Which Star Trek series or movie is his favorite?

"I watch them all," Wu said. "A terrible confession."

Wu said his Wednesday speech was made out of frustration with how the Bush administration is handling its plans to increase troops in Iraq.

"Sometimes, even a congressman, when you get frustrated, you fall back on those things that are kind of familiar, comfortable," Wu said.




http://youtube.com/watch?v=f-RqyLcDFfw
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 17, 2007, 02:47:54 PM
I just got a scam letter in French.
Just sayin'.
Waiting for the laundry.
This is my news.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 17, 2007, 02:57:12 PM
scam letter in french???
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 17, 2007, 03:14:13 PM
*watching CNN*

BREAKING NEWS:

Hard Freeze! It's cold!

What to do?

OMFGtoohotthennowtoocoldnotinwinterglobalwarmingyargh!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 17, 2007, 03:30:26 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on January 17, 2007, 02:57:12 PM
scam letter in french???

You know those letters from African Princes and the Irish Lottery?
It was like that but completely in French. (I am not French)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 17, 2007, 04:30:58 PM
I could probably translate
though you probably actually dont care what it says
:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 17, 2007, 04:48:34 PM
No need to translate. I imagine it's an idiotic scam, and I never really read them anyway. Maybe I'm just really lucky and won the Irish lottery for real (3 times!).

I sent it to your hotmail, in case you're curious.
Notice at the bottom there is an ad for Latinsingles.com or something.... unbelievable
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 17, 2007, 05:07:47 PM
the french is pretty dreadful actually

this Doctor Narcisse Pierre whos is the Executive Administrateur of a Body African Assignee of Markets in Mali is trying to set up a marketing scheme supposely worth millions
:-o
He wants people in the civil service and offering you a "mutal arrangement"
most of it is buisness mumbo jumbo
he doesn't really say what it involves, and will only give you details if your interested
but he does say its a "brilliant career"

come on you have to be interested
:lol:

heard better spam mail from african presidents who will give me their fortunes if i send them my bank information
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 17, 2007, 05:10:45 PM
I have no assets or bank information, but i'd love to get involved.
I'll stick to the Irish lottery. At least that's in my language.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on January 17, 2007, 08:11:41 PM
Mysterious Samurai Saves Police
http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/209/articleID/18823/Default.aspx

A samurai sword wielding vigilante has come to the rescue of two Police officers when they were attacked by an armed gang in South Shields, England.

A group of men had forced their way into a house and were ransacking the place when passing plain-clothes officers were alerted by a woman inside screaming.
 
The criminals outnumbered them and were armed with a hammer, knives and chains and attacked the Police officers.

As one of them stabbed at a Policeman with his knife, a mysterious do-gooder appeared from nowhere and attacked him with a samurai sword.

One of the burglars began running away but was stopped by the stranger who struck him on the arm with the sword.

Two of the criminals were arrested, but in true hero style the samurai disappeared before police could speak to him.

A third man was arrested later and two more are still being hunted.

Police are especially keen to trace the man with the sword who came to the aid of their officers, and have asked for anyone with information to call them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on January 17, 2007, 08:18:36 PM
Thats cool.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 17, 2007, 09:23:33 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on January 17, 2007, 08:11:41 PM

Police are especially keen to trace the man with the sword who came to the aid of their officers, and have asked for anyone with information to call them.


You realise they only want to do him for assault with weapon causing abh. If they're real bastards they'll prolly pin interfering with the police in the line of duty and leaving the scene of a crime on him too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Starship, take me on January 18, 2007, 03:51:51 AM
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2007/01/16/070116173159.3yvt2yr3.html?56

Amsterdam to get statue to world's prostitutes

Amsterdam's red light district is reportedly to receive a bronze statue dedicated to prostitutes around the world.

According to the Dutch agency ANP, sculptress Els Rijerse made the statue at the request of a former prostitute Mariska Majoor, who a decade ago founded a centre on prostitution in the Dutch capital.

Majoor was quoted as saying by ANP that the statue would be a first of its kind and that it had received the blessing of the city authorities.

The statue represents a self-assured woman, her hands on her hips, looking sideways towards the sky, and standing on a doorstep, ANP said.

The precise place where the statue will be laid and its title have not yet been announced, it said.

Also,
http://www.fark.com/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Verthaine on January 18, 2007, 04:36:46 AM
Quote from: Starship, take me on January 18, 2007, 03:51:51 AM
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2007/01/16/070116173159.3yvt2yr3.html?56

Amsterdam to get statue to world's prostitutes

Amsterdam's red light district is reportedly to receive a bronze statue dedicated to prostitutes around the world.

According to the Dutch agency ANP, sculptress Els Rijerse made the statue at the request of a former prostitute Mariska Majoor, who a decade ago founded a centre on prostitution in the Dutch capital.

Majoor was quoted as saying by ANP that the statue would be a first of its kind and that it had received the blessing of the city authorities.

The statue represents a self-assured woman, her hands on her hips, looking sideways towards the sky, and standing on a doorstep, ANP said.

The precise place where the statue will be laid and its title have not yet been announced, it said.

Also,
http://www.fark.com/

In a related story,a first statue honoring pimps will be place near the statue of the prostitute.
The pimp statues title will be "That ho better have my money".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 20, 2007, 05:44:39 PM
Hillary Clinton announces she wants to run for the Presidency, snakes flee to Australian urban areas (the connection between these two stories is unknown).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 20, 2007, 06:11:39 PM
did she finnaly officially announce?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 20, 2007, 06:25:41 PM
Yeah, I saw it today on CNN on my way into work.

...I totally want to vote for her.  :lol: Unless Nader runs again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 20, 2007, 06:32:05 PM
Hillary = Bush in a skirt.  Seriously.  She isn't so much a Dem hawk as a batshit insane reincarnation of Maggie Thatcher.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 20, 2007, 06:39:44 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 20, 2007, 06:32:05 PM
She isn't so much a Dem hawk as a batshit insane reincarnation of Maggie Thatcher.

QOTD!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on January 20, 2007, 09:00:04 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 20, 2007, 06:32:05 PM
Hillary = Bush in a skirt. Seriously. She isn't so much a Dem hawk as a batshit insane reincarnation of Maggie Thatcher.

Thank you for saying that.  :mittens:

I've never been able to stomach her.  Her husband I'll take over a million of her.  /hyperbole because I can
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 21, 2007, 12:51:59 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6282767.stm

Pope has also had enough of freedom.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 21, 2007, 10:35:07 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 20, 2007, 06:32:05 PM
a batshit insane reincarnation of Maggie Thatcher.

That has to be either a split infinitive or an oxymoron or some shit. Can't stand the implication that Thatcher wasn't batshit insane.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 21, 2007, 02:23:40 PM
Hillary Clinton = worst thing ever.

This is a bold statement, but I would consider reelecting Bush a third term before I voted for Hillary.
Thats a bit far but you get my point....

Only candidate worth a fuck so far = Barrack Obama
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 21, 2007, 04:36:19 PM
Actually, Obama also wants to start WW3 in the Middle East.  Plus, the fact his name sounds like Osama and he went to a Muslim school will kill his chances of votes in the red states.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 11:29:43 AM
Even a lot of democratic voters won't vote for a black guy named Obama.
I'm still crossing my fingers. He's still the best potential candidate of any party so far.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 22, 2007, 11:35:54 AM
What about the New Mexico dude?  I know nothing about his policies, what is he like?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 11:48:05 AM
Don't know who your talking about. I'm only moderatly interested in politics.

I pick a candidate to vote for, and a reason to hate everyone else, and I run with it.

Do you mean McCain from Arizona? I liked him, but he's losing stock because he is catering to the Religious Right, instead of fight for what he believes in. He is a moderate Republican, that feel he needs to blow the far right to get elected.
Hard to respect that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 22, 2007, 11:59:41 AM
No, the Dem governor of New Mexico, can't remember his name.  With him the Dem race is shaping up to be between a woman, a black guy and a latino.  Which will certainly make the election interesting.....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 12:12:21 PM
Not familiar with him, offhand.
The news here is all about Hillary and Obama right now.
America is all about the "rock star" candidates.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 22, 2007, 01:32:44 PM
theres alot of buzz around viginian senator jim Webb
he hasnt officially announced and he doesn't have a lot of experience, but his mid-fifties, white, former military and a former republican
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 22, 2007, 01:52:14 PM
So, the next president will either be a black guy, a woman, or a moderate Republican white guy....




Smooth move, dems.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 22, 2007, 01:57:30 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 22, 2007, 11:59:41 AM
No, the Dem governor of New Mexico, can't remember his name.  With him the Dem race is shaping up to be between a woman, a black guy and a latino.  Which will certainly make the election interesting.....

Bill Richardson, former Energy Secretary during the Clinton administration.  And I'd vote for him over Hillary and Obama.  He has more leadership experience and is probably better equipped to handle the immigration stuff. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 02:37:31 PM
Immigration is not an issue for me.
Stay, go, I don't give a fuck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 22, 2007, 02:41:28 PM
Yes but it IS an issue for a large portion of the electorate.  If you are going to support a candidate, while you want them to be somewhat in sync with your own personal beliefs, its a bonus if they also may be in sync with others on the issues you are less concerned about, especially one like immigration. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on January 22, 2007, 04:31:53 PM
I'm waiting for the political pendulum's back-swing. I anticipate that 08 will be the end of a ridiculous period of American history characterized by far-right absurdity and the beginning of a ridiculous period of American history characterized by far-left absurdity.

Personally, I vote based on die rolls. I feel its a rational response to idiocracy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 22, 2007, 04:45:26 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on January 22, 2007, 04:31:53 PM

Personally, I vote based on die rolls. I feel its a rational response to idiocracy.

...That's not a bad idea. I can probably steal some of my husband's D20s for extra flair.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 22, 2007, 04:55:39 PM
Careful with that approach, do you really want Dennis Kucinich as your next president?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 22, 2007, 05:07:11 PM
No, Hillary will win, initiate war with Iran, lose badly and ensure Republican dominance of American politics for the next 20 years.  She has her orders too, you know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 05:46:08 PM
I genuinely don't care about immigration policy.
I'm just going to let someone else formulate my opinion on it.
Any takers? Next thing that sounds good is my new opinion on immigration.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on January 22, 2007, 05:47:42 PM
immigration is good for the fertility of the land
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 05:49:55 PM
We have a winner.

Hurray for immigration! Everyone meet in America for the after-party!

Immigration is the best!

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on January 22, 2007, 05:54:40 PM
Quote from: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 05:46:08 PM
I genuinely don't care about immigration policy.
I'm just going to let someone else formulate my opinion on it.
Any takers? Next thing that sounds good is my new opinion on immigration.


Even though triple zero already "won" I suggest:

We line up illegal immigrants who are already in the country
next to immigrants who want to come in (illegally)
and they duke it out, one on one. If a Mexican who wants to hop the fence can beat up a Mexican lawn mower that lives in an apartment with eleven other dudes, he has earned his spot and the lawn mower gets ejected.

I think this will make Texas and California into very exciting places.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 05:57:16 PM
You shoulda typed faster.

Immigration: It's for cool kids!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 22, 2007, 05:57:23 PM
And Rupert Murdoch will turn that into a reality game show.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 22, 2007, 08:59:23 PM
Quote from: hunter s.durden on January 22, 2007, 05:46:08 PM
I genuinely don't care about immigration policy.
I'm just going to let someone else formulate my opinion on it.
Any takers? Next thing that sounds good is my new opinion on immigration.


:mittens: :potd:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: DJRubberducky on January 22, 2007, 09:52:35 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 22, 2007, 05:57:23 PM
And Rupert Murdoch will turn that into a reality game show.

!No Mas Hermanos!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 22, 2007, 09:57:12 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 06:30:08 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/canada_france_quebec

Begining of the 1st Canadian-French war??
LOOk OUT FRANCE.. WE GOT BIGGER FRIENDS!!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 23, 2007, 06:56:16 PM
QuoteQuebec has held two referendums on independence -- in 1980 and 1995 -- and both times a majority was opposed.

If I remember correctly that vote in 95 was really, really close.  Like 49/51 or something like that. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 23, 2007, 06:58:26 PM
They're starting that shit again? I don't want to have to use my passport to go from Ontario to Quebec when up there! It's bad enough we need one now to even GET to Canada.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2007, 06:58:52 PM
Is Canada becoming as touchy as their Chinese overlords nowadays?  "Interferring in our affairs" sounds very close to "subverting our sovereignty", the Chinese Communist party code phrase for piss off.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 23, 2007, 06:59:49 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 23, 2007, 06:58:52 PM
"subverting our sovereignty", the Chinese Communist party code phrase for piss off.

I think I'm going to start using that around the office when I don't want to be bothered.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2007, 07:00:48 PM
I think you need nukes to make it work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 07:01:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 23, 2007, 06:58:52 PM
Is Canada becoming as touchy as their Chinese overlords nowadays?  "Interferring in our affairs" sounds very close to "subverting our sovereignty", the Chinese Communist party code phrase for piss off.

Local politics
The Prime minister looks incredibly bad with this Quebec as a seperate nation shit
so hes trying to look more hard stanced on the issue
his poll numbers are dropping slightly, looking bad on foreign affairs and the quebec issue
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 23, 2007, 07:01:42 PM
Quebec is a real flash point in Canada if there is one.  I can see why.  It would be kind of inconvenient to have a massive sovereign nation cutting your nation in two.  But, then there is my Quebecois heritage that enjoys the "fuck you" attitude of the Sovereign Quebec movement.  
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2007, 07:02:08 PM
He should get his deputy PM to have an affair.  That always takes the heat off the PM.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 23, 2007, 07:05:01 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 23, 2007, 07:00:48 PM
I think you need nukes to make it work.

This is America! Someone is selling them SOMEWHERE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 07:05:19 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 23, 2007, 06:56:16 PM

If I remember correctly that vote in 95 was really, really close.  Like 49/51 or something like that. 

yes very close
remember watching when i was a teenager
strange thing being french and living in ontario
the "yes" side was winning half the night
it wasn't untill they counted the votes from the cities that the "no" side pulled ahead and kept the lead
the polls are far different now
most in quebec now dont want to seperate and the french population of quebec is one the decline
the seperatists are still very strong in the province but now have to play a role of pushing for seperation but not seeming they are pushing for one
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2007, 07:09:23 PM
Quote from: kaousuu on January 23, 2007, 07:05:01 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 23, 2007, 07:00:48 PM
I think you need nukes to make it work.

This is America! Someone is selling them SOMEWHERE.

Try Wal-Mart, they stock everything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 07:10:54 PM
Wal-Mart is cheap 3rd world shit
Sears is where you have to go for the good nukes
and pics of woman in their underwear
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 23, 2007, 07:11:30 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 07:05:19 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 23, 2007, 06:56:16 PM

If I remember correctly that vote in 95 was really, really close.  Like 49/51 or something like that. 

yes very close
remember watching when i was a teenager
strange thing being french and living in ontario
the "yes" side was winning half the night
it wasn't untill they counted the votes from the cities that the "no" side pulled ahead and kept the lead
the polls are far different now
most in quebec now dont want to seperate and the french population of quebec is one the decline
the seperatists are still very strong in the province but now have to play a role of pushing for seperation but not seeming they are pushing for one

Are the french people moving out to other parts of Canada or are they just dying faster than they are procreating?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 07:18:25 PM
Imigration dialuting the local french population
Half the city of Montreal is completely english (the boring half)
I remember going through Montreal with my friends
We got lost and they sent me into a coffee get directions and the buggers working there didn't speak a word of french
Plus the french imigrates they're getting from African countries are coming to "Canada" and not "Quebec"
Plus their not procreating as fast enough rate
and the Quebec born youth aren't as interested in seperation... they're more interested in rebelling against free trade

IMO I think the seperatists will have one last push and if they don't win they probably going to go the way of the Christian Allience and slowly be sucked into the other political movements

EDIT: Quebec City and the area around Ruoyn are very much still french though
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 23, 2007, 07:37:33 PM
Makes sense.  It would be interesting to see a predominately English Quebec, especially Montreal and Quebec City.  I really need to get back their some day.  When I grew up in Northern Maine my family used to take quite a few trips to Quebec City.  It was a long ass drive but it was cool to see the different, kind of European architecture.  But yeah, it was tricky asking for directions when you could only say hello and goodbye in French. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2007, 07:43:27 PM
Ou est la piscine?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 23, 2007, 07:45:23 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 23, 2007, 07:37:33 PM
Makes sense.  It would be interesting to see a predominately English Quebec, especially Montreal and Quebec City.  I really need to get back their some day.  When I grew up in Northern Maine my family used to take quite a few trips to Quebec City.  It was a long ass drive but it was cool to see the different, kind of European architecture.  But yeah, it was tricky asking for directions when you could only say hello and goodbye in French. 

I hear Quebec City is gorgeous though. I do really need to get to Montreal this year though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 07:45:41 PM
Quebec city is still very much french
its quite a lovely city in terms of aesthetics, but I've only been through the city, and only once
Almost got arrested near the border once cause apparently the van we were traveling in was classified in Quebec as a "mini-bus" and we didnt have the currect papers or something
We just pulled the whole "Im just a stupid English Ontarian" manuver.. and besides I was working for an inventory company at the time and we had a few fine looking ladies working for us so that helped us as well
we didn't even get a ticket
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 23, 2007, 07:48:31 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 23, 2007, 07:43:27 PM
Ou est la piscine?

too cold for swimming
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 24, 2007, 03:22:43 PM
I miss our old Prime Minister

"No, a proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof, and when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven." - Jean Chretien

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aX6XMIldkRU
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 24, 2007, 03:24:52 PM
He was funny.  I loved watching his press conferences.  Much funnier than Mulrooney. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 24, 2007, 03:25:50 PM
That and he chocked a protestor
and pepper spreyed a bounch of others
:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 24, 2007, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on January 24, 2007, 03:22:43 PM
I miss our old Prime Minister

"No, a proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof, and when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven." - Jean Chretien

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aX6XMIldkRU

That reminds me of Rummy's Known knowns quote:

"Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't know we don't know."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on January 24, 2007, 04:11:12 PM
 :lol:  Definition of is, anyone?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 24, 2007, 05:15:35 PM
Quote from: kaousuu on January 24, 2007, 03:29:28 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on January 24, 2007, 03:22:43 PM
I miss our old Prime Minister

"No, a proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof, and when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven." - Jean Chretien

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aX6XMIldkRU

That reminds me of Rummy's Known knowns quote:

"Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't know we don't know."

I've always liked that quote - it's like a Buddha-ism. The kind of thing you'd expect to hear from some hippy scientist is a hollywood blockbuster, just before he slides open the door to hanger 19. It's also the dumbest possible thing to say out loud at a press conference.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 24, 2007, 06:35:35 PM
Except for "we know Osama bin Laden is either alive and well, alive and unwell, or unalive and unwell."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 24, 2007, 06:36:19 PM
Or unalive and well.
What, with the 77 virgins and all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 24, 2007, 08:12:47 PM
which of course some interpreters will tell you is actually 77 raisins, not virgins.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 24, 2007, 08:13:39 PM
White raisins.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 24, 2007, 08:33:26 PM
BEIJING, China (Reuters) -- Chinese Communist Party chief Hu Jintao has vowed to "purify" the Internet, state media reported on Wednesday, describing a top-level meeting that discussed ways to master the country's sprawling, unruly online population.

Hu made the comments as the ruling party's Politburo -- its 24-member leading council -- was studying China's Internet, which claimed 137 million registered users at the end of 2006.

Hu, a straitlaced communist with little sympathy for cultural relaxation, did not directly mention censorship.

But he made it clear that the Communist Party was looking to ensure it keeps control of China's Internet users, often more interested in salacious pictures, bloodthirsty games and political scandal than Marxist lessons.

The party had to "strengthen administration and development of our country's Internet culture", Hu told the meeting on Tuesday, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

"Maintain the initiative in opinion on the Internet and raise the level of guidance online," he said. "We must promote civilized running and use of the Internet and purify the Internet environment."

In 2006, China's Internet users grew by 26 million, or 23.4 percent, year on year, to reach 10.5 percent of the total population, the China Internet Network Information Center said on Tuesday.

The vast majority of those users have no access to overseas Chinese Web sites offering uncensored opinion and news critical of the ruling party.

But even in heavily monitored China, news of official misdeeds and dissident opinion has been able to travel through online bulletin boards and blogs.

Hu told officials to intensify control even as they seek to release the Internet's economic potential. "Ensure that one hand grasps development while one hand grasps administration," he said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 24, 2007, 08:36:06 PM
This should be fun to watch.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 24, 2007, 08:36:23 PM
Yeah, thanks to those traitors to freedom, Google Yahoo and Microsoft, who wont stop dealing with them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 24, 2007, 08:41:31 PM
What surprises me is that only 137 million Chinese are internet users.  I would have guessed a much higher number. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 24, 2007, 08:43:15 PM
Raisins?

I thought discordianism was the goofy religion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 24, 2007, 08:44:35 PM
No, outside of the largest cities you're in a lawless, semi-industralized hell hole at best.  I had friends who backpacked around China last year, outside of the areas around Hong Kong and the west coast cities and they said in places it reminded them of rural south America.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 24, 2007, 08:48:33 PM
Ahh, well that makes sense then.  I wonder if there is a Chinese HIMEOBS on their internets. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 24, 2007, 09:09:38 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 24, 2007, 08:48:33 PM
Ahh, well that makes sense then.  I wonder if there is a Chinese HIMEOBS on their internets. 

His Democratically Elected Presidents Elite Orbital Bomber Squadron?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 25, 2007, 10:45:19 PM
http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2007/january/01_17_3.html

The United States has signaled to Gulf Arab allies that an attack on Iran could take place in 2007.

Diplomatic sources said the Bush administration has raised the prospect of a U.S. strike on Iran over the next few months. The sources said the discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council states have also been conducted by U.S. Central Command as well as the U.S. intelligence community.

"There has not been a U.S. commitment, but the discussions have been interpreted as an expression of intent," the source said. "Right now, the U.S. message is that the GCC must get ready for any contingency."

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets foreign ministers from the GCC states as well as Egypt and Jordan. The sources said Ms. Rice intends to brief the foreign ministers on U.S. strategy toward Iraq and Iran in a meeting scheduled to take place in Kuwait.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 25, 2007, 10:52:48 PM
 :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!: :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 26, 2007, 01:25:02 AM
I really hope someone has some sense in that adminstration

someone....

anyone...


:-(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on January 26, 2007, 02:08:20 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 25, 2007, 10:45:19 PM
http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2007/january/01_17_3.html

The United States has signaled to Gulf Arab allies that an attack on Iran could take place in 2007.

Diplomatic sources said the Bush administration has raised the prospect of a U.S. strike on Iran over the next few months. The sources said the discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council states have also been conducted by U.S. Central Command as well as the U.S. intelligence community.

"There has not been a U.S. commitment, but the discussions have been interpreted as an expression of intent," the source said. "Right now, the U.S. message is that the GCC must get ready for any contingency."

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets foreign ministers from the GCC states as well as Egypt and Jordan. The sources said Ms. Rice intends to brief the foreign ministers on U.S. strategy toward Iraq and Iran in a meeting scheduled to take place in Kuwait.

Someone needs to take that bitch aside and slap the fuck out of her.

She really is a dumbass, and so are the people who hand this shit to her to peddle around like a whore with 2002's goods.

Mother fuck an A.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 26, 2007, 07:36:07 AM
She's a racist conspiracy. In a couple of years time people will say "yeah but look what happened the last time a person of colour held a position of power". Same thing as maggie thatcher did for the notion of a woman PM. (try suggesting that one in the uk and see where it gets you)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 26, 2007, 08:43:18 AM
I want to know what her doctoral thesis is on.  Because I suspect it was some soft topic like Prussian diplomacy from Napoleon to to Versailles.  Its funny how I've searched all over and not found it once.  She also did intern work with the Rand Corporation, who have run a number of shady (and in some cases impossible) scernarios in front of various administrations to convince them to intervene in Central and South West Asia.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 26, 2007, 09:00:28 AM
Also, because I am wont to notice such things....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6294643.stm

QuoteSchools in England should teach ,Äúcore British values,Äù alongside cultural diversity, a report says.

The report suggests that

Quotepupils should study free speech, the rule of law, mutual tolerance and respect for equal rights.

Now, the bolded one is very interesting.  Because it has apparently now replaced Justice as an ideal.  Justice and fairplay was something at the centre of the whole thing, according to people like my grandfather. 

But of course, we are not talking about actual values here.  This report says nothing more than the values which are useful to the political elite.  This is no mistake but a deliberate and careful crafted attempt to engineer the public discourse around Britishness in a direction favoured by the political elite, one that above everything else, stresses and emphasises the ,Äòlegitimacy,Äô of their position. That,Äôs Blair,Äôs message in his speech, we should value, first and foremost, democracy and the rule of law, that from which he derives his authority and status - justice doesn,Äôt even merit a mention, not as a value in its own right.

Blair,Äôs vision is one in which the sovereignty of parliament and the laws it passes should be respected no matter what, a false vision of a ,ÄòBritishness,Äô that is both absolutist and authoritarian, the kind of ,ÄòBritishness,Äô that belongs, properly, to Henry VIII and not to the 21st Century.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 26, 2007, 01:31:53 PM
[fluffy]

doooooooooooooom


[/fluffy]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 26, 2007, 01:53:13 PM
Britishness,Ñ¢!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 26, 2007, 01:53:47 PM
The British people do not believe in Doooooooooooooooooom.  Tony Blair says so.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 28, 2007, 12:46:33 AM
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3354296,00.html

"UFO" spotted over Iran, firing a "yellow beam".   :|
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 28, 2007, 02:26:08 AM
well i guess Bush has sent in the "shock and awe"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 28, 2007, 02:36:11 AM
More likely headline "USAF take leak over Iranian town"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 28, 2007, 03:38:29 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 28, 2007, 12:46:33 AM
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3354296,00.html

"UFO" spotted over Iran, firing a "yellow beam".   :|

Gates quoted as saying, "IMMA CHARGIN MAH LAZOR!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 28, 2007, 05:31:13 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6306665.stm

Jane Fonda....what a way to shoot yourself in the foot as an anti-war protest....at least pick someone with some credibility as to the interests of the troops.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 28, 2007, 09:10:07 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 28, 2007, 05:31:13 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6306665.stm

Jane Fonda....what a way to shoot yourself in the foot as an anti-war protest....at least pick someone with some credibility as to the interests of the troops.

Tell me about it.  The dittoheads are gonna have a field day with this one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 28, 2007, 02:40:54 PM
What is a dittohead?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on January 28, 2007, 04:31:37 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 28, 2007, 05:31:13 AM

Jane Fonda....what a way to shoot yourself in the foot as an anti-war protest....at least pick someone with some credibility as to the interests of the troops.

hey at least she's not going to meet with guirella warriors and taking pictures next to ant-aircraft guns this time
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 29, 2007, 05:37:09 AM
Quote from: hunter s.durden on January 28, 2007, 02:40:54 PM
What is a dittohead?

Limbaugh, Coulter, Savage and O'Reilly style fans.  The radio listening right wingers crowd, who can get whipped up over almost anything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on January 29, 2007, 02:04:07 PM
Oh Goodie.... my father.   :cry:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 29, 2007, 02:24:07 PM
Quote from: hunter s.durden on January 28, 2007, 02:40:54 PM
What is a dittohead?

Actually, more specifically, it is a Rush Limbaugh fan.  I don't know where it comes from but the whole "ditto" meme has been a part of his radio show for years.  (Yeah, I listen to it for nyuks)  In fact the web cam that broadcasts his radio show on his website is called the "Dittocam". 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 29, 2007, 02:41:59 PM
Ooops, my bad.  I always just equated it with the mindless followers of the right (the left's being called moonbats, for some odd reason).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 29, 2007, 02:54:04 PM
I think Limbaugh isolates himself, at least in his own mind, from the likes of Coulter, Savage, O'Reilly, etc.  He rarely ever talks about them.  Sure he's Conservative like they are but in reality, he is a radio DJ first and a Conservative second.  I think he has a fair amount of disdain for the other guys, especially since his TV show he had back in the 90's was a miserable failure while O'Reilly and Hannity are enjoying Radio AND Television success.  And I've heard Savage on the air call out Limbaugh.  I think they probably hate each other more than they actually hate the Democrats.   
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 29, 2007, 02:57:34 PM
That may be so, but they all perpetuate a similar mindset, varying only in degrees.  The rest is just business.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 29, 2007, 03:21:12 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 28, 2007, 05:31:13 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6306665.stm

Jane Fonda....what a way to shoot yourself in the foot as an anti-war protest....at least pick someone with some credibility as to the interests of the troops.

Fuck her. If she would have been more pro-active for our POWs in Vietnam maybe, just MAYBE I'd have respect for her efforts. But any representative of our country, woman, celebrity, or not, that goes to a foreign country in which thousands of our troops are dying and imprisoned and practically SPITS in the face of her own countrymen is NOT someone I want leading a protest. She's a traitor in my opinion, and I wish that Charlie would have fucked her shit up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 29, 2007, 03:24:33 PM
She says she was coerced into a lot of what happened, which I can believe.  Alot of British figures did the same in reference to East Germany (such as the CND) and ended up being Stasi stooges, often without ever realizing who held the strings.

That said, her dismissive statements about systemic torture in North Vietnam are pretty unforgivable, especially as they were said once the war was over.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 29, 2007, 03:24:51 PM
Of course Suu, your self-righteous rant would have more weight if our troops werent coating children with napalm and giving them horrible cancers through Agent Orange.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 29, 2007, 03:27:16 PM
Shit, if a kid was shooting at me, I'd fucking coat it's ass in flaming Styrofoam too!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 29, 2007, 03:31:23 PM
Napalm delivery system = airplane.


And, just to remind everyone how threatening those Vietnamese kids were:

(http://www.roshangari.net/autosite/sitedata/20040516000000/napalm.jpg)



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 29, 2007, 03:54:45 PM
Quote from: LMNO on January 29, 2007, 03:31:23 PM
Napalm delivery system = airplane.


And, just to remind everyone how threatening those Vietnamese kids were:

(http://www.roshangari.net/autosite/sitedata/20040516000000/napalm.jpg)





That one second from the right is a kinda vicious looking little bast tho.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 29, 2007, 04:22:10 PM
Yes, and I was totally joking. I'm no advocate for our country's war machine.

I actually watched a show with that girl (the one with her clothes burned off) and how she is today. I believe she lives in the US out west somewhere.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 29, 2007, 04:23:29 PM
Damn... Suu, you're too deadpan sometimes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 29, 2007, 04:29:40 PM
Speaking of the Vietnam war, I only just found out the history of the below pic the other day:

(http://grampyshouse.net/cliches/images/saigonmurder.jpg)

Apparently, the guy on the right was a VietCong commander guilty of scores of civilian killings, but because of the chaos in the city in during the Tet Offensive, the officer had little choice but to execute him on the spot.

He later moved to the US and opened a restaurant, but because of his infamy due to that picture and repeat attacks on his premises, he had to close.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 29, 2007, 04:44:17 PM
Quote from: LMNO on January 29, 2007, 04:23:29 PM
Damn... Suu, you're too deadpan sometimes.

Especially when I've had a wine-induced headache for a couple of days and haven't made my AM trip to the Dunkin' yet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 29, 2007, 05:41:21 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 29, 2007, 04:29:40 PM
Speaking of the Vietnam war, I only just found out the history of the below pic the other day:

(http://grampyshouse.net/cliches/images/saigonmurder.jpg)

Apparently, the guy on the right was a VietCong commander guilty of scores of civilian killings, but because of the chaos in the city in during the Tet Offensive, the officer had little choice but to execute him on the spot.

He later moved to the US and opened a restaurant, but because of his infamy due to that picture and repeat attacks on his premises, he had to close.

I think he had some good reviews at first though.  I think I read a review somewhere that said "The food will blow you away."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 01, 2007, 08:17:55 PM
Not really news...its what is not being reported.  Read the link below....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6319451.stm

Then read this:

http://episkoposcain.blogspot.com/2007/01/iran-behind-karbala-raid.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on February 01, 2007, 08:34:28 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 29, 2007, 05:41:21 PMI think he had some good reviews at first though.  I think I read a review somewhere that said "The food will blow you away."

damn. taking bad puns to a new level.

(well not really new for me, but good to see it on this board as well)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 01, 2007, 08:46:15 PM
:thanks:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on February 01, 2007, 08:58:30 PM
this one's for you then:

http://sulkyknowledge.su.funpic.de/slechte%20grappen.html

my personal collection of bad jokes

(sorry about the ad appearing, my old site got disconnected)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 02, 2007, 02:02:12 PM
Quote from: triple zero on February 01, 2007, 08:58:30 PM
this one's for you then:

http://sulkyknowledge.su.funpic.de/slechte%20grappen.html

my personal collection of bad jokes

(sorry about the ad appearing, my old site got disconnected)

:mittens:

What did the salt say to the pepper?
Hey, what's shaking?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on February 02, 2007, 02:46:25 PM
 :|

Two guys walk into a bar; the third one ducks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on February 02, 2007, 02:47:48 PM
an englishman, and irishman and a scotsman walk into a bar.

the bar tender says: "what is this? some kind of joke?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 02, 2007, 02:50:18 PM
Why did the fungus move out of his house?
He didn't have mush room. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on February 02, 2007, 03:00:43 PM
why did the mushroom always get invited to parties?


because he's a fungi.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on February 02, 2007, 03:05:49 PM
Quote from: triple zero on February 01, 2007, 08:58:30 PM
this one's for you then:

http://sulkyknowledge.su.funpic.de/slechte%20grappen.html

my personal collection of bad jokes

(sorry about the ad appearing, my old site got disconnected)


nice...
Quote
three guys and a gal stranded on a deserted island. After 1
week she's so ashamed of what they're doing she commits
suicide. After another week, they're so ashamed of what
they're doing they bury her. After another week they're so
ashamed of what they're doing they dig her back up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 02, 2007, 03:09:16 PM
That's the joke that keeps on delivering punchlines  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 02, 2007, 06:00:55 PM
Um, your school teachers obviously don't "do" the observation thing...

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/02022007/356/sex-offender-posed-boy.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on February 03, 2007, 03:45:46 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 02, 2007, 06:00:55 PM
Um, your school teachers obviously don't "do" the observation thing...

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/02022007/356/sex-offender-posed-boy.html

For some states, we wonder if their brains are even less developed than their student's.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on February 03, 2007, 10:14:22 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/international_iraq_dc

"Egypt charges four with spying for Israel

Egypt has charged an Egyptian who holds Canadian citizenship and three Israelis with spying for Israel, a state prosecutor said on Saturday.

High State Security Prosecutor Hisham Badawi said the Egyptian, Mohamed Essam Ghoneim el-Attar, 31, had been arrested and charged. The rest of the suspected spy ring, who are in Turkey and Canada, were charged in absentia.

Badawi said the Israelis had recruited Attar while he was living in Turkey in August 2001. Intelligence agents assisted him in obtaining a residency permit in Canada under a fake name and found him work in a bank.

Attar was paid to spy on Egyptians and Arabs during his time in Turkey and Canada, and used his position in the bank to obtain information on specific accounts, Badawi added.

He was also expected to scout and approach potential recruits, according to Badawi, who said Attar was paid $56,000 between August 2001 and January 1 2007, when he was arrested at Cairo airport as he entered Egypt for a family visit.

Badawi said Attar had been under investigation since January 2002 and would stand trial before a High State Security Emergency Court.

"We only know what we have heard in the media. I am not aware of anything other than what has been reported," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev told Reuters in Jerusalem.

In 1996, Egypt detained Azzam Azzam, an Israeli Arab textile worker, and sentenced him to 15 years in jail for spying for Israel. Egypt said Azzam passed messages in women's underwear using invisible ink.

Both Azzam and Israel denied the charges. He was released after serving eight years, as part of a deal which included the release of six Egyptian students in Israel."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on February 07, 2007, 08:26:37 PM
from my Christian Coalition of America newsleter

"Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, Who Was About to be Kicked Out of United States Navy -- After His Fight to be Allowed to Pray in the Name of Jesus at All Times -- Gets Reprieve Thursday From 3-Judge Federal Panel

On Thursday, a three-judge panel (on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia,) temporarily blocked the United States Navy from kicking out of the Navy an evangelical chaplain, Chaplain (Lt) Gordon J. Klingenschmitt, an Air Force Academy graduate, who has been fighting to overturn restrictions on prayer in the military, specifically allowing military chaplains to pray in the name of Jesus at all times."

With the federal court of appeals' ruling, Chaplain Klingenschmitt will be allowed to stay on active duty at least another week.  The court meanwhile will decide whether it should grant a longer term injunction that would keep Chaplain Klingenschmitt in the Navy, at least until his lawsuit against Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter is heard.  Chaplain Klingenschmitt's attorney, William Farley, said:  "We will get to the bottom of this.  We will find out why everything started to fall apart after he began praying in the name of Jesus." 

Chaplain Klingenschmitt said regarding the decision by the three-judge panel, "I consider this a small miracle at the eleventh hour, but my career still dangles by a thread since this stay will probably only last a week.  Next week, I pray the court of appeals makes a more permanent decision.  But for now, God has answered our prayers."

During the past two years, the Christian Coalition of America played a major role in forcing the Navy and the Air Force to repeal regulations the two services had adopted early last year which forbade military chaplains from praying in the name of Jesus during military functions other than worship services.  The provision agreed to last September 25th by the House and Senate conferees debating the final Defense Authorization bill rolls back the current Air Force and Navy regulations which had overturned 200+ years of tradition allowing military chaplains to pray in the name of Jesus and according to their faith requirements. 


At the time, Christian Coalition of America President Roberta Combs said, "The decision by Congress to force the Air Force and Navy to rescind their unconstitutional restrictions on religious freedom for military chaplains is a victory for free speech.  I urge the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to conduct oversight hearings early next year to ensure that military chaplains can pray as they have been able to pray for the past 200+ years of American history.  Congress cannot allow the Air Force and the Navy or any other service to adopt politically-correct guidelines restricting the religious freedom of chaplains ever again.


The Air Force had adopted restrictive guidelines on February 9, 2006 and the Navy had adopted similar restrictive guidelines on February 21, 2006. The Air Force and Navy had surrendered to atheist activists and left-wing Members of Congress in adopting these ill-advised regulations.  According to the September 25th agreement signed by the House and Senate conferees, the Secretary of the Air Force must reinstate the policy that was set forth in Air Force Directive 52-1 dated 1 July 1999 and the Secretary of the Navy must reinstate the policy set forth in Secretary of Navy Instruction 1730.7B dated October 12, 2000."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on February 07, 2007, 08:49:05 PM
Denmark's secret to happiness: low expectations
By Benedict Carey
Published: January 8, 2007

NEW YORK: Sweden has more blonde beauties per capita, Italy and France have far better cuisine, and most of the free world can boast of better weather.

But over the last 30 years, the citizens of Denmark have scored higher than any other Western country on measures of life satisfaction, and scientists think they know why.

In the Dec. 23 issue of the medical journal BMJ, researchers review six possible explanations, and conclude that the country's secret is a culture of low expectations.

"It's a David and Goliath thing," said the lead author, Kaare Christensen, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense.

"If you're a big guy, you expect to be on the top all the time and you're disappointed when things don't go well," Christensen said. "But when you're down at the bottom like us, you hang on, you don't expect much, and once in a while you win, and it's that much better."

The researchers arrived at their findings by a process of elimination and humor. Blonds may have more fun, they argue, but Sweden has a higher prevalence of them. As for climate, Danes "bask in a somewhat colder and cloudier version of the balmy English weather."

They also eat fatty foods, drink a lot; genetically, are not significantly different from their gloomier Scandinavian neighbors.

But on surveys, Danes continually report lower expectations for the year to come, compared with most other nations. And "year after year, they are pleasantly surprised to find that not everything is getting more rotten in the state of Denmark," the paper concludes.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/08/news/danes.php
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Starship, take me on February 07, 2007, 10:25:58 PM
http://english.pravda.ru/science/mysteries/07-02-2007/87167-alien_monster-0

Village residents from the Rostov region of Russia caught a weird creature two weeks ago after a strong storm in the Sea of Azov. The shark-looking creature was producing strange squeaky sounds. The fishermen originally believed that they had caught an alien and decided to film the monster with the help of a cell phone camera. The footage clearly shows the creatures,Äô head, body and long tail. The bizarre catch was weighing almost 100 kilograms, the Komsomolskaya Pravda reports.
   
However, ufologists and scientists were greatly disappointed when they found out that the fishermen had eaten the monster. They said that they were not scared of the creature so they decided to use it as food. One of the men said that it was the most delicious dish he had ever eaten.

Chairman of the Anomalous Phenomena Service, Andrei Gorodovoi, stated that the creature, which he could see on the short video, was an anomalous being. However, it could hardly be described as an extraterrestrial form of life, he added. Gorodovoi rejected the version about mermaids too. ,ÄúThere are many legends about mermaids living in the Sea of Azov. Nevertheless, specialists of the Service for Anomalous Phenomena have never confirmed those fairytales. On the other hand, we do not deny the possibility of other forms of life in the Sea of Azov,,Äù the ufologist sad.

A spokesman for the Rostov-based zoo, Alexander Lipkovich, contacted local ichthyologists and asked their opinion about the Azov alien. ,ÄúThey said that the fish bears resemblance to a sturgeon. It was an extremely interesting individual. I have never seen anything like this before in my whole life,,Äù the specialist said.

Credo Mutwa (http://www.credomutwa.com/), thou art avenged!
\
(http://english.pravda.ru/img/idb/alien-monster.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 07, 2007, 10:26:46 PM
Cryptids are awesome.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Starship, take me on February 08, 2007, 12:10:35 AM
"Ploetzlich regnete es Kuehe vom Himmel,Äù (Cows Raining from the Sky)

In the Ochotskische sea near the Sachalin island a cow fell from the sky and sank a Japanese fishing boat on impact. This was stated in a confidential report from the German embassy in Moscow to the "Auswaertiges Amt" (German State Department). This event was given as one of many examples of the desolate state of security in Russian air traffic. According to this report, Russian soldiers had stolen a herd of cattle and wanted to remove them in a transport aircraft - a kind of theft not uncommon in Siberia. However, the soldiers failed to tie up the animals. When the cows got nervous and began to move, the plane became unstable as well. The Iljuschin was so hard to control that the pilot feared to crash and ordered the crew to open the tailboard and to chase the cattle (25 to 30 animals) out of the plane from an altitude of about 8000 meters. Accidentally, one of the cows fell onto a wooden Japanese fishing boat that could not bear the impact and sunk. Though the fishers were rescued some hours later by a Russian patrol boat, they were arrested because their story was not believed. Russian authorities then checked their statements and found that they were true. The pilot was able to make an emergency landing with open tailboard."

This happened back in April of '97.  Mark your calender for the ten-year anniversary.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on February 08, 2007, 01:20:14 AM
I think I'll eat a well marbled ribeye with chopsticks to celebrate this absurdity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 08, 2007, 09:48:00 AM
Quote
Gorbachev to Gates: "Have Mercy!"
In an open letter to the former Microsoft CEO, the former Soviet Leader asks Gates to intercede on behalf of a Russian teacher accused of software piracy.

By Tom LaSusa, Network Computing

In 1987, President Reagan stood in front of the Berlin Wall and made his impassioned request to then Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev, "Mister Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Nearly two decades later, it's Gorbachev's turn to reach out to a powerful world figure -- Bill Gates -- with his own emotional plea. The request: to intercede on behalf of a Russian teacher accused of using pirated software in his classroom.


Prosecutors have accused Alexander Ponosov, headmaster of a middle school a remote Russian village, of violating Microsoft's intellectual property rules by using unlicensed copies of Microsoft software on his school's computers. Russia has been cracking down on piracy as part of its efforts to join the World Trade Organization. The punishment for this crime could be life in a Siberian prison.


In an open letter posted on the Internet site of Gorbachev's charitable foundation (www.gorby.ru), Gorbachev says that the teacher was totally unaware he was committing a crime, and therefore should be shown compassion. While recognizing the importance of punishing intentional piracy, Gorbachev pleads with the Microsoft mogul to show mercy and have the company withdraw its complaint against the teacher.


"This noble step will be enthusiastically received by all those in Russia who use Microsoft products." Gorbachev contends.


Is there any minor offence in russia that doesn't carry 'life in a siberian prison' as punishment?

"Ivan - stop picking your nose,  remember what happened to your uncle Aleksei"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 10, 2007, 05:08:39 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6349287.stm

Too....much....irony.....on.....every....side...ribs...cracking....from....

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on February 10, 2007, 06:20:01 PM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 12, 2007, 05:59:52 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6352785.stm

Little Johnny Howard not only shows he has some semblance of a backbone, but he also has no compunction about interfering in US internal politics.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 12, 2007, 06:57:21 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 12, 2007, 05:59:52 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6352785.stm

Little Johnny Howard not only shows he has some semblance of a backbone, but he also has no compunction about interfering in US internal politics.

Well somebody has to. The US are quite obviously incapable of doing it themselves.  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on February 13, 2007, 04:32:38 AM
Obama is pretty fuckin slick...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on February 18, 2007, 02:53:33 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/070216/oddities/afplifestyle_us_crime

Talking Urinals Discourage Drunk Driving
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 18, 2007, 05:28:31 PM
QuoteChristians have accused the artist Damien Hirst of exploiting religious imagery for the sake of controversy in a new exhibition, to be displayed in a working Anglican church.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article2281384.ece

And in other news, the pot called the kettle black.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on February 18, 2007, 09:04:52 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 18, 2007, 05:28:31 PM
QuoteChristians have accused the artist Damien Hirst of exploiting religious imagery for the sake of controversy in a new exhibition, to be displayed in a working Anglican church.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article2281384.ece

And in other news, the pot called the kettle black.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on February 19, 2007, 06:47:11 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/070217/world/us_science_space_asteroids_1


"SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - An unmanned "tractor spacecraft" could eventually be used to drag an asteroid off course before it slams into Earth with catastrophic consequences, experts have said.


NASA astronaut Edward Lu said Hollywood-style solutions such as detonating a nuclear bomb in outer space to destroy an oncoming asteroid could increase the chances of a hit on Earth.

Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting, Lu said the most viable tactic would be to use the gravitational pull of a spacecraft to alter the asteroid's trajectory.

"Some of the simpler methods that people have talked about have turned out to be, upon closer inspection, not as simple as you might think," Lu said.

"There is a random element to them. Things like hitting them with a bomb or flying a spacecraft into them -- you just don't know what the results of that are going to be. It could make things worse."

Lu said a small "tractor spacecraft" similar in size to those used in the Apollo missions would need to be deployed to deflect rogue asteroids.

"It would be positioned hovering in front or behind, with the intention to drag the asteroid off its trajectory with gravity," Lu said. "You can move an aircraft carrier with a tiny tug if you pull long enough."

US scientists are closely monitoring the progress of Apophis, which is scheduled to pass within about 32,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) of Earth in 2029.

Experts have said previously it is possible that Apophis, which could obliterate a country the size of England if it struck, may change its orbit when it swings by Earth in 2029, putting it on a collision course with the planet when it is due to pass by again in 2036.

How the international community should react to the threat of an asteroid will be the subject of a series of four workshops beginning later this year which will aim to draft a treaty to be tabled at the United Nations in 2009.

Russell Schweickart, the chairman of the Association of Space Explorers, whose members are astronauts, said there was a need for a set of internationally recognized procedures for dealing with asteroids.

"We know how to identify an asteroid, we know how to deflect it, the question is who will take on the responsibility for dealing with it. Who are the decision makers?" Schweickart said.

The problem lies in the fact that it is not possible to pinpoint early on which part of the globe an asteroid might strike when it is first identified as threatening the planet.

"When you look at the potential of where something like Apophis is going to hit, you end up drawing a line right across the planet. Eventually that line will shrink to a point," Schweickart said.

"But you will have to have made the decision to deflect the asteroid when it is still a line. If you wait until it's a point, it's too late. Just grab your martini, and go and watch it hit."

Schweickart said a working group of pre-eminent scientists, diplomats and experts in international law would seek to draft a treaty for consideration by the UN in two years' time."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on February 21, 2007, 05:23:52 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070219/us/politics_kennedy_footage_dc

"New footage of JFK in Dallas released


By Ed Stoddard

DALLAS (Reuters) - Previously unreleased footage of John F. Kennedy's fateful motorcade in Dallas moments before he was gunned down was released on Monday, a surprising new detail in a saga that has gripped the United States for four decades.

The silent 8mm film shows a beaming Jacqueline Kennedy close up in vivid color waving to the crowd.

A group of excited bystanders -- women sporting big 1960s hairstyles -- waves to the cameraman shortly before the motorcade sweeps past.

The president's coat is clearly if briefly seen bunched up on his back -- a detail that will be scrutinized by conspiracy theorists who see evidence of a plot in, among other things, the fact the bullet wounds on his jacket and body did not appear to match.

The film was donated to the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas by amateur photographer George Jefferies and his son-in-law, Wayne Graham. It was released to coincide with the Presidents Day federal holiday.

Museum curator Gary Mack said he was not surprised Jefferies took so long to come forward.

"Everyone who captured the motorcade before the assassination thinks their pictures are unimportant. But to historians, all photos and home movies are important to possibly answer questions that will be asked in the future," he said.

Located in the former Texas School Book Depository building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy from a sixth-floor window on November 22, 1963, the museum is devoted to Kennedy's presidency and the events surrounding his assassination.

The footage was taken less than 90 seconds before the fatal shots were fired. The 40-second film also shows the scene of the crime the following day.

The footage is sure to be new fodder for conspiracy buffs who have long maintained Kennedy was the victim of a sinister plot orchestrated by shadowy elements in either the government, the "military-industrial complex," the Mafia or communist Cuba.

"I've already seen the footage on a conspiracy Web site -- it's interesting for the conspiracy researchers to study Kennedy's coat which appears to be bunched up on his back," Mack said.

He said since Kennedy's jacket was riding high on his back, the entry wound in his body did not match the expected position in his coat -- grist for the conspiracy mill that charges more than three shots were fired.

Investigators maintain the shooting was carried out by Oswald acting alone. The most complete and best-known film of the Kennedy assassination to come to light was taken by bystander Abraham Zapruder.

Mack said the new footage offered the best view of Mrs. Kennedy in the motorcade he had ever seen."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: HunterRose on February 21, 2007, 05:52:17 AM
Quote from: Kotaku
    "Lik-Sang.com, the popular gaming retailer from Hong Kong, has today announced that it is forced to close down due to multiple legal actions brought against it by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sony claimed that Lik-Sang infringed its trade marks, copyright and registered design rights by selling Sony PSP consoles from Asia to European customers, and have recently obtained a judgment in the High Court of London (England) rendering Lik-Sang's sales of PSP consoles unlawful.

    As of today, Lik-Sang.com will not be in the position to accept any new orders and will cancel and refund all existing orders that have already been placed. Furthermore, Lik-Sang is working closely with banks and PayPal to refund any store credits held by the company, and the customer support department is taking care of any open transactions such as pending RMAs or repairs and shipping related matters. The staff of Lik-Sang will make sure that nobody will get hurt in the crossfire of this ordeal."

The lawsuits they are talking about, by the way, involve Sony's attempts to make gray market imports of console systems illegal, especially in Europe. The way they did this was by filing a suit in every single frickin' EU country... essentially bleeding Lik Sang to death. You can see the writing on the wall in Lik Sang's statement:

    "Fighting multiple lawsuits in different countries at the same time and paying high premiums to expensive lawyers is an overwhelming situation for a small company like Lik-Sang. Launching separate court actions with separate claims and different judges is completely unnecessary, except for the fact that it helps reaching one single target: outspend Lik-Sang to death. 'Pay Beyond.'"

"Furthermore, Sony have failed to disclose to the London High Court that not only the world wide gaming community in more than 100 countries relied on Lik-Sang for their gaming needs, but also Sony Europe's very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels with free Lik-Sang Mugs or Lik-Sang Badge Holders, starting just two days after Japan's official release, as early as 14th of December 2004 (more than nine months earlier than the legal action). The list of PSP related Sony Europe orders reads like the who's who of the videogames industry, and includes Ray Maguire (Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Alan Duncan (UK Marketing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Chris Sorrell (Creative Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Rob Parkin (Development Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited), just to name a few."

Old news I know but its still idiotic
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 21, 2007, 07:22:39 AM
Sony can blow me. Bastards tried to rootkit me. Luckily for them I don't buy music I steal it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 22, 2007, 03:50:20 AM
Matt Taibbi rides again!

http://www.alternet.org/story/48278

Maybe We Deserve to Be Ripped Off By Bush's Billionaires

While America obsessed about Brittany's shaved head, Bush offered a budget that offers $32.7 billion in tax cuts to the Wal-Mart family alone, while cutting $28 billion from Medicaid.


"Now, after she shaved her head in a bizarre episode that culminates a months-long saga of controversial behavior, it's the question being asked by her fans, her foes and the general public: What was she thinking?"-- Bald and Broken: Inside Britney's Shaved Head, Sheila Marikar, ABC.com, Feb. 19


What was she thinking? How about nothing? How about who gives a shit? How's that for an answer, Sheila Marikar of ABC news, you pinhead?

I'm not one of those curmudgeons who freaks out every time that Bradgelina moves the war off the front page of the Post, or Katie Couric decides to usher in a whole new era of network news with photos of the imbecile demon-spawn of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. I understand that we live in a demand-based economy and that there is far more demand for brainless celebrity bullshit than there is, say, for the fine print of the Health and Human Services budget.

But that was before this week. I awoke this morning in New York City to find Britney Spears plastered all over the cover of two gigantic daily newspapers, simply because she cut her hair off over the weekend. To me, this crosses a line. My definition of a news story involves something happening. If nothing happens, then you can't have "news," because nothing has changed since the day before. Britney Spears was an idiot last Thursday, an idiot on Friday, and an idiot on both Saturday and Sunday. She was, shockingly, also an idiot on Monday. It will be news when she stops being an idiot, and we'll know when that happens, because she'll have shot herself for the good of the planet. Britney Spears cutting her hair off is the least-worthy front page news story in the history of humanity.

Apparently, from now on, every time a jackass sticks a pencil in his own eye, we'll have to wait an extra ten minutes to hear what happened on the battlefield or in Congress or any other place that actually matters.

On the same day that Britney was shaving her head, a guy I know who works in the office of Senator Bernie Sanders sent me an email. He was trying very hard to get news organizations interested in some research his office had done about George Bush's proposed 2008 budget, which was unveiled two weeks ago and received relatively little press, mainly because of the controversy over the Iraq war resolution. All the same, the Bush budget is an amazing document. It would be hard to imagine a document that more clearly articulates the priorities of our current political elite.

Not only does it make many of Bush's tax cuts permanent, but it envisions a complete repeal of the Estate Tax, which mainly affects only those who are in the top two-tenths of the top one percent of the richest people in this country. The proposed savings from the cuts over the next decade are about $442 billion, or just slightly less than the amount of the annual defense budget (minus Iraq war expenses). But what's interesting about these cuts are how Bush plans to pay for them.

Sanders's office came up with some interesting numbers here. If the Estate Tax were to be repealed completely, the estimated savings to just one family -- the Walton family, the heirs to the Wal-Mart fortune -- would be about $32.7 billion dollars over the next ten years.

The proposed reductions to Medicaid over the same time frame? $28 billion.

Or how about this: if the Estate Tax goes, the heirs to the Mars candy corporation -- some of the world's evilest scumbags, incidentally, routinely ripped by human rights organizations for trafficking in child labor to work cocoa farms in places like Cote D'Ivoire -- if the estate tax goes, those assholes will receive about $11.7 billion in tax breaks. That's more than three times the amount Bush wants to cut from the VA budget ($3.4 billion) over the same time period.

Some other notable estimate estate tax breaks, versus corresponding cuts:

    * Cox family (Cox cable TV) receives $9.7 billion tax break while education would get $1.5 billion in cuts

    * Nordstrom family (Nordstrom dept. stores) receives $826.5 million tax break while Community Service Block Grants would be eliminated, a $630 million cut

    * Ernest Gallo family (shitty wines) receives a $468.4 million cut while LIHEAP (heating oil to poor) would get a $420 million cut

And so on and so on. Sanders additionally pointed out that the family of former Exxon/Mobil CEO Lee Raymond, who received a $400 million retirement package, would receive about $164 million in tax breaks.

Compare that to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which Bush proposes be completely eliminated, at a savings of $108 million over ten years. The program sent one bag of groceries per month to 480,000 seniors, mothers and newborn children.

Somehow, to me, that's the worst one on the list. Here you have the former CEO of a company that scored record profits even as it gouged consumers, with gas prices rising more than 70 percent since January of 2001. There is a direct correlation between the avarice of oil company executives and the increased demand for federal aid for heating oil programs like LIHEAP, and yet the federal government wants to reward these same executives for raising prices on the backs of consumers.

Even if you're a traditional, Barry Goldwater conservative, the kinds of budgets that Bush has sent to the hill not only this year but this whole century are the worst-case scenario; they increase spending generally while cutting taxes and social programming. They commit taxpayers to giant subsidies of already Croseus-rich energy corporations, pharmaceutical companies and defense manufacturers while simultaneously cutting taxes on those who most directly benefit from those subsidies. Thus you're not cutting spending -- you're just cutting spending on people who actually need the money. (According to the Washington Times, which in a supremely ironic twist of fate did one of the better analyses of the budget, spending will be 1.6 percent of GDP higher in the 2008 budget than in was in 2000, while revenues will be 2.6 percent of GDP lower). This is something different from traditional conservatism and something different from big-government liberalism; this is a new kind of politics that transforms the state into a huge, ever-expanding instrument for converting private savings into corporate profit.

That's not only bad government, it's bad capitalism. It makes legalized bribery and political connections more important factors than performance and competition in the corporate marketplace. Beyond that, it's just plain fucking offensive to ordinary people. It's one thing to complain about paying taxes when those taxes are buying a bag of groceries once a month for some struggling single mom in eastern Kentucky. But when your taxes are buying a yacht for some asshole who hires African eight year-olds to pick cocoa beans for two cents an hour ... I sure don't remember reading an excuse for that anywhere in the Federalist Papers.

I also don't remember reading much about this year's budget. It was a story for about half a minute when it came out two weeks ago. It barely made TV newscasts, and even when it did, only the broad strokes made it on air. There was some fuss about the Alternative Minimum Tax and a mild uproar over the fact that the 2008 budget failed to account for estimates of the costs for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But overall, the budget was a non-starter as a news story. As it does every year, it takes a back seat to hot-button issues like gay marriage, the latest election scandal, etc. Already, the 2008 election presidential campaign has gotten far more ink than the 2008 budget. As entertainment, bullshit politics always triumphs over real politics.

Here's the thing about the system of news coverage we have today. If the Walton family, or Lee Raymond, or the heirs to the Mars fortune actually needed the news media to work better than it does now, believe me, it would work better. But they have no such need, because the system is working just fine for them as is. The people it's failing are the rest of us, and most of the rest of us, apparently, would rather sniff Anna Nicole Smith's corpse or watch Britney Spears hump a fire hydrant than find out what our tax dollars are actually paying for.

Shit, when you think about it that way, why not steal from us? People that dumb don't deserve to have money.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: HunterRose on February 22, 2007, 04:38:15 AM
Goddamn I am thinking it would be better to just fucking run from the US and move to Like Canada or somewhere, its bullshit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 22, 2007, 04:40:53 AM
I'm just stoked I've found Matt Taibbi again.  I remember when he wrote for the eXile, back in the early days.  He's kickass.  I suppose it kinda sucks, the story, but I'm reading the rest of his stuff now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: HunterRose on February 22, 2007, 04:48:28 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 22, 2007, 04:40:53 AM
I'm just stoked I've found Matt Taibbi again.  I remember when he wrote for the eXile, back in the early days.  He's kickass.  I suppose it kinda sucks, the story, but I'm reading the rest of his stuff now.
still its scary to see the idiots that care more about a dumb bitch going bald than the fact that we are constantly getting ass raped by the government while the richest of the rich get away with murder
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on February 22, 2007, 05:03:27 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 22, 2007, 03:50:20 AM

Shit, when you think about it that way, why not steal from us? People that dumb don't deserve to have money.

:lol:
holy shit
I think Roger found his soul mate
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on February 22, 2007, 04:45:05 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/britain_iraq_military



...
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:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 26, 2007, 07:14:46 PM
Serbia found not guilty of Genocide in Bosnia (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/2/26/worldupdates/2007-02-26T200432Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_-289256-3&sec=Worldupdates)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 26, 2007, 07:15:20 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6395791.stm

Serbia cleared of genocide.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 26, 2007, 07:19:26 PM
Merged.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 26, 2007, 07:26:07 PM
Oh yeah, forgot about this thread. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 26, 2007, 07:29:18 PM
I also posted it in here about 10 secs after you did, so no biggy.  If I hadn't of posted in here I would have merged them instead.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on February 26, 2007, 07:34:03 PM
 :argh!: The fuck?

I knew hundreds of Bosnian refugees while living in Florida. Ask THEM if it wasn't genocide...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 26, 2007, 07:38:04 PM
Actually, under international law it was ethnic cleansing, no less reprehensible, but a different charge. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 26, 2007, 07:43:57 PM
I think, perhaps, if money hadn't been part of the equation then Serbia would have been held responsible.  Actually, when you think about it, there really has been no justice served to the Bosnians.  Two of the Three ringleaders of the ethnic cleansing are still at large and the other one, Milosevic, died in the middle of his trial.  And why do I have the feeling that the current "apologetic" leader of Serbia has a pretty good idea what swimming pool Radovan and Ratko are sitting by?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on February 26, 2007, 07:53:40 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 26, 2007, 07:38:04 PM
Actually, under international law it was ethnic cleansing, no less reprehensible, but a different charge. 

how does international law differentiate 'genocide' vs 'ethnic cleansing'?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 26, 2007, 08:02:21 PM
I think this court was operating under strict definitions.  The actual case being tried was of a specific massacre in Srebenicia where about 8000 people were killed.  So Serbia wasn't being tried for the whole of the 100,000 people who were killed.  Even still, I don't know how you say Serbia wasn't responsible for what happened.  It's obvious, they were unhappy about Bosnia breaking off and took actions to eliminate those who championed it. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 26, 2007, 09:30:03 PM
Quote from: Mangrove on February 26, 2007, 07:53:40 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 26, 2007, 07:38:04 PM
Actually, under international law it was ethnic cleansing, no less reprehensible, but a different charge. 

how does international law differentiate 'genocide' vs 'ethnic cleansing'?



Genocide is an attempt to physically destroy an entire ethnic group.  The war in former Yugoslavia was always about who owned the land, who it belonged to.  People were driven out and killed and those are war crimes, but of a different variety.  Its like charging someone with manslaughter (1) in a murder case, the end results are often the same, but intent, which is key in Western legal theory, is different.

Also, we should have KLA leaders in the dock on similar charges.  As soon as we bombed Serbia into submission, they waged a campaign of terror to force ethnic Serbs out.  In fact, that happened wherever NATO intervened in the Balkans.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 26, 2007, 09:31:18 PM
http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/7367

Guess which part of the world is not reporting this story...?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on February 27, 2007, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 26, 2007, 09:31:18 PM
http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/7367

Guess which part of the world is not reporting this story...?

US News:

uhhh is that the african somalia or the umm...district of bahgdad somalia? cuz...uhh...ahhh.....[coughs]....HERE'S RICK WITH THE WEATHER!!!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 27, 2007, 04:58:25 PM
"Somalia, right isn't that where all of those dark colored people came from who bag my groceries.  I knew we couldn't trust em, always smashing my bread!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on February 27, 2007, 08:16:52 PM
I don't know if this was posted yet, and it was a couple days ago,

http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=21075

Bloggers gotta watch their backs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 27, 2007, 08:17:53 PM
Al-Qaeda is the worst threat to the USA
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6401427.stm

Which is why we are now funding them to fight the Iranian leaning Iraqi Parliament, right?

Right.

:argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 27, 2007, 08:20:47 PM
Quote from: Buddhist_Monk_Wannabe on February 27, 2007, 08:16:52 PM
I don't know if this was posted yet, and it was a couple days ago,

http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=21075

Bloggers gotta watch their backs.

Not only in Egypt.

THE US GOVERNMENT is planning to force bloggers who criticise Congress and organise grassroot causes to register themselves or face jail time.

According to GrassrootsFreedom.com, under Section 220 of S. 1, the lobbying reform bill currently before the Senate, bloggers who have more than 500 readers will have to register and report quarterly to Congress just like lobbiests or go to jail.

GrassrootsFreedom.com chairman Richard Viguerie said the new law would create the most expansive intrusion on First Amendment rights ever.

The amendment was introduced by Senator David Vitter and is currently on hold as it seems to have got bogged down in the legislative process. It would be interesting to find a bog that is read by more than 500 people.

http://www.grassrootsfreedom.com/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on February 27, 2007, 08:25:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 27, 2007, 08:20:47 PM
Quote from: Buddhist_Monk_Wannabe on February 27, 2007, 08:16:52 PM
I don't know if this was posted yet, and it was a couple days ago,

http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=21075

Bloggers gotta watch their backs.

Not only in Egypt.

THE US GOVERNMENT is planning to force bloggers who criticise Congress and organise grassroot causes to register themselves or face jail time.

According to GrassrootsFreedom.com, under Section 220 of S. 1, the lobbying reform bill currently before the Senate, bloggers who have more than 500 readers will have to register and report quarterly to Congress just like lobbiests or go to jail.

GrassrootsFreedom.com chairman Richard Viguerie said the new law would create the most expansive intrusion on First Amendment rights ever.

The amendment was introduced by Senator David Vitter and is currently on hold as it seems to have got bogged down in the legislative process. It would be interesting to find a bog that is read by more than 500 people.

http://www.grassrootsfreedom.com/

The constitution is dead. I live on my own freedom, not what some piece of paper says.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on February 27, 2007, 08:46:37 PM
(http://kaousuu.net/vendetta.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 27, 2007, 08:56:20 PM
(http://i.flowgo.com/websites/williamhung/images/american_idol_judges_auditi.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on February 27, 2007, 09:02:12 PM
*floored*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 02, 2007, 04:31:05 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070302/world/international_pakistan_taliban_dc

"ISLAMABAD/KABUL (Reuters) - Pakistani security forces captured one of the Taliban's three top leaders just hours after U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney's unannounced visit to Pakistan earlier this week, a senior security official and Taliban sources said.
   
The capture of Mullah Obaidullah Akhund marked the first Pakistani arrest of a senior leader of the Islamist militia since it was driven from power in Afghanistan in 2001 and thousands of its fighters fled into Pakistan.

The sources told Reuters that Akhund, the third most senior member of the Taliban's leadership council, was arrested late on Monday in the southwestern city of Quetta.

The arrest comes at a time when the Bush administration is facing a wave of skepticism over Pakistan's role as an ally in the war on terrorism.

Pakistani government and military spokesmen said they had no knowledge of the arrest, including one official who had earlier denied it.

The New York Times, however, carried a report on its Web site, saying U.S. officials in Washington had confirmed Akhund was being held.

Friday's edition of Dawn, a leading Pakistani daily, ran a front-page story, again sourced to an unnamed official, with a headline that read: "Mullah Omar's deputy Obaidullah captured."

Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousaf told Afghan Islamic Press, a Pashtun-language news agency based in Peshawar, that it was a false rumor.

But at the end of 2006 the Taliban denied for more than a week that a U.S. air strike had killed Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Osmani, a senior commander, in December, before confirming his death.

Cheney had asked Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to do more to stop al Qaeda rebuilding from safe havens in Pakistani tribal lands and step up efforts to thwart a spring offensive by the Taliban against Afghan and NATO troops.

The Pakistani security official, whose information has proved reliable in the past but insists on anonymity as he is not authorized to speak, said the timing of Akhund's arrest was coincidence, and not linked to Cheney's visit.

Taliban sources, speaking on satellite telephones from undisclosed locations, said Akhund was caught at the home of a relative in the Baluchistan provincial capital.

They said two other leaders had been arrested in Quetta this week. Pakistani security officials said five suspects had been detained midweek, but their identities were not confirmed.

LINK MAN

Aside from being on the leadership council headed by Mullah Mohammad Omar, Akhund was also defense minister in the Taliban government before it fell.

As defense minister, Akhund was believed to have liaised closely with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence during the years when the Taliban ruled in Kabul and could count on Pakistani support.

"He wasn't a commander, but he and Mullah Beradar were key links to commanders in the field," Ahmed Rashid, a respected Pakistani journalist and author of "Taliban," a seminal study of the Islamist militia, commented.

"He was in the shura (council) and very important."

While Akhund's capture would represent a major coup, it sits uneasily with Pakistan's past denials of allegations that Taliban leaders were running the Afghan insurgency from Quetta.

Musharraf said last month that he was "500 percent" sure that Mullah Omar was in Afghanistan, although he admits there are Taliban fighters in Pakistan.

The lack of arrests in the past fed speculation that Pakistani intelligence services or rogue agents have allowed Taliban leaders to operate freely.

Having supported the Taliban prior to al Qaeda's September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, Pakistan has struggled to shake off suspicions that its spies continue to play a double game in case the West's commitment to Afghanistan does not last.

U.S. generals have spoken of Taliban "command and control" centers on Pakistani territory.

Yet NATO officials have thanked Pakistan for its help in several recent counter-insurgency operations, including the air strike that killed Osmani."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 02, 2007, 04:32:07 PM
oh yah and this one's for hunter
it was higher in the news so obviously far more important

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070302/tecnology/net_americanidol_dc
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on March 03, 2007, 03:48:58 AM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070302/sc_nm/japan_dolphin_dc

Doing it for the dolphins.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on March 03, 2007, 04:33:39 AM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on March 02, 2007, 04:32:07 PM
oh yah and this one's for hunter
it was higher in the news so obviously far more important

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070302/tecnology/net_americanidol_dc

Why do you hate me?

I actually consider this good news. I would have vomited had it said "Contestant kicked off for doing something that makes people happy." (See recent Miss America debauchle).

The fact that it's news at all,  however, is shitty enough.
I'm glad that someone having sex is more important than the wars.
Thanks Jesus!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 03, 2007, 09:12:41 AM
Have any American Idol contestants actually survived past their first album?  Or even a second single?

Because ours sure as fuck don't, making it the single most worthless contest ever.  There have been exactly 2 successes from that program format, and none of them are from after 2002.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on March 03, 2007, 04:01:47 PM
Kelly Clarkson has had continued success.

Allow me to expound on my feeling toward Idol.
American Idol in and of itself is actuually a good thing. It gives nobodies a shot at putting something out, and potentially gives stardom to someone that may otherwise have lived in obscurity. Talent is hard to shop around, this forum is proof of that.
Another positive I see is that the contest is actually about pop singing talent. Ugly fuckers like Reuben Studdard and that old fucker Taylor Hicks were successful without good looks. Many other show aren't like that. Remember Fear Factor? No ugly fuckers on there. How cute does one have to be to eat blood covered scorpions?
The big disappointment about Idol to me, is that it showcases that most of us are really fucking zombified. I know die-hard fans of the show that can't name all the winners. Why? All they care about is the next winner. Why? Because the next season is always the "biggest" or "most shocking" yet. People that watch Idol, but are still marginally aware of the rest of the world (genocides, the war, commercials are killing their souls) are fine by me. I imagine that if you like pop music the show is downright enjoyable. But these fucking zombies who think that Paula Abdul fucking some backup dancer is the biggest story on the plant? Fuck those people. News time being taken up to ask "is Idols judging too harsh?" You've gotta be kidding me. It's not harsh enough. They should incorporate corporal punishment into the show.
Anyway I guess I'm saying I don't hate Idol, I just hate all humans.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on March 03, 2007, 04:08:24 PM
Quote from: hunter s.durden on March 03, 2007, 04:01:47 PM
News time being taken up to ask "is Idols judging too harsh?" You've gotta be kidding me. It's not harsh enough. They should incorporate corporal punishment into the show.

And that's exactly what it would take to get me to sit through an episode.

:foxnews:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 03, 2007, 06:24:09 PM
I'll repeat - Celebrity chainsaw juggling

An I'll keep repeating it until someone gives me the funding to produce it
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 03, 2007, 06:29:31 PM
Lets Hunt Down and Kill Bully Ray Cyrus, hosted by Bill Hicks.  It would have been a winner  :evilmad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on March 04, 2007, 11:14:09 PM
She's at it again...

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Outspoken U.S. conservative columnist Ann Coulter is drawing fire from Republicans and Democrats alike after publicly using a derogatory gay slur in reference to Democratic presidential hopeful
John Edwards.

"Ann Coulter not only once again went out of her way to use a nasty epithet, she pushed her offensiveness up a notch," Amy Ridenour, president of the National Center for Public Policy Research, said on Sunday.

Coulter made the comments on Friday during a speech at the influential American Conservative Union's Political Action Conference, calling Edwards a "faggot."

"We conservatives have enough trouble overcoming the false things that are said about us without paying for a platform upon which we shoot ourselves annually in the foot," Ridenour, whose group helped sponsor the conference, said in a statement on the center's Web site.

Coulter said the comment was a joke and on her Web site she carried the speech with the comment, "I'm so ashamed, I can't stop laughing." She then said Edwards' campaign chairman's main job was "fronting for Arab terrorists."

Edwards, a 2008 presidential contender and the party's 2004 vice presidential candidate, said Coulter's comments were "un-American and indefensible."

"The kind of hateful language she used has no place in political debate or our society at large," he wrote in comments posted to his Web site on Saturday.

"I believe it is our moral responsibility to speak out against that kind of bigotry and prejudice every time we encounter it," Edwards added.

The candidate also posted a video of Coulter's comments, asking supporters to raise $100,000 in so-called "Coulter Cash" for his campaign to "fight back against the politics of bigotry."

Coulter's Friday speech raised objections from Republican presidential hopefuls Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) of Arizona, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani as well as Democrats.

In a statement on Sunday, Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said, "It was an offensive remark. Political discourse ought to be more substantive and thoughtful." McCain, the only contender who did not attend the event, and Giuliani called Coulter's words inappropriate, according to the New York Times.

"Ann Coulter's words of hate have no place in the public sphere much less our political discourse," Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy (news, bio, voting record) of Massachusetts said in a statement released on Saturday.

Several conservatives were also quick to denounce Coulter's comments in a variety of online columns.

Coulter is no stranger to controversy.

At the same conference last year, she used the word "raghead" -- a slur against Muslims -- in referring to U.S. homeland security policies. In a column published in the National Review after the September 11 attacks she urged an invasion of Muslim countries and forced conversion to Christianity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: East Coast Hustle on March 04, 2007, 11:50:26 PM
that cinches it.

Anne Coulter is not only one of us, but possibly the single most brilliant one of us.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 06, 2007, 05:20:01 PM
Just off the BBC news wire, Libby is guilty.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Random Probability on March 06, 2007, 11:24:47 PM
Quote from: East Coast Hustle on March 04, 2007, 11:50:26 PM
that cinches it.

Anne Coulter is not only one of us, but possibly the single most brilliant one of us.
Fucking Rah!

I still wanna grind that boney ass of hers.  I bet it would be like fucking a wolverine on crack! (for the record, both of us on crack, not just the wolverine)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 07, 2007, 05:22:26 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070306/world/international_iraq_prison_dc

"Qaeda-led militants storm Iraq jail, free 140


Tue Mar 6, 1:55 PM

MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Dozens of al Qaeda-led militants stormed an Iraqi jail in the northern city of Mosul on Tuesday and freed up to 140 prisoners in one of the biggest prison breaks since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, police said.

As many as 300 militants led by Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of the self-styled Islamic State in Iraq, attacked Mosul's northwestern Badoush prison just after sunset in the ethnically mixed city and overwhelmed police, who were forced to call the U.S. military for backup, officials said.

Hisham al-Hamdani, a member of the Mosul provincial government, said Abu Omar al-Baghdadi took part in the attack himself. The Islamic State in Iraq is a body set up by al Qaeda's Iraq wing and other Sunni militant groups in October.

Most of the prisoners were believed to be insurgents, police said.

It was unclear if there were any clashes between gunmen and police during the incident.

Saddam Hussein's nephew, Ayham Sabawi, escaped the same prison in December after he was accused of financing the Sunni insurgency against U.S. forces and the Shi'ite-led government."

hummm...
thats quite a morale boast to the insurgence
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 07, 2007, 05:24:43 AM
oh and...

"Left-wing former CBS News Anchor, Walter Cronkite, Endorses Campaign to Force Christianity Out of American Public Life
According to LifeSiteNews.com earlier this week, the left-wing former anchor of CBS News, Walter Cronkite -- who is the honorary chairman of a group called Interfaith Alliance -- has endorsed a campaign called "First Amendment First" which is dedicated to forcing Christianity out of the U.S. public life. 

Last week in San Jose, California, the new campaign to force Christianity out of the public square was launched with the full support of Walter Cronkite who served as CBS anchor from 1962 to 1981.  The news source reports that "in addition to opposing religious influence in politics, the Interfaith Alliance is dedicated to promoting public acceptance of homosexuality, calling for an end to 'discrimination based on sexual orientation.'" 

According to LifeSiteNews.com, "the Interfaith Alliance, an organization dedicated to countering the influence of the conservative Christian Coalition on federal politics, the new campaign is designed to promote policies that would silence the political voice of the 'religious right.'" "


and



"House and Senate Democrats Are Extremely Divided Over President Bush's Successful "Surge" Strategy for Iraq/President's New Policy Has Drastically Cut Violence in Iraq/Displaced Families Returning to Homes in Iraq
Democrats in the House and Senate are deeply divided regarding whether or not to support legislation withdrawing support for the American troops fighting in Iraq.  On the other hand, the American people overwhelmingly support the troops in Iraq and want them funded to whatever extent they require.  The "U.S. News Political Bulletin" reported yesterday that "Democrats may have given up in their effort to derail President Bush's 'surge' strategy for Iraq.  'The Wall Street Journal' reports, 'Plagued by internal divisions, House Democrats have largely abandoned efforts to cap the increase in U.S. troop levels for Iraq and will focus instead on highlighting the war's strain on the military and competing interests in Afghanistan.'  As a result, President Bush 'will have a relatively free hand to add the more than 21,500 soldiers and Marines he wants by the end of May.'" 

Indeed, President Bush's "surge" policy has been highly successful so far and it is anticipated most of the Democrat presidential candidates will be severely wounded if the war goes in President Bush's favor during this year.  Former Reagan Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Jack Kelly, a former Marine and Green Beret, said in a column this week quoting an Associated Press report, "...Since the crackdown was formally launched February 14, a total of 164 bodies have been found in the capital as of Monday...the AP count showed that 390 bodies were discovered in the same period in January....'The best part remains the return of displaced families to their homes, wrote the Iraqi Web logger Mohammed Fadhil, a Sunni.  'More than 600 families have returned so far.'"   The "Old Media" is refusing to document the success of the Bush surge.

Reagan Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Jack Kelly says:  Democrats have invested so much political capital in an American defeat that their electoral prospects in 2008 could be devasted if we win."   American soldiers and Marines serving in Iraq are overwhelmingly optimistic about America's chances to win the war. "


both part of my christian coalition news letter
no links
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 07, 2007, 07:05:45 AM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on March 07, 2007, 05:22:26 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070306/world/international_iraq_prison_dc

"Qaeda-led militants storm Iraq jail, free 140


Tue Mar 6, 1:55 PM

MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Dozens of al Qaeda-led militants stormed an Iraqi jail in the northern city of Mosul on Tuesday and freed up to 140 prisoners in one of the biggest prison breaks since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, police said.

As many as 300 militants led by Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of the self-styled Islamic State in Iraq, attacked Mosul's northwestern Badoush prison just after sunset in the ethnically mixed city and overwhelmed police, who were forced to call the U.S. military for backup, officials said.

Hisham al-Hamdani, a member of the Mosul provincial government, said Abu Omar al-Baghdadi took part in the attack himself. The Islamic State in Iraq is a body set up by al Qaeda's Iraq wing and other Sunni militant groups in October.

Most of the prisoners were believed to be insurgents, police said.

It was unclear if there were any clashes between gunmen and police during the incident.

Saddam Hussein's nephew, Ayham Sabawi, escaped the same prison in December after he was accused of financing the Sunni insurgency against U.S. forces and the Shi'ite-led government."

hummm...
thats quite a morale boast to the insurgence

Since when is 300 classed as 'dozens'? Should have been hundreds no?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 07, 2007, 11:00:58 AM
Haven't you heard?  US policy in Iraq has gone 180 degrees, we're now supporting the Sunnis against the Shiites.  Including Al-Qaeda in Iraq, because that way the USA gets back in the good books with the Arab states who hate Iran like poison.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 07, 2007, 11:50:26 AM
I can never keep up - are we at war with Eurasia or Eastasia today?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 07, 2007, 02:01:29 PM
WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AT WAR WITH OCEANIA.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on March 07, 2007, 03:30:43 PM
HUH I THOUGHT WE WERE OCEANIA?
\
:chickenhawk:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 07, 2007, 03:31:09 PM
No war like self-war.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 07, 2007, 08:41:52 PM
Vampire hunters drove stake through Milosevic's heart

Serbian vampire hunters rammed a wooden stake through the heart of former dictator Slobodan Milosevic to stop him 'returning from the dead'.

Miroslav Milosevic, no relation to the former president, gave himself up to police who have launched an investigation.

He claimed he and his fellow vampire hunters acted to stop the former dictator returning from the dead to haunt the country.

Milosevic's Socialist Party of Serbia, which led the country to civil war and oversaw the break up of the former Yugoslavia, condemned the desecration of the grave in the eastern town of Pozarevac.

The vampire hunters told police the three-foot-long wooden steak had been driven into the ground and through the late president's heart.

Slobodan Milosevic died on March 11, 2006, while on trial before a UN war crimes tribunal for his role in the 1990s break-up of the former Yugoslavia.

Slobodan Milosevic's daughter-in-law Milica Gajic said she planned to sue the vampire hunters and accused the police of failing to protect the grave properly.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2229686.html?menu=
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 07, 2007, 08:45:19 PM
wow its amazing how long it takes old superstitions and folklore to die
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 07, 2007, 08:48:15 PM
In other news, Christianity is still popular.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 07, 2007, 08:50:10 PM
http://www.unicorngarden.com/vampires.htm

Rumour has it Joss Whedon consulted this book extensively for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to the point of giving the heroine the same last name.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 07, 2007, 08:50:25 PM
Quote from: LMNO on March 07, 2007, 08:48:15 PM
In other news, Christianity is still popular.

:potd:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: theCalmpsychopath on March 07, 2007, 09:53:25 PM
http://humour.200ok.com.au/xmas_santareplies.html


:lulz: stupid children
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 07, 2007, 09:57:39 PM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on March 08, 2007, 12:15:57 AM
He seemed like a "ton of fun."

it's grounds for a pardon, ya know.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17506701/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 08, 2007, 02:01:47 AM
"Why Russia Still Loves Stalin

When I was growing up in the Soviet Union of the 1970s, it was President Leonid Brezhnev that I loathed. The dreaded Joseph Stalin seemed merely a name from a distant past. Back in 1956, he had been outed as a monster by my great-grandfather, Nikita Khrushchev, in the famous "secret speech" at the 20th Congress of the Soviet Communist Party and deleted from history.

But Brezhnev, with his sinister eyebrows, was everywhere. He brooded over me and my classmates from school posters, promising the bright, shining future of communism. And he had made his ominous presence felt in my own family. My school on Kutuzovsky Prospect was a haven for the party elite, where Politburo members -- including the Brezhnevs -- sent their children. My friends boasted of grandfathers who were ambassador to England or head of the KGB. But my once-powerful great-grandfather officially didn't exist. In 1964, Khrushchev had been "retired" by Brezhnev, removed as Soviet leader for the mysterious, undefined crime of "voluntarism" and exiled to a country estate outside Moscow. Like Stalin, he had been written out of the past.

At home, I was told that I should be proud to be a Khrushchev. At home, history still existed. My parents told me about the secret speech, though it didn't mean much to me until I was in high school. While it hadn't gone far enough in demystifying the totalitarian system, the speech had launched the period known as the thaw, when millions of Soviet citizens were released from the gulag, and opened the door to a more frank exchange of ideas and to a limited flow of foreign visitors and goods. The freedoms that the former communist countries enjoy today have flowed from the cracks in the system that Khrushchev introduced with his speech of Feb. 25, 1956.

Yet nearly 50 years to the day from that speech, my great-grandfather has become a scapegoat for many of the perceived ills of post-communist, "democratic" Russian society. And Stalin, the man he exposed as a brutal dictator who terrorized and oppressed the nation, is enjoying a virtual rehabilitation, with opinion polls revealing his shocking popularity, especially among the young.

It's not surprising. After the anarchy that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, a period when democracy came to represent confusion, crime, poverty, oligarchy, anger and disappointment, it turned out that Russians didn't like their new, "free" selves. Having for centuries had no sense of self-esteem outside the state, we found ourselves wanting our old rulers back, the rulers who provided a sense of order, inspired patriotic fervor and the belief that we were a great nation. We yearned for monumental -- if oppressive -- leaders, like Ivan the Terrible or Stalin. Yes, they killed and imprisoned, but how great were our victories and parades! So what if Stalin ruled by fear? That was simply a fear for one's life. However terrifying, it wasn't as existentially threatening as the fear of freedom, of individual choice, with no one but oneself to blame if democracy turned into disarray and capitalism into corruption.

This is why the country rallies behind President Vladimir Putin. Putin promotes himself as a new Russian "democrat." Indeed, Russians view him less like the godlike "father of all nations" that Stalin was, and more like a Russian everyman -- a sign of at least partial democratization. Putin often notes that Russia is developing "its own brand of democracy." Translation: His modern autocracy has discovered that it no longer needs mass purges like Stalin's to protect itself from the people. Dislike of freedom makes us his eager backers. How readily we have come to admire his firm hand: Rather than holding him responsible for the horrors of Chechnya, we agree with his "democratic" appointment of leaders for that ill-fated land. We cheer his "unmasking of Western spies," support his jailing of "dishonest" oligarchs and his promotion of a "dictatorship of order" rather than a government of transparent laws.

"Putinism," an all-inclusive hybrid that embraces elements of Stalinism, communism, KGB-ism and market-ism, is our new national ideology. A man for all seasons and all fears, Russia's president pretends that by selectively adopting and adapting some elements from his predecessors' rule -- the Russian Orthodox Church of the czars, the KGB of the Soviets, the market economy of the Boris Yeltsin era -- he is eliminating the extremes of the past, creating a viable system of power that will last. But his closed and secretive system of governing -- the "vertical power" so familiar from the pre-secret speech era, with information once again manipulated by the authorities -- suggests that his proposed "unity" is yet another effort to rewrite the past.

And so the secret speech is no longer seen as a courageous act of political conscience, in which Khrushchev, in order to secure justice for Stalinism's victims and liberate communist ideals from the gulag's grotesque inhumanity, called for reform of the despotic system he had helped to build. In the Russian media today, the speech is dismissed as something far more ignoble: Khrushchev's effort to avenge his oldest son, Leonid, whom Stalin had allegedly persecuted for betraying socialist ideals by serving the Nazis during World War II.

These rumors about Leonid have been surfacing since the Brezhnev era. Until recently, the public had by and large dismissed them as "planted" KGB propaganda. But today, as the country looks for an easy answer to its feelings of insecurity, the Khrushchevs -- father and son -- have become favorite scapegoats for Russia's problems.

Khrushchev's critics consider the collapse of the Soviet Union to be as much his fault as Mikhail Gorbachev's or Yeltsin's. The fall of the communist system didn't exactly seamlessly usher in democracy, despite people's expectations. Russians were in such a hurry to get rid of the negative burdens of the Soviet regime that they got rid of everything positive, too. In a sweeping negation (much like Khrushchev's denunciation of Stalin), they were told that the nearly century-long Soviet period had been completely useless. The 1990s refused to recognize the communist era -- which had indeed brought Russia oppression, but also industrialization, educational growth, near-universal literacy, victory in World War II, science and space developments. This tendency to dismiss the past, never to fully repent of its sins, is common in Russian history, and it allows for a film of nostalgia to take hold.

Deprived of national pride and their lifelong beliefs, Russians experienced the demise of the Soviet era as the end of empire and a sense of national identity. In a state of moral, material and physical despair, they yearned to feel better about themselves and their land. The image of Stalin, with his wise, mustachioed smile, filled the void. And because he refuted him, Khrushchev became the architect of Russia's ills.

In her book, "Stalin: The Second Murder," journalist Yelena Prudnikova writes of Khrushchev's posthumous denunciation of Stalin as if it were a murder: "If it weren't for [Khrushchev's] execution [of Stalin] we wouldn't have come to such a sorry state. Since then we have lived increasingly useless and dirtier lives," because this "murder of Stalin was also the murder of his people. The country, deprived of high ideals in just a few decades, has rotted to the ground."

My great-grandfather tried to begin the process of freeing Russia from Stalin's bloody past, but the nation has never fully dealt with the crimes of Stalinism. Instead, the complexities of life in a fragmented modern society that can boast of no momentous achievements -- no more superpower status, no new Sputniks -- have made Russians nostalgic for the "strong state" they once inhabited. It's a cycle that will keep on repeating itself until Russia finally and fully confronts its past."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/11/AR2006021100845.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 08, 2007, 02:16:17 AM
Actually, the Russians really don't give a shit about Stalin's victims.  Honestly.  They're more interested in making sure they know where their next meal is coming from to worry about historical abstract moralizing.

On the other hand, the American owned newspapers love a chance to stick it to the Russians any chance they get.  This article gives a good reason as to why this might be
http://www.exile.ru/2004-September-04/book_review.html

And this, too http://www.exile.ru/2003-May-03/the_gki_archipelago.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on March 08, 2007, 06:41:36 PM
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070307/APN/703072914

QuoteIt took the 22-year-old Cornwell about 150 hours and $400 in parts to modify a mini-fridge common to many college dorm rooms into the beer-tossing contraption, which can launch 10 cans of beer from its magazine before needing a reload.

With a click of the remote, fashioned from a car's keyless entry device, a small elevator inside the refrigerator lifts a beer can through a hole and loads it into the fridge's catapult arm. A second click fires the device, tossing the beer up to 20 feet - "far enough to get to the couch," he said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on March 08, 2007, 06:51:52 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on March 08, 2007, 06:41:36 PM
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070307/APN/703072914

QuoteIt took the 22-year-old Cornwell about 150 hours and $400 in parts to modify a mini-fridge common to many college dorm rooms into the beer-tossing contraption, which can launch 10 cans of beer from its magazine before needing a reload.

With a click of the remote, fashioned from a car's keyless entry device, a small elevator inside the refrigerator lifts a beer can through a hole and loads it into the fridge's catapult arm. A second click fires the device, tossing the beer up to 20 feet - "far enough to get to the couch," he said.

O_O! Fucking awesome!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 10, 2007, 04:56:46 PM
http://www.exile.ru/2007-March-06/war_nerd.html

News from the War Nerd on the secret VP Office plans to break up the Middle East into little tiny bitty states, presumably so Iran can steam roller over all of them and become a regional hegemon, if not outright superpower.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 10, 2007, 07:36:33 PM
the one that interests me is the free nation for the Kurds
... I must say im more the skeptical
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 10, 2007, 07:41:13 PM
Thats the promise that is being made to back Kurdish armed groups opposing the Iranian government....not to mention the the NeoCons have shown nothing but contempt for Turkey.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 10, 2007, 07:48:49 PM
Im very skeptical that could be done peacefully though
though the more i think of it i guess it is possible at least in the short term
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on March 11, 2007, 08:33:19 PM
http://ha.ckers.org/blog/20070310/my-lunch-with-samy/

Samy is the guy who wrote the famous "samy is my hero" mySpace worm, which was in fact the most virulent and successfull internet worm in the history of the internet. if you don't know the story of Samy, follow the first link in the article, which is an interesting and fun read of itself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 21, 2007, 04:48:07 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/us_company_pg_amway

"P&G not in league with the Devil: court

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Procter and Gamble Co. does not worship Satan, according to a US court ruling that revolves around a decades-old urban myth targeting the world's biggest consumer goods company.ADVERTISEMENT

P&G said late Monday it had won 19.25 million dollars in a civil suit brought against four former distributors of direct-selling company Amway who were accused of spreading false rumors.

Last Friday's jury award in Salt Lake City represents the latest in a long line of court battles between P&G and Amway over the devil-worshipping claim, which has taken on new currency in the Internet era.

"This is about protecting our reputation," Jim Johnson, P&G's chief legal officer, said in a statement.

"We will take appropriate legal measures when competitors unfairly undermine the reputation of our brands or our company," he said.

The former distributors were accused of rehashing a rumor that dates from at least 1981, to the effect that P&G is in league with the Devil.

According to the false urban legend, the global company's logo contains a "666" symbol, its bosses have appeared on television talk shows to declare their love of Beelzebub, and part of its profits go to the Church of Satan.

Amway, part of the Alticor Inc. group of companies, direct retails products like consumer goods through independent sellers in more than 80 countries.

Amway has itself been forced to debunk accusations that its business model amounts to little more than a "get rich quick" pyramid-selling scheme."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 21, 2007, 12:11:26 PM
Amazing.


The Devil actually got away with it.


Score one for Satan.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on March 21, 2007, 12:19:35 PM
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2007/03/high_court_takes_bong_hits_4_j_2.html

QuoteHigh Court Takes "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" Case, Toke Three

"Free Speech or Half Baked Lawsuit?"

When a joke is taken seriously, that's irony, but when it's taken so seriously that the Supreme Court is called upon to determine how future jokes can be made, that's meta-irony. And yet, there it was, a Borat-like moment in the most hallowed of judicial halls: the Morse V. Frederick case. At question in the narrow interpretation: Was it wrong for an Alaska high school principal to tear down her student's banner during an off-campus field trip because it read "Bong Hits 4 Jesus?" And, despite the absurdity of hearing justices parse the minutia of that "sophomoric" prank, what was at stake in the wider scope could not have been more serious: the regulation of free speech within America's public schools.

Further heightening the irony, though, is that no clear solution presented itself. In reviewing the Court's transcript and the multitude of reader comments from yesterday, there were two arguments that struck me as fundamental to this case broadly. First, since the Court's decision may set a precedent for the extent to which students can dissent with their schools, will a decision favoring student Frederick create a situation in which teachers are unable to keep order for fear they will be sued? Second, will a decision favoring Principal Morse create a situation in which schools can punish any student who openly disagrees with their "mission," no matter how oppressive that "mission" is?

Since neither option is appealing, a more narrow focus on the specifics of this case is necessary to further define what constitutes disruption and free speech. And this is where the oral arguments become really ironic. It appears that because Frederick's banner was a joke, and not a political statement (protected under Tinker V. Des Moines), he might be on shakier ground. The justices seemed to hint that if in the school's mind he was encouraging drug use rather than advocating its legalization, tearing down the banner may have been justified. That is to say, had it read "Vote Yes For Bong Hits" or "Give Pot A Chance" or "Make Marijuana Mandatory," he may have been better protected. However, as one reader noted -- and this case seems to exemplify -- humor and satire that point out absurdity are often vehicles for political statements. Take away students' capacity to mock authority, and you undermine political expression. Protect it, and every class clown will test and push the limits further. Therefore, it would seem no matter which way the Court leans, the joke's on them, and us.


By Emil Steiner |  March 20, 2007; 11:42 AM ET

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 21, 2007, 12:31:12 PM
The fuck?  They're onto us.  Satire was the best fucking weapon we have, and they're even trying to ban that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 21, 2007, 12:33:22 PM
Yeah, but it's High School.

Teenagers have never had any rights.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on March 21, 2007, 01:00:12 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/03/19/polar.bear.ap/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/03/19/polar.bear.ap/index.html)

QuoteBERLIN, Germany (AP) -- Berlin Zoo's abandoned polar bear cub Knut looks cute, cuddly and has become a front-page media darling, but an animal rights activist insisted Monday he would have been better off dead than raised by humans.

"Feeding by hand is not species-appropriate but a gross violation of animal protection laws," animal rights activist Frank Albrecht was quoted as saying by the mass-circulation Bild daily, which has featured regular photo spreads tracking fuzzy Knut's frolicking.

"The zoo must kill the bear."

When Knut -- or "Cute Knut," as the 8.7 kilogram (19 pound) bear has become known -- was born last December, his mother ignored him and his brother, who later died. Zoo officials intervened, choosing to raise the cub themselves.

The story prompted quick condemnations from the zoo, politicians and other animal rights groups.

"The killing of an animal has nothing to do with animal protection," said Wolfgang Apel, head of the German Federation for the Protection of Animals.

...

I was so hoping this was PETA. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 21, 2007, 01:05:02 PM
Bild is the German version of the National Enquirer.  Just so you know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: theCalmpsychopath on March 21, 2007, 11:27:00 PM
http://www.bumbinorn.ru/2007/02/22/hambo_lama_48654.html
:eek: an 80 year old dead Buddhist corpse has no decay
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on March 22, 2007, 05:23:16 PM
Colossal Squid May Go Into Microwave
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=143&art_id=nw20070322104107938C144090

QuoteNo final decision has been made on how to defrost the colossal squid, which has eyes as big as a dinner plate. If anyone made squid rings from the beast, they would be as big as tractor tires.

But there are no plans to eat the beast, partly because the flesh contains so much ammonia it would taste like floor cleaner.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on March 22, 2007, 05:44:27 PM
Wow, that is quite the story.  It makes me think of things that make me laugh.   :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on March 22, 2007, 06:01:26 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on March 22, 2007, 05:44:27 PM
Wow, that is quite the story.  It makes me think of things that make me laugh.   :lol:

I just like how they're quick to say that they're not going to eat it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on March 22, 2007, 06:08:29 PM
It's humorous to think of people who instinctively think about eating everything they see. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 23, 2007, 01:35:34 PM
Yay!  We're now getting our very own Security Ministry!  Funny how John Reid gets to keep all the "macho" bits, ie; the ones that allow him to boss people around and act like the Stalinist thug he is.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,,2023040,00.html

It is believed that Mr Reid has won a critical battle to transfer the counter-terrorism, civil contingencies and "homeland security" functions now exercised by Sir Richard Mottram's intelligence and resilience unit at the Cabinet Office into the new Home Office.

Sir Richard effectively acts as the government's senior crisis manager in the event of a terrorist attack. It is believed however that he would retain his role in the Cabinet Office as chair of the joint intelligence committee and as security and intelligence coordinator overseeing the funding of the security services.

But MI6 and GCHQ, who currently report to the foreign secretary, Margaret Beckett, are said to be deeply unhappy at the idea that they should now report instead to Mr Reid in an attempt to create a "seamless response" to improve the government's capacity to counter the terrorist threat.

Ruth Kelly's communities and local government department, which last year acquired from the Home Office the role of working with Britain's Muslim community to tackle extremism, is battling to ensure that role does not return to the Home Office as part of the reorganisation.

It is believed that ministers have dropped ideas of rebranding the 225-year old Home Office as a national security ministry and Mr Reid is also proposing to retain the historic title of home secretary.

The shakeup will leave the new "core" Home Office responsible for policing, serious and organised crime, counter-terrorism strategy, MI5, immigration and nationality, passports, drugs and antisocial behaviour. At the same time detailed Whitehall discussions are going on this week over the transfer of the Home Office's responsiblities for prisons, probation, criminal justice policy, sentencing and victims to Lord Falconer's Department of Constitutional Affairs, which has already registered the domain name justice.gov.uk. Meetings have been taking place all week to thrash out details of the future split of budgets and staffing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on March 23, 2007, 04:52:58 PM
Quote from: Jenne on March 22, 2007, 05:23:16 PM
Colossal Squid May Go Into Microwave

Imagine the fun you could have with a 1-ton microwave
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on March 25, 2007, 12:07:20 PM
april: the month of myspace bugs

one article here
http://ha.ckers.org/blog/20070322/month-of-myspace-bugs/

other article (more myspacian perspective) here
http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/674176/Hackers_Declare_War_on_MySpace.html
a little quote:
Quote from: myspace suckerthats so stupid, some people need to get a life. if my profile gets deleted or something though i will personally hunt these guys down and slay them

follow the mayhem here (this is the place where the bugs will be posted, the skriptkiddies will come,sploit their friends, lulz etc)
http://momby.livejournal.com/

i really hope this will escalate, AVENGE SAMY!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on March 25, 2007, 07:56:00 PM
Quote from: theCalmpsychopath on March 21, 2007, 11:27:00 PM
http://www.bumbinorn.ru/2007/02/22/hambo_lama_48654.html
:eek: an 80 year old dead Buddhist corpse has no decay

Thats pretty cool.

Still, I want my body to return to the Process after death, not avoid it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 25, 2007, 08:01:50 PM
I'm gonna get cremated - One last laugh at the expense of the maggots
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 25, 2007, 08:02:56 PM
Quote from: SillyCybin on March 25, 2007, 08:01:50 PM
I'm gonna get cremated - One last laugh at the expense of the maggots

I'm gonna be chopped up for parts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on March 25, 2007, 08:24:37 PM
Quote from: SillyCybin on March 25, 2007, 08:01:50 PM
I'm gonna get cremated - One last laugh at the expense of the maggots

Yeah, dem maggots should know that the mites gotta eat too.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 27, 2007, 04:47:36 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070327/odds/odd_china_sleeper_dc

"SHANGHAI (Reuters) - A Beijing worker who broke into luxury villas to steal property and get a good night's sleep has been jailed for a year, state media reported Tuesday.ADVERTISEMENT

The court heard that Ye, a migrant worker, broke into five villas "out of curiosity," took showers, tried on clothes and slept in beds -- even when the householders were at home, the Shanghai Daily said.

When Ye found a woman sleeping in the house on his third break-in, he took a carton of milk from the fridge and went to bed on a separate floor, the paper said.

"The woman went to work the next morning, but Ye stayed on. She returned in the evening. When she was on the first floor, Ye went to the second floor, and vice versa," the paper said.

Ye was eventually caught at his fifth villa when the owner came home at 2 a.m. and called the police, having found a bathed and clean-shirted man watching his TV, the paper said."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 28, 2007, 07:14:10 PM
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Analytic/companion/rel/canada.cfm

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/ThornIs/chart.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 28, 2007, 07:28:22 PM
USofA

http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/population/religion/

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/ThornIs/chart2.jpg)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/ThornIs/chart3.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on March 30, 2007, 01:56:11 AM
from ign (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/755/755900p1.html)


'Sephiroth' and 'Reno', arrested for Murder in germany

January 16, 2007 - It seems that flavour of the week right now is covering videogame-related injuries, deaths and misdemeanours. Now, according to a translated report by Expatica, two 15 year old teenagers in Germany have been arrested for murder.

Although not mentioned in the initial translation, it has now been revealed that the two teens used the aliases 'Sepheroth' and 'Reno' - taken from the iconic Final Fantasy VII characters. They allegedly stabbed a couple to death in their home. They were arrested after kidnapping a female friend and holding her hostage for an hour before giving themselves up.

The damning part of this whole incident, beyond the tragic and gruesome nature of the crimes, is that the broader media caught wind that the teens had a copy of Final Fantasy VII installed on their computer.

In Germany, Final Fantasy VII is now being referred to as a 'Killerspiele'; which translates as 'killer game'. Now not even the sacred Final Fantasy brand name is free from the taint of violent crime.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lies on March 30, 2007, 03:58:23 AM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on March 30, 2007, 01:56:11 AM
from ign (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/755/755900p1.html)


'Sephiroth' and 'Reno', arrested for Murder in germany

January 16, 2007 - It seems that flavour of the week right now is covering videogame-related injuries, deaths and misdemeanours. Now, according to a translated report by Expatica, two 15 year old teenagers in Germany have been arrested for murder.

Although not mentioned in the initial translation, it has now been revealed that the two teens used the aliases 'Sepheroth' and 'Reno' - taken from the iconic Final Fantasy VII characters. They allegedly stabbed a couple to death in their home. They were arrested after kidnapping a female friend and holding her hostage for an hour before giving themselves up.

The damning part of this whole incident, beyond the tragic and gruesome nature of the crimes, is that the broader media caught wind that the teens had a copy of Final Fantasy VII installed on their computer.

In Germany, Final Fantasy VII is now being referred to as a 'Killerspiele'; which translates as 'killer game'. Now not even the sacred Final Fantasy brand name is free from the taint of violent crime.

:argh!:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 30, 2007, 02:00:26 PM
There's a character named "Sephiroth"?



The SSOOKN are sorely pissed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 30, 2007, 04:40:51 PM
Pariah changed his name to 'Cuntholio' when he was playing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 02, 2007, 06:40:53 PM
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/03/capitol_hill_lawmakers_invoke_.php

"Capitol Hill lawmakers invoke 2 Chron. 7:14, call for prayer

Members of Congress are issuing a bipartisan appeal for non-stop prayer. The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation -- a group of lawmakers who meet weekly for prayer -- held a news conference this week and urged Americans to commit to pray for the nation and its leaders for five minutes a week.

Founded by Congressman Randy Forbes (R-Virginia) in 2005, the Prayer Caucus -- an official caucus of the U.S. House -- meets every week that Congress is in session. According to Forbes, members of the Caucus gather together in Room 219 of the Capitol and "lay aside party affiliations, political agendas, and individual schedules" to pray together, focusing on God's promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land."

With its membership now nearing ten percent of the House, the Caucus recently announced plans to spread "219 Prayer Groups" across the country, the objective being to establish "spiritual blocks" that will comprise a "wall of prayer" around America. A page on the Prayer Caucus website -- PrayerCaucus.org -- promotes the effort and permits individuals to commit to pray five minutes a week for the nation and its leaders.

During a Wednesday news conference on Capitol Hill, congressmen issued the bipartisan appeal for non-stop prayer. Associated Press reports that Representative Al Green (D-Texas) said members of Congress need prayer support. "Every one of us who stands here today is here by the grace of God," Green declared. "Not one of us had earned the right to be where we are. So we should give God not only the prayers to deliver us, but also the glory once we are delivered."

Representative Mike Pence (R-Indiana) said praying Americans are like Hebrews during the Exodus, who supported the arms of Moses during battle. "Republicans and Democrats are coming together simply to ask the American people who cherish prayer to hold up our arms," he shared. "These are anxious times for our nation."

The Prayer Caucus receives no taxpayer support or funding, according to the group's website. Several current and former members of Congress serve as advisory members and speak on behalf of the group, "calling the nation back to prayer.""

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 02, 2007, 07:12:29 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on April 02, 2007, 06:40:53 PM
Founded by Congressman Randy Forbes (R-Virginia) in 2005, the Prayer Caucus -- an official caucus of the U.S. House -- meets every week that Congress is in session. According to Forbes, members of the Caucus gather together in Room 219 of the Capitol and "lay aside party affiliations, political agendas, and individual schedules" to pray together, focusing on God's promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land."

How bout a tax break God?  You think you can get that on the agenda for me? 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 02, 2007, 08:19:20 PM
Not sure if you guys have seen this yet but:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYZre8kEsuw
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2007, 08:25:38 PM
Quote from: Mechanically Separated Chicken on April 02, 2007, 08:19:20 PM
Not sure if you guys have seen this yet but:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYZre8kEsuw

Yes.

Someone show this to Dr Dre.

Please.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 03, 2007, 11:52:40 AM
Quote from: Mechanically Separated Chicken on April 02, 2007, 08:19:20 PM
Not sure if you guys have seen this yet but:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYZre8kEsuw

I want to stab myself in the face.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 03, 2007, 02:27:35 PM
The forums do not have the proper emoticon to respond to this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 03, 2007, 04:55:50 PM
a dutch politician also once did something similar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VupY6U874gw), have been trying to look for an actual video that shows him saying the words, i know this youtube vid looks like a cut-n-paste job, but it's actually his voice (there's also a longer mp3 version available with more text, but since you all don't understand dutch anyway, this 0.39 sec clip gives a good impression)

the lyrics kind of go like this:
"this is minister Donner of jus-tice
and i work together with the po-lice"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on April 03, 2007, 04:58:23 PM
Quote from: Mechanically Separated Chicken on April 02, 2007, 08:19:20 PM
Not sure if you guys have seen this yet but:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYZre8kEsuw
Nope. No words.
Keeping digging that grave Fox.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 03, 2007, 05:25:55 PM
HIMEOBS INSANITY CAMPAIGN HAVING EFFECT IN CANADA (http://www.thestar.com/News/article/198600)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 03, 2007, 05:33:24 PM
I am INSANELY curious as to why the principal threw the feces at the kid.

"I just couldn't take it anymore."

Take WHAT anymore?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 03, 2007, 07:41:41 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6521311.stm

RAF pilots have been asked to consider the idea of flying suicide missions as a last-ditch tactic against terrorists.

The head of Britain's fast jet squadrons, Air Vice Marshal David Walker, raised the scenario in a "what if" session with senior pilots.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 03, 2007, 07:57:42 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on April 03, 2007, 05:33:24 PM
I am INSANELY curious as to why the principal threw the feces at the kid.

"I just couldn't take it anymore."

Take WHAT anymore?

The impossible test of will that it is to be in the possession of a pocketful of poop, staring down an annoying teenager and not resort to fecal grafitti as a means of dispute resolution.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 03, 2007, 08:59:32 PM
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=69835 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=69835)

QuoteThe Associated Press reports: METALLICA may work as a name for a heavy metal band, but a Swedish couple is struggling to persuade authorities it's also suitable for a baby girl.

Sweden's tax agency rejected Michael and Karolina Tomaro's application to name their 6-month-old daughter (photo) after the legendary rock band. [See previous BLABBERMOUTH.NET report.]

"It suits her," Karolina Tomaro, 27, said Tuesday (April 3) of the name. "She's decisive and she knows what she wants."

Although little METALLICA has already been baptized, the Swedish National Tax Board refused to register the name, saying it was associated with both the rock group and the word "metal."

In Sweden, parents must get the names of their children approved by the tax authority, which is in charge of the population registry and issues personal identification numbers, similar to Social Security numbers in the United States.

Tomaro, who has appealed the decision, said the official handling the case also called the name "ugly."

The couple was backed by the County Administrative Court in Gothenburg, which ruled on March 13 that there was no reason to block the name. It also noted that there already is a woman in Sweden with METALLICA as a middle name.

The tax agency appealed to a higher court, frustrating the family's foreign travel plans.

"We've had to cancel trips and can't get anywhere because we can't get her a passport without an approved name," Tomaro said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on April 03, 2007, 10:16:21 PM
TURN ON CNN!

Someone was murdalized.

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=90181
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on April 05, 2007, 02:10:47 PM
Accu-weather: 2 days ago it was 80.
Today it's dumping snow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 05, 2007, 02:15:14 PM
British sailors released.  Kicked out into a Tehran backstreet and told to find their own way home.  More on this as it happens.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 05, 2007, 02:18:44 PM
Quote from: vexati0n on April 03, 2007, 05:25:55 PM
HIMEOBS INSANITY CAMPAIGN HAVING EFFECT IN CANADA (http://www.thestar.com/News/article/198600)

This is the greatest story ever, whoever wrote this piece sucks ass though. Details much?

50 points of fail for the Toronto Star (which, from what I remember, is usually a pretty decent paper).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on April 05, 2007, 09:52:25 PM
Michael Jackson is in discussions about creating a 50-foot robotic replica of himself to roam the Las Vegas desert, according to reports.

http://music-news.com/ShowNews.asp?nItemID=13535
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: saint aini on April 06, 2007, 12:09:16 AM
Quote from: Mechanically Separated Chicken on April 03, 2007, 02:27:35 PM
The forums do not have the proper emoticon to respond to this.

:emo: :banghead: :hammer: :mullet: :himeobs: :cainftw: :postpics: :musak: :mccain:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on April 07, 2007, 07:12:39 PM
Beijing's Penis Emporium

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/5371500.stm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 07, 2007, 10:10:43 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6513155.stm

Chocolate Jesus exhibit cancelled

:cry:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 07, 2007, 10:22:58 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070406/odds/odd_britain_dentist_dc

"Dentist guilty of urinating in surgery sink

LONDON (Reuters) - A British dentist was found guilty Thursday of urinating in his surgery sink and using dental tools meant for patients to clean his fingernails and ears.ADVERTISEMENT

A medical tribunal said it was satisfied the evidence showed 51-year-old Alan Hutchinson, who routinely did not wear gloves or wash his hands, had risked the health of "himself, staff and patients" for more than 28 years.

A dental nurse who worked for Hutchinson for 16 years said she had caught him urinating in the sink more than once.

"He was tucking something into his trousers before zipping them up hastily. I walked over and I was behind him. He moved to the left and I could smell urine," the nurse told the tribunal.

The tribunal determined that the dentist's poor hygiene habits made him unfit to practice and struck him off the dental register, banning him from work.

"You urinated into a sink in your surgery following which you did not wash your hands and then proceeded to treat a patient. This behavior was clearly inappropriate and is completely unacceptable," the tribunal chairman said."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 08, 2007, 04:25:06 AM
Poor GIGGLES will never get a job as a dentist again...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on April 08, 2007, 04:30:31 AM
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/200265
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 08, 2007, 11:07:51 PM
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9015839
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 09, 2007, 02:08:28 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=57201 (http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=57201)

Maine Legislator pwned by Tree.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 09, 2007, 02:49:58 PM
ZOMG A WOMAN SAILOR WAS CAUGHT BY THE IRANIANS!!!!  NEVER MIND THAT TWO WOMEN SOLDIERS GOT ICED IN BASRA LAST WEEK, ALONG WITH TWO MALE BUT EQUALLY DEAD SOLDIERS, A FUCKING WOMAN WAS CAPTURED BY IRAN!!!! AND SHE WAS MADE TO WEAR A HEADDRESS AND SMOKE AND EVERYTHING!!! OMG CAN YOU FUCKING BELIEVE IT!?!?  THIS IS BREAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW!!!

[/BBC/SKY/C4/ITV/C5 news for every day of the past week]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 09, 2007, 02:56:38 PM
zOMG!@

THANK YUO FOR DELIVERING THE NEWS THAT MATTERS MEDIA CONGLOMERATES!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 09, 2007, 02:58:39 PM
FAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEY
FAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEY
FAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEY
FAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEY
FAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEYFAYETURNEY

Oh, and the rich got another tax cut and some other none woman sailor stuff happened.  This is your daily news round up!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 09, 2007, 03:03:32 PM
Wait... what was that about the rich?
\
:tgrr:

BREAKING NEWS: VAPID POP STAR DOES SOMETHING!
\
:nigel:

OMG! WHAT? LOL!
\
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 09, 2007, 03:05:48 PM
Quote from: Ten Ton Mantis on April 09, 2007, 03:03:32 PM

BREAKING NEWS: VAPID POP STAR DOES SOMETHING!
\
:nigel:


ZOMG!!! I can't believe it, quick, pass my cellphone I have to vote on this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 10, 2007, 12:24:51 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6539407.stm

Genocide Dog!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 10, 2007, 01:32:46 PM
Wow.



Also,
http://www.wired.com/politics/onlinerights/news/2007/04/kinberg_0410
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 11, 2007, 04:15:25 PM
Post Goatse, And Go To Jail

http://sla.ckers.org/forum/read.php?11,9714
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 11, 2007, 04:41:08 PM
the last three posts were all excellent reads. Thanks, dudes.



the bike confiscation has me all pissed off now

and if this goatse thing explodes, we're all going to jail.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 11, 2007, 04:42:57 PM
Who's we? I've never done anything illegal.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 11, 2007, 04:43:01 PM
I may be going to jail anyway.

I just sent an abusive email to our new SU president, calling him, among other things "a Stalinist cunt".

My luck has to start running out now.  The only person I havent pissed off is the Rector and thats because I'm saving that story for the papers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 11, 2007, 04:44:28 PM
as long as he doesn't know its you

please say you didn't use your email
:sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 11, 2007, 04:45:12 PM
Of course I did.  It wouldn't mean anything if it wasn't from me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 11, 2007, 04:45:32 PM
update on the goatse thing, i just got from the ha.ckers blog (http://ha.ckers.org/blog/20070408/goatse-can-get-jailtime-in-the-us/#comments)

Quote from: syberghostApril 10th, 2007 at 5:49 am

I’m looking at the Senate site, and it looks to me like this was passed in the House, placed on the Senate calendar in July of last year, and has not had any action since.

Which means it’s not law.

so, that's good. a reply was: "time to write our congressmen, I guess."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 11, 2007, 04:47:32 PM
I really hope that during this discussion, they have to show the actual image in Congress
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 11, 2007, 04:47:48 PM
Wouldn't it be better of it stayed off of their radar and was forgotten? Is this attached to another bill or something?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 11, 2007, 04:49:36 PM
i dunno, i'm hardly the expert on american politics law passing stuff.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 11, 2007, 04:52:51 PM
Quote from: triple zero on April 11, 2007, 04:49:36 PM
i dunno, i'm hardly the expert on american politics law passing stuff.

Thats how you prevent debate
you attach your bill to something like "Flag's for Orphans" - something you would look like a careless idiot to vote against
we try to do the same thing here, but Canada is a little behind the political times
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 11, 2007, 04:55:37 PM
Yep, that's about how it goes. Pretty fucking infuriating.

Also, seeing the house's reaction to goatse would be fecking hilarious.

I CAN SEE HIS TUBES!
\
(http://static.firedoglake.com/2006/07/tstevensmain.jpg)

Shut the fuck up Ted.
\
(http://obama.senate.gov/img/pic_obama_bio.jpg)
/
Also, needs more tentacles.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on April 11, 2007, 05:19:47 PM
Quote from: Ten Ton Mantis on April 11, 2007, 04:55:37 PM
(http://obama.senate.gov/img/pic_obama_bio.jpg)
/
Also, needs more tentacles.

:mittens:

Obama lurves teh tentacles.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 12, 2007, 02:54:35 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070406/world/international_easter_philippines_dc

"Filipinos crucify themselves on Good Friday

CUTUD, Philippines (Reuters) - More than a dozen Filipinos were nailed to crosses and scores more whipped their backs into a bloody pulp on Friday in a gory ritual to mark the death of Jesus Christ.

The voluntary crucifixions in the northern Philippines were the most extreme displays of religious devotion in this mainly Catholic country, where millions are praying and fasting ahead of the Easter weekend.

In the small village of Cutud, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Manila, seven men cried out as nails the size of pencils were driven into their hands and feet before they were hoisted up in the scorching heat.

Up to 20,000 people watched the spectacle, which has grown from a village production started in 1962 to a media and tourist attraction copied in other parts of the country.

The atmosphere was festive, with hawkers selling beer, ice-cream and souvenir whips. Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" blared out from speakers before the penitents approached the crosses.

"I don't like the festivities. It should have been more solemn," said Pauline, a tourist from Poland, but added: "I believe in the sincerity of the volunteers, it was very moving."

Local travel agents offered overnight packages for curious visitors and VIPs watched from a specially elevated "viewing platform."

For hours before the crucifixions, lines of men, hooded and half naked, flayed their backs with bamboo whips and paddles tipped with broken glass. Blood splattered over the road.

The country's dominant Catholic Church disapproves of the crucifixions and flagellations as a misrepresentation of the faith.

But participants, many of whom have been nailed multiple times, say they do it as a sacrifice for their families.

A priest from Bangladesh said the ritual was a wonderful experience.

"Through this, faith can be solidified. I was very touched by it," said Father Robert Gonsalves, who is studying in the Philippines.

Some foreigners have previously been crucified including a Belgian nun and a Japanese man, who later allowed footage of his ordeal to be used in a pornographic film.

No one has ever died during the rituals."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on April 12, 2007, 05:09:26 AM
Quote from: Kaou Suu on April 11, 2007, 05:19:47 PM
Quote from: Ten Ton Mantis on April 11, 2007, 04:55:37 PM
(http://obama.senate.gov/img/pic_obama_bio.jpg)
/
Also, needs more tentacles.

:mittens:

Obama lurves teh tentacles.

Post of the Motherfucking Day!  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 12, 2007, 05:44:21 AM
GET THE HELL OUT OF MY TUBES YOU FILTHY DEVIANTS!
\
(http://static.firedoglake.com/2006/07/tstevensmain.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 13, 2007, 02:13:32 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=57586 (http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=57586)

The Humble Farmer gets muzzled.  He's this guy on the MPBN radio network who hosts a weekly jazz program.  He has the classic Maine/Downeast accent and has a sort of dry sense of humor.  (You'd understand why I like the guy).  Apparently he made some "political" comments relating to the Bush administration and so the MPBN trustees told him to tone it down.  So, he has quit the banter alltogether and is only announcing song titles. 

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 13, 2007, 02:51:30 PM
Good on him.  Fuck their censorship.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 13, 2007, 02:54:57 PM
Kind of dispells the whole notion of Public Radio being part of the "liberal media"
Apparently MPBN has gotten a flurry of e-mails from angry listeners.  I think I should fire one off as well. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 13, 2007, 03:08:15 PM
Its all bullshit.  The people at the top of the elite both think liberals and conservatives are tools.  And the corporations often back those at the very top (or are owned by them), so regardless of who they are, they wont brook too much criticism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 16, 2007, 12:11:36 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6558405.stm

Moqtada is "surging" right out of the Iraqi Cabinet, taking six cabinet members with him.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 16, 2007, 10:48:40 AM
In America, you have the religious retard against abortion crowd.  In the UK, we have conscientiously objecting doctors against abortion.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6558823.stm

The problem is serious enough that "within five to seven years, a woman's ability to get an abortion will be more shaped by the service's ability to provide them rather than the state of the law."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 18, 2007, 11:03:15 PM
Save Small and Independent Publishers

Postal regulators have accepted a proposal from media giant Time Warner that would stifle small and independent publishers in America. The plan unfairly burdens smaller publishers with higher postage rates while locking in special privileges for bigger media companies.

In establishing the U.S. postal system, the nation's founders wanted to ensure that a diversity of viewpoints were available to "the whole mass of the people." Time Warner's rate increase reverses this egalitarian ideal and threatens the marketplace of ideas on which our democracy depends.

It's time stand up for independent media. Demand that Congress step in to stop the unfair rate hikes. The deadline for comments to the Postal Service is fast approaching.

Click here to sign the letter before April 23 to alert Congress and put the Postal Board of Governors on notice.

http://action.freepress.net/campaign/postal
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 20, 2007, 05:43:25 PM
Putting the victim on trial: new UK gun crime policy?

http://www.ministryoftruth.org.uk/2007/04/20/criminalising-the-victim/

It,Äôs Tony Blair,Äôs favourite trope when it comes to the subject of law, order and criminal justice; the suggestion that what is needed to modernise Britain,Äôs approach to criminal justice are measures that ,Äòrebalance,Äô the system in favour of the presumed ,Äòrights of victims,Äô.

But I wonder, on hearing this, just how many people thought that this all too seductive idea might mean turning victims of crime into criminals?

What? Surely not, you might think. Well not only is this being suggested by a senior police officer in today,Äôs Guardian but it already happened - and no one seems to have noticed.

To begin at the beginning, today,Äôs Guardian features an article on gun crime in which the Chief Constable of Merseyside police, Bernard Hogan-Howe, makes the frankly staggering suggestion that witnesses to, and even victims of, gun crime should be subject to criminal proceedings if they refuse to give evidence, even in circumstances where they fear for their life.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 20, 2007, 06:11:56 PM
That's going from the "long arm" of the law to the "strong arm" of the law.  fun. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 20, 2007, 06:18:50 PM
Whats better is that this guy is in the running for Police Commissioner, the top policing job in the country, essentially.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 20, 2007, 06:22:32 PM
Would he have the authority and power to enact such a thing if he were to become Police Commissioner?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 20, 2007, 06:24:52 PM
No, but he could recommend it to the Cabinet.  And since they have already passed laws like this for home abuse and violence, they'd likely agree.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on April 23, 2007, 08:45:42 AM
Time Travel

http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/viewnews.php?id=92512

"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left."  -Einstein

http://www.askquestions.org/details.php?id=9286&gclid=CM_GtYGs2IsCFSKOgQodZ2lzWQ

Least fit monkey?

http://www.technologyreview.com/Biotech/18544/

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 23, 2007, 07:39:33 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6584481.stm
Successor to Mikhal "What's-that-on-his-forehead" Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin dead.

Heart surgeons everywhere are shocked.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 23, 2007, 10:15:09 PM
Vodka producers commit suicide as the worlds second largest market (Yeltsin) collapses.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 24, 2007, 12:44:17 PM
LSD as Therapy? Write about It, Get Barred from US
Andrew Feldmar. Photo by C. Grabowski.
BC psychotherapist denied entry after border guard googled his work.

http://thetyee.ca/News/2007/04/23/Feldmar/

this is actually one of the reasons why i'm a bit scared if i ever would want to visit the USA. who knows, i might have done something or i happened to raise a flag somewhere and end up on some list, i arrive at the border and get arrested. ok this guy just got sent back, but there's also the story about the russian guy who published something about the DVD content encryption scheme and he got arrested (even though he didn't commit this "crime" in the USA but in Russia).
i most probably have nothing to worry about, but it still frightens me. is one of the reasons why i decided a few years ago "i'm not gonna go there until things clear up a little" .. heh :)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 24, 2007, 12:45:08 PM
Freedom Of Religion Means Freedom For All Of Them

Back in August of 2003 the town fathers of Duchesne, Utah transferred a piece of a town park over to the local Lions Club. The expressed purpose for the transfer was to allow a Ten Commandments monument to remain standing on the 10' by 11' site. The monument had stood in this park for over 25 years. The town also passed an ordinance which banned the erection of any other religious monument in the park. In September of 2003, town fathers heard from the Church of Summum, a 30-year-old religion which espouses that "the voice of wisdom is silent, except to the OPEN MIND."

http://www.plastic.com/article.html;sid=07/04/19/08263085;cmt=70
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 24, 2007, 01:06:27 PM
Quote from: triple zero on April 24, 2007, 12:45:08 PM
Freedom Of Religion Means Freedom For All Of Them

Back in August of 2003 the town fathers of Duchesne, Utah transferred a piece of a town park over to the local Lions Club. The expressed purpose for the transfer was to allow a Ten Commandments monument to remain standing on the 10' by 11' site. The monument had stood in this park for over 25 years. The town also passed an ordinance which banned the erection of any other religious monument in the park. In September of 2003, town fathers heard from the Church of Summum, a 30-year-old religion which espouses that "the voice of wisdom is silent, except to the OPEN MIND."

http://www.plastic.com/article.html;sid=07/04/19/08263085;cmt=70


What makes me happy is that Summum is dualist crap.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 27, 2007, 10:45:04 AM
http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2007/04/24/real-id-a-threat-to-security/

US ID laws are going to create a virtual"African diamond war for the digital age" where anyone's ID may be up for grabs, totally destroying your life.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 27, 2007, 11:01:42 AM
Quote from: Cain on April 27, 2007, 10:45:04 AMhttp://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2007/04/24/real-id-a-threat-to-security/

US ID laws are going to create a virtual"African diamond war for the digital age" where anyone's ID may be up for grabs, totally destroying your life.

yaaaaay! i can hardly wait
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 27, 2007, 01:15:59 PM
My business plan is all mapped out and good to go. Just waiting for those bloody human rights whingers to lose the fight and I'll be raking it in :ninja:

(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i312/P3nT4gR4m/cybinsoft.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 27, 2007, 06:02:34 PM
You Don't Have to Be Smart to Be Rich, Study Finds

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/529236/ (http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/529236/)

Quote"A nationwide study found that people of below average intelligence were, overall, just about as wealthy as those in similar circumstances but with higher scores on an IQ test."

,ÄúYour IQ has really no relationship to your wealth."
*wipes sweat off brow*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 27, 2007, 06:07:49 PM
I wonder how much wealth was put into that study. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 27, 2007, 06:09:25 PM
Little, if you use the proper definition.  That being, wealth as things which improve life, and not merely cash.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on April 27, 2007, 06:21:10 PM
Quote from: Cain on April 27, 2007, 10:45:04 AM
http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2007/04/24/real-id-a-threat-to-security/

US ID laws are going to create a virtual"African diamond war for the digital age" where anyone's ID may be up for grabs, totally destroying your life.

BTW, this makes me sick and want to move Canada or Cuba even more.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 27, 2007, 06:33:41 PM
I think the answer is obvious
/
/
/
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/ThornIs/_551774_castro.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on April 28, 2007, 02:30:16 AM
Beware the thought police!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/27/student.essay.arrest.ap/index.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: theCalmpsychopath on April 29, 2007, 11:32:25 PM
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=46457&in_page_id=2

Drunken German man rode a horse into a bank
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on April 29, 2007, 11:43:09 PM
Quote from: theCalmpsychopath on April 29, 2007, 11:32:25 PM
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=46457&in_page_id=2

Drunken German man rode a horse into a bank

This ATM ain't big enough for the two of us pardner...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 30, 2007, 03:41:18 PM
Quote from: Kaou Suu on April 27, 2007, 06:21:10 PM
Quote from: Cain on April 27, 2007, 10:45:04 AM
http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2007/04/24/real-id-a-threat-to-security/

US ID laws are going to create a virtual"African diamond war for the digital age" where anyone's ID may be up for grabs, totally destroying your life.

BTW, this makes me sick and want to move Canada or Cuba even more.

To Cuba?

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on April 30, 2007, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: rzasthole on April 28, 2007, 02:30:16 AM
Beware the thought police!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/27/student.essay.arrest.ap/index.html

Stand by for more Vtech induced hysteria.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on April 30, 2007, 04:45:00 PM
:lulz:  You arrive drunk to your wedding?  Your brother will steal your bride!

(methinks this guy did this on purpose)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18389704/?GT1=9246
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 30, 2007, 07:14:20 PM
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=71522 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=71522)

Courtney Love cashing in. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 01, 2007, 12:51:44 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/17042007/3/canada-toronto-mulls-trans-fat-ban.html

"TORONTO (CBC) - Toronto's board of health is considering how it might phase out trans fats from city restaurants.ADVERTISEMENT

On Monday, city councillors on the board asked Toronto's medical officer of health, Dr. David McKeown, to report by September on how it might be done.

The move comes as New York City restaurant owners get ready for a July 1 ban on oils, shortenings and margarines containing trans fats. Eating establishments in that city will have until July 2008 to eliminate artificial trans fats from all other foods....
n June 2006, a federal task force report recommended legislation to limit trans fats in processed foods. It called for a limit of two per cent of total fat content in spreadable margarine and five per cent in all other foods.

Ten months later, a report by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Toronto Public Health called for the federal government to act immediately on the task force's recommendations and to eliminate harmful trans fat from Canada's food supply.

In the meantime, McKeown has asked Toronto restaurants to voluntarily limit their use of trans fats.

He said he wants to meet with federal Health Minister Tony Clement to see how the government plans to respond to the task force report before making his own recommendations."



its a good thing I have someone in high places looking out for me
Im obviously completely incapable of doing it myself
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 01, 2007, 03:03:52 AM
Heh.  Welcome to Amerrika--er...Canuckistan.   :lulz:  Our brand of "protection" from ourselves coming to a Canadian border near YOU.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on May 01, 2007, 04:07:16 PM
Who the fuck cares?

I'd rather not have this shit in my food anyways, it's why I make my own most of the time.

Are you really going to miss trans fats?

Is your food going to taste like cat piss now?

Do you feel that your right to eat trans fats at yuor local Applebeez is being violated?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 01, 2007, 04:30:22 PM
I don't eat trans either - or vary rarely at best
I could even handle being told not to I just don't like being forced not to (though I would have a different additude if it was more directed towards public spaces, such as schools, ect.)
kind of my same additude towards raising cigarettes to ten dollars a pack in order to force people to stop smoking
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on May 01, 2007, 04:34:40 PM
I guess I don't really care because it doesn't affect me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 02, 2007, 07:50:53 AM
http://www.techweb.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199202810 (http://www.techweb.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199202810)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on May 02, 2007, 08:29:18 AM
goats taste good...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: cyberus on May 02, 2007, 09:38:45 AM
http://thetyee.ca/News/2007/04/23/Feldmar/

Apparently having used psychedelics is enough to be barred from coming into the US.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 03, 2007, 06:12:28 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6616763.stm

New information on the Kent State shootings.  Looks like they found out what caused the National Guard to fire...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 03, 2007, 07:54:58 AM
AACSLA Pwnt ... as usual ... will they every learn?

http://www.techweb.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199203059 (http://www.techweb.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199203059)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 03, 2007, 08:00:04 AM
Yay.

Safety Nazis.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on May 03, 2007, 03:00:33 PM
Student Arrested For Making Video Game Map of School
http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/2847/chinese-community-rallies-behind-student-removed-from-clements-over-pc-game-map
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 03, 2007, 06:19:25 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6619983.stm

Rose the goat is dead  :cry:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on May 03, 2007, 07:16:24 PM
Quote from: Ten Ton Mantis on May 03, 2007, 03:00:33 PM
Student Arrested For Making Video Game Map of School
http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/2847/chinese-community-rallies-behind-student-removed-from-clements-over-pc-game-map

Sings of the impending police state ITT
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on May 04, 2007, 02:13:45 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368186 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368186)

New research on death.

summary if anyone asks.

Also, for those of you that eat transfats, the reason they build up in your arteries is because they are fats that your body has a hard time breaking down, possibly cannot break down very much at all. So it just precipitates into your circulatory system.

Yeah, I'll be glad when they are gone. Its like feeding yourself heavy metals, except in this case its more legal.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: That One Guy on May 04, 2007, 02:51:37 PM
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=47622&in_page_id=2
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on May 04, 2007, 02:54:44 PM
"I HAS A ALPHABET"

That sounds like a 4chan meme.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 05, 2007, 05:49:34 PM
Quote from: Buddhist_Monk_Wannabe on May 04, 2007, 02:13:45 AMhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368186 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368186)

New research on death.

summary if anyone asks.

Also, for those of you that eat transfats, the reason they build up in your arteries is because they are fats that your body has a hard time breaking down, possibly cannot break down very much at all. So it just precipitates into your circulatory system.

Yeah, I'll be glad when they are gone. Its like feeding yourself heavy metals, except in this case its more legal.

holy fuk

after some googling i found the dutch term for this, "transvetzuren", trans fatty acids.

that's a lot of products, it's in.

gonna pay some attention to this in the future.

(ah a quick check in my kitchen cupboards shows that at least one of my usual supermarkets puts the amount of trans-fat on their items. this also tells me to use real cream butter in the future instead of that plant-oil-fat produced stuff, so it doesn't seem too bad for me yet .. apparently according to some site NL was in 1996 the top 2 of most transfat intake, together with iceland, at 1.4g a day)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 05, 2007, 05:51:35 PM
Try living in scotland - most other nations can't even smell our food without having a heart attack.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 05, 2007, 06:13:05 PM
i suppose you're talking about animal fat now?

love that stuff.

not particularly good for you, but it tastes so mmmmm lard mmmmmm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 05, 2007, 09:06:56 PM
Man widowed after his goat 'wife' chokes to death (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=452655&in_page_id=1770)

A Sudanese man who married a goat was in mourning today after his wife died when she swallowed a plastic bag.

Charles Tombe shot to fame last year when he tied the knot with Rose.

A court ordered him to marry the beast "to save her honour" after he was caught making amorous advances toward the mother-of-one in the middle of the night.

Mr Tombe and Rose are believed to have lived happily ever after until her life was cruelly cut short.

The story, which became one of the world's best read tales, began in Juba, southern Sudan, in February last year when the BBC reported that the then owner of the goat, Mr Alifi, was awoken in the night by a strange noise.

Walking out of his traditional hut, he was confronted by the sight of Mr Tombe and Rose in a passionate embrace.

Today the Times reported that Mr Alifi said: 'When I asked him "What are you doing there?" he fell off the back of the goat, so I captured and tied him up."

When Mr Tombe was brought before a council of elders he claimed he was drunk when Rose caught his eye.

He was ordered to pay Mr Alifi a "dowry" of 15,000 Sudanese dinars - about £25 - since he was considered to have used the goat "as his wife."

In the same way a man is expected to marry a woman if he has sex with her in southern Sudan, Mr Tombe was deemed to have married Rose.

However, despite a happy marriage money was tight and Rose died after swallowing a plastic bag as she scavenged for food on the streets of Juba.

She is said to have left a male kid - not a boy. It is not yet known whether she will be cremated or used in a local speciality of goat curry.

Tom Rhodes, a Briton who helped to found the Juba Post which first broke the story, said townsfolk still congratulate him.

,ÄúIt shows the Sudanese have a sense of humour,,Äù the Times reported he said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: theCalmpsychopath on May 05, 2007, 09:11:33 PM
 :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 05, 2007, 09:12:55 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on May 05, 2007, 09:06:56 PM
Man widowed after his goat 'wife' chokes to death (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=452655&in_page_id=1770)

http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php?topic=11728.msg392659#msg392659

http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php?topic=12503.0
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 05, 2007, 09:15:14 PM
Not only is it the most popular story on bbc news site - it's the most popular story here too.

Every second or third thread by the looks of it.

Proof that goat fucking stories never get old
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on May 06, 2007, 12:03:58 AM
Quote from: SillyCybin on May 05, 2007, 09:15:14 PM
Not only is it the most popular story on bbc news site - it's the most popular story here too.

Every second or third thread by the looks of it.

Proof that goat fucking stories never get old

Why was I not made aware of goat fucking in these boards?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 06, 2007, 12:47:36 AM
Figured youd have an RSS feed for stories of this nature
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 06, 2007, 06:43:54 AM
I think Sarkozy is going to win the French Presidential elections tomorrow.  Which will be very bad news.  He was the jackbooted Minister of the Interior when all the riots kicked off last year - caused indirectly by his policies.

If he does win, expect more riots.  Maybe not right away, but soon enough.  He's a security freak running on an Anerisan "tough on crime" ticket.  He'll make sure there are no economic opportunities for French Africans outside of the black market, then crack down hard on that.  And they'll only put up with so much shit, especially since the students and unions are now getting it back together.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 06, 2007, 10:46:07 AM
i heard the goat was in fact an alien from a planet called Eris
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 06, 2007, 03:32:33 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 06, 2007, 06:43:54 AM
I think Sarkozy is going to win the French Presidential elections tomorrow.  Which will be very bad news.  He was the jackbooted Minister of the Interior when all the riots kicked off last year - caused indirectly by his policies.


thats what I was thinking as well
if course I thought Bayrou was going to make it pass the second vote
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 06, 2007, 03:34:27 PM
More than 3,000 police have been deployed in Parisian multi-ethnic areas.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on May 07, 2007, 05:34:01 AM
Quote from: triple zero on May 05, 2007, 05:49:34 PM
Quote from: Buddhist_Monk_Wannabe on May 04, 2007, 02:13:45 AMhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368186 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368186)

New research on death.

summary if anyone asks.

Also, for those of you that eat transfats, the reason they build up in your arteries is because they are fats that your body has a hard time breaking down, possibly cannot break down very much at all. So it just precipitates into your circulatory system.

Yeah, I'll be glad when they are gone. Its like feeding yourself heavy metals, except in this case its more legal.

holy fuk

after some googling i found the dutch term for this, "transvetzuren", trans fatty acids.

that's a lot of products, it's in.

gonna pay some attention to this in the future.

(ah a quick check in my kitchen cupboards shows that at least one of my usual supermarkets puts the amount of trans-fat on their items. this also tells me to use real cream butter in the future instead of that plant-oil-fat produced stuff, so it doesn't seem too bad for me yet .. apparently according to some site NL was in 1996 the top 2 of most transfat intake, together with iceland, at 1.4g a day)

okay, heres the news on transfat.

First, it is not a naturally occuring fatty acid. Transfatty acids, that is, those fatty acids which have double bonds with hydrogens on opposite sides (trans) rather than on the same side (cis), are created by partially hydrogenizing poly unsaturated fats. Now, polyunsaturated fats are those that have 2 or more double bonds. As already stated, in their naturally occuring state, these are cis fatty acids. However, when in factory operations they hydrogenize these double bonds (break the double bonds, and add the hydrogens where the bonds used to be. Carbon atoms get four bonds, so instead of being double bonded to one carbon, and single bonded to another carbon and a hydrogen, the carbon has one bond to two carbons, and bonds to two hydrogen.) The process of partial hydrogenization doesn't remove all the double bonds from the molecule, there are usually one or two left over. However, something about the process causes the hydrogens attached to these double bonds to flip from cis to trans position. Thus, a transfat is formed.

There is much evidence to suggest that our lipase enzymes (which break down fatty acids) don't break these down very well, and/or they are poorly recognized by other protein receptor sites. Therefore, the majority of these transfats sit in the blood, and in time precipitate out of solution to form deposits which cling to the smooth muscled arteriole walls, called plaque. And we know where plaque build up leads....

So yeah, you are better off eating butter than margerine, because butter in small quantities is less likely to kill you over time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 07, 2007, 01:21:41 PM
okido.

gonna check for "trans vet zuren" (transfatty acids) and "gehard plantaardig vet" (hardened vegetable fat) and avoid it like the plague.

cause even though the world might be going to shit, i wanna be there when the fireworks start.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 08, 2007, 04:36:46 PM
http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2007/05/wildfires_blank.html

My parents are dealing with this right now. :sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 09, 2007, 12:43:41 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6633979.stm

Herod's tomb found.  BBC fail to point out that the Massacre of the Innocents never happened and that for a foreign Arab infidel, Herod was a surprisingly good and popular ruler.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 09, 2007, 04:11:54 AM
QuoteRoman-appointed King of Judea from around 37 BC to 4 BC
A bloody ruler who killed political rivals
Ordered the Massacre of Innocents to protect his throne, the New Testament says
Behind ambitious building projects including expanding Second Jewish Temple and walls around Jerusalem

if its in the bible it must be true
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 09, 2007, 04:15:35 AM
Yet, no other contemporary historical account ever mentions it.  Funny that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 09, 2007, 07:00:31 AM
Contemporary history is the work of the devil  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 09, 2007, 01:00:00 PM
dunno if anybody's been following the HD DVD / Blu-ray encryption / AACS thinks they can own 128bit integers news, but this one is hilarious:

http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/?p=1155
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 09, 2007, 02:12:31 PM
The fact tha AACS seem to imagine that they can stop me stealing films is laughable enough but to base a business model on this is patently ludicrous.

I must have at least 10 grands worth of stolen intellectual property in my possession - come get me!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on May 11, 2007, 12:30:31 AM
Oral sex can cause throat cancer*

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn11819&feedId=online-news_rss20 (http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn11819&feedId=online-news_rss20)



















*Don't worry, its not oral itself, its through the transmission of HPV.

Gotcha.  :wink:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fredfredly ⊂(◉‿◉)つ on May 11, 2007, 12:51:12 AM
great...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 11, 2007, 12:55:04 PM
Eh, just get yrself vaccinated, Noodle.  Then you can give all the head you want.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 11, 2007, 02:08:56 PM
http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2007/05/10/armless_one_legged_driver_leads_chase/

This man...is a Tampa Bay LEGEND.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 11, 2007, 07:06:54 PM
Convienient timing:


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1687360.ece

AL-QAEDA leaders in Iraq are planning the first ,Äúlarge-scale,Äù terrorist attacks on Britain and other western targets with the help of supporters in Iran, according to a leaked intelligence report.

Spy chiefs warn that one operative had said he was planning an attack on ,Äúa par with Hiroshima and Nagasaki,Äù in an attempt to ,Äúshake the Roman throne,Äù, a reference to the West.

Another plot could be timed to coincide with Tony Blair stepping down as prime minister, an event described by Al-Qaeda planners as a ,Äúchange in the head of the company,Äù.



Did you catch them all?

Iran reference (check)
Nuclear veiled reference (check)
Tony Blair having a reason not to step down (check)
Murdoch publication (check)

I do believe we have Grade A Propaganda here, ladies and gentlemen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 11, 2007, 07:13:34 PM
"The report, produced earlier this month and seen by The Sunday Times, appears to provide evidence that Al-Qaeda is active in Iran and has ambitions far beyond the improvised attacks it has been waging against British and American soldiers in Iraq.

There is no evidence of a formal relationship between Al-Qaeda, a Sunni group, and the Shi’ite regime of President Mah-moud Ahmadinejad, but experts suggest that Iran’s leaders may be turning a blind eye to the terrorist organisation’s activities."

doesn't Al Qaeda only make up something like 10 percent of the violence in Iraq?
and what happens with the insurgancey finally has no use of Al Qaeda?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 11, 2007, 07:16:08 PM
Yeah, they're not the biggest players.

However, the article and leaked report are subtle.  They claimed that Al-Qaeda in Iraq have made deals with Iran, not Al-Qaeda core.

Its highly unlikely, but more plausible than the latter making deals.  The same way in which Bush respecting the Constitution is more likely than hell freezing over. Neither are likely, but one is more so than the other.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: saint aini on May 11, 2007, 09:29:32 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-playerschampionship&prov=ap&type=lgns

Famed island green causes chaos at Players
Famed island green causes chaos at Players

By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer
May 11, 2007

AP - May 10, 6:31 pm EDT
More Photos



PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A strong wind swirled around the famed island green, turning what should have been a seemingly simple tee shot into a daunting challenge for even the world's best golfers.

And when the opening round at The Players Championship was complete Thursday, the par-3 No. 17 had tormented and frustrated a good chunk of the field.

A record 50 balls were hit into the murky water surrounding the green, breaking the single-round tournament mark of 45 set in 2000. It also was seven shy of the total number of balls hit into the water in four rounds last year.

"That was certainly the toughest shot," co-leader Phil Mickelson said.

Mickelson was one of the lucky ones, escaping the 17th with a par. It helped him finish at 5-under 67 and share the first-round lead with Rory Sabbatini.

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Tiger Woods shot 75 and was without a birdie on his card for the first time in four years.

Chris DiMarco, winless in five years and now coping with a bum shoulder, shot 68 for his best round of the year. Peter Lonard was another stroke back in fourth. Only 16 players broke par, and Retief Goosen (71) had the only bogey-free round.

No. 17 -- and the blustery conditions -- had a lot to do with the relatively high scores.

"Not golfing weather, really," Vijay Singh said. "Today was weather when you come out here and look around and go back to your car and go home."

Unfortunately for some, that wasn't an option.

They played in gusts nearing 40 mph, and the results showed -- especially on the Stadium Course's signature hole.

Players, good and bad, dunk an estimated 150,000 balls into the water surrounding No. 17 each year. For four days, though, the pros take over and usually fare much better.

Not Thursday.

About a third of the field found water during the opening round and made the short, somewhat embarrassing walk to the drop area for a third shot.


AP - May 10, 6:28 pm EDT
More Photos


Davis Love III, Ben Curtis, Kent Jones and Trevor Immelman couldn't even hit the green from there, needing to tee it up for a third time before landing on the 90-by-85 foot putting surface. They finished with quadruple-bogey 7s.

The 128-yard hole played tougher than any other, mostly because the wind swirled in different directions.

There were 12 birdies, 70 pars, 26 bogeys, 23 double bogeys and 12 "others" at No. 17. The hole left many golfers shaking their head, questioning their club selection and feeling either frustration or relief as they walked to the 18th tee.

"It's playing very tough out there because the last thing you want to do is try and hit a shot far enough to get to the back and then the wind die on you, or try and hit one to the front and have the wind gust on you," Sabbatini said. "It's going to be a very tough test of patience out there."

It's the shortest hole on the course, rarely more than a short iron. But on a windy day, it can wreak havoc on everyone.

Paul Casey set the tone early Thursday. He was in the first group to reach the 17th tee, and his shot came up short. Playing partner Charles Warren followed suit. Nathan Green landed his shot safely on, barely avoiding the entire threesome having to stop at the drop area.

That happened a few hours later, when Jose Coceres, Hunter Mahan and Richard S. Johnson each splashed their tee shots.

Love was in the next group and did the same thing, making it four in a row.

The gallery seemed to enjoy each of them. Of course, that's part of the hole's lure.

It's the most photographed hole in the world, has its own Web site, T-shirts and culture. Tickets for this tournament aren't hard to get. But for a seat on the grassy mounds surrounding No. 17, it pays to arrive early.

Those fans certainly got their money's worth Thursday. The hole played at an average of 3.693 strokes, on pace to shatter the previous tournament record of 3.368 set in 1984.

"One thing beyond anything else that's going to make more guys hit in the water on 17 is the wind," Jim Furyk said. "It makes it that much more tougher."




Use what you learned in this article to dominate at Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Golf '07



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 15, 2007, 05:25:27 PM
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/18177/antichrist-2

""The storefront worship center was packed with more than 100 of the faithful clutching their Bibles, but this was not a typical Sunday-morning service by any stretch of the imagination.

The front door was flanked by two bodyguards wearing earpieces and dark suits, and many others like them were sprinkled through the small room. They were there for Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, the leader of a controversial international sect, who this weekend paid a rare visit to his Central Florida followers to conduct a series of seminars.

Miranda says he is God and also the Antichrist. Some of his followers sport a 666 tattoo. He has been barred from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The Costa Rican government is considering a similar action. The Nicaraguan Catholic Church has asked for the same.

On the pulpit, he is funny, warm and charismatic. But his rhetoric is far from conventional.

“I am upstaging Jesus Christ,” he said of his ministry.

Miranda, a 61-year-old former evangelical pastor, is the founder and leader of Creciendo en Gracia, or Growing in Grace. The organization has followers in about 23 countries, according to its Web site.

Miranda is a rich man, by his own admission, whose followers shower him with gifts as well as money.

The east Orange County educational center, as the group calls its gathering places, is one of 12 in Florida. It’s not clear how many followers Miranda has in this area, though. Group leaders say they deem it unnecessary to keep tabs.

A gathering Saturday at Lake Eola attracted a few hundred.

Miranda teaches that the devil no longer exists and that Jesus, like him, was also God incarnate but that his message is no longer current. Nevertheless, Miranda also believes, like mainstream Christians, that Jesus died for the world’s sins. Unlike them, Miranda preaches sin no longer exists.

His followers, some of whom had the 666 or the letters SSS tattooed on their arms, ankles and necks, laughed and applauded during his sermon.

Later, at a news conference, Miranda said the 666 is a number that represents him as the Antichrist but said it is not the devil’s mark since he does not believe there is a devil. He readily admitted the voluntary marking of his followers has more to do with publicity than with anything else.

“It’s the best way to get the world’s attention,” Miranda said.

The letters SSS mean salvo, siempre salvo, or once saved, always saved. They are key to the belief system of the group, which teaches that there is nothing members could do that would cause them not to be God’s “chosen ones.”

Miranda said he’s not worried about the countries that are slamming doors in his face.

After all, his mission is to establish a world government so it makes sense that governments would oppose him.

“We will lead,” he said.""

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/16/miami.preacher/
Pastor with 666 tattoo claims to be divine

http://www.cegenglish.com/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2007, 05:29:35 PM
At least he did away with sin.  That makes him teh win in my books.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on May 15, 2007, 05:37:34 PM
if he's big into 666 but doesn't believe in Satan, abolished 'sin' and says that Jesus is outdated, doesn't that make him...uh Crowley?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 15, 2007, 05:38:36 PM
Yeah, but with a Spanish accent.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: DJRubberducky on May 15, 2007, 05:39:09 PM
Pentagon limits troops' Web access
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070515/ap_on_hi_te/military_sites_blocked

To be fair, the access is only blocked from Department of Defense computers, it doesn't prevent them from sending email (so, as a friend pointed out, Danny could email somebody messages to post on his blog), and there are occasionally other resources available such as Internet cafes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on May 15, 2007, 05:39:33 PM
Quote from: LMNO on May 15, 2007, 05:38:36 PM
Yeah, but with a Spanish accent.

Cr-Ole!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 15, 2007, 05:40:34 PM
Oh, fuck.


Go stand in the corner.




(  :lulz: )
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on May 15, 2007, 05:42:40 PM
Don't you guys play 'Thelemite Matador'?

You wave a cloth at Thelemites, bait them about how stupid they are and when they lunge at you, jump aside and yell 'Cr-Ole!'
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2007, 05:46:05 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6658633.stm

The US will not allow Russia to stop it from deploying anti-missile defences in Europe, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said.

"I don't think anyone expects the United States to permit a veto on American security interests," she said after meeting President Vladimir Putin.


Yeah, because after all, thats only the entire point of the joint Russia-NATO council, isn't it, you stupid bint. :roll:

Also, for mucho lulz, there is an example of how the missile intercept system is meant to work.  I've already noted several possible flaws
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 15, 2007, 05:50:42 PM
Quote from: Mangrove on May 15, 2007, 05:42:40 PM
Don't you guys play 'Thelemite Matador'?

You wave a cloth at Thelemites, bait them about how stupid they are and when they lunge at you, jump aside and yell 'Cr-Ole!'

:mittens:

11/10
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2007, 07:26:05 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6656417.stm

Rampant limb severage in Japan.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on May 16, 2007, 05:39:01 AM
Damn.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: B_M_W on May 16, 2007, 05:53:50 AM
Quote from: Ten Ton Mantis on May 16, 2007, 05:39:01 AM
Damn.

Thats what you get when guro is popular.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 17, 2007, 04:16:28 AM
Not sure if anyone's posted this yet:

http://www.bigmouthmedia.com/live/articles/us-troops-get-youtube-ban.asp/3756/

QuoteUS troops get YouTube banUS Pentagon officials have revealed they are set to ban overseas soldiers from accessing social networking sites and video sites.

The Department of Defence (DoD) has revealed that 13 sites, including YouTube, MySpace and Photobucket, slow down the military computer network.

It is also thought that the DoD has moved to protect information, after the recent announcement that the US military will censor the content of soldiers' electronic communication.

US Korea Forces general B.B Bell said in an army memo: "This recreational traffic impacts our official DoD network and bandwidth ability, while posing a significant operational security challenge."

Service men will be able to visit the sites on their own personal computers, but access in areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan is limited mainly to Defence Department machines.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 17, 2007, 10:21:27 AM
I'm not sure why that is a big story.  Our government has banned YouTube from its offices and buildings, down to local libraries, because its a bandwidth intensive site and someone (*cough*UK Army troops in Basra*cough*) managed to crash the entire MoD computer system with just one joke video.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 17, 2007, 01:19:54 PM
Yeah, the sites they've blocked are basically bandwidth killers. 

I mean, they could have done a China-esque lockdown, but they basically said, "dudes, stop posting videos of you shooting camel spiders."

(http://www.whatsthatbug.com/images/camel_spider_sandoval.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: DJRubberducky on May 17, 2007, 02:38:58 PM
Yeah, this vaguely affects my cousin Danny, since he keeps a blog and it's probably on MySpace rather than something like LiveJournal.

But srsly, even if he wants to keep updating, all he needs to do is give someone else the keys and email entries.  Email sites aren't blocked.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 17, 2007, 08:39:03 PM
Quote from: LMNO on May 17, 2007, 01:19:54 PM
Yeah, the sites they've blocked are basically bandwidth killers. 

I mean, they could have done a China-esque lockdown, but they basically said, "dudes, stop posting videos of you shooting camel spiders."

(http://www.whatsthatbug.com/images/camel_spider_sandoval.jpg)

holy shit camel spiders scare the hell out of me.

I've got a buddy who was in iraq for a while. He said that there's a lot of camel spider talk to soldiers who just came over. The people who've been there a while have all sorts of stories about how they can survive getting shot, how they can jump 4 feet in the air, how they can run as fast as a tank, etc etc

Most of it is just trying to scare the newbie, but it's created significant panic. See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel_spider (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel_spider)

My buddy did actually shoot one though. Said doing so really helped him sleep that night.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 19, 2007, 08:08:10 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070519/ap_on_fe_st/odd_phone_number_fight

Florida isn't the only FUCKED up place for news stories.

And if you think the phone number gag is funnay, you should hear their commercials.  :argh!:

"Call Gem, we smell great!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 20, 2007, 02:41:01 AM
http://www.ericmargolis.com/archives/2007/05/canadaas_dirty.php


"CANADA’S DIRTY HANDS


Eric S. Margolis - 4 May 2007


Canada is one of the world’s most respected, law-abiding nations. Yet recent shocking revelations show it has become a party to the torture of prisoners in Afghanistan and a violator of the Geneva Conventions?

The story begins in 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The Soviet KGB created a mirror -image secret police for its Afghan puppet government, KhAD. Having been pursued by KhAD agents, I can speak with personal knowledge of this subject.

KhAD sought to eradicate all opposition to the Communists. It also ran the education system and religious establishment. KhAD quickly became notorious, even in a famously brutal society, for its cruelties.

All political prisoners – that is, anyone who opposed the Communists – were subjected to systematic tortures. These ranged from garden variety beatings, pulling of finger nails, near-drowning and electric shocks to more refined cruelties. Prisoners were flayed alive, thrown into vats of sulphuric acid, blinded, buried alive, burned with gasoline, or slowly frozen in refrigerated rooms.

Psychological tortures - sleep deprivation, long isolation in darkness, sound assault, mock executions and psychotropic drugs were also used by KhAD under KGB supervision. The same tortures, known as `enhanced interrogation,’ are routinely used today by the CIA.

The Communists killed 2 million Afghans. Canada turned its back and refused to aid the mujahidin battling Soviet occupation. After the Soviets withdrew in 1989, the newborn Taliban movement drove the remaining Afghan Communists – rebranded the Northern Alliance – into the far northeast.

In 2001, the US invaded Afghanistan, allied itself to the Northern Alliance, and overthrew Taliban. A figurehead, Hamid Karzai, was put in power. Real power, however, was held by the Communist-dominated Northern Alliance.

Once the Northern Alliance took Kabul, the KhAD, rechristened NDS, was quickly reestablished. The old Communist torturers and war criminals went back into business.

Today, an estimated 60% of NDS personnel are former KhAD agents. US and Canadian forces fighting to pacify southern Afghanistan have been routinely handing captives and suspects over to the NDS secret police– in clear violation of the Geneva Conventions.

Canada’s conservative government, reeling from public outrage, feebly claimed to have assurances from the Afghan Communist secret police - which had murdered or maimed tens of thousands of victims - to treat prisoners humanely.

How did Canada get into this mess? Conservative politicians in Ottawa saw a chance to win new voters by whipping up false patriotism in a jolly little war against `evil’ Muslims that was supposed to be….a slam dunk. They sought to curry favor with their ideological mentor, the Bush Administration.

No one in Ottawa had any knowledge whatsoever about Afghanistan, its tribal politics, or history. Even so, they dispatched 2,500 combat troops and $1 billion in aid to Afghanistan.

Senior Canadian officers and politicians who claim not to have known they were handing over prisoners to the Afghan secret police for torture are either stunningly ignorant or lying. I guess they never read Rudyard Kipling’s famous admonition to British soldiers fallen wounded in Afghanistan, `save your last bullet for yourself.’

This writer, who has covered many guerilla wars in Asia, Africa and Central America repeatedly warned in recent years that the longer Canadian troops stayed in Afghanistan, the more they would become brutalized and involved in war crimes. Such is the nature of all guerilla wars.

Canadians who still believe the fairy tale their forces in Afghanistan are `nation building’ or doing social work should reflect on the grim fate of prisoners their soldiers handed over to the mercies of the Afghan secret police.

Ottawa’s deal this week with Kabul for inspection of NDS prisoners is a sham. The KhAD had the same empty `agreement’ with human rights groups in the 1980’s.

It’s bad enough Canadian and other NATO troops are defending Afghanistan’s warlords who run its booming heroin industry. Now Canada is hand in glove with the Communist Party’s veteran torturers. "
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 20, 2007, 04:20:39 AM
No shit.  You keep your troops in those sort of conditions long enough and they turn into throat-slitting, nasty business types themselves.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fredfredly ⊂(◉‿◉)つ on May 20, 2007, 09:56:25 PM
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH DONT POST PICS OF SPIDERS
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 20, 2007, 11:01:58 PM
Only pics of Ziggy ITT!
                      \\
(http://www.spauda.lt/menas/images/ziggy.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 21, 2007, 01:08:11 PM
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad (http://www.physorg.com/printnews.php?newsid=98802904)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 21, 2007, 10:56:50 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/international_palestinians_israel_dc

Quotesrael pounds Gaza, Palestinian attack kills 1

GAZA (Reuters) - At least five Palestinians and an Israeli woman were killed on Monday in fresh attacks by both sides and a senior Israeli cabinet minister said all Hamas leaders involved in cross-border rocket fire could be targeted.

The woman's death in the southern Israeli town of Sderot marked the first fatality in a Palestinian rocket attack since November and is likely to stoke further Israeli anger at what Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni called an "intolerable" situation.

Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent days, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction and the militant Hamas group have struggled to maintain calm between their own fighters following weeks of internal fighting.

Islamic Jihad, the Popular Resistance Committees and Hamas all claimed responsibility for the rocket attack. Hamas had avoided such strikes after most militant groups declared a truce months ago but had renewed them following Israeli violence.

Abbas said Israel's attacks would have "grave consequences for the entire region" and that militants should stop their rocket fire "so as not to give the Israelis the excuse they use to justify their attacks that have killed innocent victims," said the Palestinian president's spokesman, Nabil Amr.

Israel's security cabinet decided on Sunday to escalate military action in response to some 150 rockets fired from Gaza since last week, which have put political pressure on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

"It is our obligation to harm the rocket launchers and our obligation is to continue to harm Hamas," Livni said during a news conference in Sderot with European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana.

Dozens of Israelis burned tires on a street in Sderot following the deadly rocket attack. The crowd scattered when a siren wailed that signals incoming rocket attacks.

Palestinians fear Israel may soon raid Gaza should the violence continue. Several vehicles and artillery batteries have been stationed near the northern border for days.

FEMALE WOULD-BE BOMBERS READY

In Gaza, Palestinian women dressed in black, donning masks with the words "al-Aqsa Brigades," which is part of Fatah, and clutching rifles told reporters they were ready to commit suicide bombings against any Israeli troops who entered Gaza.


An Israeli air strike killed at least four members of Islamic Jihad on their way to launch rockets at the Jewish state. Israeli National Infrastructure Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said Israel should target all militant leaders.

"I don't distinguish between those who carry out the (rocket) attacks and those who give the orders. I say we have to put them all in the crosshairs," he told Israel Radio.

Israel's internal security minister, Avi Dichter, said Hamas's leader-in-exile Khaled Meshaal, whom Israel tried to assassinate in Jordan in 1997, and Haniyeh, who lives in Gaza, could be targeted.

Thousands of Hamas supporters had earlier taken to the streets of Gaza City and gunmen fired into the air, vowing revenge, one day after an Israeli air strike on the home of Hamas politician Khalil al-Hayya.

"We will keep to the same path until we win one of two goals: victory or martyrdom," Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, said at the funeral service.

One man was killed in an earlier Israeli air strike on what the Jewish state called a rocket manufacturing facility and Palestinians described as a stonemason's shop. The air strikes also cut electricity to about 50,000 people.

Abbas will go to Gaza on Tuesday to speak to leaders about maintaining law and order, following weeks of internal fighting, and perhaps renewing a truce with Israel, Foreign Minister Ziad Abu Amr said.

(Additional reporting by Ari Rabinovitch and Corinne Heller in Jerusalem and Ali Sawafta in Ramallah)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 22, 2007, 12:28:47 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 20, 2007, 04:20:39 AM
No shit.  You keep your troops in those sort of conditions long enough and they turn into throat-slitting, nasty business types themselves.

I really wish I could record and stream some of the early morning phone in shows for you...
there is this impression, and I would say the majority or close to, that our troops, not only can do no wrong, but they are the carriers of cvilization to the oppressed ignorant masses
I could only imagine that there are some places in the states that are probably worse
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 22, 2007, 01:14:30 AM
Only "some" places in the states?  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 22, 2007, 01:18:43 AM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on May 22, 2007, 12:28:47 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 20, 2007, 04:20:39 AM
No shit.  You keep your troops in those sort of conditions long enough and they turn into throat-slitting, nasty business types themselves.

I really wish I could record and stream some of the early morning phone in shows for you...
there is this impression, and I would say the majority or close to, that our troops, not only can do no wrong, but they are the carriers of cvilization to the oppressed ignorant masses
I could only imagine that there are some places in the states that are probably worse

Thats because everyone knows that since WWI the fighting gene has been removed from the Canadian population, via natural selection.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 22, 2007, 05:39:20 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2878527&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

PETA: Destroying wonky American traditions everyday.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 22, 2007, 07:22:31 PM
Do never piss off teh gorillas.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/18/rotterdam.gorilla.ap/index.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 22, 2007, 07:25:12 PM
fucking gorillas!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 22, 2007, 07:25:47 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on May 22, 2007, 07:25:12 PM
fucking gorillas!

That may/may not have been his reasoning for dragging off and biting the woman...jungle lurv.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2007, 09:41:42 PM
President to become Dictator in face of a crisis

http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=22081

Read it and weep.  Got passed over a week ago, too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 23, 2007, 09:44:50 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 23, 2007, 09:41:42 PM
President to become Dictator in face of a crisis

http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=22081

Read it and weep.  Got passed over a week ago, too.

spreading word
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 23, 2007, 09:45:12 PM
*blinks*

They did this in STAR WARS! Jar-Jar gave emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine, the rest is history.


Oh snap. Thread ruined.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 23, 2007, 09:49:27 PM
This has been a while coming, actually, but where it'll backfire on the assholes is when their "learned colleague" from across the aisle is in power.  Then the shit will come a-flying.

Ain't nobody from the red states wants Dictator Hillary.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2007, 09:51:28 PM
Quote from: Kaou Suu on May 23, 2007, 09:45:12 PM
*blinks*

They did this in STAR WARS! Jar-Jar gave emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine, the rest is history.


Oh snap. Thread ruined.  :lulz:

They may have also done it in a well known blockbuster film called The Rise of Nazi Germany, which not many people know is based on Star Wars.   8)

Also, in general, that link is pretty fantastic and has some of the most well-balanced and thought out current affairs articles I have seen on the net.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 23, 2007, 09:52:44 PM
Quote from: Jenne on May 23, 2007, 09:49:27 PM
This has been a while coming, actually, but where it'll backfire on the assholes is when their "learned colleague" from across the aisle is in power.  Then the shit will come a-flying.

Ain't nobody from the red states wants Dictator Hillary.

I don't know
they have been setting the ground works for this for a long time
There have been time I wouldn't have thought they would actually be able to do it, but ... and with almost no real media opposition
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: That One Guy on May 23, 2007, 09:54:06 PM
Quote from: Jenne on May 23, 2007, 09:49:27 PM
This has been a while coming, actually, but where it'll backfire on the assholes is when their "learned colleague" from across the aisle is in power.  Then the shit will come a-flying.

Ain't nobody from the red states wants Dictator Hillary.

Unless of course they shoe-horn some random "crisis" that can trigger those powers before the next election. Hmmmm ... didn't they "release" info regarding plans for another Al-Qaida attack on the US?

:tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 23, 2007, 09:56:38 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 23, 2007, 09:41:42 PM
President to become Dictator in face of a crisis

http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=22081

Read it and weep.  Got passed over a week ago, too.

Thank god for that. Now the missing kid story is making sense to me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 23, 2007, 09:59:27 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 23, 2007, 09:51:28 PM
Quote from: Kaou Suu on May 23, 2007, 09:45:12 PM
*blinks*

They did this in STAR WARS! Jar-Jar gave emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine, the rest is history.


Oh snap. Thread ruined.  :lulz:

They may have also done it in a well known blockbuster film called The Rise of Nazi Germany, which not many people know is based on Star Wars.   8)

Also, in general, that link is pretty fantastic and has some of the most well-balanced and thought out current affairs articles I have seen on the net.


ZOMG. The Nazi's stole EVERYTHING from Star Wars!!!! Even 50 years PRIOR. Damn them!  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2007, 09:59:56 PM
Quote from: That One Guy on May 23, 2007, 09:54:06 PM
Quote from: Jenne on May 23, 2007, 09:49:27 PM
This has been a while coming, actually, but where it'll backfire on the assholes is when their "learned colleague" from across the aisle is in power.  Then the shit will come a-flying.

Ain't nobody from the red states wants Dictator Hillary.

Unless of course they shoe-horn some random "crisis" that can trigger those powers before the next election. Hmmmm ... didn't they "release" info regarding plans for another Al-Qaida attack on the US?

:tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat:

Iran is allegedly planning a summer offensive in Iraq.  Never mind its bollocks, thats the claim.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: theCalmpsychopath on May 23, 2007, 10:01:24 PM
Quote from: SillyCybin on May 23, 2007, 09:56:38 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 23, 2007, 09:41:42 PM
President to become Dictator in face of a crisis

http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=22081

Read it and weep.  Got passed over a week ago, too.

Thank god for that. Now the missing kid story is making sense to me.
wait, did that get passed?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 23, 2007, 10:01:48 PM
Alkidda has wmds hidden in new york  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 23, 2007, 10:06:28 PM
And Nebraska.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: theCalmpsychopath on May 23, 2007, 10:08:39 PM
oh noes! Al qaeda is trying to destroy our corn!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 23, 2007, 11:03:39 PM
Yup - better make A retard the uber-fuhrer. It's either that or doom  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 24, 2007, 04:39:26 AM
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/ThornIs/bush-1.jpg)


before anyone asks

no, I dont know why I put a bond villian in there
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 24, 2007, 04:50:57 AM
is this the one you've been working on?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 24, 2007, 04:53:26 AM
no

the one I was working on was complete failure

that was just something I was doring to try something out
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: saint aini on May 24, 2007, 04:55:55 AM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on May 24, 2007, 04:39:26 AM
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/ThornIs/bush-1.jpg)


before anyone asks

no, I dont know why I put a bond villian in there

Cf. the principia on saints other than second class... fictional characters are more capable of perfection.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 24, 2007, 11:07:19 AM
Chagos Islanders may be able to return home!

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/legal/article2578474.ece

About the single most disgusting thing the British government has done to its own citizens in the last 40 years.

Of course, its not over yet.  The Foreign Office appeal may yet succeed.  I hope not, however.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 24, 2007, 11:09:22 AM
Now, from Our Correspondent for LOL, another BNP protest!

QuoteTwo BNP councillors staged an impromptu walkout from Sandwell Council last night in protest at Sikh becoming mayor.  They claim his appointment breaches the Magna Carta  - but now face an enquiry by the local government standards board.

Simon Smith (who represents Great Bridge) and Carl Butler (Tividale) insist that they didn,Äôt leave the chamber during the vote to appoint Gurcharan ,ÄúSid,Äù Sidhu as first citizen ,Äì but Butler admits they did retire to an area close to the public gallery for a ,Äúcoffee break,Äù.

He claims that under the Magna Carta ,Äì which was written in 1215 and forms the basis of England,Äôs constitution - ,Äúforeigners,Äù are banned from holding public office.

Quite how this applies to ,ÄúSid,Äù, who,Äôs been a British citizen for 44 years ,Äì isn,Äôt clear, but as Butler is happy to explain, he believes that even people who are born in this country should be disqualified from public life if they are of African or Asian heritage.

,ÄúThat,Äôs not racist it,Äôs realist,Äù, he told us.

,ÄúThe Magna Carta states that no foreigner should take public office and that,Äôs our view.  There,Äôs no personal animosity, he just shouldn,Äôt be mayor,Äù.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: That One Guy on May 24, 2007, 02:08:50 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 24, 2007, 11:09:22 AM
,ÄúThat,Äôs not racist it,Äôs realist,Äù, he told us.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

:lulz: :lulz:

Someone hand that man a dictionary, preferably an unabridged, in as violent a manner as possible.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 24, 2007, 02:15:06 PM
Also, the Magna Carta, which was written by French foreigners, states no such thing.  Which makes it even funnier.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 24, 2007, 02:19:42 PM
Quote from: That One Guy on May 24, 2007, 02:08:50 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 24, 2007, 11:09:22 AM
,ÄúThat,Äôs not racist it,Äôs realist,Äù, he told us.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

:lulz: :lulz:

Someone hand that man a dictionary, preferably an unabridged, in as violent a manner as possible.


Best threat of physical violence EVAR.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: That One Guy on May 24, 2007, 02:43:47 PM
 :thanks:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 24, 2007, 03:16:21 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on May 24, 2007, 04:39:26 AM
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a139/ThornIs/bush-1.jpg)


:mittens:

nice work dude. reminds me of:

(http://www.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/bush1.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 24, 2007, 03:18:09 PM
I really hate that paperclip guy. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 24, 2007, 03:19:50 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/Marburger/Devilclip.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: DJRubberducky on May 24, 2007, 03:28:22 PM
That thing looks like it'd be Saddam Hussein's bitch.

[/pop-culture-reference]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 24, 2007, 03:32:32 PM
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a95/discordman/springboing.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 24, 2007, 05:49:34 PM
Orang Utan lullfest

http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,30000-1267241,.html (http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,30000-1267241,.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 24, 2007, 05:51:48 PM
heh orang cutang :)

do they all look like this? or is this an especially fat one?

lotsa apes escaping and mauling people these days .. I WONDER IF THEY'RE UP TO SOMETHING
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 24, 2007, 05:55:07 PM
Quote from: triple zero on May 24, 2007, 05:51:48 PM
heh orang cutang :)

do they all look like this? or is this an especially fat one?

lotsa apes escaping and mauling people these days .. I WONDER IF THEY'RE UP TO SOMETHING

I think it's a reall old one but yeah, it's a characteristic male. They're kinda pot belly shaped with ridiculously long comedy arms. What surprised me is that orang utans kinda have a rep for being real amiable apes, unlike chimps and gorillas who you'd almost expect this kind of behaviour from.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 24, 2007, 05:59:31 PM
well he looks strong as fuck, wouldn't want to mess with him
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 25, 2007, 11:13:55 PM
http://ww2.wpri.com/Global/story.asp?S=6571025&nav=menu20_3_2_1

Creationists Strike Back.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 26, 2007, 12:15:24 AM
just pretend it's like disneyland. they also don't tell you donald duck's a made up story right :)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 26, 2007, 12:34:46 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070525/ap_on_fe_st/odd_snakes_on_a_plane

:lulz: Mother fucking snakes on a mother fucking plane...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on May 29, 2007, 03:10:13 PM
possible posted already.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20070529/ten-woman-to-donate-kidney-in-tv-show-5f8abb3.html

But i couldn't remember, so here it is again for your edification.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 29, 2007, 03:32:46 PM
Next, when HIMEOBS takes over reality TV...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 29, 2007, 03:40:57 PM
Celebrity chainsaw juggling FTW!

No training provided and no safety measures taken. Just a bunch of celebrities, kidnapped and taken to a secret remote location and persuaded, at gunpoint if necessary, to keep 15 chainsaws up in the air for as long as they can.





Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on May 30, 2007, 12:25:36 AM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070529/ap_on_he_me/un_hookah_smoke

Quote"Contrary to ancient lore and popular belief, the smoke that emerges from a water pipe contains numerous toxicants known to cause lung cancer, heart disease and other diseases."


Uhh, no shit.  What kind of morons had that in their popular belief.


Reminds me of when I see "Lead is known to the state of California to cause cancer."  What are the rest of us?  A bunch of morons?  I mean if an entire state knows something, then tells us, shouldn't we all know it? 

But I guess we can't believe those damn liberals scientists in Cali.  They let sick people smoke pot for Christ's sake.

Also, why must we force them to tell us how much fat is in a bottle of water but not a bottle of beer? 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on May 30, 2007, 01:30:23 AM
I've wondered that myself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 30, 2007, 02:05:31 AM
Boy bags hog said bigger than 'Hogzilla' (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/05/25/boy_bags_wild_hog_bigger_than_hogzilla/?p1=MEWell_Pos2)
(http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2007/05/29/1180411252_3423/410w.jpg)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. --Hogzilla is being made into a horror movie. But the sequel may be even bigger: Meet Monster Pig. An 11-year-old boy used a pistol to kill a wild hog his father says weighed a staggering 1,051 pounds and measured 9 feet 4, from the tip of its snout to the base of its tail. Think hams as big as car tires.

If the claims are accurate, Jamison Stone's trophy boar would be bigger than Hogzilla, the famed wild hog that grew to seemingly mythical proportions after being killed in south Georgia in 2004.

Hogzilla originally was thought to weigh 1,000 pounds and measure 12 feet long. National Geographic experts who unearthed its remains believe the animal actually weighed about 800 pounds and was 8 feet long.

Regardless of the comparison, Jamison is reveling in the attention over his pig.

"It feels really good," Jamison said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It's a good accomplishment. I probably won't ever kill anything else that big."

Jamison, who killed his first deer at age 5, was hunting with father Mike Stone and two guides in east Alabama on May 3 when he bagged Monster Pig. He said he shot the huge animal eight times with a .50-caliber revolver and chased it for three hours through hilly woods before finishing it off with a point-blank shot.

Through it all, there was the fear that the animal would turn and charge them, as wild boars have a reputation for doing.

"I was a little bit scared, a little bit excited," said Jamison, who lives in Pickensville on the Mississippi border. He just finished the sixth grade on the honor roll at Christian Heritage Academy, a small, private school.

His father said that, just to be extra safe, he and the guides had high-powered rifles aimed and ready to fire in case the beast, with 5-inch tusks, decided to charge.

With the animal finally dead in a creek bed on the 2,500-acre Lost Creek Plantation, a commercial hunting preserve in Delta, trees had to be cut down and a backhoe brought in to bring Jamison's prize out of the woods.

It was hauled on a truck to the Clay County Farmers Exchange in Lineville, where Jeff Kinder said they used his scale, recently calibrated, to weigh the hog.

Kinder's scale measures only to the nearest 10, but Mike Stone said it balanced one notch past the 1,050-pound mark.

"It probably weighed 1,060 pounds. We were just afraid to change it once the story was out," he said.

The hog's head is being mounted by Jerry Cunningham of Jerry's Taxidermy. Cunningham said the animal measured 54 inches around the head, 74 inches around the shoulders and 11 inches from the eyes to the end of its snout.

"It's huge," he said. "It's just the biggest thing I've ever seen."

Mike Stone is having sausage made from the rest of the animal. "We'll probably get 500 to 700 pounds," he said.

Jamison, meanwhile, has been offered a small part in "The Legend of Hogzilla," a small-time horror flick based on the tale of the Georgia boar. The movie is holding casting calls with plans to begin filming in Georgia.

Jamison is enjoying the newfound celebrity generated by the hog hunt, but he said he prefers hunting pheasants to monster pigs: "They are a little less dangerous."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on May 30, 2007, 02:10:50 AM
Quote from: Jamieson Stone

"It feels really good," Jamison said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It's a good accomplishment. I probably won't ever kill anything else that big."


You will boy, come the apocalypse!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 30, 2007, 01:01:40 PM
Where the fuck do hogs that big actually live without being commonly seen?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 30, 2007, 01:43:50 PM
Quote from: LMNO on May 30, 2007, 01:01:40 PM
Where the fuck do hogs that big actually live without being commonly seen?

fastfood cafetaria's.

hidin' behind the customers
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 31, 2007, 07:23:30 PM
Holy shit.

Speaking of shit...that pig would fucking ruin any forest he was in just from one giant dump!  WTF does it EAT?  Log cabins full of lumberjacks?  Fuck me running.  Wow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 31, 2007, 07:40:01 PM
Quote from: LMNO on May 30, 2007, 01:01:40 PM
Where the fuck do hogs that big actually live without being commonly seen?

Alabama, apparently.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on June 02, 2007, 04:41:05 AM
Quote from: Jenne on May 31, 2007, 07:23:30 PM
Holy shit.

Speaking of shit...that pig would fucking ruin any forest he was in just from one giant dump!  WTF does it EAT?  Log cabins full of lumberjacks?  Fuck me running.  Wow.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 02, 2007, 06:18:32 AM
heh

Sudan threatens the US with stopping exports of gum arabic (key ingredient in soft drinks) because the US called what it's doing in Darfur a 'genocide.'

i'd link you, but i can't find it now.  but its troof!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 02, 2007, 02:52:02 PM
I can't find a link for that story
if anyone comes across it could you link it up for me
I know gum arabic is not in the sanctions imposed by the US over the genocide
would be interested to view if the sanctions continue...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 02, 2007, 06:25:18 PM
link (http://www.theseminal.com/2007/06/01/darfur-and-diet-coke-how-cola-may-contribute-to-genocide/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 02, 2007, 08:43:48 PM
http://www.plastic.com/article.html;sid=07/05/31/19444838;cmt=40
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 04, 2007, 07:13:12 PM
You've heard of sleep walking, how about sleep fucking?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999826/site/newsweek/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999826/site/newsweek/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 04, 2007, 07:16:00 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on June 04, 2007, 07:13:12 PM
You've heard of sleep walking, how about sleep fucking?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999826/site/newsweek/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999826/site/newsweek/)

My ex wife used to hate that.

Current GF says it's kinda nice.

What can I say? My john thomas never sleeps 8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LHX on June 04, 2007, 07:18:04 PM
Quote from: Payne on May 30, 2007, 02:10:50 AM
Quote from: Jamieson Stone

"It feels really good," Jamison said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It's a good accomplishment. I probably won't ever kill anything else that big."


You will boy, come the apocalypse!

LMFAO
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on June 04, 2007, 09:02:07 PM
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2105235,00.html

You have to love this kind of diplomacy!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 04, 2007, 09:08:43 PM
Rice is actually an expert on Soviet nuclear weapons.

Allegedly.

I tried searching for any of her academic papers (I did have access to the RAND Corporation archives, too), but turned up nothing.

Besides, with that sort of rhetoric, she and Putin will get on like a house on fire.  From a nuclear missile exploding near it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on June 04, 2007, 09:10:03 PM
I tried the same thing, but could find nothing.

Isn't Bush having a face to face with Putin as well?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 04, 2007, 09:19:41 PM
Sarkozy is.  Him and Putin will get along, I'm sure.

Besides, we already have a way to talk to Russia.  Its called the Joint Russian-NATO Council.  Only, we treated the Russians like children, refused to give them a veto and broke several promises, so they withdrew.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 05, 2007, 08:27:44 PM
http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKL0531348920070605?pageNumber=1 (http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKL0531348920070605?pageNumber=1)

Quote from: teh News

LONDON (Reuters) - Parents are stopping their children going out to play on their own because of safety fears, potentially restricting their future development, according to a report on Tuesday.

The Children's Society survey found that 43 percent of adults thought children should not go out unsupervised until they were 14.

That is despite the fact that in their own youth most had been allowed out on their own at the age of 10 or younger.

"Children have told us loud and clear that friendship matters and yet this is an area in which we appear to be failing them," said Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of the society.

"On the one hand we want freedom for our children but on the other we are becoming increasingly frightened to let them out."

Fears over children's safety have been exacerbated by stories in the media of youngsters being attacked by predatory paedophiles, such as the murders of Soham schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002 and the abduction and killing of Sarah Payne in 2000.

However experts say high profile incidents are still rare and there is no evidence to suggest there has been an increase in the number of youngsters murdered by strangers.

The study, carried out as part of the society's Good Childhood Inquiry, suggested that early friendships were very important and often lasted a lifetime, with 69 percent of respondents saying they were still in contact with a childhood friend.

It added that its inquiry had found that children rate having friends as the most important factor in their lives.

But the report said there was research to suggest that since 1986 the number of teenagers with no friends has increased from one in eight to nearly one in five.

"All the research shows that spending time with friends is fundamental to children's wellbeing and development which means it is crucial that we resolve this contradiction," said Reitemeier.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 05, 2007, 08:36:11 PM
Are they getting their kids de-clawed too?  Sheesh!  :roll:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 05, 2007, 08:38:05 PM
 :lulz:

We're raising a class of social rejects!  We cannot lose!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 05, 2007, 08:48:16 PM
if you keep your kids inside, the terrrrrrists have won
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 05, 2007, 09:00:33 PM
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=73995 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=73995)

a headline for the metal-heads, as I know there are a few.  Anneke has quit The Gathering. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 06, 2007, 06:47:54 PM
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1269281,00.html (http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1269281,00.html)

HIMEOBS - We are defending yuor sacred old people  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 06, 2007, 06:52:49 PM
Sounds like they need some beefier security detail if it took 8 of them to contain the guy. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on June 06, 2007, 06:57:38 PM
Lol, they called it the "popemobile" in the article.  SkyNews wins.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on June 06, 2007, 06:59:01 PM
Don't they always call it the popemobile?

I can never remember it being called anything else, any where...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 06, 2007, 07:00:19 PM
Yeah, I think it is officially the Popemobile.  I think after they put that silly looking bubble thing on it for JP they didn't have much choice but to give it a silly name. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 11, 2007, 06:45:34 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6739681.stm

The Tories are using a Commons debate to urge an inquiry into the Iraq war.

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague told MPs ministers had "no adequate reason" to refuse to establish an inquiry, to begin in the near future.

He called for a Privy Council inquiry to examine the build-up to war and its immediate aftermath.


Hey, wasn't this the party arguing that we should ignore the UN and just go in and attack Iraq anyway?  I do believe it is.  And isn't this the party that voted unaminously to go to war, thus defeating a potential rebellion in Parliament by Lib Dems and allied Labour backbench dissidents?  I do believe it is.

What complete fucktards.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 11, 2007, 06:48:42 PM
Hell yeah. How fucking dumb do they think the british electorate actually is?

... actually, hang on, forget I said that  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 11, 2007, 06:51:25 PM
 :lulz:

Everything you need to know about Britain can be learnt from the last two series of Big Brother.  Its pretty sad.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 11, 2007, 07:00:59 PM
Nevar miss an episode :lulz:

It's funnier and more educational than watching monkeys in a zoo.

I do wish someone with a bit of skill would get in there tho - cat among pigeons would be 10 week lailfest  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 11, 2007, 07:03:10 PM
Only person who went on that show worth a damn was Jack Dee.

Of course, I never really watch, so I'm not really in a position to say.  But since it seems to be infested with outlandish people and crypto-racists, I don't really need to.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 11, 2007, 07:06:55 PM
I never put too much stock in the celebrity version - not long enough for the really interesting psychological effects to manifest.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on June 11, 2007, 09:57:51 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070611/ap_on_go_ot/autism_vaccines

I found this quite interesting....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 12, 2007, 11:50:45 AM
 :argh!:

They had this crap in the UK.  It doesn't, it has been proven by numerous scientific papers and research.  There is just one guy, one scientist, who thinks it is, and he feeds the parents false hope and fears about the truth of their child's condition.

I had the same vaccinations, as did everyone of my age that I know.  Yet, in all my life, I've only known one autistic person of my age.  Hmmmm........
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 12, 2007, 12:03:35 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 12, 2007, 11:50:45 AM
:argh!:

They had this crap in the UK.  It doesn't, it has been proven by numerous scientific papers and research.  There is just one guy, one scientist, who thinks it is, and he feeds the parents false hope and fears about the truth of their child's condition.

ahk, but science has nothing to do with it .. "Plaintiffs only have to prove that a link between autism and the shots is more likely than not".

more likely than not!

"9 out of 10 bibles agree that vaccinations are bad and work of the devil. autism is work of the devil, and 9 is more than 10 so it's more likely than not"

QuoteI had the same vaccinations, as did everyone of my age that I know.  Yet, in all my life, I've only known one autistic person of my age.  Hmmmm........

yeah but it seems that newer generations are more susceptible to the terminal-stoopidititis

which, we all know is caused by things that go against one's retarded belief systems

and not at all caused by the retarded belief systems themselves  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 12, 2007, 12:27:03 PM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 15, 2007, 07:06:10 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19230333/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19230333/)

A video baby monitor picks up NASA Shuttle video. 

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 16, 2007, 03:22:16 PM
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2007/06/14/4260273-ap.html

Nazi Austrian President Heinz Fischer Dies
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on June 17, 2007, 06:04:24 AM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070614/od_nm/germany_squirrel_dc;_ylt=Apx.C0jqg0YUF8o7.f.hqEADW7oF
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: SBCU on June 18, 2007, 08:54:49 AM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1945760.ece (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1945760.ece)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 18, 2007, 01:36:37 PM
QuoteAnd earlier this year his campaign was widely criticised for seizing control over a MySpace group where an enthusiastic supporter, Joe Anthony, had amassed a list of 160,000 friends for Mr Obama.

Trolls for Obama

hey there maybe some way to get some founding out of this
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 18, 2007, 02:03:17 PM
There are already plans for live chat debates by Presidential candidates.... 8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 18, 2007, 02:55:33 PM
Data retention laws do not cover Google searches, says Europe
http://www.out-law.com/page-8147

google trying to blame their contempt for privacy on being forced european legislation or whatnot

finally the shit is starting to hit the fan.. it's about time for the current giant to go the same way as altavista, yahoo and microsoft did before it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 22, 2007, 05:27:22 PM
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75309 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75309)

Queen is recording a new album.
I call heresy. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 22, 2007, 05:30:42 PM
With Paul wassisname on vocals?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 22, 2007, 05:32:42 PM
Quote from: LMNO on June 22, 2007, 05:30:42 PMPaul wassisname

never heard of the guy, but if that's really Rev's brother, it must be PWHNage

:rimshot:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 22, 2007, 05:37:44 PM
Quote from: LMNO on June 22, 2007, 05:30:42 PM
With Paul wassisname on vocals?

Yup.  Also, in related news, Alice In Chains is re-forming with some un-named vocalist.  New album and tour forthcoming.  I find some poetic justice in the fact that they, AIC, will be touring with Stone Temple Roses, I mean Velvet Revolver. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 22, 2007, 05:38:44 PM
Quote from: triple zero on June 22, 2007, 05:32:42 PM
Quote from: LMNO on June 22, 2007, 05:30:42 PMPaul wassisname

never heard of the guy, but if that's really Rev's brother, it must be PWHNage

:rimshot:

Actually, both of my brothers are pretty good musicians.  Probably not great vocalists though.  Tone-defness seems to run in the family. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 23, 2007, 12:35:27 PM
http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/22/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-part-xxxv-nbc-sez-piracy-hurts-corn-grower/

CE-Oh no he didn't, part XXXV: NBC sez piracy hurts 'corn growers'
Posted Jun 22nd 2007 7:15PM by Darren Murph
Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment


Although some may argue that piracy is (at least on some level) beneficial, it looks like NBC has taken that sentiment to the opposing extreme with its latest comments. In a purported filing with the FCC calling for enhanced regulation of the internet in an attempt to stifle evil P2P activity, NBC blurted out a string of text that it surely hoped would be overlooked. Alas, hardly any ridiculous claims go unseen these days, so now we're faced with this gem: "In the absence of movie piracy, video retailers would sell and rent more titles. Movie theaters would sell more tickets and popcorn. Corn growers would earn greater profits and buy more farm equipment." There's absolutely no need for us to pick apart the aforementioned quote, after all, we're fairly certain the absurdity shines right through on its own.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 23, 2007, 04:11:28 PM
Quote from: triple zero on June 23, 2007, 12:35:27 PM
"In the absence of movie piracy, video retailers would sell and rent more titles. Movie theaters would sell more tickets and popcorn. Corn growers would earn greater profits and buy more farm equipment."


sounds perfectly logical to me
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 25, 2007, 09:32:40 AM
YAY! So now my evil habits are killing farmers too.

The more I download the more people die :ninja:

Cybin,

Mass murdering peer to peer
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 27, 2007, 06:42:52 AM
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/06/21/guantanamo.ap/index.html

Bush administration close to shutting down Guantanamo


"WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration is nearing a decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and move the terror suspects there to military prisons elsewhere, The Associated Press has learned.

Both the Pentagon and the White House denied Thursday evening there were any plans to close the facility.

President Bush's national security and legal advisers are expected to discuss the move at the White House on Friday and, for the first time, it appears a consensus is developing, senior administration officials said Thursday.

The advisers will consider a new proposal to shut the center and transfer detainees to one or more Defense Department facilities, including the maximum security military prison at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, where they could face trial, said the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations.

Officials familiar with the agenda of the Friday meeting said Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff, National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Peter Pace were expected to attend.

It was not immediately clear if the meeting would result in a final recommendation to Bush.
"No decisions on the future of Guantanamo Bay are imminent"

Deputy White House Press Secretary Scott Stanzel said Thursday that there are no plans for such a meeting.

"The President has long expressed a desire to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and to do so in a responsible way. A number of steps need to take place before that can happen such as setting up military commissions and the repatriation to their home countries of detainees who have been cleared for released. These and other steps have not been completed. No decisions on the future of Guantanamo Bay are imminent and there will not be a White House meeting tomorrow."

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman agreed.

"I am telling you there is nothing to this," he said

"There has been no change in our policy, and I am not aware of any plans to change at this point."
Heavy resistance from high up to closing Guantanamo

Previous plans to close Guantanamo have run into resistance from Cheney, Gonzales and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. But officials said the new suggestion is gaining momentum with at least tacit support from the State and Homeland Security departments, the Pentagon, and the Intelligence directorate.

Cheney's office and the Justice Department have been dead set against the step, arguing that moving "unlawful" enemy combatant suspects to the United States would give them undeserved legal rights.

They could still block the proposal, but pressure to close Guantanamo has been building since a Supreme Court decision last year that found a previous system for prosecuting enemy combatants illegal. Recent rulings by military judges threw out charges against two terrorism suspects under a new tribunal scheme.

Those decisions have dealt a blow to the administration's efforts to begin prosecuting dozens of Guantanamo detainees regarded as the nation's most dangerous terror suspects.

In Congress, recently introduced legislation would require Guantanamo's closure. One measure would designate Fort Leavenworth as the new detention facility.

Another bill would grant new rights to those held at Guantanamo Bay, including access to lawyers regardless of whether the prisoners are put on trial. Still another would allow detainees to protest their detentions in federal court, something they are now denied.

Gates, who took over the Pentagon after Rumsfeld was forced out last year, has said Congress and the administration should work together to allow the United States to permanently imprison some of the more dangerous Guantanamo Bay detainees elsewhere so the facility can be closed.

Military officials told Congress this month that the prison at Fort Leavenworth has 70 open beds and that the brig at a naval base in Charleston, South Carolina has space for an additional 100 prisoners."


:cry:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on July 07, 2007, 01:51:58 AM
semi old news


http://www.alaskareport.com/z46129_ted_stevens_corruption.htm

Alaska Senator Ted Stevens under criminal investigation for corruption

Anchorage, Alaska - The FBI and a federal grand jury are examining an extensive remodeling project at the Girdwood, Alaska, home of Senator Ted Stevens that was overseen by indicted executives at VECO Corporation.

Contractors who worked on the project said the FBI asked them to turn over their records from the job and one said he was called to testify about the project before a federal grand jury in Anchorage.

Another contractor says Bill Allen, the indicted former head of VECO, hired him to complete the framing and most of the interior carpentry at Stevens' home. But the company in charge of the remodel, Christensen Builders Incorporated, says as far as they know, the senator paid all his bills.

Ted Stevens is refusing to comment and yesterday said "I've put out a statement and it says, 'I do not comment on things under investigation.' Thank you."

FBI spokesman Eric Gonzalez says his agency will not confirm nor deny any aspect of a pending investigation.

Stevens' son, former Alaska senate president Ben Stevens, is also awaiting his arrest on corruption, extortion, tax evasion, and bribery charges.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 13, 2007, 02:41:38 PM
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=76696 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=76696)

On rumored fight between the DEF LEPPARD and DANZIG camps at a European festival back in 1993:

"He [Danzig] made a rude comment to my wife, and somebody, not me, gave him a bit of a kick from behind, and I guess he was mad about his soup getting spilt. It must've been really good soup for him to get that upset, but it was Germany, so the soup probably couldn't have been that good; it was probably really, really dark, with all sorts of nasty stuff in it. Anyway, Phil Collen (Vivian's fellow DEF LEP guitarist) was ready to go ,Äî he's a black belt in karate, but Danzig backed down. It really was over nothing, other than that bowl of soup."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 13, 2007, 02:49:09 PM
This just in:  Danzig is a pussy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 13, 2007, 02:53:14 PM
"Mother, tell your children not to mess with my soup."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on July 13, 2007, 09:05:42 PM
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/13675836/detail.html

Umm...duct tape. And lot's of it for you, woman.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: avatar on July 14, 2007, 06:21:40 AM
Benadryl... a good recommendation.  I tend to prefer schnapps for drugging toddlers though.

Aavatar
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on August 03, 2007, 06:18:35 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/070803/odds/odd_germany_sex1_dc

QuoteBERLIN (Reuters) - German workaholics may be suffering from a lack of sex, according to a university study published Friday.

A survey of 32,000 men and women by researchers at the University of Goettingen found over 35 percent of those reporting unsatisfying sex lives tended to use hard work as a diversion.

Some 36 percent of men and 35 percent of women surveyed for the "Apotheken Umschau" newsletter said they were likely to put in extra time at the office and volunteer for extra assignments.

The hard work ethic was even more pronounced among those who reported having no sex -- 45 percent of men and 46 percent of women said they voluntarily took on more responsibilities.

"These findings are worrying," the leader of the study, Ragnar Beer, was quoted as saying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on August 08, 2007, 03:38:57 PM
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/aug/07/man-claims-have-magical-sword-during-heist-deputie/?news-breaking
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on August 08, 2007, 04:09:19 PM
Quote from: Kaou Suu on August 08, 2007, 03:38:57 PM
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/aug/07/man-claims-have-magical-sword-during-heist-deputie/?news-breaking

:lulz:
It's too bad the guy didn't actually have a magic sword. And by the article, it doesn't look like he was actually even carrying a weapon, just claiming that he had "an Excalibur".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on August 08, 2007, 04:49:46 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070808/ap_on_re_eu/georgia_russia

maybe of interest to Cain or others who keep track of russia foreign policy
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Darth Cupcake on August 08, 2007, 05:41:42 PM
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyid=2007-08-08T132631Z_01_L07870114_RTRUKOC_0_US-DUTCH-LEGO-ODD.xml

For those of us who enjoy Legos, and the Dutch.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on August 09, 2007, 06:22:24 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070808/ap_on_sc/human_evolution

QuoteFossils challenge old evoluton theory

WASHINGTON - Surprising research based on two African fossils suggests our family tree is more like a wayward bush with stubby branches, challenging what had been common thinking on how early humans evolved.

The discovery by Meave Leakey, a member of a famous family of paleontologists, shows that two species of early human ancestors lived at the same time in Kenya. That pokes holes in the chief theory of man's early evolution — that one of those species evolved from the other.

And it further discredits that iconic illustration of human evolution that begins with a knuckle-dragging ape and ends with a briefcase-carrying man.

The old theory is that the first and oldest species in our family tree, Homo habilis, evolved into Homo erectus, which then became human, Homo sapiens. But Leakey's find suggests those two earlier species lived side-by-side about 1.5 million years ago in parts of Kenya for at least half a million years. She and her research colleagues report the discovery in a paper published in Thursday's journal Nature.

The paper is based on fossilized bones found in 2000. The complete skull of Homo erectus was found within walking distance of an upper jaw of Homo habilis, and both dated from the same general time period. That makes it unlikely that Homo erectus evolved from Homo habilis, researchers said.

It's the equivalent of finding that your grandmother and great-grandmother were sisters rather than mother-daughter, said study co-author Fred Spoor, a professor of evolutionary anatomy at the University College in London.

The two species lived near each other, but probably didn't interact, each having its own "ecological niche," Spoor said. Homo habilis was likely more vegetarian while Homo erectus ate some meat, he said. Like chimps and apes, "they'd just avoid each other, they don't feel comfortable in each other's company," he said.

There remains some still-undiscovered common ancestor that probably lived 2 million to 3 million years ago, a time that has not left much fossil record, Spoor said.

Overall what it paints for human evolution is a "chaotic kind of looking evolutionary tree rather than this heroic march that you see with the cartoons of an early ancestor evolving into some intermediate and eventually unto us," Spoor said in a phone interview from a field office of the Koobi Fora Research Project in northern Kenya.

That old evolutionary cartoon, while popular with the general public, is just too simple and keeps getting revised, said Bill Kimbel, who praised the latest findings. He is science director of the Institute of Human Origins at Arizona State University and wasn't part of the Leakey team.

"The more we know, the more complex the story gets," he said. Scientists used to think Homo sapiens evolved from Neanderthals, he said. But now we know that both species lived during the same time period and that we did not come from Neanderthals.

Now a similar discovery applies further back in time.

Susan Anton, a New York University anthropologist and co-author of the Leakey work, said she expects anti-evolution proponents to seize on the new research, but said it would be a mistake to try to use the new work to show flaws in evolution theory.

"This is not questioning the idea at all of evolution; it is refining some of the specific points," Anton said. "This is a great example of what science does and religion doesn't do. It's a continous self-testing process."

For the past few years there has been growing doubt and debate about whether Homo habilis evolved into Homo erectus. One of the major proponents of the more linear, or ladder-like evolution that this evidence weakens, called Leakey's findings important, but he wasn't ready to concede defeat.

Dr. Bernard Wood, a surgeon-turned-professor of human origins at George Washington University, said in an e-mail Wednesday that "this is only a skirmish in the protracted 'war' between the people who like a bushy interpretation and those who like a more ladder-like interpretation of early human evolution."

Leakey's team spent seven years analyzing the fossils before announcing it was time to redraw the family tree — and rethink other ideas about human evolutionary history. That's especially true of most immediate ancestor, Homo erectus.

Because the Homo erectus skull Leakey recovered was much smaller than others, scientists had to first prove that it was erectus and not another species nor a genetic freak. The jaw, probably from an 18- or 19-year-old female, was adult and showed no signs of malformation or genetic mutations, Spoor said. The scientists also know it isn't Homo habilis from several distinct features on the jaw.

That caused researchers to re-examine the 30 other erectus skulls they have and the dozens of partial fossils. They realized that the females of that species are much smaller than the males — something different from modern man, but similar to other animals, said Anton. Scientists hadn't looked carefully enough before to see that there was a distinct difference in males and females.

Difference in size between males and females seem to be related to monogamy, the researchers said. Primates that have same-sized males and females, such as gibbons, tend to be more monogamous. Species that are not monogamous, such as gorillas and baboons, have much bigger males.

This suggests that our ancestor Homo erectus reproduced with multiple partners.

The Homo habilis jaw was dated at 1.44 million years ago. That is the youngest ever found from a species that scientists originally figured died off somewhere between 1.7 and 2 million years ago, Spoor said. It enabled scientists to say that Homo erectus and Homo habilis lived at the same time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on August 15, 2007, 04:51:44 PM
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/246002

Quote
Toronto: A metaphor for a country in decline

Christopher Hume

Now that we've finished venting about councillors' refusal to cut their salaries, their perks and all the rest of that nonsense, let's all take a deep breath and remember who's to blame for the mess Toronto is in: we are.

That's right, it's us. We have no one to blame but ourselves.

We're the ones who vote – those of us who bother – for the Denzil Minnan-Wongs, the Dalton McGuintys, the Mike Harrises, the Stephen Harpers and the rest.

We're the ones who reward politicians who tell us the fantasies we want to hear, not the truths we need to hear. We're the ones who have made it impossible for leaders to talk about anything much more substantial than tax cuts.

Aided and abetted by the media, we ask the wrong questions and get angry when we don't hear the wrong answers.

We're the ones who vote for the Mel Lastmans and the David Millers because they promise they won't raise taxes. Then when the spit finally hits the fan, we turn around and scream bloody murder.

Democracy boasts many virtues, but it also has serious weaknesses, including the fact that it allows citizens to vote thoughtlessly and without regard to reality. Indeed, look at who gets elected to see just how irrational, even moronic, the process has become. How else does a George W. Bush end up the most powerful person on Earth?

One of the truths the politicians would like us to forget is that you get what you pay for. Civilization costs money. If the city's going to remove snow, pick up garbage, pay the province's social services bill, fill potholes and so on, it must be able to cover these costs.

Instead of voting for councillors who promise we can remain forever in dreamland, where taxes never go up and roads are free, we should think first and ask whether they are able to do the opposite, i.e., insist we return to the real world. It, of course, is not such a nice place.

Toronto, like all of Canada, is based largely on myths that border on lies. We like to think that the city is among the greatest and the country a respected world citizen. We may be a middling power, but always sensible and responsible.

In fact, we grow increasingly irrelevant. And although Canada still ranks among the most desirable places on the planet, by any measure – productivity, innovation, wealth creation, education, environmental integrity, tolerance – we are slipping. This was confirmed most recently by the Conference Board of Canada in a massive three-volume report that took three years to prepare.

Like all Canadian cities, Toronto is chronically and systemically underfunded. This is built into the very governance structure of the nation, which undervalues urban centres. We have set it up that way.

Toronto isn't just Canada's largest and most important city; it has become a metaphor for a country in decline. Our administratively burdened federation has reached a point of fragmentation where the premiers fail miserably when it comes to dealing with the most urgent issue facing us and the rest of the planet: global warming. This isn't just worrisome, it's immoral.

Because they fear reality, Canadians are terrified of change. The idea of reducing the role of the provinces and empowering cities isn't taken seriously. Yet it's something that must happen if we are to achieve the nimbleness we need to keep up with the wholesale transformation of Asia and Europe.

Instead, we grow slow and complacent, content to rely on resource exploitation rather than the value-added approach of leading economies.

In the meantime, we continue to demand European-style public services on American-level taxes.

As we Torontonians are finding out, it doesn't work that way.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Richter on August 16, 2007, 01:19:33 PM
CIA, Catholic Church, Fox News, etc, alter Wikipedia for their own ends:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/aug/15/wikipedia.corporateaccountability (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/aug/15/wikipedia.corporateaccountability)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on August 16, 2007, 06:44:18 PM
QuoteDemocrat party

Somebody using a computer inside Democrat HQ edited a page on conservative American radio host Rush Limbaugh, calling him "idiotic", "ridiculous" and labelling his 20 million listeners as "legally retarded".

for some reason I approve of this
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 16, 2007, 08:12:04 PM
Whatever Happened To The Baby From NIRVANA's 'Nevermind'?

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=78907 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=78907)

QuoteAlthough Elden said he feels "pretty normal" about his famous photo, he did add that it occasionally helped him with girls, explaining, "I have to use stupid pickup lines like, 'You want to see my penis again.'"

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on August 16, 2007, 08:14:01 PM
I remember hearing about this guy a few months ago, actually.

I should write him a letter and tell him that his penis got the CD taken away from me in 3rd grade for bringing it in for Show and Tell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on August 16, 2007, 08:15:25 PM
That's pretty cool. I always wondered what happened to that baby. Sounds like he's enjoying his arbitrary notoriety.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 16, 2007, 08:17:01 PM
Third grade?


Third.




Grade.













Oh, fucking hell.









LMNO
-looking for his bifocals and walker.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on August 16, 2007, 08:18:21 PM
*IS 25 YEARS OLD TODAY!*

:thankyou:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 16, 2007, 08:23:22 PM
Happy Birthday.  Could you hand me my Metamucil?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 16, 2007, 08:26:03 PM
Happy birthday, Suu.


Now, GET OFF MY LAWN, YOU DAMN KIDS!
   \
(http://www.laughteryoga.org/drkataria/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/israel-125year-old-man-laughing.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on August 16, 2007, 08:41:58 PM
I already take fiber.  :sad:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on August 17, 2007, 07:12:12 PM
http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/339/9788/Metallica.html

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 20, 2007, 03:48:06 PM
"Queen of Mean" drops dead.  Terrorism not suspected.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20358637/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20358637/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: That One Guy on August 20, 2007, 04:57:29 PM
Hard to tell if Wikipedia entry on Dada has been vandalized or not. (http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/hard_to_tell_if_wikipedia)

I love the Onion  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 25, 2007, 01:02:49 AM
 Daily reminder: never work for the Brit military

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/wo...622581.ece

Of course, this is far from an isolated case.  Quite the opposite in fact, it is official policy.

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/po...ned/530257

As noted by the above link, the Home Office has basically told the Iraqis to get stuffed and apply at the UN for refugee status instead - presumably along with the hundreds of thousands of other Iraqis, who may or may not have risked their lives helping British troops.

Even the American military has plans to provide for those who work for them.  But not Blair, nor Brown.  Proof, as if any more was needed, that despite a leadership change, New Labour are still filled with scumbags who care very little for human life at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on August 25, 2007, 01:34:21 AM
hummmm.... can anyone tell me why these pages don't exist...?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 25, 2007, 01:38:18 AM
Home computer?

I know the Times one does, because I saw it only half an hour ago...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on August 25, 2007, 01:56:43 AM
Quote from: Kaou Suu on August 16, 2007, 08:14:01 PM
I remember hearing about this guy a few months ago, actually.

I should write him a letter and tell him that his penis got the CD taken away from me in 3rd grade for bringing it in for Show and Tell.

holy fuck. how did i miss this?

where's my bus pass!??

teh mang' - was clubbing when Nevermind came out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on August 25, 2007, 07:36:55 AM
Quote from: Cain on August 25, 2007, 01:38:18 AM
Home computer?

I know the Times one does, because I saw it only half an hour ago...

Think the "...'s" might have something to do with it....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 25, 2007, 05:40:16 PM
Yeah, sorry, I c+p'd it from another forum which truncated the links.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article1622581.ece

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/international_politics/iraqi+translators+feel+abandoned/530257
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on August 29, 2007, 12:16:03 AM
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/28/craig.arrest/index.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 09, 2007, 09:39:43 PM
Israeli "Neo-Nazi" Gang arrested.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6985808.stm

Irony is now officially dead, ladies and gentlemen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on September 10, 2007, 10:44:29 AM
http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/09/apec_conference.html

APEC Conference in Sydney Social Engineered

The APEC conference is a big deal in Australia right now, and the security is serious. They've blocked off a major part of Sydney, implemented special APEC laws allowing extra search powers for the police, and even given everyone in Sydney the day off -- just to keep people away.

Yesterday, a TV comedy team succeeded in driving a fake motorcade with Canadian flags right through all the security barriers and weren't stopped until right outside President Bush's hotel. Inside their motorcade was someone dressed up as Osama Bin Laden. (more) (http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/09/apec_conference.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on September 15, 2007, 12:15:11 PM
http://ha.ckers.org/blog/20070912/facebook-says-you-should-not-expect-privacy/

Facebook Says You Should Not Expect Privacy

If there are any people left who think social networking is a safe place to enter your information I think this is a pretty telling story. Times Online has an interesting article (http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2426470.ece) on the latest move by Facebook regarding information that previously was inaccessible to search engines. Guess what? They’re going to make it publically accessible. It’s like people never learn (remind anyone of the AOL search query fun?). (more) (http://ha.ckers.org/blog/20070912/facebook-says-you-should-not-expect-privacy/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 15, 2007, 11:17:31 PM
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hU5CoGrg6q9-gg3YfryNK1RfMKPQ

Northwest Passage opens as Arctic ice melts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 15, 2007, 11:24:01 PM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article2461339.ece

Dunno if any of you are rally fans or not, but this guy was one of my idols, when I was younger.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 18, 2007, 02:03:04 PM
Anyone who thinks they are safe anywhere on the internet isn't paying attention.



Because Rule 34 is coming.*

FOR YUO.































*Yes, I know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Richter on September 18, 2007, 07:12:29 PM
The Terrible Legality of Pance:

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2007/09/16/cities_cracking_down_on_saggy_pants/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 18, 2007, 07:19:19 PM
Quote from: Whut?
Proposals to ban saggy pants are starting to ride up in several places. At the extreme end, wearing pants low enough to show boxers or bare buttocks in one small Louisiana town means six months in jail and a $500 fine. A crackdown also is being pushed in Atlanta. And in Trenton, getting caught with your pants down may soon result in not only a fine, but a city worker assessing where your life is headed.

Holy shit!

The world is getting weirder and weirder.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on September 18, 2007, 07:23:12 PM

Quote from: Whut?
Proposals to ban saggy pants are starting to ride up in several places. At the extreme end, wearing pants low enough to show boxers or bare buttocks in one small Louisiana town means six months in jail and a $500 fine. A crackdown also is being pushed in Atlanta. And in Trenton, getting caught with your pants down may soon result in not only a fine, but a city worker assessing where your life is headed.

Heh, I like the author's style.   :D
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 18, 2007, 07:24:06 PM
I missed that. Trust YOU to spot it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 19, 2007, 07:15:41 PM
Radio Frequencies Help Burn Salt Water (http://green.yahoo.com/index.php?q=node/1570)

QuoteERIE, Pa. - An Erie cancer researcher has found a way to burn salt water, a novel invention that is being touted by one chemist as the "most remarkable" water science discovery in a century.

John Kanzius happened upon the discovery accidentally when he tried to desalinate seawater with a radio-frequency generator he developed to treat cancer. He discovered that as long as the salt water was exposed to the radio frequencies, it would burn.

The discovery has scientists excited by the prospect of using salt water, the most abundant resource on earth, as a fuel.

Rustum Roy, a Penn State University chemist, has held demonstrations at his State College lab to confirm his own observations.

The radio frequencies act to weaken the bonds between the elements that make up salt water, releasing the hydrogen, Roy said. Once ignited, the hydrogen will burn as long as it is exposed to the frequencies, he said.

The discovery is "the most remarkable in water science in 100 years," Roy said.

"This is the most abundant element in the world. It is everywhere," Roy said. "Seeing it burn gives me the chills."

Roy will meet this week with officials from the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to try to obtain research funding.

The scientists want to find out whether the energy output from the burning hydrogen — which reached a heat of more than 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit — would be enough to power a car or other heavy machinery.

"We will get our ideas together and check this out and see where it leads," Roy said. "The potential is huge."


...well this is potentially really cool...

I want to see a video though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 19, 2007, 07:26:17 PM
I notice if it doesn't say how much more energy it takes to create the hydrogen than it produces when burnt.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 19, 2007, 07:28:16 PM
very good question. But note they're not making hydrogen, they're making radio waves.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 19, 2007, 07:30:36 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on September 19, 2007, 07:15:41 PM
Radio Frequencies Help Burn Salt Water (http://green.yahoo.com/index.php?q=node/1570)

QuoteERIE, Pa. - An Erie cancer researcher has found a way to burn salt water, a novel invention that is being touted by one chemist as the "most remarkable" water science discovery in a century.

John Kanzius happened upon the discovery accidentally when he tried to desalinate seawater with a radio-frequency generator he developed to treat cancer. He discovered that as long as the salt water was exposed to the radio frequencies, it would burn.

The discovery has scientists excited by the prospect of using salt water, the most abundant resource on earth, as a fuel.

Rustum Roy, a Penn State University chemist, has held demonstrations at his State College lab to confirm his own observations.

The radio frequencies act to weaken the bonds between the elements that make up salt water, releasing the hydrogen, Roy said. Once ignited, the hydrogen will burn as long as it is exposed to the frequencies, he said.

The discovery is "the most remarkable in water science in 100 years," Roy said.

"This is the most abundant element in the world. It is everywhere," Roy said. "Seeing it burn gives me the chills."

Roy will meet this week with officials from the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to try to obtain research funding.

The scientists want to find out whether the energy output from the burning hydrogen — which reached a heat of more than 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit — would be enough to power a car or other heavy machinery.

"We will get our ideas together and check this out and see where it leads," Roy said. "The potential is huge."


...well this is potentially really cool...

I want to see a video though.


Just in case you missed that.

How much energy is used to release the hydrogen, is my question.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on September 19, 2007, 07:34:13 PM
Welcome to Davy Jones' Sauna.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 19, 2007, 07:37:12 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on September 19, 2007, 07:34:13 PM
Welcome to Davy Jones' Sauna.

I just had lunch with a guy named Davy Jones.

True story.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on September 19, 2007, 07:40:00 PM
Is he a Daydream believer and/or a homecoming king?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 20, 2007, 06:46:09 AM
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=18&objectid=10464451

RIP Robert Jordan
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 20, 2007, 12:22:15 PM
Now he's dead I no longer have to feel bad about downloading his books.

In fact, I have never read his books, but I know a few people here liked him as an author, so I shall try and read some tonight.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 20, 2007, 03:23:53 PM
I am reading the Wheel of Time, myself. Largely because I quite liked the first 3-4 books. After that, It's just taking SOOOOO long to complete. I take it his wife will complete the rest of the series?

Robert Jordan: Long winded (at least when he had wind in his lungs, no longer true, obviously.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Richter on September 20, 2007, 08:40:05 PM
I just started on "Eye of the World", courtesy of D-Cup.
We'll see if they write up the last one, they say he left extensive notes.

Also: Dead Mummified Baby.
http://www.wmur.com/news/14157668/detail.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 20, 2007, 08:45:25 PM
Quote from: Richter on September 20, 2007, 08:40:05 PM
I just started on "Eye of the World", courtesy of D-Cup.
We'll see if they write up the last one, they say he left extensive notes.

Also: Dead Mummified Baby.
http://www.wmur.com/news/14157668/detail.html

I read a while back that he'd told his wife how he wanted it all to end.

Of course he could have avoided this all by finishing it on book ten like he said he was going to.

Instead of writing hefty tomes that actually only cover one day of action, but with 500 characters different plot lines.

Silly fucker.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 20, 2007, 08:55:07 PM
Sounds like another Tolkein style hackjob is in the works then.

Cain,
knows how well THAT all ended up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 20, 2007, 08:57:37 PM
 :sad:

I'm not all that worried about it, though. I got impatient with the wheel of time when book 10 came out, and it barely advanced the overall plot at all.

I'll read whatever they throw out to finish the series, but I won't be TOO hacked off if it's shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 20, 2007, 09:02:42 PM
At the behest of my friends, some of whom are fanatic Robert Jordan fans, I read Eye of the World. I didn't really like it.

I might have liked it if he resolved at least 30% of the plot threads he started.
I might have liked it if any of the female characters in the book weren't sooo irritating.


I do appreciate that Jordan was making a push to write non-Tolkien fantasy. (ie no Elves, Dwarves, & Orcs)

I think Jordan was really good at writing characters,
but I didn't think his storytelling had good "flow".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Richter on September 20, 2007, 09:05:14 PM
As long as it stays true to the original style and depth.  Though I'll be interested to see how the fan community as a whole recieves it.  
(Hope this isn't another debacle of the "Dune"  or "Highlander" series' magnitude.)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on September 20, 2007, 09:09:29 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on September 20, 2007, 09:02:42 PM
At the behest of my friends, some of whom are fanatic Robert Jordan fans, I read Eye of the World. I didn't really like it.

I might have liked it if he resolved at least 30% of the plot threads he started.
I might have liked it if any of the female characters in the book weren't sooo irritating.


I do appreciate that Jordan was making a push to write non-Tolkien fantasy. (ie no Elves, Dwarves, & Orcs)

I think Jordan was really good at writing characters,
but I didn't think his storytelling had good "flow".

I really liked it up until the third book. It's gone downhill since then.

TOO much detail.

Not enough serious kicking ass.

Rand is too emo. I want him to get out there and REALLY burn some shit down. Not memorise the face of every single woman who has died because of him.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nomad on September 20, 2007, 09:27:42 PM
Being one of those serious fanatics of the books, I'm really sad he died.  You're all right though... he should have finished it a long time ago.  I think the reason he's so long winded and spread out is that he's trying to cover all of the bases.

Action
Detail
Politics
Detail
Romance
Detail
Intrigue
Detail
Mystery
Detail

One of my friends read all the books and just left out the descriptions of hallways and rooms.  He liked it a LOT more then, because it cut out all the shit that you don't really need.  I personally liked the detail, because hidden in every description are hints about the cultures he's describing.  From a sociological point of view, the man's a genius.  The ways in which all the characters interact I find to be very true to life.  It's like a fantasy soap opera, but more accurate than telemundo.

Favorite parts of the later books are the interactions between Matt and Tuon... but those of you who read my posts already know that I'm a sap.

I think what also helped is that I started reading them when I was very young, puts more fervor into it for me.


-Nomad Ttam
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on September 21, 2007, 10:55:36 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070921/ap_on_he_me/aids_vaccine_fails

This sucks on so many levels.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on September 26, 2007, 02:43:30 PM
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=81524 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=81524)

Man dies "crowd surfing" at a Smashing Pumpkins concert.  What a mediocre way to go. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 30, 2007, 12:42:01 PM
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=paUniverse_sun14_parallel_universes&show_article=1&cat=0

Looks like the Everett-Wheeler hypothesis may have some life left in it yet.  Multiple Universes, for those who don't know what I'm talking about.

LMNO, care to comment?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 01, 2007, 01:11:30 PM
1.  The entire article goes completely off the rails starting about paragraph 7 or so.

2.  Good to see they have some math that seems to be consistent.  Needz moar peer-review, kthnx.




3.  FUCK YOU, LORD BABY JESUS MADE ONE, AND ONLY ONE UNIVERSE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 01, 2007, 04:13:11 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21081464/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21081464/)

Beyonce cancels concert in Malaysia because she can't adequately display her "talents."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 12, 2007, 02:57:17 PM
CIA watchdog chief is being investigated by order of the Director of the CIA, for investigating the extraordinary rendition and torture programs.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/10/12/unprecedented-cia-chief-_n_68182.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 12, 2007, 03:37:30 PM
Stephen Colbert considering running for US Presidency on both tickets

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003657754
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on October 12, 2007, 03:58:22 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 12, 2007, 03:37:30 PM
Stephen Colbert considering running for US Presidency on both tickets

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003657754


if Colbert ran, it would prompt me to vote without the aid of a d20
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: rabidpigmy on October 12, 2007, 04:53:07 PM
Dido, save I'd probably divine with a d100 just to see his odds.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 16, 2007, 07:50:22 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21323472/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21323472/)

Libya and Vietnam have won spots on the U.N. Security Council.  The U.S. did not oppose either.  Family members of Pan Am bombing are pissed at the U.S. Gov't. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on October 17, 2007, 05:42:01 PM
Well it finally happened

First Death from Halo 3 (http://www.cwyohba.org/noexit/news/beaconrechalo3/beaconrechalo3.html)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 17, 2007, 06:34:52 PM
AW Cabal strikes again...




TERRORISM NOT SUSPECTED.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 18, 2007, 01:40:59 PM
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=72792 (http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=72792)

Portland (Maine) School Committee approves giving Birth Control pills/patches to Middle School students (6 - 8th grade).

It's big news here in Maine and I noticed it made it on the MSNBC crawler too.  Anyway, as you can imagine there are a lot of parents who are not happy with this.  But the School Committee voted 7 to 2 in favor. 

I think it's a good thing because it's clear that there are enough Middle School students sexually active to have this option available to them.  I mean, being a Mom at the age of 13 is going to screw up their life a lot more than the actual act of having sex. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 18, 2007, 01:57:59 PM
The only problem I have with it is that female birth control is essentially an influx of hormones, which could easily fuck up a kid's body.


Also, why are they approving this, and are still against passing out free condoms?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 18, 2007, 08:14:50 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21360857/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21360857/)

Hastert is resigning. 

50,000 Intertube points to anyone who can scare up that pic of him with Bush where he (Hastert) looks like a big Igor-style henchman. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on October 19, 2007, 05:31:19 AM
dammit. i himeobsd that pic once:
(http://www.cwyohba.org/noexit/1hPhoto.jpg)

but i dunno where the original went :(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 23, 2007, 06:19:25 PM
(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21432722/)

Too Much Junk in the Trunk. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 27, 2007, 05:37:00 PM
This is actually two stories.

Firstly, David Horowitz, Ann Coulter and a bunch of other idiots masquerading as humans have recently taken part in something called "Islamo-Fascist Awareness Week" on US campuses, allegedly to try and raise awareness of the threat of terrorism.

Now, I don't know about you, but according to my checklist, most Islamic terrorist groups only hit on 4 of the 15 or so indicators of fascist groups.  They're not ethnically centered, nor do they care for the State, they're not a mass movement and their anti-Semitism is theologically, not racially, driven.

Of course, this is to soften up audiences for an invasion on Iran, but thats beside the point.  Iran is a corrupt Islamic republic, to be sure, but in reality it has more in common with Belarus than Hitler's Germany.

Now comes the part which may take some...mental adjustment.  You may want to take some alcohol or other mind altering substance at this point, so you can handle the contradictions more easily.

Notorious Islamophobe and alleged political commentator Daniel Pipes, who spoke during "Islamo-Fascism Awareness week" has recently spoken out in support of....Mujahedeen-e Khalq, the Iranian Stalinist/Islamist terrorist group/cult, arguing that they be taken off of the State Department's list of terrorist organizations.

He's not alone, either.  Max Boot has argued it should be funded by the US and unleashed at the throats of the Iranian government.  FOX News has had front organization spokesmen for the Mujahedeen-e Khalq, Alireza Jafarzadeh, on their programs as a "foreign affairs analyst".

Those interested in knowing the crimes of the MEK can go http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/mek.htm Note that "During the 1970s, the MEK killed US military personnel and US civilians working on defense projects in Tehran and supported the takeover in 1979 of the US Embassy in Tehran" and that "Coalition aircraft bombed MEK bases during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Coalition forced the MEK forces to surrender in May 2003."

These people are murderers and confirmed enemies of the USA.  FOX News, Daniel Pipes, Max Boot et al are consorting with terrorist organizations and arguing in their favour.  Does someone want to alert the FBI and get a waterboarding room set up?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 04, 2007, 02:14:01 PM
Pakistan declares Martial Law

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article3127397.ece

My take on it.

Well, I suspected this was the pipelines for a while now. Pakistan has been steadily falling apart for the last few years. What with Al-Qa'ida and elements of the Taliban now being based in Pakistan, the Baloch insurgency, the vital importance of relying on US patronage for Musharraf and the increasing numbers of foreign radicals who gain their training in Pakistan, the situation has been untenable for quite a while now. Something had to give, and it seems that this is the last vestiges of democracy.

I know the Realists in the State Department are probably high-fiving each other right now, because to them a strong man dictator is a better choice for a chaotic state than a democracy, but this is really quite bad, in a way they probably haven't realized.

That this was a political decision based on the upcoming ruling on the election and not because of state security was so blatantly obvious it barely needs pointing out. None of the major systemic reasons behind the failings of Pakistan as a state have changed in recent months - though they may have intensified somewhat. No, the change has been the return of a possible challenger for the leadership of the country (Bhutto), and this ruling.

Now, I don't know the intriacies of Pakistani internal politics. I should make that clear right now. But Pakistan, as an ex-British colony and one time democracy, has a thriving civil culture who very likely wont take this lying down. Already statements have come in from opposition leaders, lawyers and political commentators condemning the move. In short, he's made the situation in the country even more unstable. While before, Musharraf could rely on the support of the national and regional parliaments, to give him that veneer of legitimacy and popular support...well, now that is not looking like a good political move.

Not that it will matter. The Constitution is suspended and law is now dictated by force of arms. So these parliaments will be sidelined, and the supporters of Musharraf will quickly come out of the closet, seeking his favour by backing his actions. Naturally, they will be condemned by their political enemies, and instability will creep up the political system.

And since the rule of law is subject to arms now, expect the Islamic extremists and Baloch insurgency to go into overdrive. In standard terrorism theory, the strategy terrorists normally employ is that of a vanguard, to force the government into repressive measures and out of proportion responses, in order to turn the population against the leadership. Now, while modern insurgencies don't necessarily require that anymore (all they really have to do is show the state is not necessary), its an added and welcome bonus.

In short, Pakistan is a powder keg of instability right now. A nuclear armed powder keg. Now, the US is supposed to have plans to get hold of those weapons and sites should something nasty happen, but the reaction of Rice and Milliband suggests this move was quite unexpected. And since the sympathies of the ISI are hard to guage at the best of times, who knows where such weapons could end up?

Now, I simply could have said Law of Eristic Calculation (Imposition of Order leads to Escalaction of Disorder) but that would have been far too simple.

Anyway, stay tuned. This move is only going to put Pakistan into more trouble, and things are going to get very interesting...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on November 14, 2007, 07:19:51 PM

Tree man 'who grew roots' may be cured

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=MLYGYKBGOGQ2DQFIQMFSFGGAVCBQ0IV0?xml=/news/2007/11/12/wtree112.xml

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/graphics/2007/11/12/w3a.jpg)

This guy is turning into a tree.

This is some straaaange stuff

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/graphics/2007/11/12/w2a.jpg)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on November 14, 2007, 07:24:02 PM
Well, at least he can smile about it.   :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 14, 2007, 09:49:54 PM
Pfft, thats just poor hygiene.  Clip your nails you fucker, like everyone else, and stop attention whoring.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 24, 2007, 07:42:33 PM
Is Huckabee the new breed of Republican religious fundamentalist, breaking with pro-corporate sentiment?

http://www.alternet.org/story/68057/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on November 24, 2007, 09:08:56 PM
Quote from: Cain on November 24, 2007, 07:42:33 PM
Is Huckabee the new breed of Republican religious fundamentalist, breaking with pro-corporate sentiment?

http://www.alternet.org/story/68057/

W. Bush made a lot of headway in his campaigns despite his shortcomings because he had a 'charming' personality and sense of humor. His loony Fundie base jumped on that bandwagon.

To hell with Mike Huckabee. Screw his religious nutcase credentials.

Or maybe not. Bring him in to the White House and let us play out this neo-conservative/evangelical fuckwit movement as quickly as we can.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on November 25, 2007, 11:37:36 PM
http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/11/more_war_on_the.html

more schneier on security.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on November 27, 2007, 04:45:00 PM
Bang Your Head!!!

Quiet Riot lead singer found dead:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21978302/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21978302/)

Bummer.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mother John Frumm on November 27, 2007, 04:52:45 PM
Am now going to Kenya, or maybe in 30 years.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyid=2007-11-26T162851Z_01_N26389797_RTRUKOC_0_US-SEXTOURISM.xml
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on November 28, 2007, 02:51:30 PM
http://www.nu.nl/news/1334003/122/'Kerstman_personage_uit_bijbel'.html (no it's dutch you can't read it, don't bother)

what it says:

11% of Dutch people believes Santa Claus is a character taken from the bible.
2% of the Dutch believe Sinterklaas (the original dutch holiday, at 5th december) is a character taken from the bible.
51% of the Dutch believe Santa Claus is based on Sinterklaas (this is in fact probably true, kolonial times 17th century, see similarity in name)
25% has no idea where Santa Claus comes from, and the rest believes he is invented by Coca Cola (which is also partly true).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on November 28, 2007, 03:08:15 PM
Santa is Turkish.

Srsly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on November 28, 2007, 03:13:57 PM
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64132

NASCAR want more minority drivers for the "Growth Opportunity".

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on November 28, 2007, 03:33:55 PM
Quote from: Payne on November 28, 2007, 03:08:15 PM
Santa is Turkish.

Srsly.

Saint Nicolas from Myra. i know.

though the area was in Greek hands at the time, i heard.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 28, 2007, 03:47:18 PM
Breaking News: 13% of Dutch people are idiots who need to die in a fire.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2007, 04:43:23 PM
Quote from: Cain on November 28, 2007, 03:47:18 PM
Breaking News: 13% of Dutch people are idiots who need to die in a fire.

I kind of assumed that the 13% who think he's a character from the Bible were like "I don't fucking know, isn't that some stupid Christian holiday?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on November 28, 2007, 05:00:55 PM
people aren't very christian like in the US, here. i guess they probably thought "Saint Nicolas, must be a christian thing, he a saint, right?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 28, 2007, 05:02:07 PM
Actually, most people from the US don't know the Bible very well either.

And they still need to DIE IN A FIRE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2007, 05:05:24 PM
I think they should get extra bonus points for having no idea what's in the Bible.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Igor on November 28, 2007, 05:36:36 PM
Problem is that they then claim to live by the Bible's rules.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Richter on November 28, 2007, 05:57:37 PM
...which is based on poorly written, poorly translated Greek.  Not to mention subsequent interpretations add ons, and concepts from theologicians several thousand years after the fact.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2007, 05:59:36 PM
Quote from: Igor on November 28, 2007, 05:36:36 PM
Problem is that they then claim to live by the Bible's rules.

Well, yeah, if they are also claiming to be Christian. I wonder what portion of that 13% claim to be Christian, though?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adios on November 28, 2007, 06:08:01 PM
Quote from: Richter on November 28, 2007, 05:57:37 PM
...which is based on poorly written, poorly translated Greek.  Not to mention subsequent interpretations add ons, and concepts from theologicians several thousand years after the fact.

The bible was conceived and written by the aliens who built the pyramids as the original LAZOR MIND CONTROL. The aliens have since died and forgot to delete it before dying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on November 28, 2007, 06:44:41 PM
Hey yuor country has its share of idiots too. Don't lump us in with those fingerlicking mouthbreathers!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Richter on November 28, 2007, 06:59:50 PM

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
-Ganhi

Hawk:  :lulz: :tinfoilhat:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 28, 2007, 10:22:58 PM
Dissecting the 'Party of God'
By Fred Burton and Reva Bhalla

While the world obsesses this week over whether the ill-fated Annapolis conference will result in the ultimate Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement, the real political drama is taking place in Lebanon.

In Beirut, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, a renowned Syrian stooge, has stepped down, creating a political vacuum large enough to send the country back to its dark days of civil war. Hezbollah ("the Party of God") stands in the middle of this political battle, aiming to expand its power, ensure its long-term survival as a militant movement and serve Damascus' interests in selecting Lebanon's new president. Hezbollah intends to meet these objectives through force, and it already has plans to launch a government takeover should the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora act unilaterally and appoint a president.

The standoff in Beirut plays into the larger interests of Hezbollah's Syrian and Iranian patrons. Hezbollah was created by the Iranians and has been nurtured by the Syrians since the early 1980s. Though Tehran and Damascus have a deeply rooted strategic alliance, their interests often collide when it comes to deciding how Hezbollah is utilized as a militant proxy. So, while Iran wants Hezbollah to focus on the larger objective of bolstering itself as a model Islamist movement capable of defending Shiite interests in the wider region, Syria uses Hezbollah primarily to score tactical gains in its "Godfather"-like political feuds in Beirut. At the same time, Hezbollah is having its own difficulties selling the Lebanese public on the idea that it is an independent, nationalist resistance movement, rather than a simple pawn of the Iranians and Syrians. All of these factors put a great deal of stress on the Hezbollah leadership, which has come under intense pressure in recent months over how to handle the presidential crisis in Lebanon while balancing these competing interests.

At the end of the day, the Iranians have the most sway over Hezbollah's actions. As believers (to varying degrees) in the Vilayat al-Faqih concept, Hezbollah leaders largely see the group's relationship with Iran as religiously sanctioned, and one that must be honored at all costs. Iran keeps close tabs on the group's leaders and does not hesitate to make the necessary adjustments when it feels its interests are being challenged. It also does not hurt that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) markets 75 percent of the Bekaa Valley's heroin, on which both Hezbollah and Syria rely heavily for their finances.

The Hezbollah Leadership

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah is Hezbollah's secretary-general and has been Hezbollah's most pragmatic and charismatic leader -- though his stature has exceeded Iranian limits, and his accommodating attitude toward Syria and Lebanese politics does not sit well with a number of mullahs in Tehran. Therefore, given that many actors, including Israel, want Nasrallah dead, Iran has jumped on that excuse to order him into hiding. As a result, he no longer attends Hezbollah meetings and has limited his contact with the party leadership and cadres. Needless to say, Nasrallah's influence over the organization's decision-making process has waned considerably, raising concerns about just how moderated Hezbollah's future actions will be.

Imad Fayez Mugniyah, nicknamed "the Wolf," is Hezbollah's strongman. He has alternately been described as the head of Hezbollah's security apparatus, as the group's chief of intelligence and as its chief of special operations. Mugniyah also has been described by sources as having one foot in Hezbollah and the other in the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, indicating that his loyalty is to Tehran. He is credited with some of Hezbollah's deadliest attacks and kidnappings of the 1980s, including the April 1983 attack against the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the October 1983 attack against the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut and the June 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847. After spending years in the shadows, Mugniyah, according to our sources, has re-emerged in Beirut's southern suburbs, where he is busy organizing cells of Shiite operatives from the Arab Gulf states to carry out retaliatory attacks against U.S. interests and pro-U.S. Arab governments in the event of war against Iran. With Mugniyah back in the game, Hezbollah once again is capable of staging major attacks abroad, allowing Iran to raise substantially the cost of a U.S. attack against the country. Mugniyah coordinates with Hashim Abu Fares, Hezbollah's main official in Iran, who does the group's dirty work by training and recruiting operatives for Iraq and for reprisal attacks in the Gulf states.

Wafiq Safa is Hezbollah's head of security. Safa is one of the founding members of the group and is highly trusted by the IRGC and Nasrallah. Since Nasrallah no longer attends meetings, he depends primarily on Safa for updates. Safa, who is a terse and paranoid leader, takes care of the group's security arrangements, doing everything from arming Hezbollah allies in Beirut to forging automobile license plates to sheltering Syrian agents in the city's southern suburbs. Safa constantly coordinates with Mugniyah and controls most of Hezbollah's centers in the Bekaa Valley. He is known to have an extensive surveillance system throughout the Bekaa, with all incoming and outgoing security reports passing through him.

Hussein Khalil takes the lead in shaping Hezbollah's political position and activities, as well as communicating with local political forces in Lebanon. He also acts as the group's primary liaison with Syria. Khalil works in collaboration with Sheikh Naim Qasim, Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general. Qasim is widely seen as a hard-liner in the organization and is far more willing to carry out Iran's bidding than to accommodate the Syrians, whom he deeply distrusts. His views toward Damascus consistently put him at odds with Nasrallah.

The Iranian Grip

Each of these key figures in the Hezbollah chain of command is closely watched by Tehran. After all, Iran needs to convince its adversaries in the region and in the West that it exerts control over its militant proxies' decision-making processes. Iran's IRGC oversees practically every aspect of Hezbollah's activities, and Hezbollah officials regularly travel to Damascus to receive instructions from the Iranian Embassy there. In addition to keeping Hezbollah close, Iran also expends a great deal of effort keeping watch over Syria's military command. For example, it regularly sends Iranian military delegations to Syria and gives Syrian officers intense training in Tehran on operating and maintaining long-range missiles. In fact, sources in the region report that Iran has significantly increased its control over Syria's long-range military arsenal, including its missiles, at a military base in the Shinshar area, south of the city of Homs.

This is particularly alarming news for anyone who has gotten on Iran's bad side. Longtime Stratfor readers are aware that the summer 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah resulted from an Iranian decision to have Hezbollah launch an artillery rocket into Haifa and force Israel into a full-blown conflict for which it was ill-prepared. With IRGC officers literally in control of Hezbollah's military arsenal and holding sway over Syrian military commanders, Iran's adversaries -- particularly Israel -- cannot be sure what provocations might be unleashed. It is a game of risk the Iranians are not afraid to play, particularly as they seek to bolster their leverage in negotiations with the United States over Iraq.

Hezbollah's To-Do List

With Iranian help, Hezbollah has wasted no time in recovering from last year's conflict and is preparing for its next military confrontation with Israel. For example, to form a special force, Hezbollah has recruited hundreds of young Shiite operatives from across Lebanon and is training them at Hezbollah centers around Wadi al-Nabi in the Bekaa Valley. Each recruit is paid about $335 per month and is expected to report for combat missions when called upon. Hezbollah also has been buying up Beirut apartments left and right in order to secure its supply lines in the southern suburbs, in the event of a showdown between its members and rival Lebanese factions.

Hezbollah is spending the bulk of its effort on rebuilding its positions and communications systems in southern Lebanon, where more than 13,000 U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops currently are based. As we discussed after the conflict, the UNIFIL presence in the South will not be an effective buffer between Israel and Hezbollah strongholds there and in the Bekaa Valley. UNIFIL no longer does thorough searches for weapons depots, and violations it reports to the Lebanese army -- which includes a large number of Shia sympathetic to Hezbollah -- often are ignored. As a result, Hezbollah has succeeded in building two large armored defense lines north of the Litani River, which are critical to the group's strategy of pulling Israel into a protracted guerrilla war in the Bekaa in the event of another military confrontation. With UNIFIL troops just a few miles away, Hezbollah even had the chutzpah to stage large military exercises Nov. 5 north of the Litani. The maneuvers entailed Hezbollah fighters preparing missiles for launching and mobilizing village fighters on short notice. Hezbollah also was able to test the effectiveness of its communication systems between its paramilitary units and command centers along the river.

Though Hezbollah does not view UNIFIL as a critical threat to its operations, it still presents an obstacle that the group would rather see removed. Hezbollah, along with its patrons in Damascus and Tehran, remembers well that its attacks in 1983 drove U.S. and French forces out of the country. Hezbollah, however, is not jumping the gun to attack UNIFIL directly, as it is not yet ready to deal with the repercussions.

This is where Syria comes in.

The Syrians, via their military intelligence, have an artful way of transiting jihadists in and out of Syria -- operating a jihadist supply chain of sorts. Some of these jihadists turn up in Iraq, but lately a good number have turned up in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, particularly the Ain al-Hilweh camp outside Sidon. Many of those recruited at Ain al-Hilweh are coming from the now-defunct Fatah al-Islam movement. Their mission is to undergo training for a military campaign against UNIFIL troops. Two such attacks already have occurred -- a June car bombing that killed six members of UNIFIL's Spanish battalion and a July attack against a U.N. military police observation post involving the Tanzanian contingent. And this is only the beginning.

With Hezbollah preparations in full steam and Lebanon teetering on the brink of civil war, this theater is just waiting to explode. The controller of the time bomb, however, likely is sitting in Tehran.

www.stratfor.com
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 29, 2007, 12:09:02 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7118265.stm

Australian cabinet formed.  Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil named as environment minister.  Why do I suddenly feel I am living in a Private Eye article?  More on page 94
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on November 29, 2007, 02:00:17 PM
Interesting.  Though it makes sense, I seem to remember quite a few of Midnight Oil's songs revolving around issues of the environment and land use. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 29, 2007, 02:02:33 PM
Yeah, as well as racism and other similar things.  I'm sure Lysergic can correct me on this, but as I recall, Garrett is considered one of the more hardline environmental campaigners in the Australian Labor Party.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 29, 2007, 02:05:27 PM
But how can he sleep while his bed is burning?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 02, 2007, 01:00:32 AM
Oh OWNED!

When Republican Representative Tom Tancredo isn't railing against the "scourge" of illegal immigration on the presidential campaign trail, he relaxes in the 1053 square foot basement recreation room of his Littleton, Colorado McMansion. There, he and his family can rack up a game of billiards on their tournament size pool table, play pinball, or enjoy their favorite movies in the terraced seating area of a home theater system. Tancredo, who dodged the draft during the Vietnam War by producing evidence that he suffered from mentally illnesses, especially likes entertaining his buddies with classic war movies.

When Tancredo hired a construction crew to transform his drab basement into a high-tech pleasure den in October 2001, however, he did not express concern that only two of its members spoke English. Nor did he bother to check the workers' documentation to see if they were legal residents of the United States. Had Tancredo done so, he would have learned that most of the crew consisted of undocumented immigrants, or "criminal aliens" as he likes to call them. Instead, Tancredo paid the crew $60,000 for its labor and waited innocently for the completion of his elaborate entertainment complex.

http://www.alternet.org/rights/69391/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hunter s.durden on December 02, 2007, 05:26:25 AM
Want a story.....


I'm high...


And mad....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on December 02, 2007, 08:47:24 AM
Quote from: hunter s.durden on December 02, 2007, 05:26:25 AM
Want a story.....


I'm high...


And mad....


:news:

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/wompcabal/newspaper.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on December 03, 2007, 01:59:01 PM
Quote from: hunter s.durden on December 02, 2007, 05:26:25 AM
Want a story.....


I'm high...


And mad....


Trixter is reuniting:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=86017 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=86017)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 03, 2007, 03:19:53 PM
The OSCE is a corrupt tool of the western power elites, who are still butthurt over Putin denying them access to his oil

http://www.exile.ru/articles/detail.php?ARTICLE_ID=14536&IBLOCK_ID=35
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Darth Cupcake on December 04, 2007, 03:44:07 PM
SEX IN SPACE! SEX IN SPACE! YAY SCIENCE!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2000/feb/24/spaceexploration.internationalnews1
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on December 04, 2007, 03:50:34 PM
Twenty positions were tested by computer simulation to obtain the best 10, he says. "Two guinea pigs then tested them in real zero-gravity conditions. The results were videotaped but are considered so sensitive that even Nasa was only given a censored version."

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE OBTAIN THIS VIDEO
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Igor on December 05, 2007, 05:30:52 PM
'Cultural Guerrillas' secretly restore Paris landmark's clock.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/story/0,,2217067,00.html

They were working in there for nearly two years.  :eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 05, 2007, 05:51:38 PM
FACEBOOK IS WATCHING YOU:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/140225
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 06, 2007, 10:49:47 PM
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/jeff_jarvis/2007/12/the_holy_vote.html

Not really news, but you can catch the British reaction to Huckabee here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mother John Frumm on December 07, 2007, 07:42:55 PM
You could choose a human if you preferred, but it was a novelty for many of the men to have sex with an orangutan.

http://www.viceland.com/int/v14n10/htdocs/yo1.php?country=us
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 07, 2007, 08:19:07 PM
 :cry:

Also, from the same link, and much more fun  http://www.viceland.com/int/v14n10/htdocs/land_of_juggalos.php?country=uk
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mother John Frumm on December 07, 2007, 08:21:10 PM
Show us UR tits, indeed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 07, 2007, 08:56:49 PM
Show me UR cock.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mother John Frumm on December 08, 2007, 02:37:34 PM
If I had a cock, I would show it to you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 08, 2007, 08:41:56 PM
OH I SEE HOW YOU ARE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 10, 2007, 12:23:44 PM
Mangina.  Totally.

Anyway, the UK government seems to think keeping people in jail for 42 days without charing them for being smudg...uh, a poe-, uh, terrorist is just peachy.  Sign this petition http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/notadaylonger/ or write a sarcastic poem in protest, whichever you feel will get you more attention.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on December 10, 2007, 03:30:45 PM
Quite possibly the complete and utter troofpaste of Star Wars Fandom in one happy article: http://www.jivemagazine.com/column.php?pid=3381
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Darth Cupcake on December 10, 2007, 03:37:45 PM
Hahahahaha, so much troof in that article...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on December 10, 2007, 03:42:25 PM
Oh, I changed my board name too, as discussed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 10, 2007, 03:44:14 PM
Oh, you changed it, did you?

Pray tell how you did that, for the rest of the forum...

8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on December 13, 2007, 02:22:48 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071212/sc_afp/healthscienceskoreacloning

SKoreans clone cats that glow in the dark

South Korean scientists have cloned cats by manipulating a fluorescent protein gene, a procedure which could help develop treatments for human genetic diseases, officials said Wednesday. ADVERTISEMENT

In a side-effect, the cloned cats glow in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet beams.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2007, 05:38:59 PM
NUH UH

OK, between this and the iPhone I can say decidedly that we live in the science-fiction future.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 13, 2007, 05:47:26 PM
Oh, yeah?


THEN WHERE'S MY FUCKING JET-PACK, I ASK YOU!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on December 13, 2007, 05:54:22 PM
word, and where's my Rosie Robot cleaning up all my dishes and shit?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 13, 2007, 06:32:54 PM
If you wait a couple more years you'll be able to buy them at the Apple Store.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on December 13, 2007, 06:51:23 PM
Heh, 20 years from now we will be having debates in Congress about Mexican Robots taking all of the butlering and maid jobs from the American Robots. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on December 14, 2007, 04:36:37 PM
http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/viewtopic.php?t=116369
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on December 17, 2007, 05:09:49 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/071214/odds/odd_badsanta1_dc

Author of nasty letters from Santa sought


OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's post office and police are trying to track down a "rogue elf" who wrote obscene letters to children on behalf of Santa Claus

The Ottawa Citizen said at least 10 nasty letters had been delivered to little girls and boys in Ottawa who wrote to Santa this year care of the North Pole, which has a special H0H 0H0 Canadian postal code. Return letters from Santa are in fact written by an 11,000-strong army of Canada Post employees and volunteers.

"We firmly believe there is just one rogue elf out there," a Canada Post spokeswoman told the paper.

Canada Post's popular "Write to Santa" program -- which last year delivered more than a million letters to children in Canada and around the world -- has been shut down in Ottawa until the offender is caught.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 17, 2007, 05:11:36 PM
HIMEOBS had to recall Agent Big-Ears before the pigs got too close.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 18, 2007, 02:48:55 PM
Nick Clegg wins Lib Dem leadership race with a 0.6% majority of the vote.

Cain takes ~£150 in winnings and free food/drink, but backed the wrong man to win, and so might face some uncomfortable questions on Thursday...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 18, 2007, 08:25:33 PM
Update on man/bike sex arrest:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7098116.stm

"This is not the first legal case involving someone simulating sex with an inanimate object.

    * In 1997 Robert Watt, 38, was fined £100 for trying to have sex with a shoe in an Edinburgh street
    * In 2002 the same man was arrested for simulating sex with a traffic cone in front of a crowd of people"

:lulz:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on December 18, 2007, 09:31:16 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 18, 2007, 08:25:33 PM
Update on man/bike sex arrest:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7098116.stm

"This is not the first legal case involving someone simulating sex with an inanimate object.

    * In 1997 Robert Watt, 38, was fined £100 for trying to have sex with a shoe in an Edinburgh street
    * In 2002 the same man was arrested for simulating sex with a traffic cone in front of a crowd of people"

:lulz:



A shoe? A SHOE??!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 19, 2007, 01:56:18 PM
Not a story, just some notes from my dissertation:

Despite their differences in ideology, there seem to be several points of agreement among the groups that are worth bearing in mind when looking at them.  Firstly, these groups are not like traditional terrorist groups or criminal gangs of the past.  Their international dimension and inclusion within the larger international system mean their behaviour and responses to that system are rather different.  In the past, terrorist and insurgent groups aimed at the overthrow of their local political system, or secession from the country in question.  These can be seen as ideological and nationalist groups, ranging from the Viet Cong to the Red Army Faction.  Their aims had been state-centric, within the bounds of the current international system (insofar as Marxist groups who came to power accepted the state-based Westphalian system).

However, two of these three groups did not seek to overthrow the government and run the state as new leaders, installing a new political system which stayed within these bounds.  And the defeat of the UIC's conventional military at the hands of Ethiopia and the Transitional Federal Government has also ended hopes of such a system in Somalia.  Instead, these groups are a part of what Stephen Sloan and Michael Scheuer have described as a 'global insurgency' "where the object is not the use of terrorism as one aspect of guerilla warfare to seize power, but which emphasizes terrorism as a means of fundamentally transforming entire regions."

This transformation seems to involve breaking down the ability of the state to not only project military force effectively, but all essential functions of the state, such as basic security, ability gain employment, running water, electricity, functioning infrastructure and other basic elements of a modern society.  If one considers Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (where the most basic needs, such as physiological ones, are at the bottom, and the pyramid moves up to lesser needs, such as respect and a sense of belonging) then we can more fully appreciate the psychological dimension of this strategy.  Each layer on the pyramid is dependent on the lower layers being in place, otherwise the model becomes unstable and unable to sustain these higher needs.  Therefore, if insurgents are to blow up power stations and destroy roads, or carry out attacks on oil pipelines and engage in industrial sabotage, it forces people to be concerned about their security more than their other needs.  And if the government is seen as unable to protect the population, then people will look elsewhere for that.

This we can see as most readily working in Iraq, where it has been the lynch pin of Al-Qaeda's strategy there.  Each faction is more willing to trust its own militias than the Iraqi national government's security services.  It also explains why seeking a political panacea for the problems of the country (the establishment of democracy) has failed to provide stability, as was expected.  However, it is also true in Mexico, where the cartels and street gangs engage in coercion for protection money and buy off the local (or national) law enforcement.  It has also, unwittingly, been the case in Somalia, where the defeat of the UIC has lead to the re-establishment of clan hostilities.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 01, 2008, 02:30:23 PM
Kenya election blackout news

http://www.kenyanpundit.com/?cat=51

Highlights include:


- Confirmed reports that women are being targeted for rape in the slums based on their ethnicity.

- Ethnic cleansing going on in Rift Valley. Kikuyus been targeted all over the province. Guys are being hidden by friends - I have first hand reports of this. My friend's mother's house was burnt in Molo last night. Where are these people supposed to go? Meanwhile, ODM supporters in ODM strongholds being beaten, raped, and killed arbitrarily by GSU officers. How does the "government" expect to heal these divisions once they have achieved their objective? Why are the two sides willing to pay such a high cost? We are just now recovering from Molo clashes of 1992! I'm frustated about the lack of options.

- Press being denied access to mortuaries.

- Media Council has strongly denounced the ban on live broadcasts. I suspect that media houses were caught off-guard and are just now trying to find their footing. I've been told that KISS fm has been doing a good job with updates. Also hopefully print media will be back in full force tomorrow (if we can get to somewhere where we can buy papers that is).
NTV and KTN now broadcasting news updates every hour.

- Govt says Chief General Kianga still in office. There were rumors circulating that he had resigned and that the military is split as far as which way to go.

- Even in places in Nairobi that are safe, the situation is charged. I predict socialization will strictly be on ethnic lines since no side is willing to listen to the other and I'm talking about my peers folks. I hang out with people on both sides yesterday evening at different times and you cannot have a civil conversation if you're not on the same side. It is really very scary. Bad bad slurs being tossed around casually. I felt like I was on the set of some bad movie about ethnic cleansing. People like me who come from many places in Kenya and who are upset about the process but don't want violence have no voice. Kibaki you've "won" but is it worth it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Igor on January 02, 2008, 11:30:43 PM
http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22989956-15306,00.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/31/2129471.htm

QuoteAUSTRALIANS will be forced to contact their internet service provider to avoid having their access to the web restricted.
[...]
Under the plan, all internet service providers will be required to provide a "clean" feed to households and schools, free of pornography and other inappropriate material.

But it'll never get passed, right?

Right?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 03, 2008, 08:52:11 PM
Oh nooooo this should not be funny. But it is.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/03/2130790.htm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on January 07, 2008, 06:18:56 AM
Ron Paul is a Reptilian! (http://www.discoflux.com/node/90)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on January 08, 2008, 04:45:46 PM
Quote"The logic goes that we ought not to complain about ubiquitous ads from drug companies because they spend so much on research. If those Big Pharma researchers weren't relentlessly pursuing cures for today's maladies, we'd be screwed. That's why we should all just smile and live with the onslaught of ads on the latest breakthroughs in erectile dysfunction, anxiety, hair loss, or restless sleep disorder medication. But, a recent study reveals the shabby truth about the ratio of research to advertising done by Big Pharma (http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0050001&ct=1) and it's not like they're spending a little bit more on the ads. In fact, they are spending almost twice as much shilling their products as they are in developing them."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 12, 2008, 09:58:08 AM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/11/britney-naked-pillpoppi_n_81145.html

Britney just went up in my estimation.  Naked, off her face on drugs, swearing like a sailor and possibly a screw or two loose?

H.A.W.T.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 14, 2008, 01:25:57 PM
Quote from: Brit the Slam PigBefore police took her outside, they wanted to cover her with a sweater, and she screamed, "Don't cover me up. I'm f***ing hot."


NOT.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on January 14, 2008, 04:48:20 PM
Huckabee Splits Young Evangelicals and Old Guard

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/us/politics/13huckabee.html

"Mr. Huckabee, who was a Southern Baptist minister before serving as governor of Arkansas, is the only candidate in the presidential race who identifies himself as an evangelical. But instead of uniting conservative Christians, his candidacy is threatening to drive a wedge into the movement, potentially dividing its best-known national leaders from part of their base and upending assumptions that have held the right wing together for the last 30 years.

"His singular style — Christian traditionalism and the common-man populism of William Jennings Bryan, leavened by an affinity for bass guitar and late-night comedy shows — has energized many young and working-class evangelicals. Their support helped his shoestring campaign come from nowhere to win the Iowa Republican caucus and join the front-runners in Michigan, South Carolina and national polls."

----

William Jennings Bryan? :lol:

And the Vote-Splitter Award goes to...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 14, 2008, 05:55:43 PM
Have you seen Jesus Camp?

Evangelicals terrify me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 14, 2008, 06:26:17 PM
Pfft, this has been in the works for a while.  The religious right are stupid in many ways, but they're politically adept.  Why do you think they let the NeoCons have a good long run at ruining the country with their backing?  Could it be to discredit them and allow the Religious Right to removed the most ideologically coherent philosophy in the GOP right now?  Someone has to fill that vacuum.  It also makes the policies on Iran and Israel make sense, since NeoConservativism has no particular desire to destroy Israel or radicalize Iran - but current policies do.  And which group of people believe the destruction of Israel must be bought about in order to cause the apocalypse?  Exactly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 14, 2008, 07:53:33 PM
A lot of Evangelicals are Zionists, though. No shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 14, 2008, 07:57:54 PM
Yes, but they also believe Israel has to be destroyed, for Jebus to come back.  They're exactly the same people.  Because the Israelis have gone on a right-wing bender since Rabin was killed, they keep thinking "more force" is the solution to everything, which is ultimately going to make them impossible to diplomatically deal with their neighbours.  And the evangelicals don't feel like pointing this out to them, instead giving them more money and letting them cut their own throats.  Its a variation on "you and him fight" and hoping one day Israel picks a fight with the wrong country.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 14, 2008, 08:18:20 PM
Fucking insane retards, the lot of them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on January 14, 2008, 08:22:41 PM
Quote from: Nigel on January 14, 2008, 08:18:20 PM
Fucking insane retards, the lot of them.

fuck you Nigel, some of my best friends are humans!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 14, 2008, 08:23:22 PM
FUCK YOU, MY MOM WAS KILLED BY INSANE HUMAN RETARDS!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 14, 2008, 08:44:45 PM
 :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 21, 2008, 11:49:09 PM
Hackers are trying to extort electricity companies after causing power outages

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jSw3W7MyNAF7rq8RTxcvoz76WIiwD8U8GUP02
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: stromcrow on January 22, 2008, 12:12:35 AM
"The FBI has been accused of covering up a file detailing government dealings with a network stealing nuclear secrets"

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3216737.ece
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 30, 2008, 02:38:38 PM
Quote from: stromcrow on January 22, 2008, 12:12:35 AM
"The FBI has been accused of covering up a file detailing government dealings with a network stealing nuclear secrets"

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3216737.ece

This is a bloody incredible story and deserves way more coverage.

The whistleblower in question, Sible Edmonds, says she has more to reveal as well.

http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/75351/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 30, 2008, 04:31:29 PM
Austrailian Gov't to issue official apology to Aborigines

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22907094/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22907094/)

QuoteAustralia's government announced Wednesday it will issue its first formal apology to country's indigenous people next month for past policies that forcibly removed generations of Aboriginal children from their families.

The apology would be a milestone on an issue that has divided Australians for decades.

The Feb. 13 apology to the so-called "stolen generations" of Aborigines will be the first item of business for the new Parliament, Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said.

"The apology will be made on behalf of the Australian government and does not attribute guilt to the current generation of Australian people," Macklin said in a statement.

But, the apology doesn't include any sort of economic solutions to help drag them out of poverty. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 30, 2008, 04:43:16 PM
Talk is cheap.

Apology even more so.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 11, 2008, 02:21:10 PM
The End of the World is officially here.

Slayer won a Grammy last night.  Seriously.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23101297/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23101297/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on February 11, 2008, 09:42:51 PM
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/02/08/sad.shopping.ap/?iref=mpstoryview

BOSTON, Massachusetts (AP) -- If you're sad and shopping, watch your wallet: A new study shows people's spending judgment goes out the window when they're down, especially if they're a bit self-absorbed.

Study participants who watched a sadness-inducing video clip offered to pay nearly four times as much money to buy a water bottle than a group that watched an emotionally neutral clip.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 12, 2008, 06:06:18 AM
Quote from: triple zero on February 11, 2008, 09:42:51 PM
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/02/08/sad.shopping.ap/?iref=mpstoryview

BOSTON, Massachusetts (AP) -- If you're sad and shopping, watch your wallet: A new study shows people's spending judgment goes out the window when they're down, especially if they're a bit self-absorbed.

Study participants who watched a sadness-inducing video clip offered to pay nearly four times as much money to buy a water bottle than a group that watched an emotionally neutral clip.

SURPRISE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Darth Cupcake on February 12, 2008, 03:36:39 PM
Srsly. "I NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED!"

Also, the picture that goes with the article is extra special. It really highlights the "misery" part of "misery is not miserly." :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Diseris on February 13, 2008, 07:59:42 AM
Drugs will make you smart...

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/11/woman-says-she-mistakenly-deposited-meth-into/ (http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/11/woman-says-she-mistakenly-deposited-meth-into/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 13, 2008, 04:17:17 PM
Dude.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 14, 2008, 11:54:11 PM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/14/usa.georgebush?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews


George Bush's fellow Republicans walked out of Congress today, staging a dramatic display to support giving the president long-term authority to eavesdrop on Americans without a warrant.

The current law allowing the Bush administration to wiretap without a warrant expires Saturday, and congressional Democrats have sought a temporary extension to allow more time for negotiating between the Senate and the House of Representatives on a new plan.

But Bush has threatened to veto a short-term extension of the very law he helped write, and House Republicans backed him up today by storming out of the Capitol to protest Democratic inaction on the White House's new preferred eavesdropping proposal.

"We need this [new] bill to be brought to the floor of the House ... we will have made America safer and this fight will be over," John Boehner, the House Republican leader, told reporters.

The bitter falling out came hours after liberals and conservatives in the House banded together to defeat a three-week extension of the current wiretapping law, which allows the administration to monitor communications between US citizens and foreigners without court approval.

Democratic leaders have suggested since that they are inclined to let the law lapse.

"If there is no extension, it is solely in the hands of the president of the United States. He has tried to frighten the American people," the Senate's Democratic leader, Harry Reid, said. "But having said that ... we'll continue today to see if we can get this [law] extended."

Bush wants Congress to pass the Senate's bipartisan wiretap bill, providing a six-year window for unfettered surveillance of phone calls and e-mails that the administration believes are tied to terrorism. Democrats largely prefer the House's bill, which contains more civil liberties protections for Americans.

Most significantly, the House bill does not offer legal amnesty to the telecommunications companies that allowed the administration to spy on their customers without a warrant.

"The Senate bill will provide fair and just liability protection for companies that assisted in the efforts to protect America after the attacks of September the 11th," Bush said today.

"Without this protection, without this liability shield, we may not be able to secure the private sector's cooperation with our intelligence efforts."

But the expiration of the current law does not stop the Bush administration from wiretapping without a warrant, as Democrats often note. Spying on already identified targets can continue for up to one year, and new surveillance targets can be chosen after consultation with the secret foreign intelligence court that formerly supervised US wiretaps.

Ben Powell, general counsel for the director of national intelligence, said that scenario would not be sufficient for the administration. He told reporters that US spy agencies should not have to show probable cause before eavesdropping on phone calls made to overseas locations.

The House Republicans vowed to remain in Congress until the Senate wiretapping bill is passed, and Bush said he would postpone a planned trip to Africa if Democrats did not act. But the new majority in Congress appears ready to stand its ground and blame Bush's allies for opposing a temporary extension of current law.

"I think that the president is beginning to learn, even though it's slow ... What should happen is, the president should give the House and Senate time to act, as we've done for 230 years," Reid said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 15, 2008, 08:18:14 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23183663/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23183663/)

QuoteThe chief songwriter and founder of the band Boston has more than a feeling that he's being ripped off by Mike Huckabee.

In a letter to the Republican presidential hopeful, Tom Scholz complains that Huckabee is using his 1970s smash hit song "More Than a Feeling" without his permission. A former member of the band, Barry Goudreau, has appeared with Huckabee at campaign events, and they have played the song with Huckabee's band, Capitol Offense.

Scholz, who said Goudreau left the band more than 25 years ago after a three-year stint, objects to the implication that the band and one of its members has endorsed Huckabee's candidacy.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Diseris on February 17, 2008, 01:44:42 PM
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120301945499169247.html?mod=mostpop (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120301945499169247.html?mod=mostpop)

Spoofing big business?  Jump up for a shout out....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 17, 2008, 04:01:34 PM
"Joe Herrick"? Of "Gutterman Research"?  :lulz: Anyone want to take bets on this being Joey Skaggs?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on February 17, 2008, 04:02:22 PM
lol

Possible.. Skaggs usually has a punchline though. Or maybe they just don't get it yet.

good spot
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on February 17, 2008, 05:46:18 PM
http://www.gallup.com/poll/3742/New-Poll-Gauges-Americans-General-Knowledge-Levels.aspx


:facepalm:


18% of Americans Think Sun Revovles Around Earth

As far as you know, what specific historical event is celebrated on July 4th?
Signing of the Declaration of Independence/day it was signed 55%
Independence Day 32
Birth of United States 1
Other 6
No opinion 6
100%


As far as you know, from what country did America gain its independence following the Revolutionary War?
England/Great Britain/United Kingdom 76%
France 2
Other 3
No opinion 19
100%


As far as you know, does the earth revolve around the sun, or does the sun revolve around the earth?
Earth revolves around the sun 79%
Sun revolves around the earth 18
No opinion 3
100%
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on February 17, 2008, 05:49:38 PM
how can you have "no opinion" on general knowledge questions? :)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 17, 2008, 09:12:33 PM
Oh sweet baby jesus in heaven.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on February 17, 2008, 09:16:19 PM
Quote from: Nigel on February 17, 2008, 09:12:33 PMOh sweet baby jesus in heaven.

no opinion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 17, 2008, 09:48:00 PM
But baby jesus made the world in seven days! By intelligent design, with the help of MacGyger (because babies are not very good at building things).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 18, 2008, 04:38:33 AM
YUO MAKE BABY COPERNICUS CRY
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 18, 2008, 05:35:26 PM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 20, 2008, 02:46:26 PM
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/01/airforce_area51_newname_080122w/ (http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/01/airforce_area51_newname_080122w/)

Area 51 has been re-named "Homey Airport" 
Now we know what Alfonso Ribeiro has been up to since Fresh Prince. 
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on March 01, 2008, 03:21:28 AM
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/the-worlds-rubbish-dump-a-garbage-tip-that-stretches-from-hawaii-to-japan-778016.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on March 01, 2008, 05:48:23 AM
Oh wow, am I just now realizing this thread exists?

Alright then, have some news:
http://tastybooze.com/2008/02/greatest-police-car-escape-ever/
http://www.wired.com/politics/law/news/2008/02/blind_hacker
http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2008-02-27-mohawk-suspension_N.htm
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/photogalleries/Antarctica-pictures/index.html
http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2008/02/27/bacon-cups/
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/article853274.ece
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2008/02/26/qc-sadomacho-stbruno.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4411639a6479.html
http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/27-02-2008/104245-Bird-boy-0
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=518454&in_page_id=1766
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3428410.ece
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23239361/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on March 01, 2008, 01:52:01 PM
the funny thing is, if you were to post these links over the course of a week or two, i might have actually clicked most of them. now i'm not going to look at any.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adjective Noun on March 01, 2008, 08:41:50 PM
Quote from: Ten Ton Mantis on March 01, 2008, 05:48:23 AM
http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2008/02/27/bacon-cups/

Pure win. That is all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on March 02, 2008, 04:11:29 AM
Quote from: triple zero on March 01, 2008, 01:52:01 PM
the funny thing is, if you were to post these links over the course of a week or two, i might have actually clicked most of them. now i'm not going to look at any.

That's too bad, there's some pretty wacky shit in there. Your loss.

lol, wacky

Also: http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/02/29/africa/OUKWD-UK-PALESTINIANS-ISRAEL.php
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 02, 2008, 12:13:07 PM
IHT are being purposefully disingenous.  An Israeli minister in the aftermath of the Lebanon/Hezbollah spat in 2006 threatened mass devastation on Gaza as well, should Israel have to fight a two front war.  Its not just an off-hand comment, but a threat of policy.

I also love the bit about the kid.  Sounds like the reasoning of the US military when they dropped a bomb on Zaqarwi and killed a 5 year old girl at the same time.  Actually, it sounds kinda like the reasoning the IRA used to use, when their publicity went bad after a bombing.  "Well clearly its the people who got caught up in it's fault.  We certainly have no moral responsibility, we only dropped a bomb/failed to send coded warnings to the police/are legitimately resisting the British occupation.  Sucks to be the kid."

The thing is, any policy of mass retaliation is just going to put the Palestinians in the Hamas camp anyway.  AFAIK, Fatah lost the civil war badly, despite some neat toys from the USA making their way to their hands as part of an aid package, but managed to disillusion most of the population about how bad Hamas really is, even when compared to their levels of corruption and thuggery.  Sending the tanks rolling in and raiding the refugee camps etc is only going to put people mentally on the defensive, and cause them to side with Hamas, seeing as they have most of the Palestinian firepower in Gaza.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on March 05, 2008, 12:07:41 AM
:news:

QuoteThe real cause of climate changes, volcanoes activity, intensification of the seismic activity etc., is the planet Eris's getting closer to our solar system, intermediary named 2003-UB-313 and known in Antiquity under various names as: Nibiru, Marduk, Nemesis, Hercolubus, The Gods Planet, the Planet of the Empire, the Planet of the Cross, the Red Planet.


from http://beyondouterspace.blogspot.com/2007/07/planet-eris-and-global-warming.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2008, 12:54:13 AM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on March 05, 2008, 12:07:41 AM
:news:

QuoteThe real cause of climate changes, volcanoes activity, intensification of the seismic activity etc., is the planet Eris's getting closer to our solar system, intermediary named 2003-UB-313 and known in Antiquity under various names as: Nibiru, Marduk, Nemesis, Hercolubus, The Gods Planet, the Planet of the Empire, the Planet of the Cross, the Red Planet.


from http://beyondouterspace.blogspot.com/2007/07/planet-eris-and-global-warming.html

http://www.principiadiscordia.com/blog/cain/eris-is-going-to-pwn-the-solar-system/

8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 06, 2008, 05:56:09 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/080305/odds/odd_election_cemetery_dc

Cemetery full, mayor tells locals not to die

BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) - The mayor of a village in southwest France has threatened residents with severe punishment if they die, because there is no room left in the overcrowded cemetery to bury them.ADVERTISEMENT

In an ordinance posted in the council offices, Mayor Gerard Lalanne told the 260 residents of the village of Sarpourenx that "all persons not having a plot in the cemetery and wishing to be buried in Sarpourenx are forbidden from dying in the parish."

It added: "Offenders will be severely punished."

The mayor said he was forced to take drastic action after an administrative court in the nearby town of Pau ruled in January that the acquisition of adjoining private land to extend the cemetery would not be justified.

Lalanne, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday and is standing for election to a seventh term in this month's local elections, said he was sorry that there had not been a positive outcome to the dilemma.

"It may be a laughing matter for some, but not for me," he said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on March 06, 2008, 05:58:19 PM
I bet people are just dying to re-elect him.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on March 10, 2008, 03:59:31 PM
This is pretty fucked up right here:

Prescription drugs found in drinking water across U.S.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/03/10/pharma.water1.ap/?iref=hpmostpop

Quote(AP) -- A vast array of pharmaceuticals -- including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones -- have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.

To be sure, the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny, measured in quantities of parts per billion or trillion, far below the levels of a medical dose. Also, utilities insist their water is safe.

But the presence of so many prescription drugs -- and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen -- in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.

In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas -- from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit, Michigan, to Louisville, Kentucky.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 10, 2008, 04:13:41 PM
YAH NEW SINS

http://green.yahoo.com/news/nm/20080310/hl_nm/pope_sins_dc.html

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Thou shall not pollute the Earth. Thou shall beware genetic manipulation. Modern times bring with them modern sins. So the Vatican has told the faithful that they should be aware of "new" sins such as causing environmental blight.

The guidance came at the weekend when Archbishop Gianfranco Girotti, the Vatican's number two man in the sometimes murky area of sins and penance, spoke of modern evils.

Asked what he believed were today's "new sins," he told the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano that the greatest danger zone for the modern soul was the largely uncharted world of bioethics.

"(Within bioethics) there are areas where we absolutely must denounce some violations of the fundamental rights of human nature through experiments and genetic manipulation whose outcome is difficult to predict and control," he said.

The Vatican opposes stem cell research that involves destruction of embryos and has warned against the prospect of human cloning.

Girotti, in an interview headlined "New Forms of Social Sin," also listed "ecological" offences as modern evils.

In recent months, Pope Benedict has made several strong appeals for the protection of the environment, saying issues such as climate change had become gravely important for the entire human race.

Under Benedict and his predecessor John Paul, the Vatican has become progressively "green."

It has installed photovoltaic cells on buildings to produce electricity and hosted a scientific conference to discuss the ramifications of global warming and climate change, widely blamed on human use of fossil fuels.

Girotti, who is number two in the Vatican "Apostolic Penitentiary," which deals with matter of conscience, also listed drug trafficking and social and economic injustices as modern sins.

But Girotti also bemoaned that fewer and fewer Catholics go to confession at all.

He pointed to a study by Milan's Catholic University that showed that up to 60 percent of Catholic faithful in Italy stopped going to confession.

In the sacrament of Penance, Catholics confess their sins to a priest who absolves them in God's name.

But the same study by the Catholic University showed that 30 percent of Italian Catholics believed that there was no need for a priest to be God's intermediary and 20 percent felt uncomfortable talking about their sins to another person.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: guest7654 on March 11, 2008, 04:29:03 AM
edit* disregard, repost.

Drugs found in drinking water across U.S.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/03/10/pharma.water1.ap/index.html

At first I thought, "Hey, free drugs!"
Then I thought, "zomg! conspiracy!"
So I had to look...come to find out, we are drinking our bodily waste and it turns out it isn't purified near as much as we would like to think.

This reminds me, flouride in our drinking water??  OK, I know, but flouride in baby water from Wal-Mart???  By the time they have teeth, aren't they ready for tap water???  And what about the over-usage of question marks in this post?????
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 26, 2008, 01:45:49 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/080325/world/britain_internet_health

LONDON (AFP) - An online game that encourages prepubescent girls to contemplate breast enlargement surgery and extreme crash diets to achieve a 'perfect figure' has been criticised by worried parent groups and health experts.

The 'Miss Bimbo' game is aimed at girls aged 9 to 16 and has attracted 200,000 members since opening its British site in February. The website sparked controversy when it was introduced in France, where it attracted 1.2 million players.

The young girls are encouraged to monitor the weight, wardrobe, wealth and happiness of their virtual character to create "the coolest, richest and most famous bimbo in the world." The girls compete to earn "bimbo dollars" which can use to buy larger breasts, diet pills, nip-and-tuck surgery, sexy lingerie and nightclub outfits.

Healthcare professionals have warned that website encourages anorexia and bulimia by advising the girls to remain "waif thin".

"A lot of children will get caught up with the extremely damaging and appalling messages." Dee Dawson -- the medical director of the Rhodes Farm Clinic, which treats girls who suffer eating disorders -- told The Times.

The Parentkind group also condemned the site and warned that "Childrens innocence should be protected as far as possible "

A spokesman for the parents' group added: "It depends on the mindset of the child but the danger is that after playing the game , some will then aspire to have breast operations and take diet pills.

The Miss Bimbo site was created by French entrepreneur Nicholas Jacquart, who has moved to South London to promote the website in Britain.

www.missbimbo.com

:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on March 26, 2008, 02:01:19 PM
Quote from: rzasthole on March 11, 2008, 04:29:03 AM
edit* disregard, repost.

Drugs found in drinking water across U.S.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/03/10/pharma.water1.ap/index.html

At first I thought, "Hey, free drugs!"
Then I thought, "zomg! conspiracy!"
So I had to look...come to find out, we are drinking our bodily waste and it turns out it isn't purified near as much as we would like to think.

This reminds me, flouride in our drinking water??  OK, I know, but flouride in baby water from Wal-Mart???  By the time they have teeth, aren't they ready for tap water???  And what about the over-usage of question marks in this post?????

I'm really surprised that this article missed a huge source for this.  Excess/expired medications being flushed.  It is actually a recommendation by the federal government.  While they do explicity mention that only medications that indicate they are safe to be flushed, should be flushed, many will just assume if one medication can be flushed, so can others. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 26, 2008, 02:42:04 PM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on March 26, 2008, 01:45:49 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/080325/world/britain_internet_health

LONDON (AFP) - An online game that encourages prepubescent girls to contemplate breast enlargement surgery and extreme crash diets to achieve a 'perfect figure' has been criticised by worried parent groups and health experts.

The 'Miss Bimbo' game is aimed at girls aged 9 to 16 and has attracted 200,000 members since opening its British site in February. The website sparked controversy when it was introduced in France, where it attracted 1.2 million players.

The young girls are encouraged to monitor the weight, wardrobe, wealth and happiness of their virtual character to create "the coolest, richest and most famous bimbo in the world." The girls compete to earn "bimbo dollars" which can use to buy larger breasts, diet pills, nip-and-tuck surgery, sexy lingerie and nightclub outfits.

Healthcare professionals have warned that website encourages anorexia and bulimia by advising the girls to remain "waif thin".

"A lot of children will get caught up with the extremely damaging and appalling messages." Dee Dawson -- the medical director of the Rhodes Farm Clinic, which treats girls who suffer eating disorders -- told The Times.

The Parentkind group also condemned the site and warned that "Childrens innocence should be protected as far as possible "

A spokesman for the parents' group added: "It depends on the mindset of the child but the danger is that after playing the game , some will then aspire to have breast operations and take diet pills.

The Miss Bimbo site was created by French entrepreneur Nicholas Jacquart, who has moved to South London to promote the website in Britain.

www.missbimbo.com

:lol:

BUT TRASHY CELEBRITY MAGAZINES WHICH PROMOTE THE SAME THINGS ARE FINE, SO LONG AS THEY PAY THEIR TAXES ON TIME!

Goddamn I hate the hypocrisy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 26, 2008, 02:44:22 PM
You would think that the fact that "bimbo" is plastered all over the site would have provided a clue...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on March 26, 2008, 02:54:14 PM
Quote from: LMNO on March 26, 2008, 02:44:22 PM
You would think that the fact that "bimbo" is plastered all over the site would have provided a clue...

young girls seem to be using that word to describe themselves for some reason
from what im hearing from some of my students
:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 26, 2008, 08:01:52 PM
Quote from: rzasthole on March 11, 2008, 04:29:03 AM

This reminds me, flouride in our drinking water??  OK, I know, but flouride in baby water from Wal-Mart???  By the time they have teeth, aren't they ready for tap water??? 

Ingested fluoride actually has its greatest effect while teeth are developing, before they emerge, which is why kids are given it in grade school before they lose their baby teeth.

I ate fluoride tablets while I was pregnant and breastfeeding with my youngest, and she has amazing teeth. OTOH she is developmentally extremely odd and seems to have OCD far more severely than I do. Coincidence? Almost certainly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 26, 2008, 08:16:59 PM
I had flouride as a kid, and my dentist has basically declared my teeth indestructible.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 26, 2008, 08:20:12 PM
(http://www.borev.net/jaws.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Roo on March 26, 2008, 09:21:31 PM
I used to live out in the middle of nowhere, where we had well water, and therefore no flouride in the drinking water...so we had these little flouride pills instead...which tasted like candy, and came in pretty colors. I liked eating all the pink ones, and then all the orange ones and so on (like mini M&Ms).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Diseris on March 30, 2008, 01:58:19 PM
A little hope for everyone:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/science/29collider.html?em&ex=1207022400&en=fc4bb1d73347fe4e&ei=5087%0A (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/science/29collider.html?em&ex=1207022400&en=fc4bb1d73347fe4e&ei=5087%0A)

QuoteBut William Unruh, of the University of British Columbia, whose paper exploring the limits of Dr. Hawking's radiation process was referenced on Mr. Wagner's Web site, said they had missed his point. "Maybe physics really is so weird as to not have black holes evaporate," he said. "But it would really, really have to be weird."

and even

QuoteDr. Arkani-Hamed said concerning worries about the death of the Earth or universe, "Neither has any merit." He pointed out that because of the dice-throwing nature of quantum physics, there was some probability of almost anything happening. There is some minuscule probability, he said, "the Large Hadron Collider might make dragons that might eat us up."

To bad Gygax isn't going to be around to see that...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 09, 2008, 04:00:47 PM
More fallout from the Housing meltdown:

(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24023831/)

As families go through foreclosure on their homes, they are forced to give up their family pets.  The shelter in the story estimates 15% of the animals surrendered to them are a result of foreclosures. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Iason Ouabache on April 13, 2008, 04:16:21 AM
"People searching the Internet for information about suicide methods are more likely to find sites encouraging suicide than those offering help or support, according to a study released Friday."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080411/lf_afp/healthinternetsuicide_080411164139 (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080411/lf_afp/healthinternetsuicide_080411164139)

:emo:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 16, 2008, 02:42:18 AM
Fed up with politics, man eats vote

NAPLES (Reuters) - Ballot stuffing took on a new meaning in Italy's parliamentary election on Sunday when a man ate his ballot paper in protest at the country's politicians.

Police in Naples said they had charged the 41-year-old businessman with destroying election materials. He said all Italian politicians and politics "are crap" and that he was protesting "against the system."

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/080414/odds/odd_election_odd_dc
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on April 16, 2008, 07:44:20 AM
:mittens:  Go random Italian dude.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on April 24, 2008, 06:50:30 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24292481/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24292481/)

Mick Jones (ex-Clash for you young-uns) is writing a song inspired by the "Don't Tase Me Bro" incident. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 27, 2008, 10:59:33 PM
Security is No Match for Chocolate and Good Looking Women

A survey out today by the organizers of the tech-security conference Infosecurity Europe found that 21% of 576 London office workers stopped on the street were willing to share their computer passwords with a good looking woman holding a clipboard. People were offered a chocolate bar in exchange for the information. More than half of the people surveyed said they used the same password for everything.

http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/04/16/security-is-no-match-for-chocolate-and-good-looking-women/?mod=WSJBlog
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 15, 2008, 02:01:12 PM
Girl's twin is found inside her stomach

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24645826/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24645826/)

QuoteATHENS, Greece - A 9-year-old girl who went to hospital in central Greece suffering from stomach pains was found to be carrying her embryonic twin, doctors said Thursday.

Doctors at Larissa General Hospital examined the girl and surgically removed a growth they later discovered was an embryo about six centimeters (more than two inches) long.

"They could see on the right side that her belly was swollen, but they couldn't suspect that this tumor would hide an embryo," hospital director Iakovos Brouskelis said.

The girl has made a full recovery, he said.

Andreas Markou, head of the hospital's pediatric department, said the embryo was a formed fetus with a head, hair and eyes, but no brain or umbilical cord.

Markou said cases where one of a set of twins absorbs the other in the womb occurs in one of 500,000 live births.

The girl's family did not want to be identified, hospital officials said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2008, 02:02:29 PM
Yeah, I've heard of that before.  Pretty sucky, really.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hooplala on May 15, 2008, 02:03:38 PM
Parasitic twin phenomena, no?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 15, 2008, 02:07:05 PM
That's gotta creep the fuck out of that poor girl.  I mean what kind of mental therapy is she going to need to get her head around that. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hooplala on May 15, 2008, 02:14:24 PM
Well, she at least has the peace of mind of knowing she was the dominant twin.

Like Dwight K. Shrute says, when referring to his own absorbed twin: "I have the strength of a grown man and a little baby."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 15, 2008, 02:19:29 PM
Heh, and he is a wise man indeed.   :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2008, 02:36:57 PM
http://episkoposcain.blogspot.com/2008/05/leaderless-jihad.html

I didn't know this, but Marc Sageman apparently has a new book on Al-Qaeda out, called Leaderless Jihad.

For those of you who don't know who Sageman is, shame on you. He's a former CIA Case Officer and psychiatrist with experience in Pakistan and Afghanistan who has undertaken some very interesting studies on Al-Qaeda.

His previous book, Understanding Terror Networks, is a classic of terrorism literature and has been highly recommended by pretty much every terrorism lecturer and researcher up at the St Andrews. Its a wide-reaching investigation into the background, motivating beliefs and (most importantly) social networks that comprise the nebulous organization called Al-Qaeda. Notes based on this research of 400 Al-Qaeda members can be found here.

These social bonds are the most important factor in recruiting and getting someone into terrorism, which is why I think Sageman's book is so important. If we rely on arguments from religion, personal psychopathy, brainwashing or hatred of 'Western' values, many of which are unproven caricatures as Sageman shows, then we wont be able to carry out the necessary counterterrorism policies - which should be aimed at severing the existing terrorists from a pool of possible recruits, while taking in their current members and working towards a political solution of the underlying factors that led to the emergence of terrorists in the first place.

His new book seemed more focused on what is called the New Wave of Al-Qaeda terrorists. Essentially, these are lone wolf or self-forming cells, who instead of being intensely religious and well educated (the profile of a previous Al-Qaeda member) are younger, probably had more run-ins with the police or a criminal record, and are "bored and looking for thrills".

This seems to be a real possibility. I remember more than a few classes I took with John Horgan where he said the process of radicalization often took place after one made contact with the terrorist group in question. If these "thrillseekers" are looking for jihadist videos, tracts and forums for thrills, sooner or later they are going to be talking with people sympathetic to a jihadist worldview. This taints or affects their thinking into a downward spiral based on the violent and paranoid worldview which could ultimately result in terrorist related activities.

Of course, that's a highly simplified way of putting it, and no doubt the actual processes are much more discrete and subtle. But I think as a simplified and limited explanation, it can work. These people get caught up in a discourse of warriorship, fanatical Islam and martyrdom. "We have always been warriors, we have always fought and been victorious, and now we are weak and persecuted". Its the common theme of too many terrorist group's rhetoric to be just a coincidence.

According to a talk Sageman gave at the New America Foundation "It's more about hero worship than about religion," The vast majority of Sageman's sample had not attended radical madrassas, could speak Arabic and have not read the Koran. Nearly all joined the movement because they knew/are related to someone who's already in it. The age of these terrorists is decreasing too: In Sageman's 2003 sample, the average age was 26; among those arrested after 2006, it was down to about 20. Its more accurate to describe these people as supermepowered, transnational gang members than terrorists.

All of this has very interesting, and worrying implications for policy and society in general. Especially the latter, since media culture and rhetoric has not caught up with Sageman's studies or knowledge. They'd much rather listen to media heads or politicians than soldiers and academics who study terrorism closely, and to be honest, that's a real shame. Because if we don't understand how Al-Qaeda is morphing and evolving, we're going to be throwing around very dangerous charges and allegations at people who may have had little or nothing to do with such attacks, and be concentrating on totally useless avenues of investigation and prevention.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 15, 2008, 07:53:49 PM
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071228/flatulence_expert_071228/

Flatulence expert defines 'normal' output rate

TORONTO -- So you think your husband's a little too adept at playing the colonic calliope? Wish your sleep wasn't interrupted by a fusillade of flatulence?


Well, if you think you've taken up residence in Beantown but he insists his output is normal, you can both at least take heart from the fact that debates like yours are raging all over.


You both should know this as well: Whether it takes the form of stealth bombers or noisy bottom burps, flatulence is a normal byproduct of the human body. Everybody farts, multiple times throughout the day and night.


But the whens and the hows can turn a basic bodily function into an inconvenient, unpleasant or downright embarrassing occurrence. And that leads some people to question what is normal and whether there's any way to turn down the tap, as it were, on the frequency, noise or odour quotients.


The fact of the matter is that while humankind has learned how to split the atom, manipulate genes and travel to the moon, it doesn't know all that much about how to reduce the production of natural gas.


"I know a lot about gas,'' says Dr. Michael Levitt, the American gastroenterologist who has unravelled much of what is known about human flatulence.


"I really can't treat anybody.''


Levitt is a veritable gas guru, a leading expert on the underappreciated field of flatus -- intestinal gas that escapes via the southern route. He admits his unusual expertise has put his three kids (one of whom is economist and "Freakonomics" co-author Steven Levitt) through expensive universities.


Levitt has gone to extraordinary lengths to plumb the mysteries of flatulence. He's captured farts in specially made Mylar pantaloons, measured the cocktail of gases they contain, even conducted a study devised to get to the bottom of what may be the most contentious question in the field: Which gender emits the smelliest farts?


So what have he and others learned about the fine art of flatulating?


It's a pretty common occurrence. Studies in which volunteers tracked their gas passage suggest people fart 10 to 20 times a day, with some hitting the 30, 40, even 50 mark, says Levitt, who is with the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn.


An Australian study that followed a group of men and women for a couple of months concluded men let rip on average 10 times a day, while women lag with eight emissions.


But producing less gas may create another problem for women -- and the people around them. Levitt's research suggests women's flatulence is more ... aromatic.


The study was the first ever attempt to provide an objective evaluation of the odour of flatus, Levitt explains. Volunteer judges, blinded to the identity of the generating gender, were asked to rank the potency of the end product.


Volunteer producers -- primed by a diet of pinto beans -- farted into aluminum bags via a rectal tube. The contents of the bags were measured for volume and for sulphur concentration. (Sulphur gases give farts their foul odour.) Syringes full of gas were withdrawn from the bags and wafted by the nostrils of the unfortunate judges.


"Some journal reviewed the worst jobs ever performed in science and this became the number 1,'' Levitt says with a chuckle.


"Now I might say the judges were paid well. Some of them complained of being dizzy and having a headache at the end of session.''


The conclusion: "Women had more sulphur gas and were judged to have more potent odour.''


Sulphur gases make up a tiny fraction of the overall volume of farts, Levitt says. But if that punch is concentrated, well, watch out.


"Individual passage of gas by males is appreciably greater than the individual passage by females -- in volume,'' Levitt explains. "So females could have a higher concentration of sulphur gases but the total amount passed per passage would be about the same.''


But who complains most about a partner's farts? Again, the distaff contingent takes the prize.


"It's often the women who are bringing the husband and saying: 'He's got a problem with gas.' And he says: 'No I don't,''' says Dr. Bruno Salena, a gastroenterologist at McMaster University in Hamilton.


Levitt concurs: "When I go to various parties, etc., I've never had a male complain about the gas passage of his female partner. But I've had so many complaints from the opposite direction it's ridiculous.''


In the main, flatulence is made up of five gases -- nitrogen and oxygen, which are swallowed while talking, chewing or drinking fizzy beverages, and carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane, which are produced in the gastrointestinal tract during digestion of food.


Gas produced or trapped in the intestine only has three possible routes it can follow. Some will be absorbed into the body. Some will be burped out. And some will pass as flatulence.


People who lack bacteria that break down certain food components -- say lactose, the sugar in milk or some of the sugars in carbohydrates -- may produce more gas when they consume those foods.


That explains the potency of beans. They contain sugars humans can't break down. "So it's automatic that they're delivered to your large intestine, these sugars, where they churn out and make gas," Levitt says.


As for the noise, well, that's a product of restriction and pressure, says Salena, likening the process to whistling.


"Depends on the variables: the volume and pressure and the restriction," he explains.


"It's like making a sound with your lips, blowing air through your lips. And you can make that sound by some restriction and pressure. Similarly it (farting) is a combination of restriction and pressure. So it's a vibration of basically tissue, just like the lips."


As for cutting back on flatulence production, Salena suggests trying to reduce the amount of swallowed gas. Levitt is pessimistic about that option, insisting breaking that habit is hard to do. That's because people who swallow air are generally unaware they are doing it, he says.


Diets with extremely low carbohydrate intake produce little gas, but are hard to live on, Levitt notes. And many of the foods those regimes eschew should be part of a healthy diet, Salena says.


Maybe years of exposure to the subject have inured Levitt, but he says he doesn't give a hoot about the occasional toot.


"I don't worry one bit about gas. And I don't worry one thing about what I eat. I eat everything.''

Some weird factoids about flatulence through the ages:

-----------Blue angels: Only certain people have bacteria in the gastric systems that produce methane, Dr. Levitt says. And only methane-producers can perform the time-honoured frat house trick of igniting a blue flame when they hold a match to an escaping fart.

-----------Musical toots: In the 1800s Frenchman Joseph Pujol apparently became so adept at controlling his flatulence flow he could sound musical notes. Called "le Petomane'' _ the fartiste _ he was reputedly the highest paid performer in France at his prime.

-----------Colonic explosions: In the early days of colonoscopies, attempts to burn off polyps in the colon ignited explosive hydrogen gas in the colon of several unlucky people, sometimes with tragic results. The colon-cleansing preparations people now take the night before a colonoscopy have solved the problem. Says Levitt: "I've never heard of an explosion in someone who's had a decent prep. But until they used these prep solutions, there was a problem with explosions.''
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 15, 2008, 08:10:38 PM
zomg colon explosions  :eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on May 15, 2008, 11:28:45 PM
FARTS!  :D 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: e on May 16, 2008, 12:42:26 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7401892.stm

QuoteAt the Erez border crossing in Gaza, Israeli troops opened fire towards [Palestinian] demonstrators.

There was no immediate word of any casualties. There were also clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops near the Qalandiya refugee camp in the West Bank.

Quoten Jerusalem, Mr Bush received a standing ovation from MPs at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

Mr Bush said: "Israel's population may be just over seven million.

"But when you confront terror and evil, you are 307m strong, because the United States of America stands with you."

:argh!: :argh!:

QuoteIsraeli PM Ehud Olmert said there should be a different Middle East over the next 60 years that would include a democratic homeland for Palestinians.

He also said he thought the Israeli people and parliament would overwhelmingly back a peace agreement with the Palestinians

At least not everybody in the Israeli government is an asshole.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 16, 2008, 03:53:41 AM
I sometimes wonder if Bush realizes there are people in Iran and Syria saying the exact same thing.

Lets try it out.

QuotePalestine's population may be just over a million.

"But when you confront terror and evil, you are 200m strong, because the Revolutionary Guard and our allies stand with you.

Yes, it sound just as retarded, whichever way you phrase it. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 21, 2008, 07:21:05 PM
http://episkoposcain.blogspot.com/2008/05/scientology-is-cult.html

Kid got arrested in London for holding a sign calling the Co$ a cult.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 21, 2008, 07:21:34 PM
What were the charges?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 21, 2008, 07:23:38 PM
A spokeswoman for City of London Police said they had received complaints about the use of the words "cult" and "scientology kills" and warned protestors their signs breached the Public Order Act.

Chief Supt Rob Bastable said: "City of London Police upholds the right to demonstrate lawfully, but we have to balance that with the right of all sections of community not to be alarmed, harassed or distressed as a result of other people's behaviour."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 21, 2008, 07:24:39 PM
Also note: my blog is hosted in California, so I can call the Scifags deluded little cultists all I want.  And did so in my post.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 21, 2008, 07:26:06 PM
That sounds more like a slander issue than a rights issue. They make a big deal over here too about what we can/can't have on signs to avoid complications such as these.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 21, 2008, 07:26:41 PM
Quote from: Reverend Kaousuu, DLotS. on May 21, 2008, 07:26:06 PM
That sounds more like a slander issue than a rights issue. They make a big deal over here too about what we can/can't have on signs to avoid complications such as these.

I don't care if its slander, because its true.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 21, 2008, 07:54:08 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 21, 2008, 07:23:38 PM
A spokeswoman for City of London Police said they had received complaints about the use of the words "cult" and "scientology kills" and warned protestors their signs breached the Public Order Act.

Chief Supt Rob Bastable said: "City of London Police upholds the right to demonstrate lawfully, but we have to balance that with the right of all sections of community not to be alarmed, harassed or distressed as a result of other people's behaviour."

ugh

well I guess it IS the government's job to make sure everyone stays complacent and asleep


ugh nonetheless
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 22, 2008, 04:42:00 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 21, 2008, 07:26:41 PM
Quote from: Reverend Kaousuu, DLotS. on May 21, 2008, 07:26:06 PM
That sounds more like a slander issue than a rights issue. They make a big deal over here too about what we can/can't have on signs to avoid complications such as these.

I don't care if its slander, because its true.

it's not slander if it's true, right?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 22, 2008, 04:48:41 PM
Quote from: triple zero on May 22, 2008, 04:42:00 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 21, 2008, 07:26:41 PM
Quote from: Reverend Kaousuu, DLotS. on May 21, 2008, 07:26:06 PM
That sounds more like a slander issue than a rights issue. They make a big deal over here too about what we can/can't have on signs to avoid complications such as these.

I don't care if its slander, because its true.

it's not slander if it's true, right?

Unless the court decides its true.

For more see: every court case involving Jeffry Archer
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 23, 2008, 01:24:14 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2000899/Man-admits-%27having-sex%27-with-1%2C000-cars.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: e on May 23, 2008, 01:24:49 AM
Quote from: Suu on May 23, 2008, 01:24:14 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2000899/Man-admits-%27having-sex%27-with-1%2C000-cars.html

Sadly, I think I've seen this before on a website.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: NWC on May 23, 2008, 02:41:30 AM
Quote from: Suu on May 23, 2008, 01:24:14 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2000899/Man-admits-%27having-sex%27-with-1%2C000-cars.html

does he just stick it in the exhaust pipe?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2008, 09:52:23 AM
Quote from: Suu on May 23, 2008, 01:24:14 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2000899/Man-admits-%27having-sex%27-with-1%2C000-cars.html

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ALLOW CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS!  MEN WITH MEN.  WOMEN WITH WOMEN!  MEN WITH CARS!  WOMEN WITH DOPLHINS!  DOGS WITH CATS!  PRIME MINISTERS WITH FOREIGN HEADS OF STATE!  WHERE WILL THIS MADNESS END? 

[/Torygraph editorial]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 23, 2008, 06:01:05 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 23, 2008, 09:52:23 AM
Quote from: Suu on May 23, 2008, 01:24:14 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2000899/Man-admits-%27having-sex%27-with-1%2C000-cars.html

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ALLOW CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS!  MEN WITH MEN.  WOMEN WITH WOMEN!  MEN WITH CARS!  WOMEN WITH DOPLHINS!  DOGS WITH CATS!  PRIME MINISTERS WITH FOREIGN HEADS OF STATE!  WHERE WILL THIS MADNESS END? 

[/Torygraph editorial]

:lulz:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 27, 2008, 04:26:34 PM
Man who was hanged 86 years ago, pardoned by Austrailian governor.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24835639/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24835639/)

QuoteSYDNEY, Australia - An Australian governor gave a posthumous pardon Tuesday to a man hanged 86 years ago for the rape and murder of a young girl, after new research discredited the evidence used for his conviction.

Colin Campbell Ross, who was hanged in 1922 at the age of 28, was pardoned Tuesday by Victoria state Gov. David de Kretser.

Descendants of Ross and the 12-year-old victim, Alma Tirtschke, petitioned for the pardon.

Prosecutors alleged that Ross, who ran a wine saloon in Melbourne, gave Tirschke alcohol before raping and strangling her on New Year's Eve 1921. The only physical evidence connecting him to the crime were hairs on a blanket; prosecutors said the hairs were Tirtschke's.

While witnesses gave alibis for Ross, he was convicted and hanged four months later, protesting his innocence.

The pardon petition built on research by Kevin Morgan, who wrote a book about the case called "Gun Alley (Murder, Lies and the Failure of Justice)." Morgan arranged for forensic tests on the original hair samples and showed that the ones on Ross' blanket did not match Tirtschke's. He also gave new character evidence about the prosecution's main witness.

Better late than never?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 27, 2008, 04:47:51 PM
Quote from: Rev. Whats His Name? on May 27, 2008, 04:26:34 PM
Man who was hanged 86 years ago, pardoned by Austrailian governor.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24835639/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24835639/)

QuoteSYDNEY, Australia - An Australian governor gave a posthumous pardon Tuesday to a man hanged 86 years ago for the rape and murder of a young girl, after new research discredited the evidence used for his conviction.

Colin Campbell Ross, who was hanged in 1922 at the age of 28, was pardoned Tuesday by Victoria state Gov. David de Kretser.

Descendants of Ross and the 12-year-old victim, Alma Tirtschke, petitioned for the pardon.

Better late than never?

Wait, his 12 year old victim also petitioned for the pardon?  Despite being dead?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 27, 2008, 04:49:10 PM
Heh, I didn't catch that awkward phrasing. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 27, 2008, 06:57:21 PM
Anyone got a plunger?  Some Ass-tronaut on the Space Station clogged the toilet:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24841375/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24841375/)

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on May 27, 2008, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: Rev. Whats His Name? on May 27, 2008, 04:49:10 PM
Heh, I didn't catch that awkward phrasing. 

even then, how could she have descendants?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on May 27, 2008, 09:29:28 PM
ZOMG!! ZOMBIE FETAL AUSSIES!!!!

:omg:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 28, 2008, 03:46:20 AM
Quote from: triple zero on May 27, 2008, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: Rev. Whats His Name? on May 27, 2008, 04:49:10 PM
Heh, I didn't catch that awkward phrasing. 

even then, how could she have descendants?

That was the question on my mind, as well.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 30, 2008, 04:51:10 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080530/world/vatican_women_priests_1

QuoteVATICAN CITY - The Vatican has again coming down firmly against the notion of women priests.

A decree clearly stating the church's opposition to women priests has been published in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano under a headline that calls the ordination of women a "crime."

The decree, published Thursday, was signed by William Cardinal Levada, the American head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

It says that anyone involved in trying ordain a woman and any woman who attempts to receive ordination is automatically excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church.

A top Vatican official said in a statement Friday that the church decided to act after what it described as "so-called ordinations" in various parts of the world.

Msgr. Angelo Amato of the doctrinal office says the Vatican wants to provide bishops with a clear response on the issue.

The church has always banned the ordination of women, stating that the priesthood is reserved for males. The new decree is explicit in its reference to women.

In March, the archbishop of St. Louis excommunicated three women - two Americans and a South African - for participating in a woman's ordination. They were part of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests movement, which began in 2002.

Pope Benedict led the doctrinal office before becoming pontiff in 2005. Like his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, he has consistently rebuffed calls to change traditional church teachings on divorce, abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage and the requirement that priests be male and celibate.

Rev. Thomas Reese, a U.S.-based Jesuit theologian, said he believed the decree was an attempt by the Vatican to emphasize the rule.

"This is another opportunity to send the signal that it's a no-no," he said.

In Friday's statement, Amato said the Vatican felt "in good company" with the Orthodox and ancient eastern churches that maintain an all-male clergy, saying that Protestant churches have been the ones to break tradition.

Amato said the church does not feel authorized to change the will of Christ, who chose only men as his Apostles.

Catholics who are excommunicated cannot receive the sacraments. Amato said the penalty can be lifted if those so punished are sincerely repentant.

moi opinion
well you join a chuch you might as well follow the rules and the tradition
but "a crime?"  :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 30, 2008, 04:57:05 PM
I want to be excommunicated for the lulz.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 30, 2008, 04:58:46 PM
you should be excommunicated cause your a woman and inferior


cause...
cause...
...aahhh...  :? ....

....

jesus didn't say otherwise ?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 30, 2008, 05:01:54 PM
That and I don't want my name in the big book of Confirmations in the Vatican anymore. The stupid Holy Vaseline gave me a forehead of zits when I was 13.  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on May 30, 2008, 05:07:25 PM
Quote from: Suu on May 30, 2008, 05:01:54 PM
That and I don't want my name in the big book of Confirmations in the Vatican anymore. The stupid Holy Vaseline gave me a forehead of zits when I was 13.  :argh!:

:lulz:

you are aware now that the vatican completely owns your ass
and can call upon you at any time
and there is NO WAY TO GET OUT OF IT
it also makes you eligitable for the next inquistion
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 30, 2008, 05:08:12 PM
NOBODY EXPECTS THE INQUISITION!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dido on May 30, 2008, 05:32:08 PM
QuoteAmato said the church does not feel authorized to change the will of Christ,

This one will never cease to amuse me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on May 30, 2008, 05:37:00 PM
Quote from: Dido on May 30, 2008, 05:32:08 PM
QuoteAmato said the church does not feel authorized to change the will of Christ,

This one will never cease to amuse me.

Christ hated teh wimminz.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dido on May 30, 2008, 05:45:30 PM
And there has never been such a thing as a synod. Or a synod that was later revoked, or whatever the correct theological vocabulary is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dido on May 30, 2008, 05:48:59 PM
Incidentaly, it would appear that tireless scientists are working their asses off to make flying safer...
http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn14013-inflight-surveillance-could-foil-terrorists-in-the-sky.html?feedId=online-news_rss20
(http://ttp://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn14013-inflight-surveillance-could-foil-terrorists-in-the-sky.html?feedId=online-news_rss20)

I must learn to keep my face under control. Dito any urges that will me get close to the cockpit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on July 10, 2008, 02:59:40 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080709/koddities/oddity_robbed_buying_drugs

Man robbed buying crack calls cops who arrest him

By The Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. - An East Hartford man called police to report he had been robbed while trying to buy crack cocaine.

Max Minnefield called police Monday to tell them he had paid a man and a woman $8 for drugs he never received. Police charged him with criminal attempt to commit possession of narcotics.

During his arraignment Tuesday, Judge Bradford Ward asked Minnefield, "Did you really think the police were going to go after the people?" He added that his question was rhetorical.

Prosecutors later dropped the charges.

Laura Weslund, Minnefield's public defender, said no drugs were ever found.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on July 10, 2008, 03:28:24 AM
Oh wow, I'm gonna go ahead and sticky this. Didn't even know it existed. If anyone has objections, PM me and I'll take it down unless there's a big outcry against taking it down as a stickied post.

Also:
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL0919437820080709?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 10, 2008, 09:06:57 PM
Ex-diplomat: Sex with teens OK in foreign cultures

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/ex-diplomat-sex-with-teens-ok-in-foreign/n20080710153009990029?ecid=RSS0001 (http://news.aol.com/story/_a/ex-diplomat-sex-with-teens-ok-in-foreign/n20080710153009990029?ecid=RSS0001)

QuoteALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - An ex-diplomat convicted of having sex with teenage girls in the Congo and Brazil and taping the encounters is asking a judge for leniency, claiming that cultural differences in those countries make sex with girls more acceptable.

Gons G. Nachman, 42, pleaded guilty in April to possessing child pornography after admitting that he had sex with 14- to 17-year-old girls while serving as a consular officer in Brazil and Congo and documenting the encounters in pictures and videos.

And yes, I am curious about a certain poster's response to this story.  So what say you? 

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on July 10, 2008, 09:27:58 PM
Quote from: Reverend Whats His Name on July 10, 2008, 09:06:57 PM
Ex-diplomat: Sex with teens OK in foreign cultures

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/ex-diplomat-sex-with-teens-ok-in-foreign/n20080710153009990029?ecid=RSS0001 (http://news.aol.com/story/_a/ex-diplomat-sex-with-teens-ok-in-foreign/n20080710153009990029?ecid=RSS0001)

QuoteALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - An ex-diplomat convicted of having sex with teenage girls in the Congo and Brazil and taping the encounters is asking a judge for leniency, claiming that cultural differences in those countries make sex with girls more acceptable.

Gons G. Nachman, 42, pleaded guilty in April to possessing child pornography after admitting that he had sex with 14- to 17-year-old girls while serving as a consular officer in Brazil and Congo and documenting the encounters in pictures and videos.

And yes, I am curious about a certain poster's response to this story.  So what say you? 



:vom:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 10, 2008, 09:33:07 PM
Dude, by that guy's logic (this is OK in their culture of origin, therefore it's OK for me while I'm there) it's also OK to have sex with 8-year-old boys in Thailand.

Slippery slope, ya know?

My thought is that if he wants to do things that are acceptable in the Congo but not in his own culture of origin, he should go right ahead and emigrate. Once he's a citizen of the Congo, he can fully enjoy the benefits of that culture.

Also, I don't think your certain someone is going to comment on this or ANYTHING that might serve to clarify his opinions on underage sex.

I have to say, I do not understand WTF is WRONG with people who cannot hook up with people of reasonably comparable age. I've known guys who were virgins at 28, saying shit like "Since I have so little experience I should date girls who are 16 and therefore experientially similar to me". No, fucker, it doesn't work that way. You are a damaged, pathetic loser with YEARS of experience being a pathetic, damaged loser, and you should STAY AWAY from inexperienced young girls.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 11, 2008, 01:14:56 PM
Yeah, I'm sure he won't.  Can't blame a guy for trying though.   :wink:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Golden Applesauce on July 12, 2008, 01:48:49 AM
This reminds me of a big controversy that we had in Cincinnati a while back.  Some high school students went to Germany for a field trip or foreign exchange program or something and got drunk.  The school had a policy against underage drinking that was enforced for all school-sanctioned events, and wanted to expel the students.  Some people said that the policy shouldn't apply because the students could legally drink in Germany.

Since, y'know, underage sex and underage drinking are such similar things.



As regards the case itself:
The conviction was for possessing child pornography, not having underage sex.  So to be sentenced as having sex with minors without being convicted of having sex with minors seems dubious from a civil rights standpoint.  And in defence of humanity, the judge hasn't dropped charges or anything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 12, 2008, 01:55:52 AM
It's a vastly different situation, actually; the teenagers were not consular officers, for one thing, and they themselves were the underage parties, for another. The responsible party would be the server, in this case, or possibly their chaperone, and it's not illegal for the server to have served them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on July 12, 2008, 06:11:00 AM
Woman Kills Husband with Fold-Up Couch (http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL0919437820080709?rpc=64)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on July 13, 2008, 12:20:56 AM
ATTN: WOMEN

Ditch the condoms! Semen is an antidepressant!

http://www.spring.org.uk/2007/08/does-semen-have-antidepressant.php

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on July 13, 2008, 04:48:10 AM
Quote from: Cainad on July 13, 2008, 12:20:56 AM
ATTN: WOMEN

Ditch the condoms! Semen is an antidepressant!

http://www.spring.org.uk/2007/08/does-semen-have-antidepressant.php

:lulz:

I got laid because of that article.

True story.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on July 14, 2008, 03:58:28 AM
       http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2008/06/2008630173538122871.html


QuoteNews Americas
US 'escalates covert Iran missions'

US congressional leaders have agreed to a presidential request for up to $400 million in funding for covert operations against Iran, according to a report in the New Yorker magazine.

Previous cross-border operations have included the capture of Iranian security officers and the backing of anti-Tehran armed groups, said the report by Seymour Hersh, the investigative reporter.

The operations have been taking place since last year, the article said.

Bush's request, made through a Presidential Finding document, was approved by US congressional leaders, including Democrats, late last year, the report said.

Cross-border US operations against Iran include seizing members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and taking them across the border to Iraq for interrogation, the report said.

But the scale and the scope of the operations in Iran, which include the CIA, have now been significantly expanded, the New Yorker said, citing current and former officials.

Armed Sunni groups

The operations also include providing support to armed Sunni Muslim groups opposed to the Iranian government, which is Shia.

Among groups inside Iran benefiting from US support is the Jundallah, also known as the Iranian People's Resistance Movement, according to Robert Baer, a former CIA officer cited by the article.

Vali Nasr, an Iran analyst, told Hersh that the group was a vicious organisation suspected of links to al-Qaeda.

The article said US support for the dissident groups could prompt a violent crackdown by Iran, which could give the Bush administration a reason to intervene.

US denial

Ryan Crocker, the US amabassador to Iraq, told the CNN news channel that he had not read the article, but denied the allegations of cross-border operations.

"I'll tell you flatly that US forces are not operating across the Iraqi border into Iran, in the south or anywhere else," he said in an interview from Baghdad on Sunday.

Hersh has written previously about possible administration plans to go to war to stop Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

An April 2006 article in the New Yorker that suggested "regime change" in Iran, whether by diplomatic or military means, was Bush's ultimate goal.

Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful energy purposes only.

Election battle

Hersh told Al Jazeera that he believed the US was planning for a possible strike against Iran, something that was being pushed by Bush and Dick Cheney.

"The president and the vice-president truly believe that the Iranians have [nuclear]bombs or will have them soon, no matter what their own intelligence says."

In December, a joint report by US intelligence agencies found that Iran was less determined to develop nuclear weapons than was previously thought.

Hersh said he also believed a strike was more likely if Barack Obama, the US Democratic presidential candidate, became favourite to win November's presidential poll.

Howeever Hersh said he thought that Bush and Cheney believed their policies would be safe in the hands of John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on July 14, 2008, 03:12:19 PM
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=85129564-65f3-425e-9403-1cf2000338d0&k=64324

Pope to apologize for abuse scandal

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE -- Pope Benedict told a news conference yesterday he will apologize for a sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church in Australia, saying pedophilia was "incompatible" with being a priest. The Pope is to attend World Youth Day in Sydne
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 16, 2008, 09:34:28 PM
Barenaked Lady arrested for Cocaine possession:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25706230/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25706230/)

QuotePage, 38, of Toronto, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison, Manlius police Capt. Bill Bleyle said Wednesday.

The arrest comes as the band, known for its clean image and cross-generational appeal, recently released a new album for children titled, "Snacktime," a collection of two dozen original children's songs.

Yeah "Snacktime" indeed. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Voodoo on July 16, 2008, 10:35:26 PM
Weed possession would be funnier for "Snacktime"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 17, 2008, 02:08:11 PM
'Our kinky games with Max Mosley': Girls tell of sex session with Grand Prix boss - but deny Nazi orgy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1033319/Our-kinky-games-Max-Mosley-Girls-tell-sex-session-Grand-Prix-boss--deny-Nazi-orgy.html)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on July 17, 2008, 02:17:11 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on July 17, 2008, 02:08:11 PM
'Our kinky games with Max Mosley': Girls tell of sex session with Grand Prix boss - but deny Nazi orgy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1033319/Our-kinky-games-Max-Mosley-Girls-tell-sex-session-Grand-Prix-boss--deny-Nazi-orgy.html)



Why the fuck was Woman-D questioned before woman-b and woman-c???

was there no order in this court?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 17, 2008, 02:20:50 PM
Probably because woman D had bigger tits.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 17, 2008, 02:21:34 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 17, 2008, 02:17:11 PM
Quote from: Professor Cramulus on July 17, 2008, 02:08:11 PM
'Our kinky games with Max Mosley': Girls tell of sex session with Grand Prix boss - but deny Nazi orgy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1033319/Our-kinky-games-Max-Mosley-Girls-tell-sex-session-Grand-Prix-boss--deny-Nazi-orgy.html)



Why the fuck was Woman-D questioned before woman-b and woman-c???

was there no order in this court?

ICWUTUDID
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 17, 2008, 06:27:34 PM
Cannibal chat! http://www.harpers.org/archive/2008/01/0081861
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on July 17, 2008, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: Nigel on July 10, 2008, 09:33:07 PM
Dude, by that guy's logic (this is OK in their culture of origin, therefore it's OK for me while I'm there) it's also OK to have sex with 8-year-old boys in Thailand.

Slippery slope, ya know?

My thought is that if he wants to do things that are acceptable in the Congo but not in his own culture of origin, he should go right ahead and emigrate. Once he's a citizen of the Congo, he can fully enjoy the benefits of that culture.


So you're saying that the morality of individuals should be based on their passport?

It seems to me, that an individual is free to do whatever they want. If society has passed some law against it, then he might have to deal with the consequences of the act. If society has placed a taboo on the act (such as this one), then he might have to deal with being seen as a pariah and maybe lose his job.

If I go to Amsterdam and smoke a joint, American courts should not be able to try me for breaking the law. The law is not tied to where I'm from, but rather, where I am. As much as this guy may be an asshole, weirdo, freak... I don't think he should be tried here for something he did elsewhere. HOWEVER, in this case, he videotaped the acts and brought the videos back here. THAT is illegal and I think he should be fully prosecuted for it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 17, 2008, 08:59:05 PM
Quote from: Ratatosk on July 17, 2008, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: Nigel on July 10, 2008, 09:33:07 PM
Dude, by that guy's logic (this is OK in their culture of origin, therefore it's OK for me while I'm there) it's also OK to have sex with 8-year-old boys in Thailand.

Slippery slope, ya know?

My thought is that if he wants to do things that are acceptable in the Congo but not in his own culture of origin, he should go right ahead and emigrate. Once he's a citizen of the Congo, he can fully enjoy the benefits of that culture.


So you're saying that the morality of individuals should be based on their passport?

It seems to me, that an individual is free to do whatever they want. If society has passed some law against it, then he might have to deal with the consequences of the act. If society has placed a taboo on the act (such as this one), then he might have to deal with being seen as a pariah and maybe lose his job.

If I go to Amsterdam and smoke a joint, American courts should not be able to try me for breaking the law. The law is not tied to where I'm from, but rather, where I am. As much as this guy may be an asshole, weirdo, freak... I don't think he should be tried here for something he did elsewhere. HOWEVER, in this case, he videotaped the acts and brought the videos back here. THAT is illegal and I think he should be fully prosecuted for it.

As an ambassador, the laws apply differently to him because his embassy is, legally, part of he country he represents, and he is bound by the laws of his country.

And yes, if the crime is severe enough, the law DOES provide that he be tried on his home soil for crimes committed abroad. And while people's morality is not dependent upon the country that issued their passport, it does provide a cultural context by which that morality can be judged. If he wants the cultural context of the Congo, he should adopt it. Fully. Not enjoy the benefits of British citizenship while claiming a loophole provided by Congo culture.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on July 17, 2008, 10:17:22 PM
Quote from: Nigel on July 17, 2008, 08:59:05 PM
Quote from: Ratatosk on July 17, 2008, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: Nigel on July 10, 2008, 09:33:07 PM
Dude, by that guy's logic (this is OK in their culture of origin, therefore it's OK for me while I'm there) it's also OK to have sex with 8-year-old boys in Thailand.

Slippery slope, ya know?

My thought is that if he wants to do things that are acceptable in the Congo but not in his own culture of origin, he should go right ahead and emigrate. Once he's a citizen of the Congo, he can fully enjoy the benefits of that culture.


So you're saying that the morality of individuals should be based on their passport?

It seems to me, that an individual is free to do whatever they want. If society has passed some law against it, then he might have to deal with the consequences of the act. If society has placed a taboo on the act (such as this one), then he might have to deal with being seen as a pariah and maybe lose his job.

If I go to Amsterdam and smoke a joint, American courts should not be able to try me for breaking the law. The law is not tied to where I'm from, but rather, where I am. As much as this guy may be an asshole, weirdo, freak... I don't think he should be tried here for something he did elsewhere. HOWEVER, in this case, he videotaped the acts and brought the videos back here. THAT is illegal and I think he should be fully prosecuted for it.

As an ambassador, the laws apply differently to him because his embassy is, legally, part of he country he represents, and he is bound by the laws of his country.

Well, I think that only applies ON the property of the embassy, not in the brothel next door. Now, I certainly agree that an ambassador should be setting an example and this incident should make him ineligible to serve as a representative of his government. But, that has far more to do with "representing" other people, than the legal or illegal nature of the act. If I ran through the corporate office wearing nothing but a jock strap, I would probably lose my job, but not be prosecuted.

Quote
And yes, if the crime is severe enough, the law DOES provide that he be tried on his home soil for crimes committed abroad.

As far as I've been able to find, that would apply to torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes that infringe on the national interests of the State (like counterfeiting).

Quote
And while people's morality is not dependent upon the country that issued their passport, it does provide a cultural context by which that morality can be judged. If he wants the cultural context of the Congo, he should adopt it. Fully. Not enjoy the benefits of British citizenship while claiming a loophole provided by Congo culture.

I disagree. I think that such a view is a huge overreach on the part of the State. I have enough problems with society telling me what is and isn't morally permissible within the borders of the nation. I reject the concept that they maintain that right once I've left their borders.

I reject the argument that these girls were somehow 'more mature' that 14 year olds in the US. That's bullshit, the guy wanted to jump some teenage lolitas and he did. Sadly their government doesn't do shit to protect them. However, it is NOT the right, duty or privilege of this government to involve itself, except, that they should totally fire the jackass and make sure that every future employer knows his tastes.

Now, since he brought child porn into the US... they should throw the book at him, but that's a perv of a different color.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 18, 2008, 12:53:27 AM
Actually, it may very well BE illegal in the Congo (no idea what legal age is there, but not many countries have a legal age under 16) but how would he be prosecuted there? Extradition?

According to your logic, sex tourists who rape little kids in Thailand should be immune from prosecution if they make it home without getting prosecuted.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 18, 2008, 01:39:37 PM
I wonder... is it a crime to book a flight in the US with the express intent of comitting otherwise legal acts?


Probably not.  My extent of the law about this is limited to Law and Order: SVU, but I do recall some dialogue about:

STABLER:  "Those scumbags can just get away with it?"

MCCOY: "Yes.  But they won't escape the law forever."

(15 minutes later, they're all prosecuted for mail fraud, or something.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 18, 2008, 02:10:24 PM
I think you're getting your Law and Order's mixed up. 

And also, I don't care about the legality.  I just want someone to stuff him in one of the refrigerators we have lying around here.  In fact, I'd volunteer to do the stuffing. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Contessa_Ugolino on July 18, 2008, 02:24:51 PM
This post 100% pedo free! Despite involving the Catholic Church!

Italian monk releases second heavy metal album: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7513571.stm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 18, 2008, 02:37:45 PM
See, and this is why I can't dog Christians across the board.  Because for every Robertson/Dobbs nutjob, you've got someone like Brother Cesare here, who seems to actually be tuned into reality.  Also, I'm going to look for more of his music. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 18, 2008, 07:03:51 PM
Quote from: Contessa_Ugolino on July 18, 2008, 02:24:51 PM
This post 100% pedo free! Despite involving the Catholic Church!

Italian monk releases second heavy metal album: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7513571.stm

He's so adorable! I love him!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Voodoo on July 18, 2008, 09:23:58 PM
When I first saw this headline, in my mind I could hear George Bush saying, "the free market works!"

"Moscow's sex slave trade reportedly thriving" http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/18/russia.prostitution/index.html


edit for grammer spelling
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 22, 2008, 01:10:11 AM
In better late then never news:

Radovan Karadzic has finally been apprehended.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25787633 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25787633)

I really hope someone airs the fucker's trial. 

ETA:  He's the Hitler wannabee/fanboi who orchestrated the ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims and Croats in Srebenica and other locales in Bosnia.  In case you were wondering. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 22, 2008, 01:21:36 AM
Only 12 years overdue.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 22, 2008, 08:00:56 AM
Against the death penalty?

You = subversive anarchist.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/92212/

Finally, at long last, I have something in common with Muhammad Ali.

No, I'm not the heavyweight champion of the world, and haven't been named spokesperson for Raid bug spray. Like "the Greatest" - not to mention far too many others -- I have been a target of state police surveillance for activities -- in my case against the death penalty -- that were legal, non-violent, and, so we assumed, constitutionally protected. In classified reports compiled by the Maryland State Police and the Department of Homeland Security, I am "Dave Z." This nickname was given by an undercover agent known to us as "Lucy." She sat in our meetings of the Campaign to End the Death Penalty, smiling and engaged, taking copious notes about actions deemed threatening by the Governor of Maryland, Robert Ehrlich. Our seditious crimes, as Lucy reported, involved such acts as planning to set up a table at the local farmer's market and writing up a petition. Adding a dash of farce to this outrage, she was monitoring us in the liberal enclave of Takoma Park, Maryland, a place known more for vegans than violence, more for tie-dying than terrorism.

Thanks to the Freedom of Information Act and the ACLU, we now know that "Lucy" was only one part of a vast, insidious project. The Maryland State Police's Department of Homeland Security devoted near 300 hours and thousands of taxpayer dollars from 2005 and 2006 to harassing people whose only crime was dissenting on the question of the war in Iraq and Maryland's use of death row.

My dear friend Mike Stark, a board member of the Campaign to End the Death Penalty is at times referred to in "Lucy's" report as a "socialist" and an "anarchist." One can only assume this is the pathetic time honored tradition of reducing people to simple caricatures, all the better to garner Homeland Security grant money.

Veteran peace activist in Baltimore, Max Obuszewski, who initiated the suit, was as well consistently shadowed as he walked down the streets. His "primary crime" (their lingo) was entered into the homeland security database as "terrorism - anti govern(ment)." His "secondary crime" was listed as "terrorism -- anti-war protesters." The database is known as the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or HIDTA. Yes, a respected peace organizer of many decades standing is checked as a terrorist, his actions listed as criminal, for doing nothing more than exercising his rights. It boggles the mind.

Former police superintendent Tim Hutchins defended these totalitarian practices by saying, "You do what you think is best to protect the general populace of the state." (The article mentioned that Hutchins is now a federal defense contractor. I guess The Global War on Terror is just the gift that keeps on giving for the Hutchins family.)

But "protect the general populace" from what? The surveillance continued even after it was determined that we were planning nothing more dangerous that carrying clipboards in a public place. Hutchins and the Ehrlich administration have undertaken an ugly violation of our civil rights, manipulating fears of terrorism to stamp out dissent.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 22, 2008, 02:08:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on July 22, 2008, 01:21:36 AM
Only 12 years overdue.

Only Ratko remains.  Supposedly hiding out somewhere in Belgrade, Serbia.  Apparently the new pro-Western regime in Serbia greased the wheels to find and apprehend Karadzic.  I imagine they'd love to get this shit behind them so it isn't a constant stain on their reputation. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 22, 2008, 02:21:40 PM
Also, apparently he evaded capture for 13 years by disguising himself as Santa Claus. 

(http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo/_new/080722-karadzic-hlrg-4a.hlarge.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 23, 2008, 06:01:00 AM
Adorable goddamn baby bats:

(http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11_03/049bats_468x322.jpg)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-495789/Adorable-baby-bats--honestly--snuggled-wool-animal-shelter.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Voodoo on July 23, 2008, 06:47:42 PM
they look just like my dogs!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 23, 2008, 07:03:30 PM
What the hell kind of dogs do you have?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Voodoo on July 23, 2008, 07:10:35 PM
scruffy mutts with big ears. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 23, 2008, 09:07:52 PM
I want bat-dogs!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Voodoo on July 23, 2008, 09:11:12 PM
I will find a pic to post tonight.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 23, 2008, 09:14:58 PM
Quote from: Nigel on July 23, 2008, 09:07:52 PM
I want bat-dogs!

If I had a bat-dog I would name it Louisville Slugger. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BADGE OF HONOR on July 23, 2008, 09:19:06 PM
GROAN.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 05, 2008, 03:03:03 PM
Something Strange is afoot. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26014848/) 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 05, 2008, 08:54:24 PM
Wow, ANOTHER one?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 05, 2008, 08:55:07 PM
I was waiting for that to drop.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raphaella on August 05, 2008, 09:09:11 PM
QuoteA sixth foot found in June in British Columbia was determined to be an animal paw that had been shoved inside a shoe as a hoax.
Clearly this needed a troll. I mean, really.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on August 09, 2008, 12:52:06 AM
Waterboarding: THE AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE:
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSKUA75551820080807
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on November 29, 2008, 11:00:54 PM
A little bird told me that this is the work of Discordians:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g0Qse_bPFqZms857O_uj-_wHZk7gD94LGGP83
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: fomenter on November 29, 2008, 11:07:22 PM
 :lulz:
needs a candelabra
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 29, 2008, 11:16:04 PM
What the hell, that is awesome!  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Iason Ouabache on December 01, 2008, 05:59:57 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on November 29, 2008, 11:00:54 PM
A little bird told me that this is the work of Discordians:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g0Qse_bPFqZms857O_uj-_wHZk7gD94LGGP83
Obviously someone mixed up "conservation" and "conservatory".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on December 03, 2008, 12:05:05 AM
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_100_MPH_WRECK

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 03, 2008, 09:20:23 AM
Quote from: Ten Ton Mantis on December 03, 2008, 12:05:05 AM
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_100_MPH_WRECK



I just got a boring AP website out of that link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on December 05, 2008, 05:32:29 AM
HAVE ANOTHER!

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_CHEESEBURGER_ASSAULT?SITE=ORAST&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on December 05, 2008, 11:10:03 AM
Mayor McCheese would be most displeased. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 05, 2008, 03:41:32 PM
"authorities say the man again took the McDonald's sandwich and put it on her face."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 05, 2008, 03:56:57 PM
That sounds like some really quite perverted sex act more than an assault.

Though the two are not mutually exclusive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on December 05, 2008, 06:47:58 PM
The Juice gets 15 years:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28067187/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28067187/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: cptmarginal on December 07, 2008, 01:18:14 AM
AVOID THE NOID (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,151193,00.html)

Quote

In commercials for Domino's Pizza, the chain's employees wage a never ending battle against the Noid, a gremlin who delays deliveries and carries a gun that can turn a pizza ice cold. Many viewers are amused by the Noid, Domino's says, but one of them took the advertising campaign personally. Last week Kenneth Noid, 22, walked into a Domino's Pizza shop in Chamblee, Ga., with a .357 Magnum revolver and took two employees hostage. When police arrived, he demanded $100,000 in cash, a getaway car and a copy of The Widow's Son, a 1985 novel about secret societies in an 18th century Parisian prison.

All Noid got was the pizza he ordered. After a five-hour siege, the two employees slipped away and Noid gave himself up. According to police, Noid has "psychological problems" and believes that he has an "ongoing dispute with Tom Monaghan," the head of the Detroit-based Domino's chain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Shibboleet The Annihilator on December 08, 2008, 06:25:25 AM
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1208/575299.html

Click & enjoy!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 08, 2008, 04:37:15 PM
JESUS FUCK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 08, 2008, 04:53:18 PM
Hah. You think that's bad, look at this Greyfaced behavior:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 08, 2008, 06:47:24 PM
That is completely INSANE. FUCK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 08, 2008, 06:48:54 PM
"INSANE?  THIS. IS. AMURRIKA!"
   \
(http://llamabutchers.mu.nu/archives/king%20leonidas%20pretty%20pissed.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on December 08, 2008, 07:31:52 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 08, 2008, 04:53:18 PM
Hah. You think that's bad, look at this Greyfaced behavior:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html)

holy crap :sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on December 08, 2008, 08:05:30 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 08, 2008, 04:53:18 PM
Hah. You think that's bad, look at this Greyfaced behavior:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html)

ATTN TEXAS:

You are no longer allowed to associate yourselves with the rest of the United States of America. Please hand over all your non-Christians and minorities, and detach your state from the North American continent within the next three months.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 08, 2008, 11:52:29 PM
Quote from: Cainad on December 08, 2008, 08:05:30 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 08, 2008, 04:53:18 PM
Hah. You think that's bad, look at this Greyfaced behavior:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html)

ATTN TEXAS:

You are no longer allowed to associate yourselves with the rest of the United States of America. Please hand over all your non-Christians and minorities, and detach your state from the North American continent within the next three months.

The Popes of the Floating Republic of Mu do hereby empower this deceleration. Texas, you now have 30 days to comply or face dire consequences (or fines and red tape, whichever is more annoying).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 09, 2008, 01:16:58 AM
Quote from: Telarus on December 08, 2008, 04:53:18 PM
Hah. You think that's bad, look at this Greyfaced behavior:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6150136.html)

I'm surprised the cops didn't arrest them for having concealed weapons while they were at it.

I mean, if you're going to fuck with Sikhs, that is the next logical step after mistaking them for Muslims.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on December 09, 2008, 03:25:57 AM
Cain, you know Amurricans all too well.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 23, 2008, 06:20:47 PM
This is pretty cool: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/us/23muslim.html?_r=1

QuoteCLEVELAND — Five years ago, young Muslims across the United States began reading and passing along a blurry, photocopied novel called "The Taqwacores," about imaginary punk rock Muslims in Buffalo.

Noureen DeWulf and Bobby Naderi, both actors, with Jay Verkamp, center, the sound mixer for the film version of Mr. Knight's novel. The film was shot in Cleveland.

"This book helped me create my identity," said Naina Syed, 14, a high school freshman in Coventry, Conn.

A Muslim born in Pakistan, Naina said she spent hours on the phone listening to her older sister read the novel to her. "When I finally read the book for myself," she said, "it was an amazing experience."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 27, 2008, 12:50:26 PM
That is pretty cool.  Though seriously, heard of scanners?  You could probably buy two computers for the price of those phone calls to Pakistan.

Random news roundup

President Lula of Brazil has his 'Alexander Hamilton' moment: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/americas/19brazil.html?_r=1

Iran's President is more important than he, or his critics, like to think: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/27/iran-ahmadinejad

In contrast with previous examples in history, times of tension are now seeing drops in the value of the dollar: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a6ziiuAEeEes&refer=home

http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/topNews/~3/GKY2-qDEbJM/idUSTRE4BP16V20081226: This isn't about India, however.  Troops are being deployed from the Indian border to the Afghanistan one.  One thing can be said for the strange US insistence on going into Pakistan, its reducing the possibility of another Indo-Pakistan war.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5400786.ece: Santa goes postal
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 07, 2009, 08:14:04 PM
Joe the Journalist

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28542733/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28542733/)

Joe the Plumber is going to Israel for 10 days to cover the "Average Joes" of Israel and how the military action is impacting them, or something. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pariah on January 07, 2009, 08:45:56 PM
Quote from: Mr. What's-His-Name? on January 07, 2009, 08:14:04 PM
Joe the Journalist

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28542733/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28542733/)

Joe the Plumber is going to Israel for 10 days to cover the "Average Joes" of Israel and how the military action is impacting them, or something. 
:facepalm:
That's the stupidest thing I've heard all day
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 07, 2009, 08:51:19 PM
Maybe someone will throw a shoe at him. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: the last yatto on January 07, 2009, 10:29:33 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7812875.stm  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on January 13, 2009, 11:49:40 PM
Quote from: YattoDobbs on January 07, 2009, 10:29:33 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7812875.stm  :lulz:

:sadbanana:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 27, 2009, 03:18:53 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5225138/Viagra-rival-can-be-rubbed-directly-into-skin.html

As my friend said:
Quote
if i read this article correctly, it was someone's job to rub a salve on rat dicks

:fap:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 07, 2009, 05:23:59 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090603/odds/odd_us_comics

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's bureaucrats may have little to laugh about these days, given opposition charges of misspent tax money, but that has not stopped one ministry offering its officials a unique form of training -- as stand-up comics.

More than 100 transport ministry officials in their 20s got tips this week from professional comedians as part of training in communication skills.

"By experiencing comedy routines, we hope they can learn more about how to speak to clients and how to manage their staff as they begin to have more management responsibility," said Atsuya Kawada, deputy director of the ministry's personnel division.

The training coincides with attacks by the main opposition Democratic Party, eyeing victory in a looming election, on what the party calls wasteful public spending due to decades of policy collusion between bureaucrats and ruling party lawmakers.

Kawada said the approach was better than just listening to lectures for young officials, who are often tired from long working hours.

"We also hope this training will soften the stiff image of bureaucrats," he added.



I wish they did that here
:sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 09, 2009, 07:17:33 PM
Swedish Anti-Piracy Lawyer Gets New Name 'Pirate'

"Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet (in Swedish) reports that Henrik Pontén, a lawyer of Antipiratbyrån, a Swedish organization against file sharing, has received a notification from officials that an application for change of his name has been approved and a new first name 'Pirate' has been added to his name. Authorities do not check the identity of persons applying for name changes. Pirate Pontén now has to apply for another change in order to revert the change."

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/06/08/1641237/Swedish-Anti-Piracy-Lawyer-Gets-New-Name-Pirate?himeobs=was+here
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 09, 2009, 08:15:59 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 09, 2009, 07:17:33 PM
Swedish Anti-Piracy Lawyer Gets New Name 'Pirate'

"Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet (in Swedish) reports that Henrik Pontén, a lawyer of Antipiratbyrån, a Swedish organization against file sharing, has received a notification from officials that an application for change of his name has been approved and a new first name 'Pirate' has been added to his name. Authorities do not check the identity of persons applying for name changes. Pirate Pontén now has to apply for another change in order to revert the change."

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/06/08/1641237/Swedish-Anti-Piracy-Lawyer-Gets-New-Name-Pirate?himeobs=was+here

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fredfredly ⊂(◉‿◉)つ on June 10, 2009, 12:14:53 AM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 09, 2009, 07:17:33 PM
Swedish Anti-Piracy Lawyer Gets New Name 'Pirate'

"Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet (in Swedish) reports that Henrik Pontén, a lawyer of Antipiratbyrån, a Swedish organization against file sharing, has received a notification from officials that an application for change of his name has been approved and a new first name 'Pirate' has been added to his name. Authorities do not check the identity of persons applying for name changes. Pirate Pontén now has to apply for another change in order to revert the change."

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/06/08/1641237/Swedish-Anti-Piracy-Lawyer-Gets-New-Name-Pirate?himeobs=was+here
:mittens: :mittens: :mittens:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Iason Ouabache on June 10, 2009, 02:15:28 AM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 09, 2009, 07:17:33 PM
Swedish Anti-Piracy Lawyer Gets New Name 'Pirate'

"Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet (in Swedish) reports that Henrik Pontén, a lawyer of Antipiratbyrån, a Swedish organization against file sharing, has received a notification from officials that an application for change of his name has been approved and a new first name 'Pirate' has been added to his name. Authorities do not check the identity of persons applying for name changes. Pirate Pontén now has to apply for another change in order to revert the change."

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/06/08/1641237/Swedish-Anti-Piracy-Lawyer-Gets-New-Name-Pirate?himeobs=was+here
LOL, Bureaucracy!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 13, 2009, 12:22:58 AM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090611/odds/odd_us_snakes

Police in Sierra Leone have called in the army and fire brigade to try to take back control of a police station which has been overrun by hundreds of venomous snakes.

Snake charmers have tried in vain to lure the beasts, mostly cobras and vipers, out of Gerihun police station in the southern district of Bo. Attempts to smoke them out also failed.

Officers and residents wanting to report crimes have grown too afraid to come to the building.

"Even during work time when statements are being taken, these snakes can come out in dozens. Inhabitants have found it difficult to report cases to the police," station spokesman Brima Kota said.

Soldiers and fire fighters had been dispatched from the capital Freetown and would try to flood out the snakes, believed to number as many as 400, he said.

Wild animals have regularly had run-ins with villagers in remote, thickly forested parts of Sierra Leone, particularly in settlements where humans have only recently returned after fleeing the country's 10-year civil war.

Paramilitary police were drafted in to protect villagers in Bo from wild bush cows after a farmer was gored to death a few years ago, while rampaging elephants killed eight people and chased 600 from their homes in the east not long before that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on June 19, 2009, 09:29:15 PM
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090617/national/oddity_gorilla_with_knife_3


THE PRIMATES ARE LEANING TO USE WEAPONS NOW
:eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 22, 2009, 08:54:46 PM
An explosion of exploding donation at Goodwill:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32088144/ns/us_news-weird_news/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32088144/ns/us_news-weird_news/)

ARVADA, Colorado - A land mine found in a suburban Denver Goodwill donation box forced the evacuation of a strip mall.

The rectangular, olive-green box with the words "Front Toward Enemy" raised the suspicions of Goodwill workers Tuesday.

Arvada police say the Claymore land mine didn't go off in the donation box and no one was hurt. A bomb squad disposed of the device.

Police Sgt. Jeff Monzingo says it's unclear whether the device was operational or where it came from. No suspects have been identified.

Claymore mines were widely used during the Vietnam war.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on July 23, 2009, 05:34:15 AM
http://www.theledger.com/article/20090721/NEWS/907215041/1374?Title=Ads-Tout-Religion-in-Government

QuoteA Hillsborough public policy group whose Christian platform included a push for a state ban on gay marriage has embraced a new attack on an old target: the separation of church and state.

Ten billboard advertisements against what activist Terry Kemple called the separation "lie" are being put up throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Seven or eight of the billboard messages already are in place, and the rest will be by the end of this week, Kemple said.

For the next six months, they'll be seen a million times a day, said retired businessman Gregg Smith, who rented the ad space for $50,000.

The message, as explained on www.noseparation.org , is that "America's government was made only for people who are moral and religious."

"The Judeo-Christian foundation that the Founding Fathers established when America began is the reason that this country has prospered for 200-plus years," said Kemple, president and sole employee of the local Community Issues Council, which paid for the Web site.

"The fact is, for the last 40 years, as anti-God activists have incrementally removed the recognition of God's place in the establishment of our country, we have gone downhill," he said.

Smith, 73, who spends half of the year at his Tampa home, brought the idea to Kemple's attention as a "separate ministry" needing local support.

For now, the initiative is just educational, though both men left open the opportunity for future work.

"Has the thought occurred that this may be the beginning of something bigger? Of course," Kemple said. "There is no next step.

"We'll just see what God ordains," he said.

The billboards showcase quotes from early American leaders like John Adams, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin. Most of the quotes portray a national need for Christian governance.

Others carry the same message but with fictional attribution, as with one billboard citing George Washington for the quote, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.''

"I don't believe there's a document in Washington's handwriting that has those words in that specific form," Kemple said. "However, if you look at Washington's quotes, including his farewell address, about the place of religion in the political sphere, there's no question he could have said those exact words.''


:lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Iason Ouabache on July 23, 2009, 07:08:50 AM
Once again, if you have to lie to support your cause then it isn't really worth supporting in the first place.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on July 23, 2009, 08:13:39 AM
"I am enquiring here about your plan to get my nose parated. My physician directed me to you."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 24, 2009, 06:18:25 PM
http://wonkette.com/409987/fake-boobed-dingbat-homophobe-lands-book-deal

As Sarah Palin proved to a disgusted nation, you don't need to know how to write or even read to get a book deal in End Times America. All you need to be is a disgraced former beauty contestant who hates the same fruits and coloreds as Red State America, where illiteracy is no barrier to buying, say, a Glenn Beck book at the Wal-Mart. What do you call a dumb bigot with big hair, high heels and a few pounds of makeup? How about America's Next Top Author?

Carrie Prejean delighted Americans last year or whenever, because Perez Hilton made her say she simply does NOT care for the homosexuals doing the things white people do, such as have weddings. Then, of course, Miss Christianity was found to be a typical soft-porn Internet model, as most Christian teen-age girls turn out to be, if they're not too obese, which rules it out for about 96% of them. Then she got fired, by Donald Trump or California, we do not remember, and now she's got a book deal with esteemed wingnut publisher Regnery, which really needed a less used-up-looking Ann Coulter type to move units at CostCo.

Uh, let's see, Prejean's collection of ghost-written AM radio talking points will be called, sure, Still Standing. Because America's gay mafia hoped to cut off her legs and feed them to rats, but actually nobody wanted to do that at all, because who cares, right? So, there's the title. Pre-order now at World Net Daily or Human Events, we bet!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on November 04, 2009, 12:31:53 AM
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Housing/idUSTRE59Q03Q20091027

Foreclosed Couple Detain, Torture Loan-Modification Agents

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - As Los Angeles housing advocates launched a campaign warning of mortgage rescue scams, a couple hit by foreclosure are charged with torturing two loan-modification agents they suspected of fraud, authorities said....

"The two allegedly sought loan modification assistance from the victims but believed that nothing was being done and wanted their money back," a statement from the district attorney's office said.

[DA mouthpiece Shiara] Davila-Morales added that the couple, according to investigators, believed they had been swindled.








these people are heroes!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Remington on November 04, 2009, 01:14:40 AM
Congress Approves $500 Billion For Monument To Human Folly (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/congress_approves_500_billion_for)

In recognition of mankind's inherent propensity for tragically foolish decisions, Congress allocated nearly $500 billion Monday for the construction of a new national monument honoring human folly.

"From Hannibal's disastrous crossing of the Alps to Custer's humiliating defeat at Little Bighorn, human history has been plagued by senseless mistakes, and it is high time we built a memorial to honor that history," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said of the expensive and ill-advised monument. "My deepest hope is that future generations of Americans will one day look upon this pointless edifice and be filled with a sense of awe and wonder at mankind's utter lack of foresight."

"To think of all the ways our time and money could have been better spent," Pelosi continued. "I can imagine no more fitting tribute."

According to the bipartisan plan, the proposed monument will be built precariously over a Washington freeway overpass, and will require as many as 30 years of grueling labor to complete. As a representation of humanity's failure to learn from past mistakes, the project is being designed by the architecture firm of Ganz & Weiss, best known for their work on a series of dangerously constructed St. Louis public housing projects that were condemned in the late 1990s.

"Our goal is to create a structure that, like the human race itself, is doomed from the outset and plagued by innate flaws that can never be corrected," Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) said of the monument, which he claimed would eventually sink into the federally protected wetlands that surround it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 12, 2010, 04:18:09 PM
With apologies to the man's family, this headline is just too funny:

'Strongest Man,' 104, dies after he's hit by car

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34818457/ns/us_news-life/

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on January 12, 2010, 06:27:16 PM
Oh, that took me a little while to get. :lulz:


:wade:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 16, 2010, 07:59:28 PM
Average Time Spent Being Happy Drops To 13 Seconds Per Day

BERKELEY, CA—A study published in the latest issue of the Journal Of Social Sciences revealed that the amount of time spent being happy has dropped to an all-time low of 13 nonconsecutive seconds per day. "According to our data, the average American experiences a 0.8-second window of happiness upon awakening, before remembering that they're conscious beings in a relentlessly bleak and numbing world," said Dr. Derek Moore, lead author of the paper. "Other periods of happiness include 1.9 seconds after a good meal; 0.6 seconds upon receiving a paycheck; 1.1 seconds following completion of a scientific study; and the 2.5 seconds approaching orgasm, just before the guilt sets in." Researchers also recorded the smallest period of contentment yet, a 3.7-millisecond interval preceding the realization that one was experiencing happiness and that it could not possibly last.

source (http://www.theonion.com/articles/average-time-spent-being-happy-drops-to-13-seconds,17258/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on April 16, 2010, 09:00:02 PM
From my email:

Sheriff warns against prescription drug scam

Friday, April 16, 2010

Sheriff Bill Gore warned Friday about a scam in San Diego County regarding the collection of prescription drugs.
An official "Prescription Take Back Day" is planned for Saturday, according to the sheriff's department. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., those with unused prescription drugs can drop them off at six locations around the county.
"Scammers have targeted some residents telling them if they are unable to make it to one of these locations their drugs can be left on the front porch and someone will come by to pick them up. That is simply not true," Gore said.

The Board of Supervisors is working on a ordinance to place permanent prescription drop boxes at sheriff''s stations around San Diego County.

Gore said those unable to make it to a drop-off site Saturday, should hold onto their prescriptions until the permanent boxes are in place.

According to the county's Oxy Task Force — a multi-agency effort that includes the sheriff's department — parents frequently unknowingly supply dangerous drugs to their children by leaving unused prescriptions in their medicine chests. The task force was formed to combat OxyContin use among young people.

Other prescription drugs often used for recreation include Vicodin, Adderall, Soma, Xanax, Ambien, codeine, methadone and fentanyl. Saturday's drop-off sites will be at the county's administration center on Pacific Highway, Tri-City Medical Center, Poway sheriff's substation, Scripps Memorial Hospital, and the El Cajon and South Bay courthouses.

This story was written and edited by City News Service.
Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-04-16/local-county-news/sheriff-warns-against-prescription-drug-scam#ixzz0lIJjt4n0
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on April 16, 2010, 10:56:37 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on April 16, 2010, 07:59:28 PM
Average Time Spent Being Happy Drops To 13 Seconds Per Day

BERKELEY, CA—A study published in the latest issue of the Journal Of Social Sciences revealed that the amount of time spent being happy has dropped to an all-time low of 13 nonconsecutive seconds per day. "According to our data, the average American experiences a 0.8-second window of happiness upon awakening, before remembering that they're conscious beings in a relentlessly bleak and numbing world," said Dr. Derek Moore, lead author of the paper. "Other periods of happiness include 1.9 seconds after a good meal; 0.6 seconds upon receiving a paycheck; 1.1 seconds following completion of a scientific study; and the 2.5 seconds approaching orgasm, just before the guilt sets in." Researchers also recorded the smallest period of contentment yet, a 3.7-millisecond interval preceding the realization that one was experiencing happiness and that it could not possibly last.

source (http://www.theonion.com/articles/average-time-spent-being-happy-drops-to-13-seconds,17258/)

Reading that made me genuinely happy for at least a minute. "Before remembering that they're conscious beings in a relentlessly bleak and numbing world."  Damn, good stuff.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 20, 2010, 05:23:21 PM
:news:

Earthquakes are caused by promiscuous women
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-promiscuous-women-case-earthquakes/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 20, 2010, 05:56:00 PM
Goddamn, I want one of those "admit one" belts!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: East Coast Hustle on April 20, 2010, 06:09:13 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on April 20, 2010, 05:23:21 PM
:news:

Earthquakes are caused by promiscuous women
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-promiscuous-women-case-earthquakes/

so by that logic, there are higher concentrations of promiscuous women in areas that have more earthquakes.

also, by that logic, there should be earthquakes IN MY PANCE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Iason Ouabache on April 20, 2010, 06:23:08 PM
Quote from: Emerald City Hustle on April 20, 2010, 06:09:13 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on April 20, 2010, 05:23:21 PM
:news:

Earthquakes are caused by promiscuous women
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-promiscuous-women-case-earthquakes/

so by that logic, there are higher concentrations of promiscuous women in areas that have more earthquakes.

also, by that logic, there should be earthquakes IN MY PANCE.
There are some ladies out there willing to test this theory:

http://www.blaghag.com/2010/04/in-name-of-science-i-offer-my-boobs.html

QuoteOn Monday, April 26th, I will wear the most cleavage-showing shirt I own. Yes, the one usually reserved for a night on the town. I encourage other female skeptics to join me and embrace the supposed supernatural power of their breasts. Or short shorts, if that's your preferred form of immodesty. With the power of our scandalous bodies combined, we should surely produce an earthquake. If not, I'm sure Sedighi can come up with a rational explanation for why the ground didn't rumble. And if we really get through to him, maybe it'll be one involving plate tectonics.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: NWC on June 09, 2010, 03:27:07 PM
Lady gets hit by lightning right before her boyfriend was going to propose: http://www.digtriad.com/news/local_state/article.aspx?storyid=143375


NOT COOL. This guy should devote his life to helping that crazy scientist guy build his tower that takes drunken rage swings at thunderstorms.


Actually, everyone should devote their lives to building such towers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on June 10, 2010, 06:16:09 AM
Quote from: Exit City Hustle on April 20, 2010, 06:09:13 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on April 20, 2010, 05:23:21 PM
:news:

Earthquakes are caused by promiscuous women
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-promiscuous-women-case-earthquakes/

so by that logic, there are higher concentrations of promiscuous women in areas that have more earthquakes.

also, by that logic, there should be earthquakes IN MY PANCE.

California, yes

Alaska, no.  Well, I guess a higher proportion of the women are promiscuous, but the male to female ratio is like 15 to 1.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: NWC on June 15, 2010, 04:53:22 PM
Took me way too long to figure out that this was a real article:

http://www.dailytech.com/Goatse+Finds+Reveals+Another+Gaping+Hole+in+iPad+This+Time+in+Safari/article18723.htm

SFW, I think
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Hoser McRhizzy on June 20, 2010, 05:14:21 PM
Woman ruptures throat blowing into vuvuzela (http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/06/18/woman-ruptures-throat-blowing-into-vuvuzela/)

QuoteYvonne Mayer: I thought I was blowing it right, but perhaps I was trying too hard... [M]y experience has proven they can be dangerous if underestimated.

............
Maybe a repost: Man moons Hell's Angels, throws a puppy at them, and makes his getaway in a bulldozer! (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10333211.stm) 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Rumckle on June 21, 2010, 02:39:25 PM
Police Raid Bar After Woman Mistaken For Justin Beiber (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/police-raid-bar-after-us-woman-mistaken-for-justin-bieber/story-e6frf7jx-1225881045747)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Remington on June 23, 2010, 02:23:22 PM
Have your face recorded and logged by Unilever, and they will give you ice cream (http://consumerist.com/2010/06/big-brother-is-watching-you----and-he-has-ice-cream.html)

QuoteIf you happen to be going to Cannes this summer (and, really, if you aren't, you should be) mega-conglomerate Unilever is ready to tempt you with a treat straight out of Minority Report. The company has set up a vending machine that lets anyone who walks by score some free ice cream. The price? Just smile for the machine's facial recognition software, which will determine your age, gender and emotion. Only the most happy will get ice cream. The rest? We don't really know, but we seem to remember something having to do with stolen eyeballs that can be used to trick such systems.

The "Share Happy" machine can sense when it's being approached, and "captures and measures your smile 15 times a second, and when it's wide enough, rewards you with ice cream." Once you hit the jackpot, you can share your winning smile with friends via Facebook. As to who Unilever's sharing it with, and what they're doing with it, we can only imagine. But, hey, free ice cream seems like a fair price for helping educate the smart machines and help them build their dossier, right?

:weary:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 26, 2010, 07:58:10 AM
Quote from: Remington on June 23, 2010, 02:23:22 PM
Have your face recorded and logged by Unilever, and they will give you ice cream (http://consumerist.com/2010/06/big-brother-is-watching-you----and-he-has-ice-cream.html)

QuoteIf you happen to be going to Cannes this summer (and, really, if you aren't, you should be) mega-conglomerate Unilever is ready to tempt you with a treat straight out of Minority Report. The company has set up a vending machine that lets anyone who walks by score some free ice cream. The price? Just smile for the machine's facial recognition software, which will determine your age, gender and emotion. Only the most happy will get ice cream. The rest? We don't really know, but we seem to remember something having to do with stolen eyeballs that can be used to trick such systems.

The "Share Happy" machine can sense when it's being approached, and "captures and measures your smile 15 times a second, and when it's wide enough, rewards you with ice cream." Once you hit the jackpot, you can share your winning smile with friends via Facebook. As to who Unilever's sharing it with, and what they're doing with it, we can only imagine. But, hey, free ice cream seems like a fair price for helping educate the smart machines and help them build their dossier, right?

:weary:

HMMmmmmmmmm I have a bunch of mixed thoughts on this

Actually, you can do that without ever needing to log the photograph. Of course you couldn't share it via Facebook, then.

But this is a bit of a dumb report like that, they freak out because "ooohhhh MINORITY REPORT the machine is doing FACE RECOGNITION", but smile recognition is one of the more easier things. At least, I guess it must be, because my mom's digital camera has it. It holds off snapping the pic until the smile scores high enough. We tried it with a number of grins and frowns, it was surprisingly effective. Especially good results on the more subtle part of the scale, if someone isn't aware their picture is being taken and doesn't "pose" or is busy talking, it will take the pic at the exact moment the person is smiling, even if it's just for a flash of a second. It actually makes people appear more photogenic!

Well, I thought that is pretty awesome. Oh I might post some of those frown/grin faces to spagbook if y'r interested. (It's just me making faces)

Anyway, the real privacy implications is that it will upload those pics to Facebook. Except that, to be fair, depending on what the app exactly does, it might be no worse than the other stuff you're sharing via Facebook already. Since you already put pics up there [and they won't be as good since they won't be taken with smile detection].
So the real bad thing is that the Unilever app will get some info about you and your friends. But Unilever isn't really in the business of datamining social networks. So I assume the data goes to whatever social media advertising company they hired for this stunt. Except that, I think (correct me if I'm wrong) privacy law would forbid such a third party from storing that data without explicitly notifying the user.

So it's mostly Facebook itself that will be getting more privacy-sensitive data from this stunt. But they don't need to give away free icecream to entice people to give up their data :)

Maybe I'm partial, because I think it's a pretty good marketing stunt and what it's doing is significantly less bad than what Facebook is doing already, privacy-wise. It's really reall clever:

You get people to smile, while thinking of Unilever icecream. Smiling on purpose causes you to feel happy because of mirror neurons and basically you are now anchoring this feeling to Unilever icecream. FUCKING BRILLIANT, I say!
And there's one more. Taking the picture of the very happy smiling person, overlaying it with the Unilever icecream logo, and sharing with their friends --> Instant personalized brand recommendation! STRIKE TWO!

Seriously, just for coming up with that shit, I might let the privacy slide for a bit. I am AMAZE. And it helps I'm not on Facebook and won't be bothered by this poop.

Oh and I bolded the bit about eyeballs because it was funny.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 26, 2010, 06:55:00 PM
Trip,

I agree. Once the 3 parts of the memetic structure came together for me, I was all WTF thatscarybrilliant. Note that this memetic marketing can be done by some dude in a uniform for $10 an hour, but they just went and built a robot to do it. s-c-a-r-y-b-r-i-l-l-i-a-n-t


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 27, 2010, 07:33:47 PM
Lady Gaga Kidnaps Commissioner Gordon (http://www.theonion.com/articles/lady-gaga-kidnaps-commissioner-gordon,17789/)

GOTHAM CITY—Supervillain Lady Gaga brazenly abducted Commis≠sioner James Gordon from a charity fundraiser Tuesday, leaving police baffled and the citizens of Gotham fearing for their safety. Known for her outlandish costumes and geometric polygon hair, the criminal mad≠woman made a daring escape from Arkham Asylum last week and has been taunting authorities by interrupting television broadcasts ever since. "If you ever want to see Commissioner Gordon again, you'll do exactly as I say," Lady Gaga said from her secret lair, adjusting her angular yellow Tyvek and spandex dress as henchmen danced menacingly around the bound commissioner. While the kidnapping occurred at stately Wayne Manor, home of playboy jet-setter Bruce Wayne, the eccentric billionaire was not available for comment.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jasper on July 27, 2010, 10:01:27 PM
You know, I thought the Onion was supposed to do somewhat hard to believe stuff.  It's getting to where I can't be totally sure it's from them.

(If they didn't mention Arkham, Gordon, or B. Wayne, I'd almost have bought it.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Hoser McRhizzy on September 15, 2010, 10:38:39 PM
Upcoming show by perky pop band The New Pornographers (Mutiny, I Promise You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-g8J3pcmGY&feature=related), Sing Me Spanish Techno (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDUHJNVjpS0)) has been cancelled by Michigan's Calvin College (http://www.calvin.edu/admin/sao/resources/articles/new-pornographers.htm).  Because the name of the band is dirtywrong and prevents these christian scholars from engaging in a "serious critical engagement of popular culture."  :lol:


And in other news, in Canada, it is still illegal to pretend to practice witchcraft.  Not just a charge of fraud here, but a specific law on the books just for people who (for example) think sewing weeds in bags will get them out of debt faster.  http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/297576#tab=comments&sc=0&local=
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on September 16, 2010, 03:30:43 AM
How does the Church of Scientology fit into those laws?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 16, 2010, 02:45:09 PM
I, for one, am glad the canadian government has taken a stand against prayer candles and jacking off to squiggles.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on September 16, 2010, 09:39:56 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 16, 2010, 02:45:09 PM
I, for one, am glad the canadian government has taken a stand against prayer candles and jacking off to squiggles.

Hey, in this economic climate, some people lacking in artistic skills can't afford high quality porn!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adios on September 18, 2010, 07:35:19 PM
A cure for the recession!!!!

The American dollar is in bad need of a makeover. Thanks to the Dollar ReDe$ign Project, we may now have some options.

Organized by creative strategy consultant Richard Smith, the Dollar ReDe$ign Project is soliciting ideas for the dollar bill of the future. "Our great 'rival', the Euro, looks so spanky in comparison it seems the only clear way to revive this global recession is to rebrand and redesign," the project notes on its website.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/721294

People like this make me want to drive an asphalt over their organs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jasper on September 30, 2010, 11:30:12 PM
Can I be in favor of a dollar redesign without thinking it will fix anything?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on September 30, 2010, 11:32:17 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on September 30, 2010, 11:30:12 PM
Can I be in favor of a dollar redesign without thinking it will fix anything?

Only if you are a communist.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jasper on September 30, 2010, 11:34:32 PM
Oh, dang.  Out of luck I guess.

Still, prettier money would make me less likely to get rid of it.  As it is, I can't stand the sight of the stuff.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on September 30, 2010, 11:35:56 PM
Quote from: Sigmatic on September 30, 2010, 11:34:32 PM
Oh, dang.  Out of luck I guess.

Still, prettier money would make me less likely to get rid of it.  As it is, I can't stand the sight of the stuff.

I don't even carry cash all that much.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jasper on September 30, 2010, 11:46:34 PM
I would, if it featured Darwin.  Or at least Lady Gaga.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 01, 2010, 02:56:05 AM
Hee hee!

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42989.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Disco Pickle on October 01, 2010, 01:38:09 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/01/spain.breastfeeding.fathers/index.html?hpt=T2

jesus. fucking. christ.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jasper on October 02, 2010, 03:20:11 AM
Quote from: The Dancing Pickle on October 01, 2010, 01:38:09 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/01/spain.breastfeeding.fathers/index.html?hpt=T2

jesus. fucking. christ.



I'm okay with giving fathers "breastfeeding leave" from work, on the sole condition that they explain to all their coworkers that is why they're screwed for the next several shifts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 02, 2010, 03:44:51 AM
No, it's too obvious. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 02, 2010, 03:45:41 AM
Also, the USA should let me take hysterectomy sympathy leave. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Iason Ouabache on October 04, 2010, 07:00:35 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on October 01, 2010, 02:56:05 AM
Hee hee!

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42989.html
I always assumed that the money went the other direction in that relationship. That's what I get for being naive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Hoser McRhizzy on October 14, 2010, 04:12:36 AM
No words.  This is just too frigging useful...  :lol:

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/874330--obama-related-to-limbaugh-palin

QuoteRush Limbaugh calls President Barack Obama "imam," even though he knows the president isn't a Muslim. Sarah Palin has openly doubted the president's "cojones."

Turns out these two conservative firebrands have been dissin' their own cousin.

The online genealogy service Ancestry.com now reports that Obama and Palin are 10th cousins, and Obama and Limbaugh are 10th cousins once removed.

(apologies if this is a repost)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 14, 2010, 04:22:20 AM
Quote from: Agent Rhizome on October 14, 2010, 04:12:36 AM
No words.  This is just too frigging useful...  :lol:

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/874330--obama-related-to-limbaugh-palin

QuoteRush Limbaugh calls President Barack Obama "imam," even though he knows the president isn't a Muslim. Sarah Palin has openly doubted the president's "cojones."

Turns out these two conservative firebrands have been dissin' their own cousin.

The online genealogy service Ancestry.com now reports that Obama and Palin are 10th cousins, and Obama and Limbaugh are 10th cousins once removed.

(apologies if this is a repost)

That must be equally embarassing for all three of them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Hoser McRhizzy on October 14, 2010, 04:52:29 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on October 14, 2010, 04:22:20 AM
That must be equally embarassing for all three of them.

Probably.   :lol:

I'm just happy I finally have the proof I need: this obviously means that Sarah Palin is Muslim.

Of course, it gets less fun as you go.  I don't actually care about which people with too much money are related to which people with too much money.  Just thinking the story's useful for making certain heads explode.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 14, 2010, 04:53:51 AM
Quote from: Agent Rhizome on October 14, 2010, 04:52:29 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on October 14, 2010, 04:22:20 AM
That must be equally embarassing for all three of them.

Probably.   :lol:

I'm just happy I finally have the proof I need: this obviously means that Sarah Palin is Muslim.

Of course, it gets less fun as you go.  I don't actually care about which people with too much money are related to which people with too much money.  Just thinking the story's useful for making certain heads explode.

Maybe if you make the argument that she's black the Tea Partiers will go back to calling themselves Republicans.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Iason Ouabache on October 14, 2010, 08:30:08 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on October 14, 2010, 04:22:20 AM
Quote from: Agent Rhizome on October 14, 2010, 04:12:36 AM
No words.  This is just too frigging useful...  :lol:

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/874330--obama-related-to-limbaugh-palin

QuoteRush Limbaugh calls President Barack Obama "imam," even though he knows the president isn't a Muslim. Sarah Palin has openly doubted the president's "cojones."

Turns out these two conservative firebrands have been dissin' their own cousin.

The online genealogy service Ancestry.com now reports that Obama and Palin are 10th cousins, and Obama and Limbaugh are 10th cousins once removed.

(apologies if this is a repost)

That must be equally embarassing for all three of them.
Meh. Anything past third cousin is worthless. I'm willing to bet that if you picked any 2 Americans at random they will be 10th or better cousins. I'm too lazy to do the math though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 14, 2010, 02:41:26 PM
Quote from: Iason Ouabache on October 14, 2010, 08:30:08 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on October 14, 2010, 04:22:20 AM
Quote from: Agent Rhizome on October 14, 2010, 04:12:36 AM
No words.  This is just too frigging useful...  :lol:

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/874330--obama-related-to-limbaugh-palin

QuoteRush Limbaugh calls President Barack Obama "imam," even though he knows the president isn't a Muslim. Sarah Palin has openly doubted the president's "cojones."

Turns out these two conservative firebrands have been dissin' their own cousin.

The online genealogy service Ancestry.com now reports that Obama and Palin are 10th cousins, and Obama and Limbaugh are 10th cousins once removed.

(apologies if this is a repost)

That must be equally embarassing for all three of them.
Meh. Anything past third cousin is worthless. I'm willing to bet that if you picked any 2 Americans at random they will be 10th or better cousins. I'm too lazy to do the math though.

True. Some places also tend to become gene puddles.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on October 14, 2010, 04:13:58 PM
Quote from: Iason Ouabache on October 14, 2010, 08:30:08 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on October 14, 2010, 04:22:20 AM
Quote from: Agent Rhizome on October 14, 2010, 04:12:36 AM
No words.  This is just too frigging useful...  :lol:

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/874330--obama-related-to-limbaugh-palin

QuoteRush Limbaugh calls President Barack Obama "imam," even though he knows the president isn't a Muslim. Sarah Palin has openly doubted the president's "cojones."

Turns out these two conservative firebrands have been dissin' their own cousin.

The online genealogy service Ancestry.com now reports that Obama and Palin are 10th cousins, and Obama and Limbaugh are 10th cousins once removed.

(apologies if this is a repost)

That must be equally embarassing for all three of them.
Meh. Anything past third cousin is worthless. I'm willing to bet that if you picked any 2 Americans at random they will be 10th or better cousins. I'm too lazy to do the math though.

This is probably true.  Say, could you lend me, your long lost 10th Cousin, $50?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on October 14, 2010, 05:31:38 PM
Historians Admit To Inventing Ancient Greeks (http://www.theonion.com/articles/historians-admit-to-inventing-ancient-greeks,18209/?utm_source=recentnews)



WASHINGTON—A group of leading historians held a press conference Monday at the National Geographic Society to announce they had "entirely fabricated" ancient Greece, a culture long thought to be the intellectual basis of Western civilization.

The group acknowledged that the idea of a sophisticated, flourishing society existing in Greece more than two millennia ago was a complete fiction created by a team of some two dozen historians, anthropologists, and classicists who worked nonstop between 1971 and 1974 to forge "Greek" documents and artifacts.

"Honestly, we never meant for things to go this far," said Professor Gene Haddlebury, who has offered to resign his position as chair of Hellenic Studies at Georgetown University. "We were young and trying to advance our careers, so we just started making things up: Homer, Aristotle, Socrates, Hippocrates, the lever and fulcrum, rhetoric, ethics, all the different kinds of columns—everything."

Enlarge Image

Just one of the "ancient" artifacts dreamed up in a basement in Somerville, MA.

"Way more stuff than any one civilization could have come up with, obviously," he added.

According to Haddlebury, the idea of inventing a wholly fraudulent ancient culture came about when he and other scholars realized they had no idea what had actually happened in Europe during the 800-year period before the Christian era.

Frustrated by the gap in the record, and finding archaeologists to be "not much help at all," they took the problem to colleagues who were then scrambling to find a way to explain where things such as astronomy, cartography, and democracy had come from.

Within hours the greatest and most influential civilization of all time was born.

"One night someone made a joke about just taking all these ideas, lumping them together, and saying the Greeks had done it all 2,000 years ago," Haddlebury said. "One thing led to another, and before you know it, we're coming up with everything from the golden ratio to the Iliad."

"That was a bitch to write, by the way," he continued, referring to the epic poem believed to have laid the foundation for the Western literary tradition. "But it seemed to catch on."

          (http://o.onionstatic.com/images/articles/article/18209/Historians-Jump-3-R_jpg_250x1000_q85.jpg)
          caption: Just one of the "ancient" artifacts dreamed up in a basement in Somerville, MA

Around the same time, a curator at the Smithsonian reportedly asked for Haddlebury's help: The museum had received a sizeable donation to create an exhibit on the ancient world but "really didn't have a whole lot to put in there." The historians immediately set to work, hastily falsifying evidence of a civilization that— complete with its own poets and philosophers, gods and heroes—would eventually become the centerpiece of schoolbooks, college educations, and the entire field of the humanities.

Emily Nguyen-Whiteman, one of the young academics who "pulled a month's worth of all-nighters" working on the project, explained that the whole of ancient Greek architecture was based on buildings in Washington, D.C., including a bank across the street from the coffee shop where they met to "bat around ideas about mythology or whatever."

"We picked Greece because we figured nobody would ever go there to check it out," Nguyen-Whiteman said. "Have you ever seen the place? It's a dump. It's like an abandoned gravel pit infested with cats."

She added, "Inevitably, though, people started looking around for some of this 'ancient' stuff, and next thing I know I'm stuck in Athens all summer building a goddamn Parthenon just to cover our tracks."

Nguyen-Whiteman acknowledged she was also tasked with altering documents ranging from early Bibles to the writings of Thomas Jefferson to reflect a "Classical Greek" influence—a task that also included the creation, from scratch, of a language based on modern Greek that could pass as its ancient precursor.

Historians told reporters that some of the so-called Greek ideas were in fact borrowed from the Romans, stripped to their fundamentals, and then attributed to fictional Greek predecessors. But others they claimed as their own.

"Geometry? That was all Kevin," said Haddlebury, referring to former graduate student Kevin Davenport. "Man, that kid was on fire in those days. They teach Davenportian geometry in high schools now, though of course they call it Euclidean."

Sources confirmed that long hours and lack of sleep took their toll on Davenport, and after the lukewarm reception of his work on homoeroticism in Spartan military, he left the group.

In a statement expressing their "profound apologies" for misleading the world on the subject of antiquity for almost 40 years, the historians expressed hope that their work would survive on its own merits.

"It would be a shame to see humanity abandon achievements such as heliocentrism and the plays of Aeschylus just because of their origin," the statement read in part. "Moreover, we have some rather disappointing things to tell you about the pyramids, the works of Leonardo da Vinci, penicillin, the Internet, the scientific method, movies, and dogs."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on October 14, 2010, 05:56:02 PM
oh lord....  :lulz:


American People Hire High-Powered Lobbyist To Push Interests In Congress
http://www.theonion.com/articles/american-people-hire-highpowered-lobbyist-to-push,18204/?utm_source=recentnews

(http://o.onionstatic.com/images/articles/article/18204/American-People-R_jpg_600x345_crop-smart_upscale_q85.jpg)

WASHINGTON—Citing a desire to gain influence in Washington, the American people confirmed Friday that they have hired high-powered D.C. lobbyist Jack Weldon of the firm Patton Boggs to help advance their agenda in Congress.

Known among Beltway insiders for his ability to sway public policy on behalf of massive corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, Monsanto, and AT&T, Weldon, 53, is expected to use his vast network of political connections to give his new client a voice in the legislative process.

Weldon is reportedly charging the American people $795 an hour.

"Unlike R.J. Reynolds, Pfizer, or Bank of America, the U.S. populace lacks the access to public officials required to further its legislative goals," a statement from the nation read in part. "Jack Weldon gives us that access."

"His daily presence in the Capitol will ensure the American people finally get a seat at the table," the statement continued. "And it will allow him to advance our message that everyone, including Americans, deserves to be represented in Washington."

     (http://o.onionstatic.com/images/articles/article/18204/American-People-Jump-R_jpg_250x1000_q85.jpg)
     Weldon says he hopes to spin the American public, above, as a group worth Congress' time.

The 310-million-member group said it will rely on Weldon's considerable clout to ensure its concerns are taken into account when Congress addresses issues such as education, immigration, national security, health care, transportation, the economy, affordable college tuition, infrastructure, jobs, equal rights, taxes, Social Security, the environment, housing, the national debt, agriculture, energy, alternative energy, nutrition, imports, exports, foreign relations, the arts, and crime.

Sources confirmed that Weldon is already scheduled to have drinks Monday with several members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss saving the middle class.

"If you have a problem, say, with America's atrocious treatment of its veterans, you can't just pick up a phone and call your local congressman," Weldon told reporters from his office on K Street Monday. "You need someone on the inside who understands how democracy works; someone who knows how to grease the wheels a little."

Weldon said that after successfully advocating on behalf of Goldman Sachs and BP, he is relishing the opportunity to lobby for the American people, calling it the "challenge of a lifetime." The veteran D.C. power player admitted that his new client is at a disadvantage because it lacks the money and power of other groups.

"The goal is to make it seem politically advantageous for legislators to keep the American people in mind when making laws," Weldon said. "Lawmakers are going to ask me, 'Why should I care about the American people? What's in it for me?' And it will be up to me and my team to find some reason why they should consider putting poverty and medical care for children on the legislative docket."

"To be honest," Weldon added, "the American people have always been perceived as a little naïve when it comes to their representative government. But having me on their side sends a clear message that they're finally serious and want to play ball."

According to Washington heavyweights, hiring Weldon is an immediate game changer and should force politicians to take citizens' concerns seriously for the first time in decades. Moreover, sources said, Weldon will be able to help lawmakers see the American people as more than just a low-priority fringe group.

"Jack is very good at what he does," said Joseph Pearlman, a headhunter for the McCormick Group who specializes in placing lobbyists. "He can take an issue that is nowhere on the congressional radar, like the pursuit of happiness, for example, and make it politically relevant. The next time Congress passes a bill dealing with civil rights or taxes, I wouldn't be surprised if the U.S. populace is mentioned somewhere in the final language."

Though Weldon has only been on the job for three days, legislators have already seemed to take notice.

"Before today, I'd actually never heard of this group," Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) told reporters. "But if Jack says they're worth my time, I'll take a look and see if maybe there are some areas where our interests overlap."

"But I'm not making any promises," he added. "I'm a very busy man."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Phox on October 14, 2010, 05:59:17 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on October 14, 2010, 05:56:02 PM
oh lord....  :lulz:


American People Hire High-Powered Lobbyist To Push Interests In Congress
http://www.theonion.com/articles/american-people-hire-highpowered-lobbyist-to-push,18204/?utm_source=recentnews

(http://o.onionstatic.com/images/articles/article/18204/American-People-R_jpg_600x345_crop-smart_upscale_q85.jpg)

WASHINGTON—Citing a desire to gain influence in Washington, the American people confirmed Friday that they have hired high-powered D.C. lobbyist Jack Weldon of the firm Patton Boggs to help advance their agenda in Congress.

Known among Beltway insiders for his ability to sway public policy on behalf of massive corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, Monsanto, and AT&T, Weldon, 53, is expected to use his vast network of political connections to give his new client a voice in the legislative process.

Weldon is reportedly charging the American people $795 an hour.

"Unlike R.J. Reynolds, Pfizer, or Bank of America, the U.S. populace lacks the access to public officials required to further its legislative goals," a statement from the nation read in part. "Jack Weldon gives us that access."

"His daily presence in the Capitol will ensure the American people finally get a seat at the table," the statement continued. "And it will allow him to advance our message that everyone, including Americans, deserves to be represented in Washington."

     (http://o.onionstatic.com/images/articles/article/18204/American-People-Jump-R_jpg_250x1000_q85.jpg)
     Weldon says he hopes to spin the American public, above, as a group worth Congress' time.

The 310-million-member group said it will rely on Weldon's considerable clout to ensure its concerns are taken into account when Congress addresses issues such as education, immigration, national security, health care, transportation, the economy, affordable college tuition, infrastructure, jobs, equal rights, taxes, Social Security, the environment, housing, the national debt, agriculture, energy, alternative energy, nutrition, imports, exports, foreign relations, the arts, and crime.

Sources confirmed that Weldon is already scheduled to have drinks Monday with several members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss saving the middle class.

"If you have a problem, say, with America's atrocious treatment of its veterans, you can't just pick up a phone and call your local congressman," Weldon told reporters from his office on K Street Monday. "You need someone on the inside who understands how democracy works; someone who knows how to grease the wheels a little."

Weldon said that after successfully advocating on behalf of Goldman Sachs and BP, he is relishing the opportunity to lobby for the American people, calling it the "challenge of a lifetime." The veteran D.C. power player admitted that his new client is at a disadvantage because it lacks the money and power of other groups.

"The goal is to make it seem politically advantageous for legislators to keep the American people in mind when making laws," Weldon said. "Lawmakers are going to ask me, 'Why should I care about the American people? What's in it for me?' And it will be up to me and my team to find some reason why they should consider putting poverty and medical care for children on the legislative docket."

"To be honest," Weldon added, "the American people have always been perceived as a little naïve when it comes to their representative government. But having me on their side sends a clear message that they're finally serious and want to play ball."

According to Washington heavyweights, hiring Weldon is an immediate game changer and should force politicians to take citizens' concerns seriously for the first time in decades. Moreover, sources said, Weldon will be able to help lawmakers see the American people as more than just a low-priority fringe group.

"Jack is very good at what he does," said Joseph Pearlman, a headhunter for the McCormick Group who specializes in placing lobbyists. "He can take an issue that is nowhere on the congressional radar, like the pursuit of happiness, for example, and make it politically relevant. The next time Congress passes a bill dealing with civil rights or taxes, I wouldn't be surprised if the U.S. populace is mentioned somewhere in the final language."

Though Weldon has only been on the job for three days, legislators have already seemed to take notice.

"Before today, I'd actually never heard of this group," Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) told reporters. "But if Jack says they're worth my time, I'll take a look and see if maybe there are some areas where our interests overlap."

"But I'm not making any promises," he added. "I'm a very busy man."
:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on October 15, 2010, 06:22:19 AM
ATTENTION, LADIES...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6214655.stm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: E.O.T. on October 15, 2010, 06:32:36 AM
WOW

          cram had like, an extra espresso today or something.

THE VERSION

          of the barack/ palin story which i came across was obama/ palin/ bush, which i thought made perfect sense, maybe. it's not like anyone just gets 'elected' to these kinds of positions...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adios on October 20, 2010, 06:16:09 PM
More bullets struck the Pentagon in a shooting Tuesday than initially thought, officials said.

"It has been determined that at least six shots were fired," Steven Calvery, director of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, said in a statement Wednesday. "As previously stated, two exterior windows were impacted by bullets. Upon investigation, it has been determined that four other bullets hit the Pentagon's facade."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/20/dc.pentagon.shots.fired/index.html?hpt=T2

:lulz:

WHERE IS THE "T" WORD, DAMMIT?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 20, 2010, 06:39:23 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on October 20, 2010, 06:16:09 PM
More bullets struck the Pentagon in a shooting Tuesday than initially thought, officials said.

"It has been determined that at least six shots were fired," Steven Calvery, director of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, said in a statement Wednesday. "As previously stated, two exterior windows were impacted by bullets. Upon investigation, it has been determined that four other bullets hit the Pentagon's facade."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/20/dc.pentagon.shots.fired/index.html?hpt=T2

:lulz:

WHERE IS THE "T" WORD, DAMMIT?

We don't use the T word anymore. This is the era of HOPE dammit!   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 20, 2010, 08:24:18 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on October 20, 2010, 06:39:23 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on October 20, 2010, 06:16:09 PM
More bullets struck the Pentagon in a shooting Tuesday than initially thought, officials said.

"It has been determined that at least six shots were fired," Steven Calvery, director of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, said in a statement Wednesday. "As previously stated, two exterior windows were impacted by bullets. Upon investigation, it has been determined that four other bullets hit the Pentagon's facade."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/20/dc.pentagon.shots.fired/index.html?hpt=T2

:lulz:

WHERE IS THE "T" WORD, DAMMIT?

We don't use the T word anymore. This is the era of HOPE dammit!   :lulz:

All lulzing aside, CB has noticed something that was put into media policy a few months ago.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: the last yatto on January 09, 2011, 11:52:11 PM
http://www.truth-out.org/a-union-activists-call-change66673

AFL-CIA :fnord:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: the last yatto on January 16, 2011, 09:01:51 AM
Gaddafi said the turmoil would only be justified if Tunisia adopts his model of rule -- known as the Third Universal Theory -- which replaces representative democracy with direct rule by the people through institutions called popular committees. :lulz:

http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE70F00A20110116
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Disco Pickle on January 18, 2011, 08:28:12 PM
Comcast ok'd to buy majority stake in NBC from General Electric

http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/18/technology/fcc_comcast_nbc/

QuoteNEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice on Tuesday approved -- with several conditions -- a merger of the country's largest cable operator, Comcast, and broadcasting company NBC Universal.

The FCC voted 4-1 in favor of the deal.

"After a thorough review, we have adopted strong and fair merger conditions to ensure this transaction serves the public interest," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement.

The FCC said the Comcast-NBC Universal combination will be required to take steps to increase competition in the video marketplace. The merger will also require Comcast to expand local news coverage, expand programs for Spanish-speaking viewers and offer Internet access to schools and libraries.

The lone dissenter, Commissioner Michael Copps, expressed concern that the merger will limit communications choices and drive up costs to consumers.

"At the end of the day, the public interest requires more -- much more -- than it is receiving," Copps said in a statement
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 18, 2011, 08:29:56 PM
Heloooo, netflix queue.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adios on January 18, 2011, 08:31:04 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on January 18, 2011, 08:29:56 PM
Heloooo, netflix queue.

Explain?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 18, 2011, 08:33:21 PM
If comcast controls my cable, and also owns NBC, one way to deprive them of money while keeping the glowing box is to use alternate forms of visual media not directly associated with either.  Hence, netflix.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 18, 2011, 08:34:06 PM
Quote
"At the end of the day, the public interest requires more -- much more -- than it is receiving," Copps said in a statement


Yes, like funnier shows.  They can start by firing Jay Leno.  
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adios on January 18, 2011, 08:40:46 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on January 18, 2011, 08:33:21 PM
If comcast controls my cable, and also owns NBC, one way to deprive them of money while keeping the glowing box is to use alternate forms of visual media not directly associated with either.  Hence, netflix.

Gotcha, thanks. Satellite is an option, but when the weather is the worst and you need it.......
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on January 31, 2011, 07:13:01 PM
There's also Hulu.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Requia ☣ on February 01, 2011, 09:41:18 PM
Quote from: Pickled Starfish on January 18, 2011, 08:28:12 PM
Comcast ok'd to buy majority stake in NBC from General Electric

http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/18/technology/fcc_comcast_nbc/

QuoteNEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice on Tuesday approved -- with several conditions -- a merger of the country's largest cable operator, Comcast, and broadcasting company NBC Universal.

The FCC voted 4-1 in favor of the deal.

"After a thorough review, we have adopted strong and fair merger conditions to ensure this transaction serves the public interest," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement.

The FCC said the Comcast-NBC Universal combination will be required to take steps to increase competition in the video marketplace. The merger will also require Comcast to expand local news coverage, expand programs for Spanish-speaking viewers and offer Internet access to schools and libraries.

The lone dissenter, Commissioner Michael Copps, expressed concern that the merger will limit communications choices and drive up costs to consumers.

"At the end of the day, the public interest requires more -- much more -- than it is receiving," Copps said in a statement

Doesn't it violate pretty much every anti trust law ever written for them to own both the television station and the delivery network?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 01, 2011, 09:45:17 PM
Quote from: Requia ☣ on February 01, 2011, 09:41:18 PM
Doesn't it violate pretty much every anti trust law ever written for them to own both the television station and the delivery network?

You're so 20th Century.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 02, 2011, 04:55:09 AM
A couple of blocks from Villager's apartment:

http://www.dotnews.com/2011/man-sponge-bob-hat-charged-exposing-himself-ashmont-t-stop

I'd also like to point out that this man pulled it out outside in Boston in January. Deduce.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on February 02, 2011, 04:56:00 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 02, 2011, 04:55:09 AM
A couple of blocks from Villager's apartment:

http://www.dotnews.com/2011/man-sponge-bob-hat-charged-exposing-himself-ashmont-t-stop

I'd also like to point out that this man pulled it out outside in Boston in January. Deduce.

He was probably looking to make sure it was still even there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 02, 2011, 05:00:40 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on February 02, 2011, 04:56:00 AM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 02, 2011, 04:55:09 AM
A couple of blocks from Villager's apartment:

http://www.dotnews.com/2011/man-sponge-bob-hat-charged-exposing-himself-ashmont-t-stop

I'd also like to point out that this man pulled it out outside in Boston in January. Deduce.

He was probably looking to make sure it was still even there.

:mittens: :mittens: :mittens:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 04, 2011, 11:55:48 AM
Okay, craziest thing I read in the last hour.

It seems Duff Paddy is going to have to face a proper US Court, to answer for his part in the 911 attacks (Abetted by Rodney King)
Valerie Turks, 31, is also claiming  $900 Billion for child support, for the son she claims Puff is Daddy to, and $100 Billion for lost earnings.

In papers she has submitted to the court, Turks wrote: "P Diddy went through Kim Porter and Rodney King and knocked down the World Trade Center and then they all came and knocked my children down. Set me up to be on disability and disabled my baby. He put my baby in a wheelchair."

She added: "I won a lot of money at the casino in Mississippi and Sean P Diddy Combs has my chip to my money. I want my chip please help me. It's well worth over 100 zillions of dollars."

Turks also applied for a restraining order against Diddy, which a judge has denied.
Court date has been set for Jan 31st. 
:roll:

I'm going on the assumption that it must be true, because no-one would make shit like that up, surely?



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 07, 2011, 11:07:26 PM
Apparently, Aaron Barr's claims (in the Financial Times on Saturday) that his Security Firm, HB Gary Federal,  have "taken down" the twelve top people of Anonymous, were inaccurate and fatuous. The response from Anonymous hasn't done much for HB Gary Federal's credibility as a provider of online Security either. Hilarious.



"ANONYMOUS PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Distribution
February 7th, 2011

Recently, the head of internet security firm HBGary Federal, Aaron Barr, sought to elevate his investigation of the Anonymous movement by providing the Financial Times with what he claimed to be accurate and useful information about those who allegedly drive our activities.

In yesterday's release we inferred that the information presented was easy to undermine by any of the millions of people around the world with a cursory understanding of internet culture. Not only was the information provided by HBGary Federal woefully inaccurate, it provided no incriminating evidence against any of the persons named.

Today, Anonymous learned that HBGary Federal intended to sell to the FBI a large document (it can be found at http://hizost.com/... ) that allegedly detailed the identities of dozens of our participants.

Within hours of learning this, Anonymous infiltrated HBGary Federal's network and websites. Anonymous acquired the document with supposed personal details of anons, along with more than 50,000 company e-mails (~4.71GB) - all of which have now been distributed on the internet. Additionally, his associated websites and social media accounts were hijacked and manipulated to stress how poorly this 'security expert' handles matters of his own security ( http://imagebin.org/... ). Woe to his clients and others who invested in his confidence.

The lack of quality in Aaron Barr's undertaken research is worth noting. Aaron Barr missed a great deal of information that has been available online, and in fact failed to identify some of those whose identities were never intended to be hidden. People such as DailyKos' diarist blogger Barrett Brown, and the administrator for anonnews.org joepie91, whose identities could have been found with a simple Google search.

It is also worth noting that Aaron Barr was also providing this documentation as an example of investigation protocol. This would introduce a systemic flaw  to the FBI's investigative woodwork. The risk of institutionalising a flawed procedure exponentiates a problem, and it does so at the taxpayers expense in every sense. Had  the FBI indeed bought this information from HBGary Federal, it would  have been paid for by taxpayers money. Many innocent people would have  been marked as leaders in actions they may not even have been associated  with.

Unlike you, Aaron, we did our research, we know who you are, and now, so will everyone else. Although you have managed to ruin your credibility in an attempt to further it, you did provide us with entertainment, albeit very briefly.

Anonymous does not have leaders. We are not a group, we are not an organization. We are just an idea. What we have done today will appear harsh. It is harsh. We will respond to those who see threats to Anonymous. We understand that our participants have been concerned about recent FBI raids and companies such as HBGary lurking in our chats, so we've given all of Anonymous a message: we will fight back.

We are Anonymous.
We are legion.
We do not forgive.
We do not forget.
Expect us - always.

Yours faithfully,

Anonymous."


http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/2/6/20216/40699
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adios on February 07, 2011, 11:11:43 PM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 08, 2011, 01:37:51 PM
It's probably a bad thing that I kind of respect that, isn't it?



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 08, 2011, 01:43:39 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on February 08, 2011, 01:37:51 PM
It's probably a bad thing that I kind of respect that, isn't it?


Nah.  I can respect somebody saying, "no, it wasn't the guys you're saying did it," along with, "yo, moron, you're ripping off the taxpayers."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dean on February 09, 2011, 04:47:10 PM
Quote"The House failed to extend three key expiring provisions of the Patriot Act on Tuesday, elements granting the government broad and nearly unchecked surveillance power on its own public. The failure of the bill, sponsored by Rep. James F. Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis), for the time being is likely to give airtime to competing measures in the Senate that would place limited checks on the act's broad surveillance powers. The White House, meanwhile, said it wanted the expiring measures extended through 2013."
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/11/02/09/0215243/House-Fails-To-Extend-Patriot-Act-Spy-Powers
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on February 10, 2011, 04:30:10 PM
Quote from: Dean on February 09, 2011, 04:47:10 PM
Quote"The House failed to extend three key expiring provisions of the Patriot Act on Tuesday, elements granting the government broad and nearly unchecked surveillance power on its own public. The failure of the bill, sponsored by Rep. James F. Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis), for the time being is likely to give airtime to competing measures in the Senate that would place limited checks on the act's broad surveillance powers. The White House, meanwhile, said it wanted the expiring measures extended through 2013."
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/11/02/09/0215243/House-Fails-To-Extend-Patriot-Act-Spy-Powers

HEY GOP!  HOW'S THAT TEA-BAGGER-FREEDOM-THEY-BRING-SUCH-ENERGY-TO-THE-MOVEMENT THING GOING FOR YA?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 17, 2011, 03:32:04 AM
QuoteA Florida inmate is in more trouble after jail deputies found out he was taking the term "fanny pack" a little too literally.

Neil Lansing, 33, was charged with drug possession and smuggling contraband in jail for having 30 items tucked up his anus, the Sarasota Herald Tribune reported.

Using a rectum as a smuggling compartment is nothing new in Florida, but this has to set some kind of world record, or at least a state jail system mark.

On top of 17 blue pills and a cigarette, Lansing was able to fit six matches, a flint, a syringe, some lip balm, an unused condom and a receipt from CVS just in case he wanted to return some of the items.

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/weird/Fanny-Pack-Inmate-Stuffed-30-items-Up-Anus-116255314.html

Honestly...  I can't actually think of much to say about this one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 17, 2011, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 03:32:04 AM
QuoteA Florida inmate is in more trouble after jail deputies found out he was taking the term "fanny pack" a little too literally.

Neil Lansing, 33, was charged with drug possession and smuggling contraband in jail for having 30 items tucked up his anus, the Sarasota Herald Tribune reported.

Using a rectum as a smuggling compartment is nothing new in Florida, but this has to set some kind of world record, or at least a state jail system mark.

On top of 17 blue pills and a cigarette, Lansing was able to fit six matches, a flint, a syringe, some lip balm, an unused condom and a receipt from CVS just in case he wanted to return some of the items.

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/weird/Fanny-Pack-Inmate-Stuffed-30-items-Up-Anus-116255314.html

Honestly...  I can't actually think of much to say about this one.

syringe? lip balm? RECEIPT?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 03:32:04 AM
QuoteA Florida inmate is in more trouble after jail deputies found out he was taking the term "fanny pack" a little too literally.

Neil Lansing, 33, was charged with drug possession and smuggling contraband in jail for having 30 items tucked up his anus, the Sarasota Herald Tribune reported.

Using a rectum as a smuggling compartment is nothing new in Florida, but this has to set some kind of world record, or at least a state jail system mark.

On top of 17 blue pills and a cigarette, Lansing was able to fit six matches, a flint, a syringe, some lip balm, an unused condom and a receipt from CVS just in case he wanted to return some of the items.

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/weird/Fanny-Pack-Inmate-Stuffed-30-items-Up-Anus-116255314.html

Honestly...  I can't actually think of much to say about this one.

syringe? lip balm? RECEIPT?

I figure he'll want the lip balm for his ass after all that.

The receipt?  I have no clue...  Maybe somebody ordered that syringe, and he wanted the receipt to show what he paid for it?  (See, it was $5.99, plus tax, that's worth either five cigarettes or a bj...)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 17, 2011, 01:19:13 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:14:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 03:32:04 AM
QuoteA Florida inmate is in more trouble after jail deputies found out he was taking the term "fanny pack" a little too literally.

Neil Lansing, 33, was charged with drug possession and smuggling contraband in jail for having 30 items tucked up his anus, the Sarasota Herald Tribune reported.

Using a rectum as a smuggling compartment is nothing new in Florida, but this has to set some kind of world record, or at least a state jail system mark.

On top of 17 blue pills and a cigarette, Lansing was able to fit six matches, a flint, a syringe, some lip balm, an unused condom and a receipt from CVS just in case he wanted to return some of the items.

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/weird/Fanny-Pack-Inmate-Stuffed-30-items-Up-Anus-116255314.html

Honestly...  I can't actually think of much to say about this one.

syringe? lip balm? RECEIPT?

I figure he'll want the lip balm for his ass after all that.

The receipt?  I have no clue...  Maybe somebody ordered that syringe, and he wanted the receipt to show what he paid for it?  (See, it was $5.99, plus tax, that's worth either five cigarettes or a bj...)

:lulz:

i... but it's a needle literally in his butt!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:22:37 PM
It's the one, unused condom that I'm wondering about.

And the fact that, according to the article, he knew he was going to jail, and stood in court in front of the judge with all that... stored.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 17, 2011, 01:23:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:22:37 PM
It's the one, unused condom that I'm wondering about.

And the fact that, according to the article, he knew he was going to jail, and stood in court in front of the judge with all that... stored.

i wonder if he got fidgetty
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:23:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:22:37 PM
It's the one, unused condom that I'm wondering about.

And the fact that, according to the article, he knew he was going to jail, and stood in court in front of the judge with all that... stored.

i wonder if he got fidgetty

One would imagine that if one were carrying a sharp object there, one would fidget as little as possible.  I mean, I'm sure it was capped, but...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 17, 2011, 01:33:09 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:23:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:22:37 PM
It's the one, unused condom that I'm wondering about.

And the fact that, according to the article, he knew he was going to jail, and stood in court in front of the judge with all that... stored.

i wonder if he got fidgetty

One would imagine that if one were carrying a sharp object there, one would fidget as little as possible.  I mean, I'm sure it was capped, but...

imagine trying to get all of that out too  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 17, 2011, 02:40:25 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:33:09 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:23:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:22:37 PM
It's the one, unused condom that I'm wondering about.

And the fact that, according to the article, he knew he was going to jail, and stood in court in front of the judge with all that... stored.

i wonder if he got fidgetty

One would imagine that if one were carrying a sharp object there, one would fidget as little as possible.  I mean, I'm sure it was capped, but...

imagine trying to get all of that out too  :lulz:

Imagine being the sheriff who realized it was his job to take all of that out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Adios on February 17, 2011, 11:45:10 PM
Sounds like a real pain in the ass.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 18, 2011, 12:57:36 AM
Not exactly a news story, but I don't know where esle to put this:

http://failbook.failblog.org/2011/02/17/funny-facebook-fails-cake-crashing-a-true-story/#more-26707
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 18, 2011, 02:44:25 PM
Here's a good one. Tory Politician A Member Of Feared Biker Gang.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110218/tuk-tory-politician-a-member-of-feared-b-45dbed5.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on February 18, 2011, 04:04:42 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 02:40:25 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:33:09 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on February 17, 2011, 01:23:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 17, 2011, 01:22:37 PM
It's the one, unused condom that I'm wondering about.

And the fact that, according to the article, he knew he was going to jail, and stood in court in front of the judge with all that... stored.

i wonder if he got fidgetty

One would imagine that if one were carrying a sharp object there, one would fidget as little as possible.  I mean, I'm sure it was capped, but...

imagine trying to get all of that out too  :lulz:

Imagine being the sheriff who realized it was his job to take all of that out.

FACT:  99.9% of all drugs consumed in jail/prison have been up someone's ass.

My dad has some GREAT stories...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 18, 2011, 10:02:36 PM
The religious right is going to have a collective shitfit.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021804967.html

http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-03993_PI.pdf

On a quick read, they tightened up the "conscience law" so that pharmacists can no longer refuse to provide birth control based on moral objections, it looks like it now applies ONLY to sterilizations and abortions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 18, 2011, 10:26:31 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 18, 2011, 10:02:36 PM
The religious right is going to have a collective shitfit.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021804967.html

http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-03993_PI.pdf

On a quick read, they tightened up the "conscience law" so that pharmacists can no longer refuse to provide birth control based on moral objections, it looks like it now applies ONLY to sterilizations and abortions.

They'd be risking their Rapture Tickets if they didn't get all damp over stuff like this. They'll be picketing Pharmacists, and screeching their ignorant diatribe at any woman going in with a 'whiff of the slut' about her. It's what they do.
Anyway, it's ridiculous that Pharmacists can refuse to provide perfectly legal drugs on moral grounds. If they're that bent out of shape about people getting the Pill, then they need to find a different fucking job!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on February 19, 2011, 12:04:38 AM
Quote from: BadBeast on February 18, 2011, 10:26:31 PM
Quote from: Luna on February 18, 2011, 10:02:36 PM
The religious right is going to have a collective shitfit.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021804967.html

http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-03993_PI.pdf

On a quick read, they tightened up the "conscience law" so that pharmacists can no longer refuse to provide birth control based on moral objections, it looks like it now applies ONLY to sterilizations and abortions.

They'd be risking their Rapture Tickets if they didn't get all damp over stuff like this. They'll be picketing Pharmacists, and screeching their ignorant diatribe at any woman going in with a 'whiff of the slut' about her. It's what they do.
Anyway, it's ridiculous that Pharmacists can refuse to provide perfectly legal drugs on moral grounds. If they're that bent out of shape about people getting the Pill, then they need to find a different fucking job!

My take on it, exactly.  FFS, your job is to count the pills and put them in the bottle.  Period.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 23, 2011, 02:07:38 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on February 18, 2011, 02:44:25 PM
Here's a good one. Tory Politician A Member Of Feared Biker Gang.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110218/tuk-tory-politician-a-member-of-feared-b-45dbed5.html

So he's a member of two organized crime groups then.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 23, 2011, 04:56:42 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 23, 2011, 02:07:38 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on February 18, 2011, 02:44:25 PM
Here's a good one. Tory Politician A Member Of Feared Biker Gang.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110218/tuk-tory-politician-a-member-of-feared-b-45dbed5.html

So he's a member of two organized crime groups then.
At least. I bet he's A Mason too. P2, even, maybe. Although I'm actually finding it quite hard to picture him flying a full Patch, going toe to toe with some  H.A Soldiers, carving up the territory between them in some gloomy New Forest glade. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Phox on February 23, 2011, 09:47:29 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 23, 2011, 02:07:38 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on February 18, 2011, 02:44:25 PM
Here's a good one. Tory Politician A Member Of Feared Biker Gang.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20110218/tuk-tory-politician-a-member-of-feared-b-45dbed5.html

So he's a member of two organized crime groups then.
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 24, 2011, 02:02:30 AM
China bans Dalai Lama from reincarnating:

http://isikkim.com/6-china-bans-reincarnation-of-7-lama-43/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 24, 2011, 02:39:17 AM
How fucking dim do they think all that sounds to non-Chinese? Or what they were trying to achieve anyway? How are they going to enforce this then? Do they have Soul eating Devils in China? You're under arrest for attempting to reincarnate?  Hmm,  . . . .
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on February 24, 2011, 02:47:02 AM
Quote from: BadBeast on February 24, 2011, 02:39:17 AM
Or what they were trying to achieve anyway?

This was specifically to foul the traditional inheritance that a "reincarnated" Lama receives from the church. The CCP was really pissed that they were getting around all sorts of bureaucracy with that trick.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 24, 2011, 03:04:04 AM
Quote from: BadBeast on February 24, 2011, 02:39:17 AM
How fucking dim do they think all that sounds to non-Chinese? Or what they were trying to achieve anyway? How are they going to enforce this then? Do they have Soul eating Devils in China? You're under arrest for attempting to reincarnate?  Hmm,  . . . .

I think they'd have to arrest him. Cuz, you know, executing him is just going to make him a repeat offender.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 24, 2011, 03:58:28 AM
Judicially induced Recidivism. I suppose it would make for very stable crime figures.
They need to legislate quickly to retain the Legal high ground, specify exactly how far their jurisdiction goes, then push it all the way. Go for extra-corporeal  extradition treaties, set up Diplomatic relations, an Embassy, certainly some kind of border control, or they'll end up with all kinds of Riff raff trying to incarnate all over the place, with no  thought for cultural considerations at all. What if their National Psyche get's polluted with Gai-Jinn Archetypes? They're paranoid enough about Koreans, or Tibetan Mysticks. I suppose China is just about the only Major Nation that's never had any State Sanctioned Religion  at all. And Kung Fu as well. Way to go little dudes! Although that Communism thing was never really going to work out too well, was it? The Chinese have Dragons and shit, instead of Religion. Same Pie, different crust.  I know. I used to watch Monkey!
And the nature of Monkey, . . . . .is irrepressible!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on February 24, 2011, 04:10:11 AM
INvasion through reincarnation sounds like an interesting fantasy plot...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 24, 2011, 04:56:27 AM
Isn't that what the Scientologists did? Or are doing? Cuz they don't like sharing their shit, or cramping their style.
And they've got Tom Cruise starring as Xeno in the New Movie, "Rapture me good, Lord Xenu"   
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2011, 11:42:49 PM
Paging poptard... :lulz:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/client/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229219056 (http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/client/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229219056)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Phox on February 25, 2011, 11:59:08 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2011, 11:42:49 PM
Paging poptard... :lulz:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/client/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229219056 (http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/client/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229219056)


:facepalm:

or perhaps

:awesome:


I'm not actually sure.  :oops:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 26, 2011, 12:42:04 AM
I wonder if they're watching now. If they are, then,
(http://i.imgur.com/Vb9V1.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Thurnez Isa on April 07, 2011, 12:29:56 AM
They're turning Atlas Shrugged into a movie
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/atlas-shrugged-first-movie-target-175724
Can hollywood actually manage to make the movie suck even more then the book?
Time will tell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 07, 2011, 01:22:51 AM
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0411/GOP_lawyer_circulates_Obama_impeachment_articles.html

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 07, 2011, 06:54:08 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 07, 2011, 01:22:51 AM
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0411/GOP_lawyer_circulates_Obama_impeachment_articles.html

:lulz:
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Laughin Jude on April 07, 2011, 07:05:19 AM
Quote from: Thurnez Isa on April 07, 2011, 12:29:56 AM
They're turning Atlas Shrugged into a movie
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/atlas-shrugged-first-movie-target-175724
Can hollywood actually manage to make the movie suck even more then the book?
Time will tell.

The trailer was pretty awful. They seem to have lifted some of the lines straight from the book, and Rand most definitely did not have an ear for dialogue.

And :lol: at it being a trilogy... because the speech will take up an hour and a half of the third part.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Laughin Jude on April 07, 2011, 07:09:41 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 07, 2011, 01:22:51 AM
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0411/GOP_lawyer_circulates_Obama_impeachment_articles.html

:lulz:

It's cute when politicians act like the Constitution has any meaning in this country.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on April 08, 2011, 07:48:35 AM
Quote from: BadBeast on February 07, 2011, 11:07:26 PMWithin hours of learning this, Anonymous infiltrated HBGary Federal's network and websites. Anonymous acquired the document with supposed personal details of anons, along with more than 50,000 company e-mails (~4.71GB) - all of which have now been distributed on the internet. Additionally, his associated websites and social media accounts were hijacked and manipulated to stress how poorly this 'security expert' handles matters of his own security ( http://imagebin.org/... ). Woe to his clients and others who invested in his confidence.

Just a little bump. That 4.7GB of company emails should STILL be causing a huge stink in the global media, had Anonymous been clever about oozing the shit drip by drip in a similar sense as Wikileaks did.

Well, they'd probably also have to do a bunch of journalistic research and strike deals with der Spiegel, Guardian and le Monde (? the French one, was that it?).

Maybe it's not leakage of worldwide diplomatic communications, but just that 4.7GB of emails should be losing lots of high-placed people their jobs and actually should be bringing entire corporations down, exposing the corruption in the US government.

Why is this not being talked about?

And I don't mean the media, I mean HERE.

Check this, for instance, be sure to follow all the fucking links too:

http://www.salon.com/about/inside_salon/2011/02/11/threats_against_glenn_greenwald_wikileaks/index.html

That's the HBGary leaked emails showing that BANK OF AMERICA has been trying to hire the fucks at HBGary in order to, yeah, start an online cyber smear campaign against Glenn Greenwald in anticipation of the leaked documents that Wikileaks has been promising on "a major US bank".

Oh yeah, the article is 2 months old. But there's 4.7GB of those emails, if it'd have been dissected like the Wikileaks cables, the list of lulz would go on and on, I'm sure.

I'm thinking Anonymous should be dumping a whole lot more emails of other corps on the Internets... HBGary was obviously just one among many. It's easier too, just pick the low hanging fruits. Remember the social engineering email that got Anon root at one of HBGary's servers? That was luck+social engineering+balls. It won't work everywhere, but if one would try it at 10 similar corporations, they'd probably get 3 hits.



Which reminds me BTW, anyone know, what's up with Wikileaks and the promised documents on this "Major US Bank"? Are they out yet? What's holding up? Do they have a system/plan, maybe let Libya and Japan play out first before stealing the media's eye? They said "beginning of 2011", well that's now. Or did I miss the release and did it go out with a fizzle?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lenin McCarthy on June 17, 2011, 05:00:46 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1394595/Has-equality-destroyed-sex-life-A-controversial-book-claims-feminism-rise-new-men-killed-womens-libidos-.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1394595/Has-equality-destroyed-sex-life-A-controversial-book-claims-feminism-rise-new-men-killed-womens-libidos-.html)

I found a copy of the Daily Mail at the hotel I stayed at in London last week.  I almost wish the Norwegian tabloids were like that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Idem on June 29, 2011, 07:47:01 PM
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j8ZIuaQwriWK5FnaeHGc9oLSDOnA?docId=CNG.bed48949978a3cf59e6ed8638cc60a46.591

It appears that the DPRK is heading into another famine.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 30, 2011, 06:29:38 AM
Quote from: Idem on June 29, 2011, 07:47:01 PM
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j8ZIuaQwriWK5FnaeHGc9oLSDOnA?docId=CNG.bed48949978a3cf59e6ed8638cc60a46.591

It appears that the DPRK is heading into another famine.

The Chinese wont be as keen on bailing them out this time, either.  What with their own yield being significantly lower this year, and the price of food rising.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 30, 2011, 03:52:18 PM
We're heading into another Dark Age.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 30, 2011, 08:12:08 PM
Russia's not.

Russia is gonna be awesome in 60+ years.  All global warming is going to do to them is give them more decent farmland.  They don't give a fuck.  And in the meantime, they're just going to go on pumping out oil and gas, undercutting OPEC prices constantly and building up friends in Europe.  If they end up reintegrating the Near Abroad, their demographic decline, which has been overstated anyway, will be reversed entirely in a "Greater Russia" of 230 million, stretching from the Ukraine to central Kazakhstan, and even if they don't the population is still growing at a sustainable rate.  Sure, they'll fuck up eventually, it's Russia, after all, but in the medium term, they're pretty good.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Idem on June 30, 2011, 10:48:19 PM
COLBERT SUPERPAC APPROVED

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/06/30/colberts-super-pac-victorious-at-fec/?mod=google_news_blog
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 12, 2011, 09:06:31 PM
In Soviet Russia, victims rape yuo!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2013870/Robber-broke-hair-salon-beaten-black-belt-owner-kept-sex-slave-days--fed-Viagra.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dysfunctional Cunt on July 12, 2011, 09:08:18 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 12, 2011, 09:06:31 PM
In Soviet Russia, victims rape yuo!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2013870/Robber-broke-hair-salon-beaten-black-belt-owner-kept-sex-slave-days--fed-Viagra.html

Strangely enough, I don't see the problem.......  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 12, 2011, 09:17:12 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 12, 2011, 09:06:31 PM
In Soviet Russia, victims rape yuo!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2013870/Robber-broke-hair-salon-beaten-black-belt-owner-kept-sex-slave-days--fed-Viagra.html

Oh my god. :lulz:

Hilariously, me and some friends were just talking about a "Rape back the night" self-defense training course last night, in which participants carry dildoes and learn skills to help them to turn things around on would-be rapists.

I can't see a downside.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 12, 2011, 09:37:54 PM
I'M MOVING TO RUSSIA.  WHICH WAY?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dysfunctional Cunt on July 12, 2011, 10:18:10 PM
Now, I don't have a problem with this one either.....

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/restaurant-bans-kids-under-6-discrimination-or-smart-move-2509487/ (http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/restaurant-bans-kids-under-6-discrimination-or-smart-move-2509487/)

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on July 12, 2011, 11:10:57 PM
Yeah going to restaurants usually ends up with me reconsidering my evolutionary impulse to procreate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 12, 2011, 11:26:55 PM
Rep Joe Walsh apparently not only can't be bothered to pay child support (it's reported that he's apparently over $100,000 behind in payments), he's got the balls to sue his ex-wife over the case...

http://wonkette.com/452922/joe-walsh-heroically-sues-ex-wife-to-avoid-supporting-his-children
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 12, 2011, 11:46:05 PM
Quote from: Luna on September 12, 2011, 11:26:55 PM
Rep Joe Walsh apparently not only can't be bothered to pay child support (it's reported that he's apparently over $100,000 behind in payments), he's got the balls to sue his ex-wife over the case...

http://wonkette.com/452922/joe-walsh-heroically-sues-ex-wife-to-avoid-supporting-his-children

Must be that "personal responsibility" thing he's always on about.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 13, 2011, 12:23:36 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on September 12, 2011, 11:46:05 PM
Quote from: Luna on September 12, 2011, 11:26:55 PM
Rep Joe Walsh apparently not only can't be bothered to pay child support (it's reported that he's apparently over $100,000 behind in payments), he's got the balls to sue his ex-wife over the case...

http://wonkette.com/452922/joe-walsh-heroically-sues-ex-wife-to-avoid-supporting-his-children

Must be that "personal responsibility" thing he's always on about.   :lulz:

Apparently "personal responsibility" means "if my ex-wife didn't want to pay for kids, she should've kept her legs shut."

ETA:  Huffington Post has a copy of her court filing.  He apparently not only paid only partial child support from November of 2005 to March of 2008, he has failed to pay any at all since then, has failed to pay medical insurance, tuition, and failed to provide tax returns as required.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/29/joe-walsh-child-support-w_n_913631.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 15, 2011, 03:09:03 AM
Bonus!  Joe Walsh apparently can't be bothered to show up for court about this, either...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/09/14/1016944/-Deadbeat-Congressman-Joe-Walsh-still-not-paying-his-child-support?via=blog_1

QuoteCook County Circuit Judge Raul Vega also wanted to know why Walsh wasn't in court for the hearing — the McHenry Republican's ex-wife, Laura Walsh was — and said he expects him to show up at the next hearing, in November.

Walsh's new attorney, Janet Boyle, asked Vega "for what purpose" he wanted the congressman in court.

Vega gave her a puzzled look.

To which Boyle responded: "Mr. Walsh is a U.S. congressman."

"Well, he's no different than anyone else," the judge said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 21, 2011, 06:37:23 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/rick-santorum-asks-google-to-change-his-dan-savage-created-results/2011/09/21/gIQAvW19kK_blog.html?tid=sm_twitter_politics

Hehehe!  Santorum whines to Google that the interbutts is MEAN...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 21, 2011, 06:40:27 PM
Quote from: Luna on September 21, 2011, 06:37:23 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/rick-santorum-asks-google-to-change-his-dan-savage-created-results/2011/09/21/gIQAvW19kK_blog.html?tid=sm_twitter_politics

Hehehe!  Santorum whines to Google that the interbutts is MEAN...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 21, 2011, 11:05:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on September 21, 2011, 06:40:27 PM
Quote from: Luna on September 21, 2011, 06:37:23 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/rick-santorum-asks-google-to-change-his-dan-savage-created-results/2011/09/21/gIQAvW19kK_blog.html?tid=sm_twitter_politics

Hehehe!  Santorum whines to Google that the interbutts is MEAN...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Thought you'd like that one, Dok.

Colbert hits another one out of the park.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/09/21/1018815/-Stephen-Colbert-DESTROYS-GOPs-class-warfare-argument!?via=siderec
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on September 25, 2011, 02:27:35 AM
Irish Coroner rules on cause of death, "Spontaneous Human Combustion".
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/coroner-rules-irish-man-died-of-spontaneous-combustion.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 25, 2011, 02:04:01 PM
Saudi women are being given the right to vote and run for office in municipal elections.

No word yet on whether they have to vote the way their husband wants, or do as he says once in office, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on September 25, 2011, 03:11:52 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 25, 2011, 02:04:01 PM
Saudi women are being given the right to vote and run for office in municipal elections.

No word yet on whether they have to vote the way their husband wants, or do as he says once in office, though.
^Mr Cynical.^.  Saudi Women aren't all married you know!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 25, 2011, 03:53:46 PM
No, I believe those under the age of seven are mercifully relieved of that particular burden.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on September 25, 2011, 04:23:52 PM
I was thinking of Widows. But yeah, good point.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 25, 2011, 04:49:15 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on September 25, 2011, 04:23:52 PM
I was thinking of Widows.

I believe they, under Islamic law, must instead obey the demands of either their own brothers, or their husband's brothers, depending on certain factors.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on September 25, 2011, 04:52:00 PM
Ah, I can see how that might effect the wheels of Democratic process.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on September 25, 2011, 04:59:41 PM
So basically, it's a sly trick to give the men with the most wives more votes, under the guise of emancipation?

Impressive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on September 25, 2011, 05:12:42 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on September 25, 2011, 04:59:41 PM
So basically, it's a sly trick to give the men with the most wives more votes, under the guise of emancipation?

Impressive.
I bet David Cameron is taking notes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 25, 2011, 05:16:02 PM
I think the House of Saud are looking to modernize their country.  Slowly.

Very, very slowly.

But cultural modernization is going to lag behind.  So....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 25, 2011, 05:45:20 PM
Growing pains.

People argued against giving women the vote here for similar reasons.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on September 25, 2011, 06:38:31 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 25, 2011, 02:04:01 PM
Saudi women are being given the right to vote and run for office in municipal elections.

No word yet on whether they have to vote the way their husband wants, or do as he says once in office, though.

I wonder the same thing about Michele Bachmann.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on September 25, 2011, 08:29:15 PM
Quote from: Nigel on September 25, 2011, 05:45:20 PM
Growing pains.

People argued against giving women the vote here for similar reasons.

You're right. Good point.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 27, 2011, 09:49:33 PM
No driving to the voting stations for Saudi Arabia's women

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15079620

QuoteA court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a woman to 10 lashes for breaking the country's ban on female drivers.

The woman, identified only as Shema, was found guilty of driving in Jeddah in July.

Women2drive, which campaigns for women to be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, says she has already lodged an appeal.

In recent months, scores of women have driven vehicles in Saudi cities in an effort to put pressure on the monarchy to change the law.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on September 27, 2011, 11:04:50 PM
A Financial Trader, on the News, telling even a little bit of the ugly truth does not bode well for the rest of us.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15078419
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on September 27, 2011, 11:15:52 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on September 27, 2011, 11:04:50 PM
A Financial Trader, on the News, telling even a little bit of the ugly truth does not bode well for the rest of us.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15078419

Link to the video clip the article talks about:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15059135

(for some reason I couldnt find it in your article, but I only just read about it on HN)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on September 27, 2011, 11:23:06 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on September 27, 2011, 11:15:52 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on September 27, 2011, 11:04:50 PM
A Financial Trader, on the News, telling even a little bit of the ugly truth does not bode well for the rest of us.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15078419

Link to the video clip the article talks about:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15059135

(for some reason I couldnt find it in your article, but I only just read about it on HN)

WOW I saw the link, hadn't seen the video, that's a fucking hefty elephant dose of TROOF on the BBC right there.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on September 28, 2011, 12:54:46 AM
Yeah, you could hear jaws dropping all round the country. (The video link is the picture at the top of the article)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 28, 2011, 04:35:44 AM
QuoteThe new meme that Fox News is moving to the middle because crazy doesn't sell is a big con. This meme was started in a willfully blind article by Howard Kurtz for the Daily Beast's Newsweek and has since been duly picked up by obedient media soldiers. The truth is that "crazy doesn't win." And the larger truth is that as Fox repositions itself, we will all now be treated to mea culpas by their colleagues in the press, at the same time as they dance around the elephant in the room that Fox News is not a news organization.

http://www.politicususa.com/en/crazy-win-fox-news-move-to-middle
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on October 03, 2011, 11:31:45 PM
Why you should never swim in Spanish rivers.
"We realised it was a record when the fish wouldn't fit in the 8ft sling to carry it to the weighing scales."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3844915/Angler-Jon-Avery-reels-in-biggest-catfish-ever-caught-by-a-Brit.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on October 04, 2011, 11:00:04 AM
LSD and Psilocybin Mushrooms Cure Headaches and Fear of Death Itself.

In a hilarious-but-utterly-soul-crushing study where they gave elderly, terminally ill patients LSD, subjects reported a vast decrease in end-of-life anxiety, pain, sleep disturbances and even their fear of Death.  Cool beans. I suppose.
http://www.cracked.com/article_19372_5-ways-your-bad-habits-might-just-save-your-life_p2.html

OK,  Cracked still counts as news, right?


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 10, 2011, 01:17:04 PM
Has anybody heard anything about this?

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/10/09/republicans-introduce-legislation-that-would-imprison-americans/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on October 10, 2011, 02:05:09 PM
Quote from: Luna on October 10, 2011, 01:17:04 PM
Has anybody heard anything about this?

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/10/09/republicans-introduce-legislation-that-would-imprison-americans/

Read about it here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/06/us-drug-policy-war-congress_n_998993.html

Not sure if I got that link from PD or somewhere else.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 10, 2011, 11:17:48 PM
Quote"Joe the Plumber," who gained prominence during the 2008 presidential campaign, has filed papers to run for Congress in Ohio.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/10/joe-the-plumber-congress-marcy-kaptur-dennis-kucinich-/1
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 11, 2011, 12:59:18 PM
In one of the most pro-Democratic districts in Ohio.

Boy dun fucked up.  Hilarity to follow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on October 11, 2011, 01:36:23 PM
Another Hollywood Vampire uncovered.  1860 photograph of a young Travolta ''Proof'' that John Travolta is a Vampire. This follows Nic Cage's outing last month.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/877153-after-nicolas-cage-vampire-pic-now-pic-of-john-travolta-in-1860-appears
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on October 11, 2011, 01:43:55 PM
Venezuela using mimes to shame reckless drivers: 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2047684/Dangerous-drivers-silent-treatment-Venezuela-employs-mimes-traffic-police.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2047684/Dangerous-drivers-silent-treatment-Venezuela-employs-mimes-traffic-police.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 11, 2011, 05:25:38 PM
I approve of using mockery to keep people in line.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on October 11, 2011, 05:27:40 PM
Quote from: Nigel on October 11, 2011, 05:25:38 PM
I approve of using mockery to keep people in line.

Yeah, but mimes? That's just uncalled for.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on October 12, 2011, 01:32:34 PM
Kidnappers attempt to abduct Saddam Hussein look-alike in order to force him to do porn.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/11/mohamed-bishr-saddam-look-alike-porn_n_1004877.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/11/mohamed-bishr-saddam-look-alike-porn_n_1004877.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 14, 2011, 04:41:17 AM
Quote from: kingyak on October 12, 2011, 01:32:34 PM
Kidnappers attempt to abduct Saddam Hussein look-alike in order to force him to do porn.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/11/mohamed-bishr-saddam-look-alike-porn_n_1004877.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/11/mohamed-bishr-saddam-look-alike-porn_n_1004877.html)

really, world?  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 15, 2011, 11:08:00 AM
DON'T Think for Yourself.  Not if you're a member of the GoP!

QuoteU.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R) has been removed from his local Republican committee in Virginia.

So have state officials Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and House Speaker Bill Howell from theirs.

Every Republican who endorsed Del. Bill Janis, the Republican turned independent who is running for the post of commonwealth's attorney in Henrico County next month, is out.

The Republican Party of Virginia's party plan says any Republican who supports a non-Republican in a contested race will be automatically removed from the rolls of his or her local committee, according to the state party's executive director, Dave Rexrode.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/virginias-top-republicans-removed-from-party/2011/10/14/gIQA98WgkL_blog.html?tid=sm_twitter_washingtonpost
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 18, 2011, 11:35:07 PM
Interesting article on this blog, here:

http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-republicans-hope-public-doesnt.html

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on October 19, 2011, 11:17:19 AM
Quote from: Luna on October 18, 2011, 11:35:07 PM
Interesting article on this blog, here:

http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-republicans-hope-public-doesnt.html



Interesting indeed, but at the end he seems to suggest it is wrong to conclude that "they're all crooks".

But I think he's mistaken. Even though possibly the Democrats are "better" than the Reps, they're still not good enough to actually turn America back into a really cool country again.

Partly because the Dems let the Reps block all that shit. And because "low information voters" are their responsibility as well. There's nothing partisan about informing the people who does what. And finally, if they somehow would get their shit done, against all odds, they're still pretty right-wing and 0wned by corporations.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on October 20, 2011, 08:39:07 AM
What the fuck?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/20/us/ohio-animals-on-loose/

QuoteAs of Wednesday afternoon, authorities had killed 49 animals -- 18 tigers, 17 lions, six black bears, two grizzly bears, three mountain lions, two wolves and a baboon.

QuoteAuthorities were waiting on the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of his death, but Lutz said Thompson shot himself just after releasing the animals.

:argh!:
:cramstipated:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 20, 2011, 11:20:48 AM
Quote from: Alty on October 20, 2011, 08:39:07 AM
What the fuck?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/20/us/ohio-animals-on-loose/

QuoteAs of Wednesday afternoon, authorities had killed 49 animals -- 18 tigers, 17 lions, six black bears, two grizzly bears, three mountain lions, two wolves and a baboon.

QuoteAuthorities were waiting on the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of his death, but Lutz said Thompson shot himself just after releasing the animals.

:argh!:
:cramstipated:

Wait...  why would he have "pried" the cages open?  The owner would have the cage door keys, wouldn't he?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on October 20, 2011, 12:44:06 PM
18 tigers? :x

That's a lot of goddamn tigers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 20, 2011, 12:55:37 PM
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/10/how-the-media-cover-the-ohio-zoo-escape--our-official-prediction

QuoteYesterday the owner of an exotic-animal preserve near Zanesville, Ohio, set dozens of its occupants free before taking his own life. Much of the rogue menagerie, which included lions, tigers, and bears—yeah, yeah, oh my—has been shot and killed by local police. "We could not have animals running loose in this county," a police sheriff said. Information about the escape is still coming in, but it's not too early to guess how the situation will be addressed by the media. VF.com's official predictions:

"Ohio Slaughter a Metaphor ... But for What? Several Possibilities Loom"
By Bill Keller

"CELEBRITIES WITH DEAD ANIMALS IN MOVIES: 10 FUNNIEST AND MOST UPSETTING MOMENTS"
By the Huffington Post

"Terrorist Lion Traced to Obama's Kenyan Village"
By the National Review Online

"Ohio Animals, African Imports, and Globalization"
By Thomas Friedman

"OMFG So Sad!!!!!! R.I.P. Animals!!!
By Perez Hilton

"What the Animals Would Have Looked Like at 50, If They Had Lived and Known Kate Middleton"
By Newsweek

"Were the Animals Looking to Join Occupy Wall Street/Attend the World Series? Kim Kardashian Investigates"
The Daily Beast

"Gender Inequity for Female Animals?"
By Jezebel

"Where's Ohio? Locating Animal Safari Some-Such on a Map"
By The Robb Report

"Israel's Response to the Ohio Zoo Escape"
By The New Republic

"ABC to Have Moment of Silence During Dancing with the Stars for Animal Massacre"
By People

"The Separated Husband as Hunter"
A New York Times Modern Love column

"This Zoo Animal Slaughter, While Tragic, Gets Top Billing from ALL OF YOU, Even Though There's Some VERY Important SHIT Going Down in Other Countries RIGHT NOW. GUYS."
By The Atlantic

"Why Is My Kid Scared of Lions?"
By Slate

"Will Hillary Clinton Replace Joe Biden on the 2012 Ticket? Whispers Begin Anew in Light of Recent Wild-Animal Fracas"
By Politico

"New Animal-Sounds iPhone App Could Have Been Used to Humanely Round Up Ohio Zoo Escapees"
By Gizmodo

"A Rare Miss from Animal Collective"
By Pitchfork
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 20, 2011, 05:28:21 PM
 :lulz: :argh!: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on October 24, 2011, 10:51:45 PM
http://www.propublica.org/article/government-could-hide-existence-of-records-under-foia-rule-proposal
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on October 24, 2011, 10:59:26 PM
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111023/00191416469/us-trying-to-force-governments-to-pay-much-higher-prices-needed-drugs-through-secretive-tpp.shtml
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 25, 2011, 06:48:12 AM
Fuck, my government is evil.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 25, 2011, 11:29:48 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 25, 2011, 06:48:12 AM
Fuck, my government is evil.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on October 27, 2011, 08:23:26 PM
In addition to the jerk-off who thinks buying one cup of coffee entitles him to unlimited free office space, Starbucks in NYC have to deal with this guy. (http://gawker.com/5853881/starbucks-has-a-serial-bathroom-masturbator)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 27, 2011, 08:26:35 PM
BARF
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jenne on October 27, 2011, 08:34:30 PM
Greaaat.  Remind me to go into Dean and Deluca's instead when I'm next in NYC...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on December 14, 2011, 08:33:46 PM
BREAKING NE--well, something broke ... :?

Barack Obama declares Iraq war a success

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/14/barack-obama-iraq-war-success (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/14/barack-obama-iraq-war-success)

:asplode:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 14, 2011, 08:43:56 PM
Oh my god.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 14, 2011, 09:03:18 PM
You mean to say the mission is accomplished?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 14, 2011, 09:05:28 PM
Also, the Iraq War was 100% a success.

The Iraq Occupation, however, was a blistering suck of fail that should've caused America to have it's wannabe imperialist licence permanently revoked until the Iraq Occupation ceased to exist in living memory. 

Everyone was in denial that there was an Iraq Occupation, because only Evil Dictators and Nazis Occupy Foreign Countries, but fuck it, you can't just go around changing definitions to protect delicate little feelings.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 15, 2011, 02:43:12 AM
So, it seems the house passed the NDAA with it's citizen indefinite detention provisions.
And Obama has turned back from his veto threat.
and the Senate passed the earlier version of the bill already, so when it goes to them, it should be a rubber stamp, i guess (?)
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/congress-passes-662-billion-defense-bill-aka-ndaa
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2011, 02:44:49 AM
Quote from: Iptuous on December 15, 2011, 02:43:12 AM
So, it seems the house passed the NDAA with it's citizen indefinite detention provisions.
And Obama has turned back from his veto threat.
and the Senate passed the earlier version of the bill already, so when it goes to them, it should be a rubber stamp, i guess (?)
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/congress-passes-662-billion-defense-bill-aka-ndaa

Already started a thread on that, because that level of fail rates it's very own unlimited thread.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 15, 2011, 03:09:46 AM
yeah, i thought i remembered seeing that, but a lazy man's search didn't find it.
will be more diligent in the future.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on December 15, 2011, 05:51:00 AM
Quote from: Triple Zero on December 14, 2011, 08:33:46 PM
BREAKING NE--well, something broke ... :?

Barack Obama declares Iraq war a success

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/14/barack-obama-iraq-war-success (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/14/barack-obama-iraq-war-success)

:asplode:

My face right now.
(http://www.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/american-psycho.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on December 20, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
I....

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/failed-tea-party-politician-posts-fac

"Failed Tea Party Politician Posts Facebook Page Calling For Obama Assassination"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on December 20, 2011, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
I....

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/failed-tea-party-politician-posts-fac

"Failed Tea Party Politician Posts Facebook Page Calling For Obama Assassination"

There's so much in that that has me making "wha...buh....faugh...." sounds that I just can't form a coherent thought about it.

Other than, "Teabagger turns out to be racist big surprise." and "Why the hell the kids too?!?!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on December 20, 2011, 12:51:11 PM
Quote from: Nph. Twid. on December 20, 2011, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
I....

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/failed-tea-party-politician-posts-fac

"Failed Tea Party Politician Posts Facebook Page Calling For Obama Assassination"

There's so much in that that has me making "wha...buh....faugh...." sounds that I just can't form a coherent thought about it.

Other than, "Teabagger turns out to be racist big surprise." and "Why the hell the kids too?!?!"

I can not post coherently about calling for the murder of children.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on December 20, 2011, 01:14:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 12:51:11 PM
Quote from: Nph. Twid. on December 20, 2011, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
I....

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/failed-tea-party-politician-posts-fac

"Failed Tea Party Politician Posts Facebook Page Calling For Obama Assassination"

There's so much in that that has me making "wha...buh....faugh...." sounds that I just can't form a coherent thought about it.

Other than, "Teabagger turns out to be racist big surprise." and "Why the hell the kids too?!?!"

I can not post coherently about calling for the murder of children.

Yeah, I'm not cool with this. At all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on December 20, 2011, 01:36:08 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 20, 2011, 01:14:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 12:51:11 PM
Quote from: Nph. Twid. on December 20, 2011, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
I....

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/failed-tea-party-politician-posts-fac

"Failed Tea Party Politician Posts Facebook Page Calling For Obama Assassination"

There's so much in that that has me making "wha...buh....faugh...." sounds that I just can't form a coherent thought about it.

Other than, "Teabagger turns out to be racist big surprise." and "Why the hell the kids too?!?!"

I can not post coherently about calling for the murder of children.

Yeah, I'm not cool with this. At all.


I'm wondering what was going through his head at the time. That's on a level of fucked up that even if you were whipped up into some stupid frenzy and you start saying shit that's going to get you in a lot of trouble, you still wouldn't say that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on December 20, 2011, 01:49:29 PM
Quote from: Nph. Twid. on December 20, 2011, 01:36:08 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 20, 2011, 01:14:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 12:51:11 PM
Quote from: Nph. Twid. on December 20, 2011, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
I....

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/failed-tea-party-politician-posts-fac

"Failed Tea Party Politician Posts Facebook Page Calling For Obama Assassination"

There's so much in that that has me making "wha...buh....faugh...." sounds that I just can't form a coherent thought about it.

Other than, "Teabagger turns out to be racist big surprise." and "Why the hell the kids too?!?!"

I can not post coherently about calling for the murder of children.

Yeah, I'm not cool with this. At all.


I'm wondering what was going through his head at the time. That's on a level of fucked up that even if you were whipped up into some stupid frenzy and you start saying shit that's going to get you in a lot of trouble, you still wouldn't say that.

Maybe it was, "gee, I REALLY want that body cavity search from the Secret Service."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on December 20, 2011, 02:11:46 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 01:49:29 PM
Quote from: Nph. Twid. on December 20, 2011, 01:36:08 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 20, 2011, 01:14:58 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 12:51:11 PM
Quote from: Nph. Twid. on December 20, 2011, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: Luna on December 20, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
I....

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/failed-tea-party-politician-posts-fac

"Failed Tea Party Politician Posts Facebook Page Calling For Obama Assassination"

There's so much in that that has me making "wha...buh....faugh...." sounds that I just can't form a coherent thought about it.

Other than, "Teabagger turns out to be racist big surprise." and "Why the hell the kids too?!?!"

I can not post coherently about calling for the murder of children.

Yeah, I'm not cool with this. At all.


I'm wondering what was going through his head at the time. That's on a level of fucked up that even if you were whipped up into some stupid frenzy and you start saying shit that's going to get you in a lot of trouble, you still wouldn't say that.

Maybe it was, "gee, I REALLY want that body cavity search from the Secret Service."

He still would have gotten that without resorting to talk about killing two young girls.

I dunno. This is still making my brain hurt.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on January 10, 2012, 03:04:40 PM
White House Denies CIA Teleported Obama to Mars (http://m.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/01/obama-mars/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on January 10, 2012, 03:12:27 PM
Quote from: kingyak on January 10, 2012, 03:04:40 PM
White House Denies CIA Teleported Obama to Mars (http://m.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/01/obama-mars/)

Cain found this one the other day... http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php/topic,31247.0.html -- still my favorite piece of news from 2012!

I choose to believe it, all of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on January 10, 2012, 03:15:19 PM
Hey, if I can believe that Frank Zappa and Jack Kirby are time cops...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on January 24, 2012, 06:01:08 PM
From yahoo news comes this headline: russian scientists claim of life on venus proven false. In other news americans waste time on disproving obvious bullshit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on January 25, 2012, 11:42:00 PM
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/tibetans-shot-dead-for-failing-to-observe-chinese-new-year/story-fnb64oi6-1226252287686

China shoots people for not celebrating the New Year.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on January 25, 2012, 11:55:41 PM
Wat
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 26, 2012, 12:23:36 AM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on January 25, 2012, 11:42:00 PM
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/tibetans-shot-dead-for-failing-to-observe-chinese-new-year/story-fnb64oi6-1226252287686

China shoots people for not celebrating the New Year.

Well, really they were shot for being Tibetans.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on January 26, 2012, 05:00:06 PM
McDonald's Twitter Fail:

http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-twitter-campaign-goes-horribly-wrong-mcdstories-2012-1 (http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-twitter-campaign-goes-horribly-wrong-mcdstories-2012-1)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 26, 2012, 05:06:01 PM
Quote from: kingyak on January 26, 2012, 05:00:06 PM
McDonald's Twitter Fail:

http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-twitter-campaign-goes-horribly-wrong-mcdstories-2012-1 (http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-twitter-campaign-goes-horribly-wrong-mcdstories-2012-1)

Heh.

Quote from: From the press releaseWith all social media campaigns, we include contingency plans should the conversation not go as planned. The ability to change midstream helped this small blip from becoming something larger.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 27, 2012, 05:49:46 PM
Don't change horses in mid stream  :argh!:
                                 \\
(http://hirenj.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/wag.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on January 31, 2012, 12:01:54 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/30/mandatory-ultrasound-bill-virginia-anti-abortion_n_1242627.html

Janet Howell, Virginia State Senator, Attaches Rectal Exam Amendment To Anti-Abortion Bill

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on January 31, 2012, 01:58:56 PM
Quote from: Telarus on January 31, 2012, 12:01:54 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/30/mandatory-ultrasound-bill-virginia-anti-abortion_n_1242627.html

Janet Howell, Virginia State Senator, Attaches Rectal Exam Amendment To Anti-Abortion Bill

:lulz:

Brilliant!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on January 31, 2012, 04:12:12 PM
Unfortunate that the fetal seance bill passed anyway, but I applaud Howell's methods.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on January 31, 2012, 04:52:16 PM
Quote from: kingyak on January 31, 2012, 04:12:12 PM
Unfortunate that the fetal seance bill passed anyway, but I applaud Howell's methods.

Truth, all around.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lord Cataplanga on February 05, 2012, 11:12:30 PM
Welfare Drug Testing Bill Withdrawn After Amended To Include Testing Lawmakers (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/welfare-drug-testing-bill_n_1237333.html)

The title really says it all, doesn't it?

Quote"After it passed, Rep. McMillin got pretty upset and pulled his bill," Dvorak said. "If anything, I think it points out some of the hypocrisy. ... If we're going to impose standards on drug testing, then it should apply to everybody who receives government money."

Edit: I just read Cain's thread about a similarly awesomely hillarious ammendment to an anti-abortion law. (http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php/topic,31543.0.html) Could this be the beggining of a trend?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on February 06, 2012, 02:20:23 AM
This was on Jon Stewarts show, ep 2nd feb. They were at some press conference and asked some politician to pee in the cup.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: kingyak on February 08, 2012, 03:29:35 PM
Critics often fail to consider the wacky hijinks that can result from living in a police state.

Quote
An undercover police officer in Sussex, England, shadowed a suspicious character through the streets a small market town for 20 minutes, following directions passed to him by a CCTV operator who guided him towards the suspect. After 20 minutes, the CCTV operator realized that the "suspicious character" was the police officer himself.

http://boingboing.net/2012/02/08/english-plainclothes-police-of.html (http://boingboing.net/2012/02/08/english-plainclothes-police-of.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 08, 2012, 06:58:50 PM
That's fucking awesome.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 08, 2012, 08:04:52 PM
oh man....
if that cctv footage and accompanying radio traffic made it onto the web it would go down in history!
:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 08, 2012, 08:14:39 PM
Quote from: kingyak on February 08, 2012, 03:29:35 PM
Critics often fail to consider the wacky hijinks that can result from living in a police state.

Quote
An undercover police officer in Sussex, England, shadowed a suspicious character through the streets a small market town for 20 minutes, following directions passed to him by a CCTV operator who guided him towards the suspect. After 20 minutes, the CCTV operator realized that the "suspicious character" was the police officer himself.

http://boingboing.net/2012/02/08/english-plainclothes-police-of.html (http://boingboing.net/2012/02/08/english-plainclothes-police-of.html)

THIS IS GODDAMN FANTASTIC.

I hope that this results in thousands of calls to the police to report suspicious characters.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on February 15, 2012, 08:37:24 AM
Lightning kills entire Football team.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/lightning-kills-an-entire-football-team-1181336.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 15, 2012, 03:20:30 PM
I was all like, "Oh sHit!"
and then i saw it was just a soccer team...
:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 15, 2012, 03:51:05 PM
Quote from: Iptuous on February 15, 2012, 03:20:30 PM
I was all like, "Oh sHit!"
and then i saw it was just a soccer team...
:lol:

Plus it was in the Congo, so it was just black people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on February 15, 2012, 07:24:09 PM


That many people dead in one lightning strike, I'd probably suspect witchcraft too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on February 17, 2012, 05:31:14 PM
http://www.waka.com/home/top-stories/Holmes-Sagging-Pants-Bill-Passes-Alabama-House-59-0-139465303.html

Alabama has a bill which imposes a $100-$150 fine for wearing "saggy pants"

I hope they also appoint a hall monitor to enforce the new state dress code.



reminds me of Louisiana's "thong law"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 18, 2012, 03:50:05 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on February 17, 2012, 05:31:14 PM
http://www.waka.com/home/top-stories/Holmes-Sagging-Pants-Bill-Passes-Alabama-House-59-0-139465303.html

Alabama has a bill which imposes a $100-$150 fine for wearing "saggy pants"

I hope they also appoint a hall monitor to enforce the new state dress code.



reminds me of Louisiana's "thong law"

AMERICA SINKS DEEPER INTO IRRECOVERABLE RECESSION AMID SAGGY PANTS CRISIS

NEWS AT 11
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 24, 2012, 07:35:19 PM
Superbowl measles outbreak linked to anti-vaccination movement. (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/02/measles-outbreak-in-indiana.html)

Sometimes, you gotta love it when herd immunity breaks down.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 24, 2012, 07:36:58 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 24, 2012, 07:35:19 PM
Superbowl measles outbreak linked to anti-vaccination movement. (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/02/measles-outbreak-in-indiana.html)

Sometimes, you gotta love it when herd immunity breaks down.

Humans are a funny species.  You can grind their noses in their own poop, and they will still side with superstition over reason any day of the week.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 24, 2012, 07:44:15 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on February 24, 2012, 07:36:58 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 24, 2012, 07:35:19 PM
Superbowl measles outbreak linked to anti-vaccination movement. (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/02/measles-outbreak-in-indiana.html)

Sometimes, you gotta love it when herd immunity breaks down.

Humans are a funny species.  You can grind their noses in their own poop, and they will still side with superstition over reason any day of the week.

IT SMELLS LIKE ROSES, I TELL YA!
                                  \
(http://farm1.staticflickr.com/161/360764980_67362f80e2_z.jpg)





(relax.  it's just chocolate.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 24, 2012, 08:09:12 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 24, 2012, 07:35:19 PM
Superbowl measles outbreak linked to anti-vaccination movement. (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/02/measles-outbreak-in-indiana.html)

Sometimes, you gotta love it when herd immunity breaks down.

:lulz:

This is funny except for the inevitable deaths of the immunocompromised who rely on herd immunity because they can't get vaccinated.

I fucking hate those anti-vaccine fucks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on February 27, 2012, 03:50:58 AM
Quote from: Nigel on February 24, 2012, 08:09:12 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 24, 2012, 07:35:19 PM
Superbowl measles outbreak linked to anti-vaccination movement. (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/02/measles-outbreak-in-indiana.html)

Sometimes, you gotta love it when herd immunity breaks down.

:lulz:

This is funny except for the inevitable deaths of the immunocompromised who rely on herd immunity because they can't get vaccinated.

I fucking hate those anti-vaccine fucks.

It's like people came up with an ass-backwards way to be horrible to others less fortunate than they are, even if it's at their own expense.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2012, 01:54:30 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17252190

Not really worthy of a thread, given how inevitable it was really. So, PUTIN'S BACK BABY.
It is almost like he never left.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTN276yrr4k/TtT_CWC5YaI/AAAAAAAAB4g/BQW-cNzLd38/s1600/putin_sharks.jpg)

Given Russia's past of dealing with comrades for being ..... disloyal to mother Russia, I wonder if we may yet see dissent in Moscow?
Briefly, of course.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 09, 2012, 03:12:13 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17310549

"The Falkirk MP headbutted Conservative MP for Pudsey Stuart Andrew during a brawl at the Strangers' Bar."

It tends to be rather rare that I feel any kind on national pride, but that made me smile. You can take the man out of Scotland, but you can't take his desire to attack people with his head.

Perhaps best of all is the total and utter sincerity where he apparently uttered the immortal phrase

""You can't touch me, I'm an MP."

Not seeking re-election is madness. That's a vote winner hands down.

(Yes, yes, obvious injustice, if you or I did it then jail for sure but I'm taking any politician being head butted as a win, however minor)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2012, 12:02:15 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17347173

QuoteThe Commons agreed on Monday evening, without a vote, to add a line to the code specifying that the standards commissioner "may not investigate a specific matter... which relates only to the conduct of a member in their private and personal lives".

Arguing in favour of the change, Mr Walker said "the bedroom and the bottle" were "the two weaknesses that seem most likely to compromise MPs in their private lives".

Without his amendment, he said, "every sexual peccadillo, domestic dispute or unguarded cross word will lead to tabloid calls for the commissioner to take action".

Emphasis mine, just found it somewhat amusing. Seems to be a meaningful nod to enough people to pass it. Not that this would link in to the whole press situation going along at the moment. Would be nice to get a list of who the first to agree were. Then I can start speculating on which are alcoholic or enjoy recreational substances and those engaged in sexual misadventures. I assume misadventures, as you tend to be quite proud of an adventure. For reference see Lembit Opik.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 17, 2012, 03:02:55 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17413777

QuotePolice investigate attempted break-in at Parliament

QuoteThe attempted break-in took place in the Norman Shaw Buildings where Ed Miliband's office is.

But it was not the Labour Party leader's suite which was targeted, sources have told the BBC.

QuoteSources have told the BBC that the door of an office used by Labour staff was forced, and that it follows a spate of laptop thefts around the House of Commons.

1- If it's an attempted break in, this implies it was aborted. How is it then possible to make a determination on who was or was not the target? Why would someone target a less important figure if you can easily target the more important figure?

2-This is the first I've heard about multiple thefts. Who else has been a victim? Given the massive breaches in data security just from leaving laptops on trains and the like, this would surely warrant serious investigation? Is it possible none of these laptops had any sensitive information whatsoever? Possibly, though I would say unlikely.

3- The attempt was at around 7pm. In London. Sounds smart, I'm sure everyone round that way is in bed by then. This does not suggest Oceans 11 style cunning and forethought. It sounds more like opportunism or total confidence that they would not be caught. Given as they haven't been caught.....

4-There is a pretty solid CCTV coverage around this area. Just think it's worth noting this.

This stinks more than a kettle of boiling piss. Behold as nothing comes from it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 18, 2012, 05:56:02 AM
I suspect Ed Miliband was not a target, because the idea of Ed Miliband having anything worth stealing or exposing is laughable on the face of it.  "Slightly pink in the right light Ed" is about the most boringly conventional nonentity to grace Parliament since Nick Clegg.

So, what else can you get from the Norman Shaw building?  Well, access to the Palace of Westminster, for one.

But before jumping to conclusions, lets look at these previous thefts:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13467210

QuoteThe Metropolitan Police are investigating a spate of laptop thefts from Parliamentary buildings.

The news came as Labour MP Keith Vaz revealed he was the latest victim, when a laptop and iPad were stolen from his Westminster office on Thursday.

QuoteMr Vaz's office is within the Norman Shaw North building on Victoria Embankment, close to the Palace of Westminster.

The MP for Leicester East told BBC Radio 5 live the equipment taken contained information relating "to the work I do as the chairman of the home affairs committee, which includes policing issues".

Emphasis mine.  Also

QuoteMr Vaz said his office building was "supposed to be secure" and the thief "must" have full security clearance to move around.

"If this happened to a constituent, I would call a residents' meeting - which I am happy to do - and get more CCTV cameras in the corridors.

"Oddly enough, I could only find one, in the car park... pretty astonishing for an iconic building like Parliament."

Within the remit of the Home Affairs Select Committee is, of course, the News of the World phone hacking scandal, as well as police issues.  I bet someone would be willing to pay to know what Keith Vaz knows.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 18, 2012, 11:22:02 PM
Ah. This clarifies a couple of things. Me being backward, I assumed "Recent spate of thefts" to refer to recently. Obviously "recently" means "has happened in previous years"

Given the remarks in the article in regard to CCTV, I have to find this somewhat strange. I walk past multiple cameras every day and I am not in an area that either needs or warrants them. I seem to have made the age old mistake of assuming buildings in need of good security would have basic security.

Further than this, considering laptops have recently been stolen over a number of years... is anyone going to pick up the phone and arrange for this to be rectified? I'm being silly again.

I suspect Cain may be right in regards to the target not being inconspicuous Ed. The perpetrator having full clearance seems blindingly obvious, as seems to be the desire to ignore it as hard as possible. The chances of it being the same person being involved in all offences must be above average.

My question is this: Why not just use a good old fashioned bribe? Vaz shares all the new labour trappings, including a suggestibility to sleaze. The only reason I can see to rob him is that his price was a little too high. Which also makes no sense as surely he'd have a fairly good idea of who the thief works for.


It's a bad day when a briefcase full of used notes looks like the classy option.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 22, 2012, 11:33:36 AM
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/mexican-drug-cartel-knights-templar-cease-fire-for-popes-visit/story-e6frf7k6-1226303513690

Mexican drug cartel Knights Templar cease fire for Pope's visit

THE Knights Templars drugs cartel is calling a short truce - but only to welcome Pope Benedict XVI to Mexico.

"They did put up signs announcing this," a Guanajuato state government source told AFP privately on Sunday.

The Knights Templars are holding off on all violent action, we are not killers, welcome to the Pope," the official said paraphrasing one of the signs put up in the town of Irapuato, Guanajuato state.

The signs were seen in at least seven towns statewide.

The Pope arrives March 23 in Leon, in the neighbouring state of Michoacan, where the Knights Templars were founded.

President Felipe Calderon has launched a military crackdown against the cartels battling it out for control of the lucrative drug trade, in which some 50,000 Mexicans have lost their lives since 2006.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 25, 2012, 05:01:10 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17503116

QuoteConservative Party co-treasurer Peter Cruddas has resigned with immediate effect after a newspaper claimed he was prepared to arrange access to the prime minister and chancellor for £250,000

Sleaze? In Government? Again? I'll shut up this barely qualifies as news now.

More interesting
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17502417

QuoteGuatemalan President Otto Perez Molina has said the war on drugs has failed, and it is time to end the "taboo" on discussing decriminalisation.

Nice to see some balls here. I doubt this will lead to any particular change in local or global policies. Depending on how far this gets pushed it could have a few interesting outcomes. One is probably a new Presidente. I wonder how much history this General has read?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 25, 2012, 09:30:08 AM
Yeah, saw the Cruddas story.  I have a friend who has been working on coding government lobbying and access for a while now...I wonder if his system predicted Cruddas as a player?  Will have to shoot him off an email, see what he's got.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on March 25, 2012, 05:48:32 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 25, 2012, 09:30:08 AM
Yeah, saw the Cruddas story.  I have a friend who has been working on coding government lobbying and access for a while now...I wonder if his system predicted Cruddas as a player?  Will have to shoot him off an email, see what he's got.

Hmmmm, politicians are corrupt - well thats hardly news is it? I kinda liked Charlie Brooker's take on it

"David Cameron: the world's first pay-per-view Prime Minister."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 26, 2012, 01:30:49 PM
The program wasn't about finding corruption - this was about assessing and weighing access and influence in government departments and, as it turned out, detecting networks of influence within government.

Anyway, Cameron said he wasn't going to release the names of people he'd had private dinners with, but this was possibly the shortest lived resistance movement in history, as he just declared about 10 minutes ago that he would give up names.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 27, 2012, 11:15:32 PM
http://www.totalpolitics.com/blog/314662/mps-try-to-overturn-and39god-can-healand39-ad-ban.thtml

QuoteThree Christian MPs are trying to overturn an advertising ban on claiming that 'God can heal'.

Gary Streeter (Con), Gavin Shuker (Lab) and Tim Farron (Lib Dem) say that they want the Advertising Standards Authority to produce "indisputable scientific evidence" to say that prayer does not work - otherwise they will raise the issue in Parliament.

The MPs wrote to dispute the ruling after the outpouring of support and prayer for football star Fabrice Muamba.

3 MP's need the concept of "burden of proof" explained to them. Probably slowly, with pictures.




Good to have chaps like this in charge of the future of the NHS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on March 31, 2012, 11:07:27 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 18, 2012, 11:22:02 PM
Given the remarks in the article in regard to CCTV, I have to find this somewhat strange. I walk past multiple cameras every day and I am not in an area that either needs or warrants them. I seem to have made the age old mistake of assuming buildings in need of good security would have basic security.
Well, the Very Important People don't want to be watched all the time, so they won't have that much CCTV. Of course for the poor and powerless to ask for the same respect is too much, they need to be watched all the time.
As everyone knows, poor equals criminal and rich = powerful = saint.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 31, 2012, 07:36:46 PM
Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting every inch watched at all times, but basic entry/exit just seems obvious. I wonder how easy it is to actually gain access? Probably a lot easier than I previously thought.

In other news, Batman caught in Maryland
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17564941
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 02, 2012, 05:51:47 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17582542

QuoteAn investigation is under way after indecent images were "inadvertently" shown by a Catholic priest during a presentation at a primary school in County Tyrone.

Father Martin McVeigh projected the images onto a screen during a meeting for parents in Pomeroy in preparation for First Holy Communion. One child was also present.

Parents said 16 indecent images of men were displayed. The priest said he had no knowledge of the offending imagery.

"He was visibly shaken and flustered," said the parents. "He gave no explanation or apology to the group and bolted out of the room. The co-ordinator and the teachers then continued with the presentation.

"Twenty minutes later he returned, he continued with the meeting and wrapped up by saying that the children get lots of money for their Holy Communion and should consider giving some of it to the church."

"The priest has stated that he had no knowledge of the offending imagery. The archdiocese immediately sought the advice of the PSNI who indicated that, on the basis of the evidence available, no crime had been committed.

Pretty sure that showing indecent images to children is a crime, even if it is only one child. Also nice to see he was able compose himself in time to remind attendees that God needs money. Paraphrasing Carlin, "He's all-powerful, all knowing, all wise and he needs your money!"

For bail in the forthcoming future I guess.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on April 03, 2012, 06:44:50 AM
This is why you don't go with the guy with the gun. Let him shoot you right then and there.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/03/samantha-koenig-disappearance_n_1398626.html

The signs around town, REWARD FOR INFORMATION and such, are all torn on the edges and faded. The poor family.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 03, 2012, 05:17:13 PM
Oh, that's horrible. :(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 07, 2012, 11:53:12 PM
People still not understanding the concept of Anonymous
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17648852
QuoteThe hacking group Anonymous is alleged to have blocked the Home Office website, apparently in protest at government policies.

Shortly before the website became inaccessible a message was posted blaming a "high volume of traffic".

Anonymous is a loose group of "hacktivists" who came to the fore in 2010 in the wake of the emergence of Julian Assange's Wikileaks website.

Anonymous began by aiming distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on websites, like the credit card firm Visa, who had withdrawn services from Wikileaks.

But it has gradually changed into a grouping which claims to battle government surveillance and attempts to police the internet.

Which is all kind of "meh" until you tie it in to this
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17601594

QuoteDavid Cameron has said "gaps" in national security must be plugged as he defended plans for more secret court hearings and more internet monitoring.

It follows concerns raised by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and others about civil liberties implications.

Now the suspicious bastard that lives in my head starts shouting things like "false flag" and I'm having trouble shutting him up. Blaming Anonymous and collaring the next few silly bastards who charge lazors at that website would be a lovely little PR boost. Shouting about terrorists every few minutes as well really doesn't help. Given the level of shit the IRA pulled here over the past few decades it's really hard to take it seriously. But that's another rant entirely.

I also struggle to understand the value in attacking websites like the home office. The chance of the hack actually having a positive  impact is negligible. The benefit to the hacked is huge, it's basically giving them the ammo they need to push these kind of laws.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 08, 2012, 06:14:21 PM
Actually, this is pretty typical of Anonymous - they're not big on strategic planning.  I might have hung around with the /i/nsurgents a bit, back in the day....The idea is usually to raise awareness and make a symbolic show of anger and frustration, not do real damage. 

Besides, the Lib Dems are going to kill the legislation.  First useful thing they will have done since 2010.

(and I'd just like to take this time to remind everyone, yet again, I said Nick Clegg was a tosser and not to be trusted BACK IN 2008)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 21, 2012, 10:19:29 PM
Who mentioned Ted Nugent recently?

http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/military-cancels-ted-nugent-performance-citing-violent-rhetoric-171841819.html

QuoteBy The Hollywood Reporter | Stop The Presses! – 3 hours ago

Getting the boot from Fort Knox is the latest wrinkle in a controversy that began last weekend at an NRA convention and led to a visit from the Secret Service.
Citing inflammatory language while expressing his displeasure with President Barack Obama, the military has uninvited rock star and conservative political activist Ted Nugent from performing at Fort Knox in Kentucky, according to the U.S. Army post's Facebook page.
"After learning of opening act Ted Nugent's recent public comments about the president of the United States, Fort Knox leadership decided to cancel his performance on the installation," it's Facebook posting says.
So far, the June 23 concert remains on the Fort Knox schedule, with REO Speedwagon and Styx listed as "co-headliners," but army personnel said they will grant requests for refunds in light of their decision to nix the opening act.

The cancellation is the latest wrinkle in a controversy that has engulfed Nugent since last weekend when, speaking at an NRA convention, the rocker said that he would be "dead or in jail" if Obama is reelected in November.
Also referring to Obama and Democratic candidates in general, he told the NRA faithful: "We need to ride into that battlefield and chop their heads off in November."
Use of the violent metaphors earned Nugent a visit from Secret Service agents on Thursday. He said Friday on his website that he had with them a "good, solid professional meeting concluding that I have never made any threats of violence toward anyone."
A spokesman for Fort Knox told TheBlaze.com that having Nugent perform "would be a conflict of interest since the military has the obligation to be apolitical."
Such a claim, though, seems dubious when it comes to choosing entertainers, who oftentimes show their partisanship. At its website, for example, Fort Knox is touting an appearance this month by comedian Jay Phillips who is supportive of Obama through his Twitter activities. And Ludacris has performed at U.S. Army bases even after the 2008 release of his pro-Obama song "Politics As Usual," which calls Hillary Clinton, who was running against Obama at the time, a "bitch" who is "irrelevant." The ultra-partisan song also called President George W. Bush "mentally handicapped" and says that Sen. John McCain "don't belong in any chair unless he's paralyzed."
Fort Knox personnel did not return calls or emails requesting clarification on their "obligation to be apolitical" in their entertainment selections.
Comments at the Fort Knox Facebook page have been running about 3-1 against the decision to boot Nugent from the concert.
"He is such a supporter of the troops. Such a shame that he was canceled for expressing his freedom of speech. This is America, if you have not forgot," one commenter wrote.
"I thought that freedom of speech was one of the very same things that our military fought for. When Obama said he was going to change the military, he did. He made them cowards. Shame on you Fort Knox," said another.
And on the flip side: "Anyone who threatens a U.S. president like that should not be allowed on a military installation. No matter which party he affiliates himself with. Good decision."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on April 22, 2012, 09:45:06 PM
"We had a good, solid professional meeting..."

I believe this translates to "they schooled my ass without ever needing to raise their voices," yes?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Placid Dingo on April 23, 2012, 09:10:33 AM
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/the-grid/anonymous-formula-1-bahrain

More Anon fun, attacking the Formula 1 over Bahrain's Human Rights record.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 25, 2012, 02:47:22 AM
 :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: Goddamn, what a Hail Eris moment. Thousands of people thought they were fired for a whole morning.....

http://news.slashdot.org/story/12/04/23/2245250/company-accidentally-fires-entire-staff-via-email
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on April 25, 2012, 07:11:49 PM
Quote from: Telarus on April 25, 2012, 02:47:22 AM
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: Goddamn, what a Hail Eris moment. Thousands of people thought they were fired for a whole morning.....

http://news.slashdot.org/story/12/04/23/2245250/company-accidentally-fires-entire-staff-via-email

:fnord: it makes me want to buy stock in toilet paper companies  :fnord: :sniffle: "It's so beautiful!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 26, 2012, 01:14:01 AM
INTERNAL SERVER ERROR! :crankey:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 30, 2012, 04:29:27 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17894176

Piratebay blocked by major ISP's in the UK.

Shit. I guess I'll just have to use Isohunt instead.

Or Demonoid

Or any of the million other torrent sites. Or one of the dozen ways around this.

Curiously it comes out the same day that this does

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17895456
QuoteForeign Secretary William Hague has announced an extra £1.5m of funding focused on "promoting freedom of expression online".

It is part of a package of measures intended to "strengthen and develop" human rights around the world, he said.

Edit - I just realised the latest category added to the pirate bay was Porn in it's many forms. There's probably a bit of "Think of the Children" going on here as well. Hopefully more details on that soon as the results could be hilarious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 01, 2012, 08:14:40 AM
Porn has actually been on there for a few years now.  You needed to have an account (or do some basic experimenting with the URL),but it was always accessible.

Since my internet provider is not a major ISP, this does not concern me.  And even if it did....well, Demonoid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on May 01, 2012, 08:21:35 PM
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/dangerous-cities-women-include-detroit-saginaw-mich-anchorage-fairbanks-alaska-article-1.1069848

HO YEAahhcrap.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on May 01, 2012, 08:29:25 PM
A stunning advocation for living in your state, Alty.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on May 01, 2012, 08:36:45 PM
Those numbers heavily include statutory rape, which is very common in the villages.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on May 01, 2012, 08:40:34 PM
Quote from: Alty on May 01, 2012, 08:36:45 PM
Those numbers heavily include statutory rape, which is very common in the villages.

Ah.  Statutory rape,while still icky, is a different beast sometimes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 04, 2012, 06:11:33 AM
Today, we have for your amusement this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17920848

Usual meaningless election. Labour a little ahead, tories slightly behind which is all just shockingly surprising.

Of somewhat more interest to me was the "comments" section, taking here a few samples of the "highest rated"

Quote82. ACCALove
3RD MAY 2012 - 22:22
There should be a box at the bottom of all ballot papers that says:

"None of the above"

The number of votes for this should be published so that we know just how many people want to vote but just don't want any of the current parties.

Quote160. Kevlar
3RD MAY 2012 - 23:20
I'm 34 and chose not to vote today. I've decided not to vote ever again. There will be some of you who will say, that I've lost my voice. But I've realised an uncomfortable truth- I never really had one to begin with. I saw the millions rally against the Iraq war. I watch politicians of every stripe on TV, and I almost throw up. And so do you, if you're honest.

Quote296. Some Lingering Fog
5 HOURS AGO
While people argue on here about Left versus Right, you will end up being shafted by career politicians from the Centre.

There is no difference between Labour, Conservative and the Liberal Democrats so if you voted for any of them today you voted for the continuation of the existing political Establishment.

If you believe you have voted for change then you are sadly deluded.

I'm probably being overly optimistic, but there does seem to be a slight awakening to the two party con. Don't worry, it'll be chloroformed back to sleep shortly.

In other news
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17936006

The unloved, attention seeking stepdaughter of politics Louise Mensch, defends Rupert Murdoch, gets grief, baits trolls further.
I shudder to type this, but I think there could be a worrying chance (that is, the chance exists) that you could be looking at nu-thatcher here.

Cain, What I was getting at with my previous post was Porn had recently become very easy/obvious to access. Basically you didn't need to type "tits" anymore to find it.

I'm probably doing that thing where you look at totally unrelated things, find one thing that links them and declare them to have a meaningful connection.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on May 29, 2012, 04:34:33 AM
http://www.geekosystem.com/halo-logo-bbc/

Halo UNSC Logo Mistakenly Used for United Nations in BBC Broadcast

(http://static02.mediaite.com/geekosystem/uploads/2012/05/BBC-logo-whoops.jpg)

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on May 30, 2012, 09:55:14 PM
I am in a frothing rage.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/05/30/four-year-old-sings-aint-no-homos-going-to-make-it-to-heaven-receives-standing-ovation-video/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2012, 10:40:29 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 09:55:14 PM
I am in a frothing rage.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/05/30/four-year-old-sings-aint-no-homos-going-to-make-it-to-heaven-receives-standing-ovation-video/

If you get mad about shit like that, you're just gonna get ulcers.

The world is SWIMMING in stupid people.  And they have stupid kids.  Which they make even more stupid.

I mean, shit, where do you think stupid people come from?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on May 30, 2012, 11:04:35 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2012, 10:40:29 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 09:55:14 PM
I am in a frothing rage.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/05/30/four-year-old-sings-aint-no-homos-going-to-make-it-to-heaven-receives-standing-ovation-video/

If you get mad about shit like that, you're just gonna get ulcers.

The world is SWIMMING in stupid people.  And they have stupid kids.  Which they make even more stupid.

I mean, shit, where do you think stupid people come from?

Glarg.  They make you take a test to drive a fucking car, I swear, some days I think you should have to take a test to breed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on May 30, 2012, 11:07:22 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 11:04:35 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2012, 10:40:29 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 09:55:14 PM
I am in a frothing rage.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/05/30/four-year-old-sings-aint-no-homos-going-to-make-it-to-heaven-receives-standing-ovation-video/

If you get mad about shit like that, you're just gonna get ulcers.

The world is SWIMMING in stupid people.  And they have stupid kids.  Which they make even more stupid.

I mean, shit, where do you think stupid people come from?

Glarg.  They make you take a test to drive a fucking car, I swear, some days I think you should have to take a test to breed.

And who would administer that test and determine which answers were the right ones?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on May 30, 2012, 11:24:28 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 30, 2012, 11:07:22 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 11:04:35 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2012, 10:40:29 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 09:55:14 PM
I am in a frothing rage.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/05/30/four-year-old-sings-aint-no-homos-going-to-make-it-to-heaven-receives-standing-ovation-video/

If you get mad about shit like that, you're just gonna get ulcers.

The world is SWIMMING in stupid people.  And they have stupid kids.  Which they make even more stupid.

I mean, shit, where do you think stupid people come from?

Glarg.  They make you take a test to drive a fucking car, I swear, some days I think you should have to take a test to breed.

And who would administer that test and determine which answers were the right ones?

Me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on May 31, 2012, 05:33:56 AM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 11:24:28 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 30, 2012, 11:07:22 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 11:04:35 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2012, 10:40:29 PM
Quote from: Luna on May 30, 2012, 09:55:14 PM
I am in a frothing rage.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/05/30/four-year-old-sings-aint-no-homos-going-to-make-it-to-heaven-receives-standing-ovation-video/

If you get mad about shit like that, you're just gonna get ulcers.

The world is SWIMMING in stupid people.  And they have stupid kids.  Which they make even more stupid.

I mean, shit, where do you think stupid people come from?

Glarg.  They make you take a test to drive a fucking car, I swear, some days I think you should have to take a test to breed.

And who would administer that test and determine which answers were the right ones?

Me.

i'll vote for you.
Hell, i'll even chipin your kickstarter by the bootstraps.
Luna for Womb Warden 2012...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 31, 2012, 02:02:06 PM
More Miami fun
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18241494

QuoteA man who was shot dead in Miami at the weekend after he was found biting the face off another naked man has been identified by police.

Rudy Eugene, 31, reportedly growled at a police officer after he was warned to back away.

A witness said the aggressor continued to eat the victim, before the officer opened fire several times, killing him.

The attack next to a busy road on Saturday afternoon has been linked to a potent drug known as "bath salts".

About 75% of the victim's face was reportedly missing.

QuoteMiami police said they still do not know what prompted the bizarre and savage assault, which has been compared to a "zombie" attack.

Armando Aguilar, of Miami's Fraternal Order of Police, told the Associated Press: "He had his face eaten down to his goatee. The forehead was just bone. No nose, no mouth."

Mr Aguilar told a CNN affiliate he believed the suspect could have taken a type of drug known as "bath salts", citing four past overdoses in the Miami area where people had also removed their clothes and gone berserk.

"It causes them to go completely insane and become very violent," he said.

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, users of the drug have reported experiencing agitation, paranoia, hallucinations and elevated body temperature.

Holy fuck. Can anyone enlighten me as to what the fuck "Bath Salts" actually are? If they are actual bath salts this could be a rather fragrant zombie apocalypse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 31, 2012, 02:07:42 PM
It's mephedrone, I think.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 31, 2012, 02:19:39 PM
Sounds plausible, it seems to be widely available and weakly controlled. Probably a name to watch as the war on drugs develops.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephedrone#Effects

Given this list of effects and side effects it would suggest the face eating chap may have had some underlying issues. Who would have thought?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 31, 2012, 09:57:28 PM
I wonder if that's what this guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32PBZ870ymg&skipcontrinter=1) got into?  :p
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 02, 2012, 02:59:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 31, 2012, 02:02:06 PM

Holy fuck. Can anyone enlighten me as to what the fuck "Bath Salts" actually are? If they are actual bath salts this could be a rather fragrant zombie apocalypse.


Bad shit!  Mephedrone is a component, although there are about 4 different chemicals that have gone into bath salts in varying combinations.  And no, they definitely aren't for bathing.  They essentially provide an effect on the user that is like meth and cocaine combined.  Causes wild hallucinations and breaks from reality while doing a number on the circulatory system. 


There was an incident in Maine where a guy ran into the police HQ claiming the parking meters were chasing him. 


Seasoned drug addicts are saying "no thanks" to this stuff, it's THAT BAD.


It's being banned in many states and it has been banned federally for a year while more research is conducted.  I imagine there will eventually be a permanent ban. 


This is part of the new trend of substance abuse,namely, the synthetics.  We are seeing more and more of these substances enter into communities,  such as the. synthetic cannibinoids like K2 and now K3.  They get banned but the way they are banned is. by making certain chemicals or chemical "recipes" illegal.  So all the drug pushers need to do is tweak the formula just a bit and they are back in business.  And even then, these things can still easily be ordered over the internet.


It's really scary stuff.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:17:17 PM
Thanks for the added info. Have you got any sources I can look through? Anything reliable saying hardened drug users are giving it a pass has got to be interesting reading.

Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 31, 2012, 09:57:28 PM
I wonder if that's what this guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32PBZ870ymg&skipcontrinter=1) got into?  :p

I recall a couple of reports about the Kony guy being under the influence of "bath salts" (Seems to be a catch all for unidentified synthetics containing mephedrone?) Given the range of possible reactions it's certainty possible. Probable. Pretty fucking likely.


In other news...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18306126

QuoteAn Egyptian court has sentenced ex-President Hosni Mubarak to life in prison for complicity in the killing of protesters during last year's uprising.

The 84-year-old is the first former leader to be tried in person since the start of the Arab Spring in early 2011.

But Mubarak suffered a "health crisis" as he was being transferred to prison, Egyptian state TV reported.

Former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly also got a life sentence, but the acquittal of four aides sparked fury.

Mubarak and his two sons were also acquitted on separate charges of corruption.

Shouting and scuffles erupted in court after the verdict was read out.

So expect Eygpt to be interesting again soon.
QuoteThe verdicts and sentences

Hosni Mubarak: Guilty of conspiring in killing of protesters - life imprisonment; not guilty of corruption
Alaa and Gamal Mubarak: Not guilty of corruption
Former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly: Guilty of conspiring in killing of protesters - life imprisonment
Four aides of al-Adly: Not guilty of charges of complicity, instigation and providing assistance in the murder and attempted murder of protesters
Hussein Salem, business tycoon: Not guilty of corruption

Sidebar halfway down the article, I'm guessing that the "not guilty" on corruption is due to lack of evidence rather than a desire to let them go free. I'm basing this more from how long it took to start the process. If you can't hide the evidence by that point you're just asking to be caught. It will also be pretty interesting to see how the army end up handling any forthcoming protests, they've not been brilliant so far.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
Also this, apologies if the tale is stale, it's a few days old

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18299896

Quoterench police are hunting a Canadian porn actor wanted for the murder and dismemberment of his lover.

Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, is thought to have flown from Montreal to Paris last weekend, say French police officials.

The suspect's alleged victim was Jun Lin, a 33-year-old Chinese student, Montreal police told the BBC.

A hand and a foot were posted to political parties in Ottawa on Tuesday and a headless torso was found behind Mr Magnotta's Montreal flat.


Same chap apparently wrote a blog post on "How to disappear". I guess we'll find out just how much he really knew about that kind of thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 02, 2012, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
Also this, apologies if the tale is stale, it's a few days old

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18299896

Quoterench police are hunting a Canadian porn actor wanted for the murder and dismemberment of his lover.

Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, is thought to have flown from Montreal to Paris last weekend, say French police officials.

The suspect's alleged victim was Jun Lin, a 33-year-old Chinese student, Montreal police told the BBC.

A hand and a foot were posted to political parties in Ottawa on Tuesday and a headless torso was found behind Mr Magnotta's Montreal flat.


Same chap apparently wrote a blog post on "How to disappear". I guess we'll find out just how much he really knew about that kind of thing.

You might want to check "Or Kill Me".

Luka Magnotta posted here a few months back.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 02, 2012, 04:53:41 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:17:17 PM
Thanks for the added info. Have you got any sources I can look through? Anything reliable saying hardened drug users are giving it a pass has got to be interesting reading.



Here's an article you might be interested to read.

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/02/news/bangor/a-year-of-bath-salts-in-maine-users-getting-younger/



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2012, 05:35:14 PM
Quote from: Reverend What's-His-Name? on June 02, 2012, 04:53:41 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:17:17 PM
Thanks for the added info. Have you got any sources I can look through? Anything reliable saying hardened drug users are giving it a pass has got to be interesting reading.



Here's an article you might be interested to read.

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/02/news/bangor/a-year-of-bath-salts-in-maine-users-getting-younger/

From the article:
"Also, "It was cheap. It was marketed as cheap, legal cocaine," he said."

War On Drugs by-product. Like all that salvia and damiana everybody was smoking because they were getting drug tested at work, just worse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:40:39 PM
Whoooooo if we're gonna have that discussion here Imma request a thread split please (not yet, but you know, 30 pages and all that).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 02, 2012, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
Also this, apologies if the tale is stale, it's a few days old

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18299896

Quoterench police are hunting a Canadian porn actor wanted for the murder and dismemberment of his lover.

Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, is thought to have flown from Montreal to Paris last weekend, say French police officials.

The suspect's alleged victim was Jun Lin, a 33-year-old Chinese student, Montreal police told the BBC.

A hand and a foot were posted to political parties in Ottawa on Tuesday and a headless torso was found behind Mr Magnotta's Montreal flat.


Same chap apparently wrote a blog post on "How to disappear". I guess we'll find out just how much he really knew about that kind of thing.

You might want to check "Or Kill Me".

Luka Magnotta posted here a few months back.

I wonder if that might be going to get us any "special attention"?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2012, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:40:39 PM
Whoooooo if we're gonna have that discussion here Imma request a thread split please (not yet, but you know, 30 pages and all that).

If it happens, maybe just merge it with the other crap thread like some chernobyl siamese twin.

Also, re: special attention: Possibly. It occurred to me too.
What did that sick fuck have to post here for, anyway?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 02, 2012, 08:50:56 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 02, 2012, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
Also this, apologies if the tale is stale, it's a few days old

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18299896

Quoterench police are hunting a Canadian porn actor wanted for the murder and dismemberment of his lover.

Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, is thought to have flown from Montreal to Paris last weekend, say French police officials.

The suspect's alleged victim was Jun Lin, a 33-year-old Chinese student, Montreal police told the BBC.

A hand and a foot were posted to political parties in Ottawa on Tuesday and a headless torso was found behind Mr Magnotta's Montreal flat.


Same chap apparently wrote a blog post on "How to disappear". I guess we'll find out just how much he really knew about that kind of thing.

You might want to check "Or Kill Me".

Luka Magnotta posted here a few months back.

I wonder if that might be going to get us any "special attention"?

Probably not, though I'm half surprised the Daily Mail has not yet run a "serial killer suspect member of Greek "chaos" cultist group" story yet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 08:58:21 PM
Maybe an anonymous source ought to help them? :) [any mod is hereby allowed to wipe this post in case anybody actually does, also do not quote this]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 02, 2012, 08:59:48 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 02, 2012, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 02, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
Also this, apologies if the tale is stale, it's a few days old

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18299896

Quoterench police are hunting a Canadian porn actor wanted for the murder and dismemberment of his lover.

Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, is thought to have flown from Montreal to Paris last weekend, say French police officials.

The suspect's alleged victim was Jun Lin, a 33-year-old Chinese student, Montreal police told the BBC.

A hand and a foot were posted to political parties in Ottawa on Tuesday and a headless torso was found behind Mr Magnotta's Montreal flat.


Same chap apparently wrote a blog post on "How to disappear". I guess we'll find out just how much he really knew about that kind of thing.

You might want to check "Or Kill Me".

Luka Magnotta posted here a few months back.

I wonder if that might be going to get us any "special attention"?

I would absolutely fucking count on it. Luckily it's just one post.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 02, 2012, 09:04:58 PM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2012, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:40:39 PM
Whoooooo if we're gonna have that discussion here Imma request a thread split please (not yet, but you know, 30 pages and all that).

If it happens, maybe just merge it with the other crap thread like some chernobyl siamese twin.

Also, re: special attention: Possibly. It occurred to me too.
What did that sick fuck have to post here for, anyway?

My guess it's because he wants to be famous and was trying to get exposure on a lot of bigger forums for his eventual ickyness. Betcha he posted once or twice on a shit ton of forums, anticipating exactly this kind of reaction.

AUGH AUGH AUGH AUGH. My skin is crawling.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2012, 09:47:36 PM
Quote from: PROFOUNDLY RETARDED CHARLIE MANSON on June 02, 2012, 09:04:58 PM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2012, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:40:39 PM
Whoooooo if we're gonna have that discussion here Imma request a thread split please (not yet, but you know, 30 pages and all that).

If it happens, maybe just merge it with the other crap thread like some chernobyl siamese twin.

Also, re: special attention: Possibly. It occurred to me too.
What did that sick fuck have to post here for, anyway?

My guess it's because he wants to be famous and was trying to get exposure on a lot of bigger forums for his eventual ickyness. Betcha he posted once or twice on a shit ton of forums, anticipating exactly this kind of reaction.

AUGH AUGH AUGH AUGH. My skin is crawling.

The thing with this one is, there's so much bullshit and country-jumping going on, it could drag out for years. Might never get to the bottom of all of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 02, 2012, 10:57:12 PM
Quote from: PROFOUNDLY RETARDED CHARLIE MANSON on June 02, 2012, 09:04:58 PM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2012, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 02, 2012, 07:40:39 PM
Whoooooo if we're gonna have that discussion here Imma request a thread split please (not yet, but you know, 30 pages and all that).

If it happens, maybe just merge it with the other crap thread like some chernobyl siamese twin.

Also, re: special attention: Possibly. It occurred to me too.
What did that sick fuck have to post here for, anyway?

My guess it's because he wants to be famous and was trying to get exposure on a lot of bigger forums for his eventual ickyness. Betcha he posted once or twice on a shit ton of forums, anticipating exactly this kind of reaction.

AUGH AUGH AUGH AUGH. My skin is crawling.

(http://i.imgur.com/l0uGI.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on June 02, 2012, 11:56:13 PM
Quote from: Reverend What's-His-Name? on June 02, 2012, 02:59:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 31, 2012, 02:02:06 PM

Holy fuck. Can anyone enlighten me as to what the fuck "Bath Salts" actually are? If they are actual bath salts this could be a rather fragrant zombie apocalypse.


Bad shit!  Mephedrone is a component, although there are about 4 different chemicals that have gone into bath salts in varying combinations.  And no, they definitely aren't for bathing.  They essentially provide an effect on the user that is like meth and cocaine combined.  Causes wild hallucinations and breaks from reality while doing a number on the circulatory system. 


There was an incident in Maine where a guy ran into the police HQ claiming the parking meters were chasing him. 


Seasoned drug addicts are saying "no thanks" to this stuff, it's THAT BAD.


It's being banned in many states and it has been banned federally for a year while more research is conducted.  I imagine there will eventually be a permanent ban. 


This is part of the new trend of substance abuse,namely, the synthetics.  We are seeing more and more of these substances enter into communities,  such as the. synthetic cannibinoids like K2 and now K3.  They get banned but the way they are banned is. by making certain chemicals or chemical "recipes" illegal.  So all the drug pushers need to do is tweak the formula just a bit and they are back in business.  And even then, these things can still easily be ordered over the internet.


It's really scary stuff.

It's important to note that so far there is no evidence that the zombie guy was actually on bath salts.  The toxicology reports aren't in yet, bath salts is speculation on the part of the cops who think it is similar to LSD, which chemically it isn't at all.  Mephedrone is a stimulant, not a psychedelic, similar to meth but not to LSD.

Given that inaccuracy I'm not too convinced by the cop's evaluation of the situation.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 03, 2012, 01:04:24 AM
I dunno, it is pretty consistent with the reports I've seen regarding people on bath salts.  People are pretty out of their gourd when they're on that stuff.


Also, the guy being naked is also consistent because many people who use bath salts will have an elevated body temperature to go along with the break from reality.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 03, 2012, 10:33:54 AM
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_102496_EN_Europol-EMCDDA_Joint_Report_Mephedrone.pdf

QuoteThe ECMDDA reported that mephedrone can cause various unintended side effects including: dilated pupils, poor concentration, teeth grinding, problems focusing visually, poor short-term memory, hallucinations, delusions, and erratic behaviour.

QuoteAlmost nothing is known about the long-term effects of the drug due to the short history of its use. BBC News reported that one person who used the drug for 18 months became dependent on the drug, in the end using it twice a week, had to be admitted to a psychiatric unit after he started experiencing hallucinations, agitation, excitability and mania.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 04, 2012, 06:36:58 AM
Besides being a somewhat less than ideal gift for your girlfriend on your second date, the synthetic drug known as "bath salts" can also be considered a screaming example of why drug prohibition doesn't work.

It would appear that every time you make something illegal and harder to get on the street, some asshole throws together his chemistry set and comes up with something at least five times worse than the thing you just prohibited.

Gee, it's almost like people are going to get high no matter how many times the government wags their finger at them. Go figure.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 04, 2012, 08:52:59 AM
^^
THIS
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 04, 2012, 12:34:58 PM
Quote from: v3x on June 04, 2012, 06:36:58 AM
Besides being a somewhat less than ideal gift for your girlfriend on your second date, the synthetic drug known as "bath salts" can also be considered a screaming example of why drug prohibition doesn't work.

It would appear that every time you make something illegal and harder to get on the street, some asshole throws together his chemistry set and comes up with something at least five times worse than the thing you just prohibited.

Gee, it's almost like people are going to get high no matter how many times the government wags their finger at them. Go figure.

Now now, Vex, I'm sure that after banning the next generation of drugs, and perhaps one more after that, people will naturally come to see how silly all this is and they won't make new kinds of drugs but instead just give up. Besides, at some point the only drugs left will be so awful that nobody will want to use them anymore! Right? We just have to make sure the only thing left is a substance that combines Jenkem's disgusting method of preparation with the gruesome side-effects of Krokodil and then surely our children will be safe!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 04, 2012, 04:51:37 PM
http://io9.com/5914378/north-carolina-considers-outlawing-accurate-predictions-of-sea-level-rise

:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 06, 2012, 03:44:43 PM
This is almost admirable. I have visions of legislators trying to pull a Cnut while they start to drown. Incidentally "Cnut" is a fantastic name for a child.

In other news...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18330411
QuoteThousands of Egyptians are continuing to protest against the verdicts in the trial of ex-President Hosni Mubarak.

Two runners-up in the presidential election first round joined the demonstration in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Mr Mubarak and his interior minister, Habib al-Adly, were sentenced to life in prison for not stopping the killing of protesters in last year's uprising.

But six security chiefs were acquitted. Mr Mubarak and his two sons were also cleared of separate corruption charges.

Thousands of protesters are staying in Tahrir Square overnight, urging a renewal of the revolution that toppled Mr Mubarak last year.

"We are now at a crossroad. It's either the revolution or back to the Mubarak regime," Abdellah Mahmoud, one of the demonstrators, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Huge crowds took to the streets on Saturday and Sunday to express their outrage that no-one had been found guilty of ordering police to open fire in January and February 2011, in attacks which left more than 850 people dead.

Many people were also angry that Mr Mubarak did not receive the death penalty, as the prosecution had demanded. The 84-year-old and his sons were acquitted of corruption under the statute of limitations.

Egypt continues to be fun. Looks like it may just continue until someone hangs. No idea who but armies have always excelled at finding scapegoats. TAKING ALL BETS.

Further news....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18334377

QuoteSenior al-Qaeda leader Abu Yahya al-Libi was killed in a drone strike in Pakistan on Monday, US officials say.

US officials said Libi was the target of an attack which hit a volatile tribal area of Pakistan's north-west, killing 15 suspected militants.

So far, so war on terror...

QuoteBut drone strikes have increased in frequency since President Barack Obama took office in 2009 and hundreds of people have been killed.

The dead include senior al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, as well as an unknown number of other militants and civilians, stoking public anger in Pakistan.

The US does not normally comment on individual drone operations, but this strike came after it emerged in the New York Times that the US president personally approves or vetoes each drone strike.

While not unexpected, this did make me pause for a moment. This guy has a Nobel peace prize. Surely there is some kind of mental magic involved where a person can order drone strikes for peace?

If I'm missing something help me out, because this all makes as much sense as giving Ron Jeremy an award for celibacy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 07, 2012, 06:59:14 PM
Malfunctioning Cake Ruins Party and Spews Liquor All Over Oil Tycoons

Sea-raping mega-oil firm Shell has a new rig to launch, and like any enormous company, it decided to celebrate with a private party atop Seattle's Space Needle. The crown jewel? An oil rig-shaped cake which sprays liquor! Into your face.


http://gizmodo.com/5916538/malfunctioning-cake-ruins-party-and-spews-liquor-all-over-rich-people
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 08, 2012, 06:56:49 AM
Quote from: Telarus on June 07, 2012, 06:59:14 PM
Malfunctioning Cake Ruins Party and Spews Liquor All Over Oil Tycoons

Sea-raping mega-oil firm Shell has a new rig to launch, and like any enormous company, it decided to celebrate with a private party atop Seattle's Space Needle. The crown jewel? An oil rig-shaped cake which sprays liquor! Into your face.


http://gizmodo.com/5916538/malfunctioning-cake-ruins-party-and-spews-liquor-all-over-rich-people

Ooooh, this is a good one! It has layers upon layers. Fake video, fake Shell lawsuit threats, fake agencies, all kinds of greatness!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on June 08, 2012, 08:36:20 PM
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/ (http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/)

No bathsalts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 08, 2012, 08:38:45 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 08, 2012, 08:36:20 PM
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/ (http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/)

No bathsalts.

From your link:

QuoteBut Miami police spokesman Detective William Moreno wasn't giving up on the bath salts theory just yet.

"To the best of my knowledge, I'm being told we're not in possession of any such report," Moreno said. "It could be several months before the full toxicology report is released."

LEARN TO READ, ASSHOLE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 08, 2012, 08:43:15 PM
I'm not too worried about any bathsalt zombies anymore.

Because of THESE

http://www.hornady.com/ammunition/zombiemax

(http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/zombiemax02.jpg)

Yes, you can really buy some.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 08, 2012, 09:29:14 PM
It looks like it's just regular 12 gauge 00 buck with a zombie label?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 08, 2012, 10:40:53 PM
That's not just what it looks like, it's exactly what it is.

Some marketing guy just got a fucking massive pay rise.

Now with video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQWb-5nblx4
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 09, 2012, 02:59:16 AM
Dibbs on selling fire extinguisher cases full of these bullets, an axe, a big ass revolver, and kerosene with the words on the front reading "BREAK GLASS IN CASE OF ZOMBIES."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on June 09, 2012, 03:37:39 AM
kinda like these?
http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/In_38e50d_351295.jpg
http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/zombies-20101219-095913.jpg
http://www.bestviral.com/i/images/513.jpg
http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/71097_206481376675_1059278_n.jpg
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 09, 2012, 04:49:36 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on June 09, 2012, 03:37:39 AM
kinda like these?
http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/In_38e50d_351295.jpg
http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/zombies-20101219-095913.jpg
http://www.bestviral.com/i/images/513.jpg
http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/71097_206481376675_1059278_n.jpg


No nothing like those at all. The kind I'm talking about result in me making money.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on June 09, 2012, 05:26:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 08, 2012, 08:38:45 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 08, 2012, 08:36:20 PM
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/ (http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/)

No bathsalts.

From your link:

QuoteBut Miami police spokesman Detective William Moreno wasn't giving up on the bath salts theory just yet.

"To the best of my knowledge, I'm being told we're not in possession of any such report," Moreno said. "It could be several months before the full toxicology report is released."

LEARN TO READ, ASSHOLE.

The same police department that thinks bathsalts are "the new LSD"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 09, 2012, 06:27:32 AM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 09, 2012, 05:26:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 08, 2012, 08:38:45 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 08, 2012, 08:36:20 PM
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/ (http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/)

No bathsalts.

From your link:

QuoteBut Miami police spokesman Detective William Moreno wasn't giving up on the bath salts theory just yet.

"To the best of my knowledge, I'm being told we're not in possession of any such report," Moreno said. "It could be several months before the full toxicology report is released."

LEARN TO READ, ASSHOLE.

The same police department that thinks bathsalts are "the new LSD"

Shut the fuck up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 09, 2012, 06:29:43 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 09, 2012, 06:27:32 AM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 09, 2012, 05:26:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 08, 2012, 08:38:45 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 08, 2012, 08:36:20 PM
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/ (http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/)

No bathsalts.

From your link:

QuoteBut Miami police spokesman Detective William Moreno wasn't giving up on the bath salts theory just yet.

"To the best of my knowledge, I'm being told we're not in possession of any such report," Moreno said. "It could be several months before the full toxicology report is released."

LEARN TO READ, ASSHOLE.

The same police department that thinks bathsalts are "the new LSD"

Shut the fuck up.

Shouldn't he be down at the funeral home spooging on somebody's Meemaw?  :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 09, 2012, 06:34:21 AM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on June 09, 2012, 06:29:43 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 09, 2012, 06:27:32 AM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 09, 2012, 05:26:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 08, 2012, 08:38:45 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 08, 2012, 08:36:20 PM
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/ (http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/)

No bathsalts.

From your link:

QuoteBut Miami police spokesman Detective William Moreno wasn't giving up on the bath salts theory just yet.

"To the best of my knowledge, I'm being told we're not in possession of any such report," Moreno said. "It could be several months before the full toxicology report is released."

LEARN TO READ, ASSHOLE.

The same police department that thinks bathsalts are "the new LSD"

Shut the fuck up.

Shouldn't he be down at the funeral home spooging on somebody's Meemaw?  :x

Probably.  That source was hilarious, though.

WE GOT TOXICOLOGY RESULTS!
\
:hippie:

UM, NO WE DON'T.
\
:hippie:

WE MAKE SHIT UP.  YOU DECIDE.
\
:hippie:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 09, 2012, 06:38:07 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 09, 2012, 06:34:21 AM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on June 09, 2012, 06:29:43 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 09, 2012, 06:27:32 AM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 09, 2012, 05:26:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 08, 2012, 08:38:45 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on June 08, 2012, 08:36:20 PM
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/ (http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/08/060812-news-miami-zombie/)

No bathsalts.

From your link:

QuoteBut Miami police spokesman Detective William Moreno wasn't giving up on the bath salts theory just yet.

"To the best of my knowledge, I'm being told we're not in possession of any such report," Moreno said. "It could be several months before the full toxicology report is released."

LEARN TO READ, ASSHOLE.

The same police department that thinks bathsalts are "the new LSD"

Shut the fuck up.

Shouldn't he be down at the funeral home spooging on somebody's Meemaw?  :x

Probably.  That source was hilarious, though.

WE GOT TOXICOLOGY RESULTS!
\
:hippie:

UM, NO WE DON'T.
\
:hippie:

WE MAKE SHIT UP.  YOU DECIDE.
\
:hippie:

OUCH, dude.

Too much LOLZ.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on June 09, 2012, 12:15:05 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 08, 2012, 08:43:15 PM
I'm not too worried about any bathsalt zombies anymore.

Because of THESE

http://www.hornady.com/ammunition/zombiemax

(http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/zombiemax02.jpg)

Yes, you can really buy some.

Yep.  New sweetie has a box of these in the ammo closet. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 09, 2012, 06:41:35 PM
High School teacher goes crazy, senselessly attacks students at graduation ceremony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=_lfxYhtf8o4)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 09, 2012, 08:50:04 PM
Quote from: v3x on June 09, 2012, 06:41:35 PM
High School teacher goes crazy, senselessly attacks students at graduation ceremony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=_lfxYhtf8o4)

That is a fucking awesome speech!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 14, 2012, 07:59:17 AM
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Angus/article/23248/i-started-laughing-and-kept-on-laughing-olympic-torch-protester-gets-a-police-visit.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on June 14, 2012, 11:24:18 PM
You know that terrible feeling when you find something that something else you read was parodying?
http://gawker.com/5918385/would-you-like-to-buy-a-college-student
QuoteUniversity of Chicago professor Luigi Zingales lays it out in a NYT op-ed today: instead of funding everyone's college education with debt that they may or may not be able to repay, let investors pay for the college education of promising kids. In return, the kid gives them a percentage of their future earnings (only the earnings above and beyond what they would have made without going to college). The lenders can pay the IRS a fee to do the collections. Students graduate without debt, and the amount they ultimately pay back is contingent on their actual earnings. It's a way for everyone to get in on a game that the elites have played for years:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/opinion/the-college-graduate-as-collateral.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
QuoteIn fact, top colleges like Yale are already — implicitly — using a form of equity contract. They charge the average student less than the average cost of educating each student, while financing the shortfall with donations from the wealthiest alumni. It is tantamount to an implicit stake on the wealthiest alumni's income. This system works very well for the top schools, which produce at least a few multibillionaires. It is much less effective for normal, middle-of-the-road colleges. It is precisely for these colleges that a formal equity contract would work best.

UP NEXT JUST HOW MUCH OF A PERCENTAGE DO YOU HAVE IN YOURSELF!!!! :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 14, 2012, 11:35:58 PM
Quote from: Guru Quixote on June 14, 2012, 11:24:18 PM
You know that terrible feeling when you find something that something else you read was parodying?
http://gawker.com/5918385/would-you-like-to-buy-a-college-student
QuoteUniversity of Chicago professor Luigi Zingales lays it out in a NYT op-ed today: instead of funding everyone's college education with debt that they may or may not be able to repay, let investors pay for the college education of promising kids. In return, the kid gives them a percentage of their future earnings (only the earnings above and beyond what they would have made without going to college). The lenders can pay the IRS a fee to do the collections. Students graduate without debt, and the amount they ultimately pay back is contingent on their actual earnings. It's a way for everyone to get in on a game that the elites have played for years:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/opinion/the-college-graduate-as-collateral.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
QuoteIn fact, top colleges like Yale are already — implicitly — using a form of equity contract. They charge the average student less than the average cost of educating each student, while financing the shortfall with donations from the wealthiest alumni. It is tantamount to an implicit stake on the wealthiest alumni's income. This system works very well for the top schools, which produce at least a few multibillionaires. It is much less effective for normal, middle-of-the-road colleges. It is precisely for these colleges that a formal equity contract would work best.

UP NEXT JUST HOW MUCH OF A PERCENTAGE DO YOU HAVE IN YOURSELF!!!! :horrormirth:

The funny thing is that THAT'S OK, but doing the exact same thing without the middleman taking a cut is OH NOES SOCIALISM!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on June 15, 2012, 12:31:24 AM
Quote from: Telarus on June 07, 2012, 06:59:14 PM
Malfunctioning Cake Ruins Party and Spews Liquor All Over Oil Tycoons

Sea-raping mega-oil firm Shell has a new rig to launch, and like any enormous company, it decided to celebrate with a private party atop Seattle's Space Needle. The crown jewel? An oil rig-shaped cake which sprays liquor! Into your face.

http://gizmodo.com/5916538/malfunctioning-cake-ruins-party-and-spews-liquor-all-over-rich-people

Too perfect. It was the Yes Men:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=InL4ONJh9fA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 15, 2012, 09:07:26 AM
HBO admits Game Of Thrones Bush blunder
http://za.omg.yahoo.com/news/hbo-admits-game-thrones-bush-blunder-080346397.html
HBO and the executive producers of Game Of Thrones owned up and apologised on Wednesday for showing a model of President George W Bush's head appearing on a spike in season 1 of the fantasy TV series
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 15, 2012, 07:24:00 PM
Quote from: Telarus on June 15, 2012, 09:07:26 AM
HBO admits Game Of Thrones Bush blunder
http://za.omg.yahoo.com/news/hbo-admits-game-thrones-bush-blunder-080346397.html
HBO and the executive producers of Game Of Thrones owned up and apologised on Wednesday for showing a model of President George W Bush's head appearing on a spike in season 1 of the fantasy TV series

Sounds like they were hoping someone would notice, and no one did so they commented on it, and when no one noticed that, they apologized for the head AND the comment.

And still, crickets.
:lulz:

"HAY GUYS WE USED THE HEAD OF GEORGE BUSH ON A STAKE IN THAT ONE SHOT, SEE? IT'S TOTALLY NOT A POLITICAL STATEMENT THOUGH"

"OH HAY, GUYS! WE CAN'T HELP NOTICING THAT NOBODY NOTICED THAT WE USED GEORGE BUSH'S HEAD ON A STAKE SO WE WANTED TO SAY THAT WE'RE REALLY SORRY AND THAT WE'LL TAKE OUT THE PART WHERE WE COMMENT ON HOW WE USED THE HEAD OF GEORGE BUSH ON A STAKE, OK? DID YOU NOTICE YET? GUYS?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 15, 2012, 07:28:52 PM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on June 15, 2012, 07:31:22 PM
Quote from: Guru Quixote on June 14, 2012, 11:24:18 PM
You know that terrible feeling when you find something that something else you read was parodying?
http://gawker.com/5918385/would-you-like-to-buy-a-college-student
QuoteUniversity of Chicago professor Luigi Zingales lays it out in a NYT op-ed today: instead of funding everyone's college education with debt that they may or may not be able to repay, let investors pay for the college education of promising kids. In return, the kid gives them a percentage of their future earnings (only the earnings above and beyond what they would have made without going to college). The lenders can pay the IRS a fee to do the collections. Students graduate without debt, and the amount they ultimately pay back is contingent on their actual earnings. It's a way for everyone to get in on a game that the elites have played for years:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/opinion/the-college-graduate-as-collateral.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
QuoteIn fact, top colleges like Yale are already — implicitly — using a form of equity contract. They charge the average student less than the average cost of educating each student, while financing the shortfall with donations from the wealthiest alumni. It is tantamount to an implicit stake on the wealthiest alumni's income. This system works very well for the top schools, which produce at least a few multibillionaires. It is much less effective for normal, middle-of-the-road colleges. It is precisely for these colleges that a formal equity contract would work best.

UP NEXT JUST HOW MUCH OF A PERCENTAGE DO YOU HAVE IN YOURSELF!!!! :horrormirth:

So essentially, if this were, say, implemented in all colleges, not just Yale and etc., people would be essentially making the same amount of money if they hadn't gone to college, and corporates would be making even more grotesque amounts of money.

Someone stop the world, I wanna get off!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on June 16, 2012, 10:40:00 AM
Quote from: The Freeky of SCIENCE! on June 15, 2012, 07:31:22 PM
Quote from: Guru Quixote on June 14, 2012, 11:24:18 PM
You know that terrible feeling when you find something that something else you read was parodying?
http://gawker.com/5918385/would-you-like-to-buy-a-college-student
QuoteUniversity of Chicago professor Luigi Zingales lays it out in a NYT op-ed today: instead of funding everyone's college education with debt that they may or may not be able to repay, let investors pay for the college education of promising kids. In return, the kid gives them a percentage of their future earnings (only the earnings above and beyond what they would have made without going to college). The lenders can pay the IRS a fee to do the collections. Students graduate without debt, and the amount they ultimately pay back is contingent on their actual earnings. It's a way for everyone to get in on a game that the elites have played for years:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/opinion/the-college-graduate-as-collateral.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
QuoteIn fact, top colleges like Yale are already — implicitly — using a form of equity contract. They charge the average student less than the average cost of educating each student, while financing the shortfall with donations from the wealthiest alumni. It is tantamount to an implicit stake on the wealthiest alumni's income. This system works very well for the top schools, which produce at least a few multibillionaires. It is much less effective for normal, middle-of-the-road colleges. It is precisely for these colleges that a formal equity contract would work best.

UP NEXT JUST HOW MUCH OF A PERCENTAGE DO YOU HAVE IN YOURSELF!!!! :horrormirth:

So essentially, if this were, say, implemented in all colleges, not just Yale and etc., people would be essentially making the same amount of money if they hadn't gone to college, and corporates would be making even more grotesque amounts of money.

Someone stop the world, I wanna get off!

OHFUK HOW DID I NOT SEE THAT!!!!!!!

I think I need some PILLS HERE :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 16, 2012, 09:16:55 PM
Quote from: PROFOUNDLY RETARDED CHARLIE MANSON on June 15, 2012, 07:24:00 PM
Quote from: Telarus on June 15, 2012, 09:07:26 AM
HBO admits Game Of Thrones Bush blunder
http://za.omg.yahoo.com/news/hbo-admits-game-thrones-bush-blunder-080346397.html
HBO and the executive producers of Game Of Thrones owned up and apologised on Wednesday for showing a model of President George W Bush's head appearing on a spike in season 1 of the fantasy TV series

Sounds like they were hoping someone would notice, and no one did so they commented on it, and when no one noticed that, they apologized for the head AND the comment.

And still, crickets.
:lulz:

"HAY GUYS WE USED THE HEAD OF GEORGE BUSH ON A STAKE IN THAT ONE SHOT, SEE? IT'S TOTALLY NOT A POLITICAL STATEMENT THOUGH"

"OH HAY, GUYS! WE CAN'T HELP NOTICING THAT NOBODY NOTICED THAT WE USED GEORGE BUSH'S HEAD ON A STAKE SO WE WANTED TO SAY THAT WE'RE REALLY SORRY AND THAT WE'LL TAKE OUT THE PART WHERE WE COMMENT ON HOW WE USED THE HEAD OF GEORGE BUSH ON A STAKE, OK? DID YOU NOTICE YET? GUYS?"

DUBYA'S HEAD ON A STAKE = NON-ISSUE  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 19, 2012, 11:34:04 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18515556
QuoteThere are conflicting reports about the health of ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak.

Some media reports say he is clinically dead, but Nile TV said attempts were continuing to revive him.

The 84-year-old is said to have had a stroke, and was moved from prison to life support in an army hospital.

Nothing suspicious here.


Ecuador places self on US shitlist
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18514726
QuoteWikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum at Ecuador's London embassy, the country's foreign minister has said.

"Ecuador is studying and analysing the request," Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino told reporters in Quito.

and

QuoteBut Swedish authorities have said the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) would intervene if Mr Assange was to face the prospect of "inhuman or degrading treatment or an unfair trial" in the US.

HA. HA. HA.

Is anyone taking bets on when Assange hits US soil? My first few guesses were so far off I may as well try again. Face it, if you're appealing to Ecuador for protection, you're pretty fucked.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 20, 2012, 01:25:53 AM
http://kotaku.com/5919482/chinese-news-confuses-masturbation-toy-with-a-mysterious-mushroom

QuoteIt was unlike anything the villagers had ever seen. The young news reporter who arrived on the scene was quick to point out that the "mysterious mushroom" felt "meaty". Meaty, sure, but that ain't no mushroom.

Yes, there are pictures and video. Enjoy.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/customer-apple-store-denied-me-ipad-speaking-farsi/nPY4p/

QuoteSabet is a U.S. citizen. Like most 19-year-olds, the University of Georgia student is never far from her iPhone.

So she was surprised Thursday when an employee at the Apple Store inside North Pointe Mall in Alpharetta refused to sell an iPad to her and her uncle after overhearing them speaking Farsi. The iPad was to be a gift for her cousin who lives in Iran.

"When we said 'Farsi, I'm from Iran,' he said, 'I just can't sell this to you. Our countries have bad relations,'" Sabet said.

"I would say if you're trying to buy an iPhone, don't tell them anything about Iran. That would be your best bet," said Zack Jafarzadeh, who had a similar experience at the Apple Store in Perimeter Mall.

This impresses me. The local Apple shop here would not be able to distinguish between Farsi and "foreign"( I can't get the right level of sneer on the word. Imagine it said by your evil conservative figure of choice.)

FLORIDA
http://www.digtriad.com/news/article/231466/57/Sheriff-Man-Tried-To-Take-Kitten-Into-Strip-Club
Warning- Video on loading. Exactly what you expect.

MOAR FLORIDA
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/18/2856058/miami-beach-police-man-filmed.html

QuoteA Georgia man has been arrested after police say he filmed an unauthorized, behind-the-scenes video of Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant contestants disrobing at the swanky Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel.

Giving us this wonderful quote
Quote"Man to man, I did it because I've never had a girlfriend," Rolfes allegedly told a male officer.

Proving once again that honesty is unlikely to be your best defence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 21, 2012, 05:08:37 AM
This story is more botany (http://tinyurl.com/6s734vv) than politics, but still pretty mind-blowing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on June 21, 2012, 06:30:11 AM
Quote from: v3x on June 21, 2012, 05:08:37 AM
This story is more botany (http://tinyurl.com/6s734vv) than politics, but still pretty mind-blowing.

:lulz:

I'd love to see that follow up report.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 21, 2012, 07:31:11 AM
Quote from: v3x on June 21, 2012, 05:08:37 AM
This story is more botany (http://tinyurl.com/6s734vv) than politics, but still pretty mind-blowing.

Bestest troll in a long time.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on June 22, 2012, 03:17:16 AM
There a reason why you tinyurl'd it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 22, 2012, 05:50:57 AM
Quote from: Triple Zero on June 22, 2012, 03:17:16 AM
There a reason why you tinyurl'd it?
Thats how I received it, just copied that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 06:56:19 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-18549569

QuoteA psychic is facing jail after he was found guilty of duping young women into performing sex acts.

Karl Lang, 49, was convicted of 12 counts of causing women to engage in sexual activity without consent at Newport Crown Court.

Lang, of Newport, targeted two women in their 20s who sought him out in the belief he could contact dead relatives.

The judge said jail was inevitable. Lang, who denied the charges, will be sentenced at a later date.

The court heard that both women were encouraged to perform sex acts in front of him and pressed to act more and more outrageously as his influence increased.

One woman told the trial she was conned into acting like a "porn star" in the belief that it would boost her own spiritual powers.

I'm struggling to not mock all of the involved. Important lasting lessons hopefully learned all round. Unlikely, but today I'm feeling optimistic.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 22, 2012, 06:57:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 06:56:19 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-18549569

QuoteA psychic is facing jail after he was found guilty of duping young women into performing sex acts.

Karl Lang, 49, was convicted of 12 counts of causing women to engage in sexual activity without consent at Newport Crown Court.

Lang, of Newport, targeted two women in their 20s who sought him out in the belief he could contact dead relatives.

The judge said jail was inevitable. Lang, who denied the charges, will be sentenced at a later date.

The court heard that both women were encouraged to perform sex acts in front of him and pressed to act more and more outrageously as his influence increased.

One woman told the trial she was conned into acting like a "porn star" in the belief that it would boost her own spiritual powers.

I'm struggling to not mock all of the involved. Important lasting lessons hopefully learned all round. Unlikely, but today I'm feeling optimistic.

How is this even a crime?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 07:03:24 PM
He TOOK ADVANTAGE of VULNERABLE WOMEN with an UNBALANCED MINDSET.

It LOOKS very much like a CRIME. He was OLD and they were YOUNG AND NAIVE. You have to PROTECT THE INNOCENT from the perils of FRAUDULENT PSYCHICS. 

This is besides the fact that when you consult with your spiritual leader over here, he should not be wanking.

Or something.

On a more personal level I'm now shitting myself as persuading women to remove clothes is now some sort of crime.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 22, 2012, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 07:03:24 PM
He TOOK ADVANTAGE of VULNERABLE WOMEN with an UNBALANCED MINDSET.

It LOOKS very much like a CRIME. He was OLD and they were YOUNG AND NAIVE. You have to PROTECT THE INNOCENT from the perils of FRAUDULENT PSYCHICS. 

This is besides the fact that when you consult with your spiritual leader over here, he should not be wanking.

Or something.

On a more personal level I'm now shitting myself as persuading women to remove clothes is now some sort of crime.

Also, MY stupidity is now YOUR prison sentence.

Ho ho ho!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 22, 2012, 07:15:35 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 22, 2012, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 07:03:24 PM
He TOOK ADVANTAGE of VULNERABLE WOMEN with an UNBALANCED MINDSET.

It LOOKS very much like a CRIME. He was OLD and they were YOUNG AND NAIVE. You have to PROTECT THE INNOCENT from the perils of FRAUDULENT PSYCHICS. 

This is besides the fact that when you consult with your spiritual leader over here, he should not be wanking.

Or something.

On a more personal level I'm now shitting myself as persuading women to remove clothes is now some sort of crime.

Also, MY stupidity is now YOUR prison sentence.

Ho ho ho!

Checkmate.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 22, 2012, 07:17:40 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 07:03:24 PM
This is besides the fact that when you consult with your spiritual leader over here, he should not be wanking.

Um.

Nobody consult with me this weekend.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 07:24:18 PM
Sorry, that was unclear.

He should not be wanking in front of you. Apparently.

They should be concentrating on getting the best possible photo and video records for youngdumbamateurpron.com

Show a man a naked woman, and he may wank for a day. Record the woman and he, and all his friends, will be able to beat it like a monkey on speed anytime you fancy 24/7.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2012, 10:54:19 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on June 21, 2012, 07:31:11 AM
Quote from: v3x on June 21, 2012, 05:08:37 AM
This story is more botany (http://tinyurl.com/6s734vv) than politics, but still pretty mind-blowing.

Bestest troll in a long time.  :lulz:

I love how many people are taking it seriously.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 23, 2012, 09:22:22 AM
Uruguay is going to legalize weed, BUT:

1) For citizens only, no tourist coffeeshops or any of that

2) Citizens are allowed 40 joints a month and they'll be forced into rehab if they're caught with more

3) The GOVERNMENT ITSELF is going to be selling it to the citizens.

I don't know what the government in Uruguay is like, but if it's anything like the US government at all, the potential for ulterior motives is boggling.  :horrormirth:

http://www.smh.com.au/world/uruguay-to-legalise-and-control-sales-of-ECH's sentient chancre sores-20120622-20tjv.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 23, 2012, 11:04:28 AM
Everyone knows that intention is instrumental mental for magic.  Desire can fuel intention, ergo.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 23, 2012, 11:20:12 AM
Their government is one of the least corrupt and most economically developed in South America.

The problem is Uruguay is being used as a transit zone for drugs coming out of Brazil, and as an export-dependent economy, they don't like their country being used as a drop off point for drugs going into Europe. 

Now, they could crack down harder on the money-laundering aspect.  But then, they'd be going up against the banks and their strict privacy laws.  Or they could try and shut down the Brazilian border...except we're talking about a country with only 15,000 soldiers in total, and a military expenditure of 1.8%.

Legalization allows for the government to raise revenue to equip and train more police to deal with the ongoing violence, while at the same time reducing those group's own economic base.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 23, 2012, 11:20:36 AM
Oh Christ, here we fucking go again.  Forget I said anything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Forsooth on June 23, 2012, 03:07:31 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 23, 2012, 11:20:36 AM
Oh Christ, here we fucking go again.  Forget I said anything.

you know that you chuckled for a second after re-reading it
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on June 23, 2012, 05:58:08 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 22, 2012, 06:57:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 22, 2012, 06:56:19 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-18549569

QuoteA psychic is facing jail after he was found guilty of duping young women into performing sex acts.

Karl Lang, 49, was convicted of 12 counts of causing women to engage in sexual activity without consent at Newport Crown Court.

Lang, of Newport, targeted two women in their 20s who sought him out in the belief he could contact dead relatives.

The judge said jail was inevitable. Lang, who denied the charges, will be sentenced at a later date.

The court heard that both women were encouraged to perform sex acts in front of him and pressed to act more and more outrageously as his influence increased.

One woman told the trial she was conned into acting like a "porn star" in the belief that it would boost her own spiritual powers.

I'm struggling to not mock all of the involved. Important lasting lessons hopefully learned all round. Unlikely, but today I'm feeling optimistic.

How is this even a crime?

He raped them with his mahjiqual mind lazors.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 25, 2012, 04:46:26 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 23, 2012, 11:20:36 AM
Oh Christ, here we fucking go again.  Forget I said anything.

:lulz: Good analysis, anyway, Cain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 25, 2012, 04:56:12 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 23, 2012, 11:20:36 AM
Oh Christ, here we fucking go again.  Forget I said anything.

This quote nominated for PDCOM Official Motto.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 25, 2012, 04:58:06 PM
Cain, I think we can erase the word filters.  Not sure how.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 25, 2012, 05:00:26 PM
I know how on the old SMF, probably isn't that different.  I have to toss a student's room for valuables, but once I'm done, I'll look into it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 25, 2012, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 25, 2012, 05:00:26 PM
I know how on the old SMF, probably isn't that different.  I have to toss a student's room for valuables, but once I'm done, I'll look into it.

I just did it.

Happy plundering.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 25, 2012, 06:13:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 25, 2012, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 25, 2012, 05:00:26 PM
I know how on the old SMF, probably isn't that different.  I have to toss a student's room for valuables, but once I'm done, I'll look into it.

I just did it.

Happy plundering.

It was very happy plundering.

The latest biography of Mao, a new bed-lamp and all seasons of Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister on DVD are now in my possession.  I'm content with that outcome.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 27, 2012, 08:04:51 AM
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/06/26/506191/justice-scalia-cites-pro-slavery-laws-excluding-freed-blacks-to-justify-his-anti-immigrant-opinion/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 27, 2012, 06:55:11 PM
Great Scalia quote:

QuoteSeems to me you have to say, as unlikely as that is, it would be absurd to say that you can't stick something under the fingernails, smack them in the face. It would be absurd to say that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 27, 2012, 06:58:25 PM
Corey Robin has an interesting theory that Scalia isn't so much a Movement Conservative as he is a Social Darwinist and admirer of Nietzsche (http://coreyrobin.com/2012/06/27/justice-scalia-american-nietzsche/).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 28, 2012, 10:06:29 PM
Eric Holder just got cited for criminal contempt of congress.  First ever.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on July 02, 2012, 08:49:27 PM
http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/02/12524780-how-i-see-america-from-a-former-gitmo-prisoner?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 03, 2012, 12:53:21 AM
Lance Armstrong charged with drug offences.

Fuck's sake. Can someone make a separate news sticky for "amusing yet go nowhere" shit like this? You know there will be another bath salts related horror by the end of the month. It may also help separate the news news from random drug crap.

This was a total shock
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18677356

Banks colluding together to set the LIBOR rate? Really? That light you see, it's the blindingly obvious. Government promising swift action and change, etc, etc, we all had no idea.

Incidentally, the guy running Barclay's is almost impressive. He's shrugged off a few scandals now that he seems deeply complicit in without any real outcry from the public for his job. The guy who fucked RBS had more heat than this guy.

Will people start asking for total financial transparency? Hopefully. Chance of getting it? About the same as the Pope declaring his love of Odin.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on July 03, 2012, 10:46:04 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/02/bachmann-refuses-to-say-if-she-is-being-vetted/

So help me, if Romney picks Bachmann as his running mate...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 03, 2012, 11:29:34 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18685040

Satan must be skating to work. It's cold here and Bob Diamond, the barclays CE, has quit.

I assume this kind of thing comes along periodically to make me smile and prove me wrong.

I can live with that in this instance. No apologies, no real remorse. No surprises, it's all about protecting the brand. Cue further outrage and no action when his full severance package is released.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on July 03, 2012, 02:45:19 PM
Quote from: Luna on July 03, 2012, 10:46:04 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/02/bachmann-refuses-to-say-if-she-is-being-vetted/

So help me, if Romney picks Bachmann as his running mate...

That would be SO FUCKING AWESOME.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on July 03, 2012, 05:27:28 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on July 03, 2012, 02:45:19 PM
Quote from: Luna on July 03, 2012, 10:46:04 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/02/bachmann-refuses-to-say-if-she-is-being-vetted/

So help me, if Romney picks Bachmann as his running mate...

That would be SO FUCKING AWESOME.


We'd have to compare her VP debates to Palin's for the Ultimate Dumb-Off...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on July 03, 2012, 06:29:44 PM
Quote from: Luna on July 03, 2012, 10:46:04 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/02/bachmann-refuses-to-say-if-she-is-being-vetted/

So help me, if Romney picks Bachmann as his running mate...

It'll be his death. LET HIM PICK HER.

For the lulz, of course.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 04, 2012, 02:49:26 AM
Quote from: Luna on July 03, 2012, 10:46:04 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/02/bachmann-refuses-to-say-if-she-is-being-vetted/

So help me, if Romney picks Bachmann as his running mate...

OH PLEASE YES GOD PLEASE YES YES YES!!!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 04, 2012, 05:04:15 AM
Quote from: PROFOUNDLY RETARDED CHARLIE MANSON on July 04, 2012, 02:49:26 AM
Quote from: Luna on July 03, 2012, 10:46:04 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/02/bachmann-refuses-to-say-if-she-is-being-vetted/

So help me, if Romney picks Bachmann as his running mate...

OH PLEASE YES GOD PLEASE YES YES YES!!!

WHAT???

...

...

:spittake:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 04, 2012, 07:03:16 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 03, 2012, 11:29:34 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18685040

Satan must be skating to work. It's cold here and Bob Diamond, the barclays CE, has quit.

I assume this kind of thing comes along periodically to make me smile and prove me wrong.

I can live with that in this instance. No apologies, no real remorse. No surprises, it's all about protecting the brand. Cue further outrage and no action when his full severance package is released.

The board made him do it, because Bob Diamond was going crazy and talking about "declaring war" on the Bank of England.

http://ftalphaville.ft.com/blog/2012/07/03/1068841/barclays-pb/

QuoteWithout doubt, this was the trigger:

QuoteBob Diamond is threatening to reveal potentially embarrassing details about Barclays' dealings with regulators if he comes under fire at a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday over the Libor rate-setting scandal, according to people close to the bank's chief executive.

"If he is attacked, he will fight back," said one person familiar with preparations for the Treasury select committee hearing. Such a confrontational tactic could aggravate the fraught relations between the bank and the authorities after Barclays paid £290m to settle an investigation by UK and US regulators over the bank's involvement in manipulating key interbank lending rates.

There were already overt threats to drag Paul Tucker, a leading contender to take over from Sir Mervyn King as BoE governor, in to the mire by suggesting that his unit somehow condoned fantasy Libor quotations.

But that's not the point. You just don't threaten the Bank. The City of London is not some sort of financial democracy. It is a hierarchy. It is not Capitol Hill; political brawling is prohibited.

So this thing could potentially be even dirtier than it first seemed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Deepthroat Chopra on July 04, 2012, 07:31:51 AM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on July 04, 2012, 05:04:15 AM
Quote from: PROFOUNDLY RETARDED CHARLIE MANSON on July 04, 2012, 02:49:26 AM
Quote from: Luna on July 03, 2012, 10:46:04 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/02/bachmann-refuses-to-say-if-she-is-being-vetted/

So help me, if Romney picks Bachmann as his running mate...

OH PLEASE YES GOD PLEASE YES YES YES!!!

WHAT???

...

...

:spittake:

Bachmann as VP of the still most powerful place on earth would surely be a sign of endtimes. If not a sign, then perhaps a direct causl link. This doesn't make everyone unhappy.

OR - if you're rooting for Dems, I guess it makes the repubs look even sillier. Give Bachmann enough rope...and there'll be seeming silly quotes from coast coast. However, the above requires some sort of assumption that median intelligence of the American population is somewhere above muskrat.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on July 04, 2012, 01:06:35 PM
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/07/03/1105758/-Fox-Friends-picks-a-fight-with-Jon-Stewart-This-ll-go-well

Fox and Friends take a direct shot at Jon Stewart.  This is gonna go all awesome.

:popcorn:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 05, 2012, 01:24:05 AM
Will you all just STFU about Bachmann for a minute and look into the LIBOR scandal?

Please?

It's only about 100x more significant to everything than whoever Romney picks as his not-get-assassinated backup plan.

LIBOR rates directly affect a huge percentage of the world's variable-rate investments.  This includes American mortgages and student loans.  They're also used as a measure of economic confidence, since they have to do with inter-bank loaning.  If LIBOR rates are high, it means confidence is low. 

After the 2008 crash, if you believe Bob Diamond, he was called by a Treasury official to ask why Barclay's LIBOR rates were much higher than other UK banks.  He basically said "because the rest of them are lying, we're using the actual data we have."  The Treasury official then said he'd had quite a few calls from "a number of senior figures within Whitehall" expressing concern at the Barclay's rate.

The implication is that the Bank of England and Teasury signed off on wholesale fraud in the UK banking sector, affecting the costs of up to $800 trillion's worth of financial transactions, in order to make the banking sector appear far stronger than it really was. 

Furthermore, there is evidence that the tampering with LIBOR rates goes right back to 2005.  Which is very, very important, because of the role LIBOR rates played in the economic crash.  Namely:

Quote from: Matt Taibbi, GriftopiaBut it wasn't the toxic waste or the mezzanine deals that blew up the financial universe. It was the AAA-rated tiers of the mortgage-backed deals that crushed America's financial hull, thanks to an even more sophisticated and diabolical scam perpetrated by some of the wealthiest, most powerful people in the world.

At around the same time Andy was doing his billion-dollar deal, another trader at a relatively small European bank—let's call him Miklos—stumbled on to what he thought, at first, was the find of a lifetime.

"So I'm buying bonds," he says. "They're triple-A, supersenior tranche bonds. And they're paying, like, LIBOR plus fifty."

Jargon break: LIBOR, or the London Interbank Offered Rate, is a common reference tool used by bankers to determine the price of borrowing. LIBOR refers to the interest rate banks in London charge one another to borrow unsecured debt. The "plus" in the expression "LIBOR plus," meanwhile, refers to the amount over and above LIBOR that bankers charge one another for transactions, with the number after "plus" referring to hundredths of a percentage point. These hundredths of a point are called basis points.

So when Miklos says, "LIBOR plus fifty," he means the rate London banks charge to borrow money from one another, plus 0.50 percent more. If the LIBOR rate is 0.50 percent that day, then LIBOR plus fifty means, basically, 1 percent interest.

So Miklos was buying the AAA portions of deals like Andy's at LIBOR plus fifty, and all you really need to know about that price  is that it is slightly higher than what he would have been paying back then for a Treasury bill. The whole bubble game in the years leading up to the financial meltdown was driven by this small difference in the yield between Treasuries, which are more or less absolutely safe, and the AAA-rated slices of these collateralized securities.

Why? Because what few regulations there are remaining are based upon calculations involving AAA-rated paper. Both banks and insurance companies are required by regulators to keep a certain amount of real capital on hand, to protect their depositors. Of course, these institutions do not simply hold their reserves in cash; instead, they hold interest-bearing investments, so that they can make money at the same time they are fulfilling their reserve obligations.

Knowing this, the banking industry regulators—in particular a set of bylaws called the Basel Accords, which all major banking nations adhere to—created rules to make sure that those holdings these institutions kept were solid. These rules charged institutions for keeping their holdings in investments that were not at least AAA rated. In order to avoid these capital charges, institutions needed to have lots of "safe" AAA-rated paper. And if you could find AAA-rated paper that earns LIBOR plus fifty, instead of buying the absolutely safe U.S. Treasury  notes that might earn LIBOR plus twenty, well, then, you jumped on that chance—because that was 0.30 more percentage points you were
making. In banks and insurance companies with holdings in the billions, that subtle discrepancy meant massive increases in revenue.

It was this math that drove all the reckless mortgage lending.

Thanks to the invention of these tiered, mortgage-backed, CDO-like derivative deals, banks could now replace all the defiantly unsexy T-bills and municipal bonds they were holding to fulfill their capital requirements with much higher earning mortgage-backed securities. And what happens when most of the world's major financial institutions suddenly start replacing big chunks of their "safe" reserve holdings with mortgage-backed securities? To simplify this even more: The rules say that banks have to have a certain amount of cash on hand. And if not cash, something as valuable as cash. But the system allowed banks to use home loans as their reserve capital, instead of cash, Banks
were therefore meeting their savings requirements by... lending.

Instead of the banking system being buttressed by real reserve capital, it was buttressed by the promised mortgage payments of a  generation of questionable homebuyers.

Everyone and his brother starts getting offered mortgages. At its heart, the housing/credit bubble was the rational outcome of a nutty loophole in the regulatory game. The reason Vegas cocktail waitresses and meth addicts in Ventura were suddenly getting offered million-dollar homes had everything to do with Citigroup and Bank of America and AIG jettisoning their once-safe AAA reserves, their T-bills and municipal bonds, and exchanging them for these mortgage-backed "AAA"-rated securities—which, as we've already seen, were sometimes really BBB-rated securities turned into  AAA-rated paper through the magic of the CDO squared. And which in turn perhaps should originally have been B-minus-rated securities, because the underlying FICO scores of the homeowners in deals like Andy's might have been fakes.

Getting back to the story: So Miklos is buying AAA bonds. These bonds are paying his bank LIBOR plus fifty, which isn't bad.

But it becomes spectacular when he finds a now-infamous third party, AIG, to make the deal absolutely bulletproof. "So I'm getting LIBOR plus fifty for these bonds," he says. "Then I turn around and I call up AIG and I'm like, 'Hey, where  would you credit default swap this bond?' And they're like, 'Oh, we'll do that for LIBOR plus ten.'"

Miklos pauses and laughs, recalling the pregnant pause on his end of the phone line as he heard this offer from AIG. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard: it was either a mistake, or they had just handed him a mountain of money, free of charge.

If the LIBOR rate was being manipulated by major banks, then the whole AIG collapse takes on a new, somewhat sinister light.  Was the reason AIG was able to offer such great rates was because the LIBOR rate was artificially low in the first place?  Having an artificially high/naturally higher LIBOR rate at one institutions and an artificially low/naturally low one at another is essentially a licence to print money. 

Miklos eventually got edged out of this deal for free money by....you guessed it, Goldman Sachs.  And Deutche Bank.  And Barclays.  And RBS.  And Societe Generale.  And others.  When Goldman Sachs realised the game was over, that everything was falling apart, it freaked, and demanded all its money from AIG.  This led to everyone else panicking and demanding their money back, to Pricewaterhousecooper downgrading AIG.  It was losing billions every month, and Goldman Sachs had about $20 billion in exposure that it wanted, before the whole thing fell apart. 

You may remember that last part, as it reached Ratings Apocalypse levels in...September 2008.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on July 05, 2012, 03:13:06 AM
Wouldn't it be *interesting* to see where all the money actually ended up, and try to do a claw-back? Imagine millions of homeowners getting a check for overpayment on their interest... the system would collapse even regardless of the new Basel rules. If not colapse then at least the banks would be stung even more, into a sodding whimper.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on July 05, 2012, 05:15:25 AM
Holyshit, finally a narrative I can follow on this. Thanks Cain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 05, 2012, 11:47:11 AM
Thanks for the extra info Cain, always appreciated.

Standard and Poor as well as Moody have downgraded Barclay's today/yesterday. I am sure this is a result of careful examination of all the relevant details and records and nothing whatsoever to do with the media shitstorm.

Or possibly with a £290 Million fine they couldn't make their regular bribes. Or payments. I forget how honest we're being about this stuff these days.

This whole thing seems to give a bit of insight to UK governance in general. Every political interest is aligned to protect the banks and "The City". Given the size of this particular clusterfuck I'd guess Bob knows who's in who's pocket and depending on the size of his severance and potential punishments will be naming names (or not) accordingly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 05, 2012, 12:05:51 PM
You'd think the Tories would jump at a chance to sink Ed Balls, who is practically on the top of their shit list.

Apparently not.

When Miliband called for an independent, public inquiry, Osbourne apparently was the most influential party in saying "no", and getting it downgraded to a Parliamentary inquiry.

One wonders if LIBOR-rigging is a bipartisan pursuit in Whitehall...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on July 05, 2012, 01:00:24 PM
I seem to remember hearing this, or a very similar story a while back, some time after the first crash. I probably heard it on PD, so maybe I'm thinking of something else?

You know what the hardest thing is, all these stories about what/how/why the economic crisis happened, is to judge them on their relative importance, especially in light of other current events.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 05, 2012, 02:12:44 PM
So, other than "the banks", exactly who is responsible for determining LIBOR?  I mean, it really sounds like an arbitrary number to begin with; it certainly doesn't sound equivalent to the Fed interest rate in the US.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 05, 2012, 02:17:13 PM
Libor is defined as:

The rate at which an individual Contributor Panel bank could borrow funds, were it to do so by asking for and then accepting inter-bank offers in reasonable market size, just prior to 11.00 London time.

Libor is calculated and published by Thomson Reuters on behalf of the British Bankers' Association (BBA) after 11:00 AM (and generally around 11:45 AM) each day (London time). It is a trimmed average of interbank deposit rates offered by designated contributor banks, for maturities ranging from overnight to one year. Libor is calculated for 10 currencies. There are eight, twelve, sixteen or twenty contributor banks on each currency panel, and the reported interest is the mean of the 50% middle values (the interquartile mean). The rates are a benchmark rather than a tradable rate; the actual rate at which banks will lend to one another continues to vary throughout the day.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 05, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
That sounds like it is derived from a team of analysts who calculate risk based on other market figures.  Each bank sets its own rate, and then the average is taken each day.

Which sets the conspiracy bar pretty high, since you've got relatively independent entities calculating their individual risks.  What's the rule of thumb: a conspiracy greater than 5 doesn't work?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 05, 2012, 03:20:02 PM
But the figures are ultimately derived from the banks themselves.

Barclay's are not contesting that they were manipulating the LIBOR rate - they fully accept that they were - what they are contesting is whether there is systemic fraud at the company and if they had Treasury sanction for what they did.

Diamond has said only 14 traders were responsible for the manipulation.  However, a lot of industry experts have cast some doubt on that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 05, 2012, 03:28:59 PM
I see -- so it's case of systematic corruption than it is conspiracy.  That makes more sense.  It's like normal business practices (make your team/company look good) amped up to 11.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 06, 2012, 11:44:39 AM
Systemic corruption could be the best way to describe a lot of the problems in the UK right now. The media going through Leveson gave a glimpse of how closely tied various power structures are here. Between police enforcement, banking roulette, cross party politics designed to protect the above and the media giving the desired spin it's hardly surprising things are fucked up here.

Example - You get a story like this pretty much daily

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-18733279

Police chief being investigated for misconduct over putting undue pressure on a case. Going to the IPCC (Independent police complaints commission).

The IPCC has quite the reputation for siding with the police. This may have something to do with it largely being made up of ex police officers of varying senior ranks. No parallels with the PCC(Press complaints commission) which deals with media complaints and is staffed by ex-editors and other senior media figures. You may recall they got bitch slapped at Leveson quite a bit over bias and generally being ineffective.

In short, the chances are if you have any kind of political power in the UK, you're probably a evil fucker. And it's better to be a loathesome example of humanity as if you are, others will protect you. Doing the right thing is a good way to kill your career.


In other news, Syria is still a thing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18734782

QuoteA Syrian general from a powerful family close to President Bashar al-Assad has deserted the regime, sources close to his family have confirmed to the BBC.

They say Brig Gen Manaf Tlas was heading to Paris via Turkey.

Pro-government website Syriasteps earlier said Brig Gen Tlas had made an "escape", adding that the move was "insignificant".

This is looking good. I would guess Generals have a fairly realistic assessment of their survival chances over the immediate and long term future. When high ranking officers defect or desert it's usually a sign that everything is going to shit and it's time to bail and make the right noises to sympathetic powers. Your culpability in previous acts may be overlooked. Chances improve depending on what information you can bring to said power.

I do like the phrasing here. He "Escaped" implying he was somehow imprisoned or at least restricted in his movements. It's "insignificant" as senior military figures are obviously fresh to the job and expendable. This reminds me of the Iraq "Everything is OK, We are Winning" broadcasts.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 07, 2012, 01:32:00 AM
Ah South Africa, I mean "sewth efrika"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18743710

QuoteSouth Africa's governing ANC has expressed its "disgust" at a cartoon of President Jacob Zuma as a penis.

QuoteThe president sued the cartoonist, who works for the Mail & Guardian newspaper, after he depicted Mr Zuma in 2008 about to rape a female figure representing justice. Mr Zuma was cleared of raping a family friend in 2006.

The pair have also clashed over Zapiro's portrayal of Mr Zuma with a shower cap on his head - a reference to Mr Zuma's statement in the rape trial that he had taken a shower after having sex to reduce the chance of contracting HIV.

QuoteIn an affidavit, Mr Zuma said: "The portrait depicts me in a manner that suggests I am a philanderer, a womaniser and one with no respect."

Mr Zuma, who has four wives, has previously sued local media companies 11 times for defamation.

For those curious about this offensive artwork, here you go.

(http://ugandanandproud.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/zuma-penis.jpg?w=645)

Cue a retarded discussion over freedom of speech any minute now. Pay no attention to the fact the painting depicts him as having a penis, not as a penis.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on July 07, 2012, 03:12:31 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 07, 2012, 01:32:00 AM
Ah South Africa, I mean "sewth efrika"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18743710

QuoteSouth Africa's governing ANC has expressed its "disgust" at a cartoon of President Jacob Zuma as a penis.

QuoteThe president sued the cartoonist, who works for the Mail & Guardian newspaper, after he depicted Mr Zuma in 2008 about to rape a female figure representing justice. Mr Zuma was cleared of raping a family friend in 2006.

The pair have also clashed over Zapiro's portrayal of Mr Zuma with a shower cap on his head - a reference to Mr Zuma's statement in the rape trial that he had taken a shower after having sex to reduce the chance of contracting HIV.

QuoteIn an affidavit, Mr Zuma said: "The portrait depicts me in a manner that suggests I am a philanderer, a womaniser and one with no respect."

Mr Zuma, who has four wives, has previously sued local media companies 11 times for defamation.

For those curious about this offensive artwork, here you go.

(http://ugandanandproud.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/zuma-penis.jpg?w=645)

Cue a retarded discussion over freedom of speech any minute now. Pay no attention to the fact the painting depicts him as having a penis, not as a penis.

I think it's funny.  I also think the ANC expressing disgust is the best possible response.  They made their feelings known without curtailing the artist's freedom of speech.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 07, 2012, 04:41:13 AM
Did you misread that? The guy tried to have the painting removed from display, has sued various media organisations multiple times and  quite likely gave the order to deface the painting. The actual culprits are still unknown.

While I agree it's amusing, I'm pretty sure Zuma is not a great fan of freedom of expression.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 07, 2012, 04:45:22 PM
Quote"The portrait depicts me in a manner that suggests I am a philanderer, a womaniser and one with no respect."

Yeah, I wouldn't want to put that to test of an impartial judge, in your position.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BabylonHoruv on July 07, 2012, 05:27:13 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 07, 2012, 04:41:13 AM
Did you misread that? The guy tried to have the painting removed from display, has sued various media organisations multiple times and  quite likely gave the order to deface the painting. The actual culprits are still unknown.

While I agree it's amusing, I'm pretty sure Zuma is not a great fan of freedom of expression.

Yeah, I must have missed that part.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hirley0 on July 07, 2012, 08:19:36 PM
Quote from: Luna on July 04, 2012, 01:06:35 PM
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/07/03/1105758/-Fox-Friends-picks-a-fight-with-Jon-Stewart-This-ll-go-well

Fox and Friends take a direct shot at Jon Stewart.  This is gonna go all awesome.

:popcorn:

aLLrIGHT u asK
This is NOT about Maid For Prime Time TV
tiZ more about pdX | on Thursday in the Park about 9
the security bike rider came to the bench we occupied
and in effect told us we had to leave as He was on 1
sO: yeah: we did go. the next day {YesSirDay) FrisDay
we returned to the escalation of the VIOLENT VOICE
SINGS!!!!/
there is a made for TV sets production called "GRIM"
being filmed here located at times in the 10-11th &
Main St {SW) PARKING LOT ? As (iMO) A conversion of
this Port city on the West Coast gets its Asian Invasion
retrofit prior to the post election relocation's PRIOR
to the MAIN rif Planned for AFTer the Relocation MoveMints
So, yeah, the Main Event is here on the West Coast of USa &
not on the Med as TV tacKY Types tend to propagandiZe Prime T.
it takes Year After Year to produce / with no plan 4 TS*'s to be
Stay tuned to your 21.75 KHz radio set 24/7 & BuyR con H2O
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on July 10, 2012, 07:52:42 PM
http://superofficialnews.com/bill-murray-kicks-off-party-crashing-tour-starting-in-august/

Just put a sign outside that says BILL MURRAY CAN CRASH HERE. Have drinking and karaoke available at your party. Pray to the gods.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on July 10, 2012, 07:59:30 PM
Quote from: v3x on July 10, 2012, 07:52:42 PM
http://superofficialnews.com/bill-murray-kicks-off-party-crashing-tour-starting-in-august/

Just put a sign outside that says BILL MURRAY CAN CRASH HERE. Have drinking and karaoke available at your party. Pray to the gods.

You know, something tells me that source may not be legit.
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on July 14, 2012, 09:21:39 PM
Stuxnet leak prompts US House to consider prosecution of journalists (http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/26947/stuxnet-leak-prompts-us-house-to-consider-prosecution-of-journalists/)

... what :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 14, 2012, 10:34:34 PM
Quote from: Alty on July 10, 2012, 07:59:30 PM
Quote from: v3x on July 10, 2012, 07:52:42 PM
http://superofficialnews.com/bill-murray-kicks-off-party-crashing-tour-starting-in-august/

Just put a sign outside that says BILL MURRAY CAN CRASH HERE. Have drinking and karaoke available at your party. Pray to the gods.

You know, something tells me that source may not be legit.
:lulz:

Recent Super Official News
Bill Murray Announces Party Crashing Tour Starting In August
Obama Auctioning Off All Pot Seized In Drug Raids Since 2008
TSA Now Offering Free Gift With All Full Body Cavity Searches
Mitt Romney Leaving The Mormon Religion For Christianity
Details Of The 5-Year Marriage Contract Between Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes
Announced – The Big Lebowski 2: The Dude Goes To Washington
Joe Arpaio Announces New Zombie Bath Salt Task Force Called SALTS
DEA Chief Dodges More Questions Friday At Her Own Mental Health Screening
Mitt Romney Campaign Using "Ron Paul Diversion Vehicles"
New Drug Craze Leaves 3 Teenagers Hospitalized
9Gag Suing Reddit For 50 Million Dollars
Gay Zombie Attack In Louisiana From Bath Salts Leaves 7 Dead
Facebook Launches New Gold Account Program For $9.95/month
North Carolina: First State Making It Illegal To Be Gay
Prisoner Escape Used Scenes From The Shawshank Redemption
Obama Says More Gay Comments, This Time About Nickelback
Man Who Determined Ice Cube's "Good Day" Awarded Nation's Highest Medal
Mitt Romney Mad About His Universe Selection As God In The Afterlife
Billionaire's New Presidential Campaign: Check None Of The Above
Man Not Guilty in Killing Wife Over Too Many Facebook Game Requests
Televangelist Pat Robertson Tells His Congregation That He's Gay
Obama Signs NTACT Into Law: Allows Waterboarding Marijuana Users
New 'Work to Fly' Program Sponsored by Mitt Romney
Local Man Stops Robbery By Quoting Pulp Fiction
Rick Santorum Voted People's Sexiest Republican Alive
New Trayvon Martin Photos Emerge
Maryland's $640 Million Mega Millions Winner Comes Forward
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on July 14, 2012, 11:38:19 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on July 14, 2012, 09:21:39 PM
Stuxnet leak prompts US House to consider prosecution of journalists (http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/26947/stuxnet-leak-prompts-us-house-to-consider-prosecution-of-journalists/)

... what :?

It's called Freedom (TM), Trip. Get used it to, it will eventually work its way to Belgium.

MEANWHILE, far more important than disappearing basic human rights:

http://www.ktuu.com/news/talkeetna-alaska-mayor-is-a-cat-named-stubbs-20120713,0,3624077.story

DAWWWWW.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 17, 2012, 06:49:49 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-18867305

The irony. Not much more to say.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 18, 2012, 03:17:22 AM
From February...how'd I miss this?

http://rt.com/usa/news/anonymous-prison-group-geo-169/

"The prison industrial complex is the latest victim of Anonymous' #FuckFBIFriday campaign. Hacktivists have compromised data from a massive correctional facility management firm and have defaced their website.

"...Along with a missive placed on the homepage of the GEO Group's website, Anonymous has installed an image of Mumia Abu-Jamal, who earlier this year reached the 30-year anniversary of being in prison, despite a plethora of legal concerns waged by activists who continue to rally for his release. Anonymous has also altered the site so that visitors to TheGEOGroupInc.com are exposed to an audio recording of the track "Mumia 911," which is performed by artists including Pharoahe Monch, Public Enemy's Chuck D and Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on July 19, 2012, 10:52:00 AM
Quote from: v3x on July 10, 2012, 07:52:42 PM
http://superofficialnews.com/bill-murray-kicks-off-party-crashing-tour-starting-in-august/

Just put a sign outside that says BILL MURRAY CAN CRASH HERE. Have drinking and karaoke available at your party. Pray to the gods.

Fuck, I think I actually owe him a little for that thing with the thing collectors. :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on July 24, 2012, 06:31:39 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:31:39 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'

I laughed until I saw the source.  Then I belched and yawned at the same time.

If it's the daily mail, it's patently bullshit...Which disappoints me to no end, in this particular case.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on July 24, 2012, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:31:39 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'

I laughed until I saw the source.  Then I belched and yawned at the same time.

If it's the daily mail, it's patently bullshit...Which disappoints me to no end, in this particular case.

Same story from the Irish Examiner. I have no idea if they're bullshitters of the same degree or not. http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/crime/disabled-nun-sent-letters-with-white-powder-to-politicians-201730.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:31:39 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'

I laughed until I saw the source.  Then I belched and yawned at the same time.

If it's the daily mail, it's patently bullshit...Which disappoints me to no end, in this particular case.

Same story from the Irish Examiner. I have no idea if they're bullshitters of the same degree or not. http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/crime/disabled-nun-sent-letters-with-white-powder-to-politicians-201730.html

Irishmen report all manner of things.  Comes from strong drink.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 24, 2012, 09:02:18 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:31:39 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'

I laughed until I saw the source.  Then I belched and yawned at the same time.

If it's the daily mail, it's patently bullshit...Which disappoints me to no end, in this particular case.

Same story from the Irish Examiner. I have no idea if they're bullshitters of the same degree or not. http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/crime/disabled-nun-sent-letters-with-white-powder-to-politicians-201730.html

Irishmen report all manner of things.  Comes from strong drink.

Yeah. Alcohol and bar bullshit. They get tourists to hang upside down and kiss a big ROCK thinking it will give them the power of persuasion.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 09:09:07 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on July 24, 2012, 09:02:18 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:31:39 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'

I laughed until I saw the source.  Then I belched and yawned at the same time.

If it's the daily mail, it's patently bullshit...Which disappoints me to no end, in this particular case.

Same story from the Irish Examiner. I have no idea if they're bullshitters of the same degree or not. http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/crime/disabled-nun-sent-letters-with-white-powder-to-politicians-201730.html

Irishmen report all manner of things.  Comes from strong drink.

Yeah. Alcohol and bar bullshit. They get tourists to hang upside down and kiss a big ROCK thinking it will give them the power of persuasion.  :lulz:

Which has always led me to believe that they keep the REAL rock to themselves.

PT Barnum would approve.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 24, 2012, 09:13:30 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 09:09:07 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on July 24, 2012, 09:02:18 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: The Dead Reverend Roger on July 24, 2012, 06:48:40 PM
Quote from: Waffles, The Iron on July 24, 2012, 06:31:39 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'

I laughed until I saw the source.  Then I belched and yawned at the same time.

If it's the daily mail, it's patently bullshit...Which disappoints me to no end, in this particular case.

Same story from the Irish Examiner. I have no idea if they're bullshitters of the same degree or not. http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/crime/disabled-nun-sent-letters-with-white-powder-to-politicians-201730.html

Irishmen report all manner of things.  Comes from strong drink.

Yeah. Alcohol and bar bullshit. They get tourists to hang upside down and kiss a big ROCK thinking it will give them the power of persuasion.  :lulz:

Which has always led me to believe that they keep the REAL rock to themselves.

PT Barnum would approve.

Of course.

"Barnum" is an Irish surname.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 27, 2012, 04:56:58 AM
"Flordia". "Bible stories". http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/25/florida-puppeteer-plotted-to-cook-and-eat-children-cops
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 27, 2012, 05:14:10 AM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on July 27, 2012, 04:56:58 AM
"Flordia". "Bible stories". http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/25/florida-puppeteer-plotted-to-cook-and-eat-children-cops

AUUUUUGH!!!!!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Vaud on July 27, 2012, 06:17:54 AM
I don't know if anyone has posted this yet, but I'd be interested in hearing thoughts on it.  Any criticisms?  Or does it seem pretty accurate?

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719 (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on July 27, 2012, 11:00:53 AM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on July 27, 2012, 04:56:58 AM
"Flordia". "Bible stories". http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/25/florida-puppeteer-plotted-to-cook-and-eat-children-cops

First off, WHAT THE BLAZING FUCK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?

Also...  I'd be very interested in knowing how he got busted...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sir Bearington on July 27, 2012, 11:40:49 AM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on July 27, 2012, 04:56:58 AM
"Flordia". "Bible stories". http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/25/florida-puppeteer-plotted-to-cook-and-eat-children-cops

That guy is from florida?

Tell me why im not suprised  :|

And on another bear related note - http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/23/our-new-mascot-isnt-pedobear-nestle
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on July 31, 2012, 11:11:42 AM
Holy shit.

http://buzzflash.org/node/13636

http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/07/08/florida-accused-of-covering-up-of-the-worst-tb-outbreak-in-20-years/

If this is true, the Governor of Florida has been covering up the biggest TB outbreak in 20 years, while slashing health care benefits.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 02, 2012, 08:16:42 AM
Quote from: Luna on July 31, 2012, 11:11:42 AM
Holy shit.

http://buzzflash.org/node/13636

http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/07/08/florida-accused-of-covering-up-of-the-worst-tb-outbreak-in-20-years/

If this is true, the Governor of Florida has been covering up the biggest TB outbreak in 20 years, while slashing health care benefits.

even more interesting, in my view, is the State's decision to return to the archaic asylum model for housing the infected.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 08, 2012, 04:10:22 PM
https://twitter.com/johnthelutheran/status/233110719309168640/photo/1

Man with Parkinson's arrested at Olympic road race for failing to smile. Sadly, not a joke.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 08, 2012, 04:24:17 PM
Quote from: Telarus on August 08, 2012, 04:10:22 PM
https://twitter.com/johnthelutheran/status/233110719309168640/photo/1

Man with Parkinson's arrested at Olympic road race for failing to smile. Sadly, not a joke.

Ex-post?  Can't see twitter.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 08, 2012, 04:31:19 PM
Quote from: Vaud on July 27, 2012, 06:17:54 AM
I don't know if anyone has posted this yet, but I'd be interested in hearing thoughts on it.  Any criticisms?  Or does it seem pretty accurate?

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719 (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719)

All of its sources seem well-cited and Rolling Stone is known for good journalism (one of the last remaining sources for actual journalism, in fact).

We won't make it to two degrees, though. I mean, the planet will, for sure, but civilization as we know it won't.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on August 08, 2012, 05:00:17 PM
Houston. Typical. http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Owner-wants-DEA-to-pay-for-truck-damage-from-sting-3743683.php
The truck, it turned out, had been everywhere but in the repair shop.

Commandeered by one of his drivers, who was secretly working with federal agents, the truck had been hauling marijuana from the border as part of an undercover operation. And without Patty's knowledge, the Drug Enforcement Administration was paying his driver, Lawrence Chapa, to use the truck to bust traffickers.

At least 17 hours before that early morning phone call, Chapa was shot dead in front of more than a dozen law enforcement officers - all of them taken by surprise by hijackers trying to steal the red Kenworth T600 truck and its load of pot.

In the confusion of the attack in northwest Harris County, compounded by officers in the operation not all knowing each other, a Houston policeman shot and wounded a Harris County sheriff's deputy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 08, 2012, 05:06:01 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on August 08, 2012, 04:24:17 PM
Quote from: Telarus on August 08, 2012, 04:10:22 PM
https://twitter.com/johnthelutheran/status/233110719309168640/photo/1

Man with Parkinson's arrested at Olympic road race for failing to smile. Sadly, not a joke.

Ex-post?  Can't see twitter.

Yeah, I couldn't get the image to post to our board either. Another source then.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/aug/08/olympics-spectator-parkinsons-arrest-smiling
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 08, 2012, 05:10:37 PM
QuoteWorsfold, whose experience was first reported by Private Eye, claims police questioned him about his demeanour and why he had not been seen to be visibly enjoying the event.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Hell, if they're arresting people for lack of enthusiasm over the Olympics, they'd have to just shoot me outright.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 08, 2012, 10:11:11 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on August 08, 2012, 05:00:17 PM
Houston. Typical. http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Owner-wants-DEA-to-pay-for-truck-damage-from-sting-3743683.php
The truck, it turned out, had been everywhere but in the repair shop.

Commandeered by one of his drivers, who was secretly working with federal agents, the truck had been hauling marijuana from the border as part of an undercover operation. And without Patty's knowledge, the Drug Enforcement Administration was paying his driver, Lawrence Chapa, to use the truck to bust traffickers.

At least 17 hours before that early morning phone call, Chapa was shot dead in front of more than a dozen law enforcement officers - all of them taken by surprise by hijackers trying to steal the red Kenworth T600 truck and its load of pot.

In the confusion of the attack in northwest Harris County, compounded by officers in the operation not all knowing each other, a Houston policeman shot and wounded a Harris County sheriff's deputy.


It's interesting, how all of the DEA's drug stings seem to involve them importing ENORMOUS quantities of drugs.

It's also interesting that every time documentation for their instrumental involvement in drug trafficking surfaces, it's quickly shoved  under the rug and then shortly thereafter dismissed with "Well that was BACK THEN..."

As if a goddamn thing has changed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 09, 2012, 04:04:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on August 08, 2012, 05:10:37 PM
QuoteWorsfold, whose experience was first reported by Private Eye, claims police questioned him about his demeanour and why he had not been seen to be visibly enjoying the event.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Hell, if they're arresting people for lack of enthusiasm over the Olympics, they'd have to just shoot me outright.

Unfortunately, because Britain is winning medals, all criticisms of the Olympics have pretty much ceased.

It's the same dynamic as Beijing 2008 - those were going to be the "genocide olympics", until Britain started bringing home the gold.  Then all criticism of China's human rights records were suddenly forgotten.

Even fucking Charlie Brooker is cheering on the games now.  And Boris Johnson must be feeling great, since he is almost certainly going to use this international exposure to bid for the leadership of the Tories, once Cameron is ousted in 2015.

Yes, that bumbling idiot with the hair is very likely to become, at least, the Leader of the Opposition.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on August 10, 2012, 03:48:05 AM
US will not go after Goldman Sachs. Dropping the case after a year. Wall Street Journal linkage:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443537404577579840698144490.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

...right when I think I've seen it all... :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 10, 2012, 07:31:01 AM
Quote from: inode_buddha on August 10, 2012, 03:48:05 AM
US will not go after Goldman Sachs. Dropping the case after a year. Wall Street Journal linkage:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443537404577579840698144490.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

...right when I think I've seen it all... :horrormirth:

Fucking hell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 10, 2012, 01:17:08 PM
Paywall -- but I have a feeling I can find this story elsewhere.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 10, 2012, 02:04:29 PM
Quote from: Dear Departed Uncle Nigel on August 10, 2012, 07:31:01 AM
Quote from: inode_buddha on August 10, 2012, 03:48:05 AM
US will not go after Goldman Sachs. Dropping the case after a year. Wall Street Journal linkage:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443537404577579840698144490.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

...right when I think I've seen it all... :horrormirth:

Fucking hell.

"Don't be angry, it's only show business", the Alien account smiled.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 11, 2012, 09:48:29 PM
Insane Clown Posse Is Suing the FBI (!!!)
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2012/08/insane_clown_posse_sue_fbi.php
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Phox on August 12, 2012, 12:46:20 AM
Quote from: Telarus on August 11, 2012, 09:48:29 PM
Insane Clown Posse Is Suing the FBI (!!!)
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2012/08/insane_clown_posse_sue_fbi.php
To be perfectly fair, they are correct.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 13, 2012, 02:27:43 AM
http://truth-out.org/news/item/10833-obamas-fast-and-furious-assault-on-medical-marijuana

Details how Holder shifted the "Fast and Furious" attention he was getting from Congress onto busting potheads.

QuoteBy early October 2011, there were calls for a special prosecutor to investigate whether Holder had perjured himself during testimony before Congress. Right-wing pundits described the scandal as "Obama's Watergate." The ATF announced a major shake-up at the top of the bureau. A chorus of disgruntled sheriffs and other G-men clamored for Holder's resignation. The Attorney General was losing support among law enforcement rank-and-file.

But Holder had an ace up his sleeve, and he played it at a crucial moment.

Ever since California voters approved Proposition 215, which legalized marijuana for medical use in 1996, law enforcement lobbyists had been urging the federal government to enforce prohibition and choke off the burgeoning industry.

On October 7, the same day Holder wrote a detailed letter to Rep. Issa, defending his handling of the Fast and Furious affair, four federal prosecutors in California held a hastily organized press conference in which they threw down the gauntlet and announced the start of a far-ranging crackdown that would nearly decimate the Golden State's medical marijuana industry.

Within ten months, close to half of California's 1400 dispensaries would shut down as the DEA waged an all-out vendetta against what Proposition 215 had unloosed. The drug police weren't just going after the bad apples; they were going after every apple in the barrel. Cannabis dispensaries abiding by state law were raided by federal agents. Federal prosecutors threatened to seize property from landlords who rented to medical marijuana facilities. The feds also threatened municipal officials who sought to implement state medical marijuana regulations. Federally insured banks and credit card companies refused to service marijuana-related enterprises.

Medical marijuana proponents were stunned and mystified by the ferocity of the Obama administration's assault on the industry in California and elsewhere. Why did the former pot-smoking Choom Gang kid unleash the dogs of the drug war against a thriving business sector when times were tough economically and jobs were scarce? Why would the president risk alienating his base when public opinion polls showed that more than half of Americans favored legalizing marijuana for personal use?

Much more at the link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 13, 2012, 02:30:20 AM
Jesus H Christ.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on August 13, 2012, 03:25:15 AM
:/ Go figure.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on August 13, 2012, 03:59:11 AM
Well it had to be SOMETHING like that, didn't it?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 16, 2012, 07:39:38 PM
I would've stayed away from the "good apples" abiding by the spirit of the state law, but good on him for shutting down the other places. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on August 21, 2012, 06:45:24 AM
Still trying to decide if he's throwing it on purpose, a narcissistic shithouse rat, or both.

http://www.project.nsearch.com/profiles/blogs/mitt-romney-i-was-too-important-to-go-to-vietnam
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: pharmakon on August 22, 2012, 09:45:24 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9487761/Anger-as-Iran-bans-women-from-universities.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/20/world/middleeast/20iht-educbriefs20.html

Yay.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 22, 2012, 10:25:21 PM
Quote from: pharmakon on August 22, 2012, 09:45:24 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9487761/Anger-as-Iran-bans-women-from-universities.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/20/world/middleeast/20iht-educbriefs20.html

Yay.

Wow.

I'm surprised that Republican leaders aren't praising Iran for leading the way for the rest of the world.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 25, 2012, 11:50:02 PM
Police: All Empire State shooting victims were wounded by officers
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/25/justice/new-york-empire-state-shooting/index.html

:x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 26, 2012, 12:11:09 AM
It's pretty sad when a crazed killer is more considerate of bystanders than the police.  Wounding nine bystanders to take down a single guy is pretty impressive though, in a twisted sort of way. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 27, 2012, 12:42:53 AM
Quote from: Telarus on August 25, 2012, 11:50:02 PM
Police: All Empire State shooting victims were wounded by officers
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/25/justice/new-york-empire-state-shooting/index.html

:x

We're training the police to view law enforcement as combat... this is the inevitable result. It'll get worse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 27, 2012, 09:21:42 AM
Britannia Unchained: the rise of the new Tory right.  A group of Conservative MPs are trying to seize the political agenda with some of the most rightwing ideas the party has seen in decades – and many are taking them seriously.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/aug/22/britannia-unchained-rise-of-new-tory-right

QuoteLast Friday, a leaked fragment from a book co-written by Raab and four other Conservative MPs, Britannia Unchained: Global Lessons for Growth and Prosperity, due to be published next month, appeared in the London Evening Standard. The passage, red meat for phone-ins and columnists ever since, argued less politely for an improvement in our national work ethic: "The British are among the worst idlers in the world. We work among the lowest hours, we retire early and our productivity is poor. Whereas Indian children aspire to be doctors or businessmen, the British are more interested in football and pop music."

Further detailed revelations about the book remain forbidden by a pre-publication embargo. But having read it, I can safely say that Britannia Unchained has a brevity, pace and scope that elevates it a little above the usual pre-party-conference polemics. "Britain is at a crossroads which will define our place in the world for generations," begins one of its publisher's sales pitches. "From our economy, to our education system, to social mobility and social justice, we must learn the rules of the 21st century, or we face an inevitable slide into mediocrity."

When I speak to Raab again after the Evening Standard extract, he says it gave "a skewed and inaccurate reflection of what is in the book". Yet over the last year he and his co-authors, all of them members of a new Conservative parliamentary faction called the Free Enterprise Group, have made little secret of the harsh medicine they believe Britain needs to take. Last year, for example, Raab wrote a paper for the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) – since the birth of Thatcherism one of the radical right's fiercest thinktanks – urging that "the definition of fair dismissal should be widened ... to encompass inadequate performance ... [This] would help employers get the best from their staff." The paper also argued for exempting small businesses from paying the minimum wage for under-21s, the already less-than-lavish hourly sum of between £3.68 and £4.98.

Raab has been an MP barely two years. Before winning a huge majority of 18,593 in one of the wealthiest seats in the country, he studied law at Oxford and Cambridge, practised in the City of London, and worked at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. He only joined the Conservative party in 2005, after the worst of its modern slump was over. Yet during our interview, it steadily becomes clearer that his confidence derives from more than this assured personal trajectory. There is also his belief that the radical right's time is coming. "I'm a big Thatcher fan," he says, dropping his guard a little as the interview approaches its end. "The coalition has done a lot of good incremental work, on the deficit and so on. Do I think we need a more decisive shift to build on what the coalition has done? The answer is a definite yes."

It may come as a surprise to those who already consider the coalition a tough government, with its hairshirt rhetoric and seemingly endless spending cuts, but a growing number of Tory backbenchers, business figures, commentators and thinkers feel that the coalition – and by implication, other austerity governments across the west – is not nearly tough enough. Since 2011, as the British economy has slumped, this energetic but largely unnoticed political alliance, somewhere between a lobby group and a proper movement, has begun to show its strength.

Since last autumn there has been the smouldering controversy about the Beecroft Report, a government-commissioned review of employment law by the powerful venture capitalist and Tory donor Adrian Beecroft. His recommendations, even more wide-ranging than Raab's – including the loosening of regulations covering the employment of children – have so far proved too contentious to be adopted by the increasingly fragile coalition. But they have become close to a sacred cause for the administration's proliferating critics in the rightwing press. Sometimes the demands for bolder government are frank: "Come on Dave, be brave," [paywall] urged the Sunday Times in May. "A bonfire of regulation was promised, but few businesses report any relaxation in red tape." Sometimes the demands are more oblique: last month, a series of Daily Telegraph articles themed as "Britain Unleashed" mixed essays on the virtues of unfettered capitalism with admiring references to other countries – usually Asian – where supposedly more red-blooded free markets operate.

In January, the chief executive of Britain's biggest insurer Prudential, Tidjane Thiam, told the annual gathering of the global elite at Davos that across Europe, "the minimum wage is a machine to destroy jobs." Speaking at the South Bank Centre in London the following week, the far-sighted BBC economics journalist and author Paul Mason interpreted Thiam's remarks as a sign of an emerging "more radical version of neoliberalism, where we're basically, finally, told: 'The race to the bottom, to be like China, is on, and we're all going to do it. So your wages will meet the Chinese somewhere, and so will your social conditions ... abolish minimum wages, abolish social protection." In the audience, which had gathered to hear Mason talk about the leftwing, street-politics response to the economic crisis, not a formidable new rightwing one as well, there were a few seconds of uncomfortable silence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2012, 06:47:47 PM
This week in "How to Summarise Israel" we have this highly competive entry:

QuoteAn Israeli court has ruled that the state of Israel was not at fault for the death of US activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed in the Gaza Strip by an Israeli army bulldozer in 2003

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19391814
Surprise all round. Cue US giving not one shit at 11.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 30, 2012, 01:04:33 PM
Of course not, it's Israel.  They can do no wrong in the eyes of pretty much any US Politician, regardless of what side of the aisle they are on.


Proof positive, like it is needed, that religion still is in the driver seat when it comes to our government.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 03, 2012, 06:56:03 AM
So, some South African miners go on strike.

The police break up the strike by killing 34 of them.

Then, under an apartheid era law, the remaining miners are charged with the murders of their colleagues.  Fortunately, the murder charge has now been dropped, but they could, in theory, be raised again.

QuoteProsecutors provisionally dropped murder charges against the 270 jailed miners who had been accused under an obscure legal doctrine of killing 34 of their own colleagues when the police opened fire on them while engaged in a wildcat strike.

The police fired live ammunition into a crowd of about 3,000 platinum miners armed with clubs and machetes while trying to disperse the illegal strike on Aug. 16. When the firing stopped, 34 miners were dead and South Africa was outraged by the bloodiest confrontation between the police and civilians since the end of apartheid. The police have claimed they acted in self-defense.

The outrage grew when prosecutors announced last week that under a legal doctrine known as "common purpose," the miners would be charged with murdering their colleagues. Under the doctrine, which was frequently used in the waning days of apartheid to charge members of protesting crowds with serious crimes committed by a few individuals, people in a mob can be charged as accomplices.

In a hastily arranged news conference Sunday, officials from the National Prosecuting Authority said that they would await the outcome of further investigations into the shootings, but they did not rule out bringing murder charges again.

"Final charges will only be made once all investigations have been completed," Nomgcobo Jiba, the acting national director of prosecutions, told reporters. "The murder charges against the current 270 suspects will be formally withdrawn provisionally in court."

Prosecutors also said they had not ruled out charges against the police.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/03/world/africa/murder-charges-dropped-against-south-african-miners.html?_r=1
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 05, 2012, 06:38:51 PM
State of Ohio GOP Mucky-Mucks:  "We can't have you people who WORK for a living voting.  If your job is so menial that you can't bugger off whenever you like and vote, fuck you, you'd probably vote Democrat anyway.  No early voting."

Federal Judge:  "Fuck you guys.  Early voting will be open."

SoOGOPMM:  "Fuck that noise, we're going to appeal, and appeal, and will nail the fucking doors shut to keep from losing this election.  No change in the schedule until it is rammed down our throats by the courts, and if we can delay this shit long enough, we'll get that (DELETED) out of the White House."

http://veracitystew.com/2012/09/04/gop-voter-suppression-ohios-secretary-of-state-refuses-to-abide-by-court-ruling/ 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on September 06, 2012, 05:30:06 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrRuNOaNYME&feature=g-all-f

Holy shit, journalism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 06, 2012, 10:53:04 AM
Interesting to note he works at Fox19. 

I can't see him staying there for too long though, not with an ethos that " Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is public relations."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on September 06, 2012, 10:28:05 PM
No shit.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8800582

Drew Peterson convicted of murder one, in the case of his third wife, Kathleen.

He still has to stand trial for the death of Stacy, his fourth wife.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 11, 2012, 09:08:34 PM
My sources in the Tory Party are telling me discontent with the Triumvirate (Cameron, Gove and especially Osbourne) is at an all time high.

So far, so meh.  More interesting is who they are looking to as possible replacements.  Boris Johnson is considered too close to Cameron's clique, so Liam "crazy like a" Fox and Philip "greasy Phil" Hammond are being pushed as possible successors.

The second is not an entirely terrible choice.  As far as high-ranking Tories go, that is.  His term at the MoD has been one of the best for a while, which is not exactly saying much given the previous holders of the position, but is something like progress.

Personally, I'd like to see what Dominic Grieve would be like as PM.  He strikes me as more thoughtful and less inclined to outrageous bursts of idiocy and bigotry than your average Tory, and actually seems to have some kind of respect for civil liberties.  He's more the "able administrator" type though, and does not really have the charisma for leadership.  Then again, neither does Hammond.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on September 12, 2012, 10:04:00 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrerl8EwqH0&feature=g-all-u

How the fuck is this guy still on the air?

HE AIRED THIS ON 9/11.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 12, 2012, 10:16:50 AM
On a FOX affiliate, no less.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on September 13, 2012, 07:14:22 AM
http://exiledonline.com/the-war-nerd-returns-with-a-special-survey-of-obamas-wars-good-fighter-cant-cheerlead-worth-a-damn/

NEW War Nerd.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on September 17, 2012, 10:02:53 AM
Portland WTF?
http://thesoundandnoise.com/2012/09/14/young-persons-called-to-private-grand-jury-for-owning-books/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 17, 2012, 06:19:37 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on September 17, 2012, 10:02:53 AM
Portland WTF?
http://thesoundandnoise.com/2012/09/14/young-persons-called-to-private-grand-jury-for-owning-books/

I didn't even hear about that. Net, did you?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2012, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: A Very Hairy Monkey In An Ill-Fitting Tunic on September 17, 2012, 06:19:37 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on September 17, 2012, 10:02:53 AM
Portland WTF?
http://thesoundandnoise.com/2012/09/14/young-persons-called-to-private-grand-jury-for-owning-books/

I didn't even hear about that. Net, did you?

Fucking WOW.

Were they wearing snappy armbands when they conducted the raid?  Because there are STYLE issues to consider, here.  Tradition, you know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:28:01 PM
There has been a lot of this going on lately.

The FBI have been cracking down on people with anarchist literature for the last year or so.  One suspects, given the "anarchist threat" to national security is roughly on a par with the "Steppe People's Invasion Threat" to American security, this has more to do with Occupy, people hating on banks and deterrence than anything else.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2012, 06:28:32 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:28:01 PM
There has been a lot of this going on lately.

The FBI have been cracking down on people with anarchist literature for the last year or so.  One suspects, given the "anarchist threat" to national security is roughly on a par with the "Steppe People's Invasion Threat" to American security, this has more to do with Occupy, people hating on banks and deterrence than anything else.

I wonder what they'll make of us.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on September 17, 2012, 06:31:33 PM
Quote from: Fidel Castro on September 17, 2012, 06:28:32 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:28:01 PM
There has been a lot of this going on lately.

The FBI have been cracking down on people with anarchist literature for the last year or so.  One suspects, given the "anarchist threat" to national security is roughly on a par with the "Steppe People's Invasion Threat" to American security, this has more to do with Occupy, people hating on banks and deterrence than anything else.

I wonder what they'll make of us.

Anarchy is saying that Government Makes No Sense.

Discordians say Sense Makes No Sense.

I give it 24 months max before rubber chickens are classified as a Schedule I Narcotic.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:31:48 PM
Discordians = anarchists.

Basically.

Especially by the incredibly loose standards of the FBI, where anyone who has ever owned a book considered to deal with anarchist themes is a radical anarchist in the making. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2012, 06:32:39 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:31:48 PM
Discordians = anarchists.

Basically.

Especially by the incredibly loose standards of the FBI, where anyone who has ever owned a book considered to deal with anarchist themes is a radical anarchist in the making.

Okay.  Because I'm beginning to feel left out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2012, 06:33:52 PM
Quote from: v3x on September 17, 2012, 06:31:33 PM
Quote from: Fidel Castro on September 17, 2012, 06:28:32 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:28:01 PM
There has been a lot of this going on lately.

The FBI have been cracking down on people with anarchist literature for the last year or so.  One suspects, given the "anarchist threat" to national security is roughly on a par with the "Steppe People's Invasion Threat" to American security, this has more to do with Occupy, people hating on banks and deterrence than anything else.

I wonder what they'll make of us.

Anarchy is saying that Government Makes No Sense.

Discordians say Sense Makes No Sense.

I give it 24 months max before rubber chickens are classified as a Schedule I Narcotic.

And when half of us get hauled off to indefinite detention, Iason and all the other spags that abandoned us for Zuckerberg will start going on about how they knew us when.  Then they'll play some more farmville.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on September 17, 2012, 06:34:57 PM
The trick is making it look like the Anarchists are just a militant subsidiary of Discordia.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:35:15 PM
If you ever read any Emma Goldman, you're screwed.

Hell, quoting Voltaire is in dodgy territory...don't you know about Voltairine de Cleyre (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltairine_de_Cleyre)?  I think we need to check your library card and take you in for questioning.

In other news concerning a blossoming police state, this notice was seen in downtown Manhattan two days ago:

QuoteSeptember 14, 2012

Dear Pace Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Monday, September 17 is the first anniversary of Occupy Wall Street. As a precautionary measure, NYPD will establish check points throughout Lower Manhattan. It is important that employees and students carry Pace ID cards in order to gain access through these checkpoints. Locations of the checkpoints are still to be determined.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Vincent Beatty

Director of Security
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2012, 06:37:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:35:15 PM
If you ever read any Emma Goldman, you're screwed.

Hell, quoting Voltaire is in dodgy territory...don't you know about Voltairine de Cleyre (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltairine_de_Cleyre)?  I think we need to check your library card and take you in for questioning.

In other news concerning a blossoming police state, this notice was seen in downtown Manhattan two days ago:

QuoteSeptember 14, 2012

Dear Pace Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Monday, September 17 is the first anniversary of Occupy Wall Street. As a precautionary measure, NYPD will establish check points throughout Lower Manhattan. It is important that employees and students carry Pace ID cards in order to gain access through these checkpoints. Locations of the checkpoints are still to be determined.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Vincent Beatty

Director of Security

Emma Goldman, you say?  I'm on it.  I wonder how much a PDF copy of her stuff is at Amazon?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:47:15 PM
Unless the copyright has been renewed, most of her stuff is over 70 years old.  It's probably free, if not next to free.

That said, you should probably purchase some Bakunin, Tucker and Kropotkin, just to be sure.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2012, 06:48:07 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:47:15 PM
Unless the copyright has been renewed, most of her stuff is over 70 years old.  It's probably free, if not next to free.

That said, you should probably purchase some Bakunin, Tucker and Kropotkin, just to be sure.

On it.  But I'm going to use Amazon regardless of its copyright status, on account of buying it from a known snitch using a credit card.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:50:00 PM
Yeah, I thought that might be the plan.

Just, if it was free, you could then use the Kindle.  It'd still leave an electronic paper trail, but it could be done for free.

If you really want to get onto the FBI's watchlist, I could probably name half a dozen books that would get their interest....I mean, apart from the back catalogue of Paladin Press, because that's just obvious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2012, 06:51:14 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 17, 2012, 06:50:00 PM
Yeah, I thought that might be the plan.

Just, if it was free, you could then use the Kindle.  It'd still leave an electronic paper trail, but it could be done for free.

If you really want to get onto the FBI's watchlist, I could probably name half a dozen books that would get their interest....I mean, apart from the back catalogue of Paladin Press, because that's just obvious.

Send em to me.

I love the idea of Mr Solid Middle Class being investigated for reading puerile blather.

And, yeah, Kindle is the way to go.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 17, 2012, 07:04:27 PM
Shit, I'm gonna be in trouble. :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on September 17, 2012, 11:34:12 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/us/man-is-accused-of-jihadist-plot-to-bomb-chicago-bar.html?_r=0

BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FBI PROTECT US FROM YET ANOTHER MADE UP THREAT.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on September 18, 2012, 03:13:30 AM
Quote from: A Very Hairy Monkey In An Ill-Fitting Tunic on September 17, 2012, 06:19:37 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on September 17, 2012, 10:02:53 AM
Portland WTF?
http://thesoundandnoise.com/2012/09/14/young-persons-called-to-private-grand-jury-for-owning-books/

I didn't even hear about that. Net, did you?

Nope.

I wonder if they've got a case file on me ever since I watched a PBS documentary on Emma Goldman a decade ago.

Fucking McCarthyist scumbags....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lenin McCarthy on September 18, 2012, 01:34:38 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/world/europe/czechs-ban-hard-liquor-sales-after-methanol-poisonings.html
(http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/world/europe/czechs-ban-hard-liquor-sales-after-methanol-poisonings.html)
I'm going to Prague with my class for five days next month, and now they've just banned hard liquor sales. How nice of them to take precautions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 18, 2012, 03:45:39 PM
I bought back several bottles of hard liquor from Prague and now I'm not sure if they're safe to drink.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 20, 2012, 07:38:14 AM
The UK is deporting 80 Tamils back to Sri Lanka, where they will almost certainly be tortured and executed.

Of course, this shouldn't be too surprising, for anyone who knows how Britain helped fuck up Sri Lanka by importing thousands of cheap Tamil labourers in the first place, spurring the development of Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism, spurring a reaction in the form of the Tamil Tigers, creating a reaction which culminated in mass slaughter and detention camps for the Tamil people a couple of years back.

But it's still pretty shitty.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on September 22, 2012, 08:07:50 AM
http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2012/09/21/mcdonalds-calls-police-on-man-dressed-up-as-the-burger-king/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 22, 2012, 04:48:58 PM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on September 22, 2012, 08:07:50 AM
http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2012/09/21/mcdonalds-calls-police-on-man-dressed-up-as-the-burger-king/

That's hilarious! What a great troll!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lenin McCarthy on September 23, 2012, 01:24:28 AM
Norway's new minister of culture is a 29 year old female Muslim. That's quite cool in itself but she also wrote an article earlier asking "why does there stand so many men between me and God?"

also, Jonas Gahr Støre will probably be Norway's new PM in 2017. He just got moved from the foreign ministry to the health ministry, which means that a) he will be more available in the election campaign next year. b) he'll diversify his administrative experience and c) if he manages to get through the next year without getting unpopular, he's Jesus.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on September 29, 2012, 03:50:06 AM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/28/14139608-execution-of-terrance-williams-halted-after-judge-says-prosecutor-suppressed-evidence?lite

"A Philadelphia judge halted next week's scheduled execution of a teenage killer after finding the trial prosecutor suppressed evidence the victim was molesting boys, "sanitized" witness statements before giving them to the defense and lied about a secret deal she'd struck with the accomplice."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on September 30, 2012, 03:15:38 AM
How much you wanna bet these people think Jesus was a conservative Republican?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hs65cMoXmt-s_dfmwjdFwRQJluyw?docId=562e17dab1ef471b949406d8d30475f8

And yet we have this....

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/us/politics/suspicious-voter-forms-found-in-10-florida-counties.html?_r=0

What would He say about that kind of dishonesty?
Guess the GOP lacks confidence, needs some viagra or smth...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 01, 2012, 01:55:29 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2210436/Is-smallest-flat-London-Home-measuring-10ft-8ft-goes-sale-90-000.html?ITO=1490

Yikes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 01, 2012, 03:22:45 AM
Jesus FUCK...

How much shit did he have stored in his basement that it did that much damage to the house???

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/09/30/idaho-republicans-wife-airlifted-to-hospital-after-gun-safe-exploded-under-her-feet/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 01, 2012, 06:33:10 AM
Quote from: Luna on October 01, 2012, 01:55:29 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2210436/Is-smallest-flat-London-Home-measuring-10ft-8ft-goes-sale-90-000.html?ITO=1490

Yikes.

Knightsbridge.  Just south of Hyde Park and either in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea....finding any property there worth less than six figures is a miracle all of its own.  Shit, where I'm living next year, the average price for a flat is £2.3 million.  Yes, you read that correctly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 01, 2012, 11:32:17 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 01, 2012, 06:33:10 AM
Quote from: Luna on October 01, 2012, 01:55:29 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2210436/Is-smallest-flat-London-Home-measuring-10ft-8ft-goes-sale-90-000.html?ITO=1490

Yikes.

Knightsbridge.  Just south of Hyde Park and either in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea....finding any property there worth less than six figures is a miracle all of its own.  Shit, where I'm living next year, the average price for a flat is £2.3 million.  Yes, you read that correctly.

Shit.

The speculation that this place was purchased solely for the parking permit also makes me  :horrormirth:.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 01, 2012, 02:35:41 PM
http://www.thedailydolt.com/2012/09/27/ap-editor-we-had-to-impose-an-upper-quota-on-fact-checking-bachmann-during-republican-debates/

:facepalm:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 01, 2012, 02:40:07 PM
Quote from: Luna on October 01, 2012, 11:32:17 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 01, 2012, 06:33:10 AM
Quote from: Luna on October 01, 2012, 01:55:29 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2210436/Is-smallest-flat-London-Home-measuring-10ft-8ft-goes-sale-90-000.html?ITO=1490

Yikes.

Knightsbridge.  Just south of Hyde Park and either in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea....finding any property there worth less than six figures is a miracle all of its own.  Shit, where I'm living next year, the average price for a flat is £2.3 million.  Yes, you read that correctly.

Shit.

The speculation that this place was purchased solely for the parking permit also makes me  :horrormirth:.

Third most expensive real estate market (averaged out) in the world here.  Just behind Monaco and Cape Ferrat.  I believe Tokyo, New York, Zurich and Geneva can be considered more expensive once living expenses are factored in, but based on land prices per square metre....yup.

Who would've thought letting all those Russian and Arab billionaires buy up property here would have had such an effect on the local market?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on October 04, 2012, 11:02:25 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 01, 2012, 02:40:07 PM
Quote from: Luna on October 01, 2012, 11:32:17 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 01, 2012, 06:33:10 AM
Quote from: Luna on October 01, 2012, 01:55:29 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2210436/Is-smallest-flat-London-Home-measuring-10ft-8ft-goes-sale-90-000.html?ITO=1490

Yikes.

Knightsbridge.  Just south of Hyde Park and either in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea....finding any property there worth less than six figures is a miracle all of its own.  Shit, where I'm living next year, the average price for a flat is £2.3 million.  Yes, you read that correctly.

Shit.

The speculation that this place was purchased solely for the parking permit also makes me  :horrormirth:.

Third most expensive real estate market (averaged out) in the world here.  Just behind Monaco and Cape Ferrat.  I believe Tokyo, New York, Zurich and Geneva can be considered more expensive once living expenses are factored in, but based on land prices per square metre....yup.

Who would've thought letting all those Russian and Arab billionaires buy up property here would have had such an effect on the local market?
As long as they keep on paying those parking tickets and moving violations, no skin off my back.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 04, 2012, 11:39:54 AM
 :lulz:

Half of them are here on diplomatic visas anyway.  They ain't paying for jack shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on October 04, 2012, 07:00:02 PM
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
'Drunken' Broker Sent Oil to 8-Month High in 2009: Report (http://www.cnbc.com/id/49197769)
QuoteOn June 30, 2009, oil mysteriously jumped by more than $1.50 a barrel during the night, to reach its highest price in eight months, the kind of swing that is caused by a major geopolitical event.

The amazing, true cause of this price spike has now been released by a Financial Services Authority investigation (FSA).

Although not authorized to invest company cash in trades, Steve Perkins, a long standing, senior broker at PVM Oil Futures, had managed to spend $520 million on oil futures contracts throughout the night, the FSA said.

On the morning of the 30th, an admin clerk called Perkins to ask why he had bought 7 million barrels of crude during the night. Perkins had no recollection of the transactions, and it turned out that he had made the trades during a "drunken blackout," according to the FSA.

By the time PVM realized the transactions had not been authorized by a client, they had incurred losses of $9,763,252.

Between the hours of 1:22 a.m. and 3:41 a.m., Perkins gradually bought 69 percent of the global market, while driving prices up from $71.40 to $73.05, by bidding higher each time.

At 6:30 a.m., presumably sobering up and realizing what he'd done, he sent a message to his managing director claiming an unwell relative meant he would not be able to make it into work.

Following an official investigation Perkins admitted to having a drink problem, had his trading license revoked for five years, and was given a fine of £72,000 ($116,878).

The FSA has said that they will re-approve his license after the five-year period, if he has recovered from his drinking problem, although they warned that,"Mr Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on October 05, 2012, 03:59:09 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 04, 2012, 11:39:54 AM
:lulz:

Half of them are here on diplomatic visas anyway.  They ain't paying for jack shit.
:lulz: And it's all just, for "official business"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 06, 2012, 06:44:34 PM
Quote from: Secret Agent GARBO on October 04, 2012, 07:00:02 PM
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
'Drunken' Broker Sent Oil to 8-Month High in 2009: Report (http://www.cnbc.com/id/49197769)
QuoteOn June 30, 2009, oil mysteriously jumped by more than $1.50 a barrel during the night, to reach its highest price in eight months, the kind of swing that is caused by a major geopolitical event.

The amazing, true cause of this price spike has now been released by a Financial Services Authority investigation (FSA).

Although not authorized to invest company cash in trades, Steve Perkins, a long standing, senior broker at PVM Oil Futures, had managed to spend $520 million on oil futures contracts throughout the night, the FSA said.

On the morning of the 30th, an admin clerk called Perkins to ask why he had bought 7 million barrels of crude during the night. Perkins had no recollection of the transactions, and it turned out that he had made the trades during a "drunken blackout," according to the FSA.

By the time PVM realized the transactions had not been authorized by a client, they had incurred losses of $9,763,252.

Between the hours of 1:22 a.m. and 3:41 a.m., Perkins gradually bought 69 percent of the global market, while driving prices up from $71.40 to $73.05, by bidding higher each time.

At 6:30 a.m., presumably sobering up and realizing what he'd done, he sent a message to his managing director claiming an unwell relative meant he would not be able to make it into work.

Following an official investigation Perkins admitted to having a drink problem, had his trading license revoked for five years, and was given a fine of £72,000 ($116,878).

The FSA has said that they will re-approve his license after the five-year period, if he has recovered from his drinking problem, although they warned that,"Mr Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk."

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

That's fucking HILARIOUS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 06, 2012, 06:52:28 PM
Quote from: A Very Hairy Monkey In An Ill-Fitting Tunic on October 06, 2012, 06:44:34 PM
Quote from: Secret Agent GARBO on October 04, 2012, 07:00:02 PM
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
'Drunken' Broker Sent Oil to 8-Month High in 2009: Report (http://www.cnbc.com/id/49197769)
QuoteOn June 30, 2009, oil mysteriously jumped by more than $1.50 a barrel during the night, to reach its highest price in eight months, the kind of swing that is caused by a major geopolitical event.

The amazing, true cause of this price spike has now been released by a Financial Services Authority investigation (FSA).

Although not authorized to invest company cash in trades, Steve Perkins, a long standing, senior broker at PVM Oil Futures, had managed to spend $520 million on oil futures contracts throughout the night, the FSA said.

On the morning of the 30th, an admin clerk called Perkins to ask why he had bought 7 million barrels of crude during the night. Perkins had no recollection of the transactions, and it turned out that he had made the trades during a "drunken blackout," according to the FSA.

By the time PVM realized the transactions had not been authorized by a client, they had incurred losses of $9,763,252.

Between the hours of 1:22 a.m. and 3:41 a.m., Perkins gradually bought 69 percent of the global market, while driving prices up from $71.40 to $73.05, by bidding higher each time.

At 6:30 a.m., presumably sobering up and realizing what he'd done, he sent a message to his managing director claiming an unwell relative meant he would not be able to make it into work.

Following an official investigation Perkins admitted to having a drink problem, had his trading license revoked for five years, and was given a fine of £72,000 ($116,878).

The FSA has said that they will re-approve his license after the five-year period, if he has recovered from his drinking problem, although they warned that,"Mr Perkins poses an extreme risk to the market when drunk."

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

That's fucking HILARIOUS.

Wow!
Title: rasin balls and grasshopper dick
Post by: inode_buddha on October 07, 2012, 04:03:14 PM
http://deadspin.com/5949617/the-iron-sheik-offers-his-thoughts-on-the-hulk-hogan-sex-tape

Proving what guys have suspected for decades:

"Hulk Hogan have the sex with some dumb bitch on the TV. The girl smart if she make the $$ from his bald ass but she also desperate to have sex with the howdy doody like Hulk Hogan. He worse than Mel Gibson and I think now %10000 he prove he have grasshopper dick and raisin balls."

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 11, 2012, 04:11:42 PM
So the body of a missing grad student was pulled out of the charles yesterday. Apparently he was padlocked to a cinderblock.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 11, 2012, 04:25:06 PM
How did i get yesterdays paper? Sorry it was two days ago. Anyway his name was jonathan dailey and he was found ner the boston university bridge.

In other news prolife politician urged his mistress to get an abortion:

news.yahoo.com/transcript-rep-desjarlais-urged-abortion-173353830.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on October 11, 2012, 04:42:29 PM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on October 11, 2012, 04:11:42 PM
So the body of a missing grad student was pulled out of the charles yesterday. Apparently he was padlocked to a cinderblock.

Boston. The Charles. Concrete shoes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 17, 2012, 07:57:37 PM
What the....


http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/17/14511111-cops-teen-councilman-stole-gop-campaign-signs-damaged-crop-field-in-drunken-joyride?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 18, 2012, 03:45:56 PM
The FBI have valiantly foiled yet another terrorist plot of their own making

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19985987

QuoteUS officials have arrested a man for plotting to detonate what he thought was a massive bomb in front of the Federal Reserve building in New York.

Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis, 21, of Bangladesh, travelled to the US with the intent of planning a terrorist attack, the FBI said.

Mr Nafis was arrested after he allegedly attempted to detonate what he thought was a 1,000lb (454kg) bomb.

There was never a threat, the FBI said, as Mr Nafis had been closely watched.

Mr Nafis is charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to provide material support to al-Qaeda.

He entered no plea when brought before a federal court on Wednesday.

Mr Nafis travelled to the US in January 2012 and sought out contacts to help him with the attack, officials said in a complaint filed in New York on Wednesday.

One of the people he contacted turned out to be a source working for the FBI, US federal prosecutors said.

And since when is a bomb a "weapon of mass destruction"?  Or is the FBI now trying to retroactively justify the invasion of Iraq, because they sure had a fuck load of "WMDs" by that definition of the term.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 18, 2012, 03:50:12 PM
Yeah, when I heard about this I wondered how far he was led down the path and goaded by the FBI to do it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 18, 2012, 03:56:07 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on October 18, 2012, 03:50:12 PM
Yeah, when I heard about this I wondered how far he was led down the path and goaded by the FBI to do it.

My guess is, probably almost entirely. Like that unstable young man they set up in a plot to set off a bomb at the tree-lighting in Pioneer Square last year or year before. They cherry-picked a kid with some emotional instability, and although he initially resisted on the basis that he doesn't believe in violence, they gradually coerced/brainwashed/convinced him, set him up with materials and a van to drive in, and sent him on his way to Portland so they could "bust" his "terrorist plot" and boost public opinion of the "war on terrorism".

I think the FBI are terrorists and should be shut down.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 23, 2012, 08:23:45 PM
This is, of course, what Cain and others have been saying all along.

A paid informant for the New York Police Department's intelligence unit was under orders to "bait" Muslims into saying inflammatory things... (http://www.salon.com/2012/10/23/informant_nypd_paid_me_to_bait_muslims_2/)

QuoteHe said he sometimes intentionally misinterpreted what people had said. For example, Rahman said he would ask people what they thought about the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Libya, knowing the subject was inflammatory. It was easy to take statements out of context, he said. He said wanted to please his NYPD handler, whom he trusted and liked.

"I was trying to get money," Rahman said. "I was playing the game."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 23, 2012, 09:10:05 PM
Awesome.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on October 24, 2012, 03:03:18 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 18, 2012, 03:45:56 PM
And since when is a bomb a "weapon of mass destruction"?  Or is the FBI now trying to retroactively justify the invasion of Iraq, because they sure had a fuck load of "WMDs" by that definition of the term.

Well, i recall that the kid they got to try the provided fake bomb on the building here in Dallas a few years ago was charged with WMD attempted use, so it's been at least that long.

if they can bust someone for attempting to use a device that is fake to cause mass destruction, they should be more creative.  like providing the mark with a mutagen bomb, gravitational disruptor, or asteroid attractor, or something.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 24, 2012, 08:46:50 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-purging-leaders-with-mortar-2012-10

QuoteSince his father's sudden death, reports have surfaced that Kim Jong-un has been purging the North Korean military of "unsound elements" in order to tighten his grip on power.

It's not a new policy; Kim Jong-il executed plenty of his father's advisors and dissenters after Kim Il-sung passed away in 1994.

What is new is that Kim Jong-un is using mortar rounds to execute individual officers instead of a firing squad, according to reports from South Korean media.

Kim Jong-un allegedly asked loyal officials to get rid of "anyone caught misbehaving during the mourning period for Kim Jong-il."

Kim Chol, the North Korean vice-defense minister, was reportedly caught "drinking and carousing" in January, a month after Kim Jong-il died.

Intelligence data submitted to the lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification Committee, claimed that Chol was executed by firing squad.

But a source inside the South Korean government said that Kim Jong-un ordered those carrying out the sentence to leave  "no trace of him behind, down to his hair."


:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 24, 2012, 09:28:55 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on October 23, 2012, 08:23:45 PM
This is, of course, what Cain and others have been saying all along.

A paid informant for the New York Police Department's intelligence unit was under orders to "bait" Muslims into saying inflammatory things... (http://www.salon.com/2012/10/23/informant_nypd_paid_me_to_bait_muslims_2/)

QuoteHe said he sometimes intentionally misinterpreted what people had said. For example, Rahman said he would ask people what they thought about the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Libya, knowing the subject was inflammatory. It was easy to take statements out of context, he said. He said wanted to please his NYPD handler, whom he trusted and liked.

"I was trying to get money," Rahman said. "I was playing the game."

Yeah, it seems painfully obvious, especially to anyone who has EVER READ ANYTHING about situations like the drug "sting" attempt in Seattle. It makes it really frustrating that  they just keep on getting away with it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 24, 2012, 09:29:47 PM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 24, 2012, 08:46:50 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-purging-leaders-with-mortar-2012-10

QuoteSince his father's sudden death, reports have surfaced that Kim Jong-un has been purging the North Korean military of "unsound elements" in order to tighten his grip on power.

It's not a new policy; Kim Jong-il executed plenty of his father's advisors and dissenters after Kim Il-sung passed away in 1994.

What is new is that Kim Jong-un is using mortar rounds to execute individual officers instead of a firing squad, according to reports from South Korean media.

Kim Jong-un allegedly asked loyal officials to get rid of "anyone caught misbehaving during the mourning period for Kim Jong-il."

Kim Chol, the North Korean vice-defense minister, was reportedly caught "drinking and carousing" in January, a month after Kim Jong-il died.

Intelligence data submitted to the lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification Committee, claimed that Chol was executed by firing squad.

But a source inside the South Korean government said that Kim Jong-un ordered those carrying out the sentence to leave  "no trace of him behind, down to his hair."


:lulz:

Oh, shit. I see that NK isn't going to be ramping down the crazy level anytime soon.  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 24, 2012, 09:33:32 PM
Quote from: Man Green on October 24, 2012, 09:29:47 PM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 24, 2012, 08:46:50 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-purging-leaders-with-mortar-2012-10

QuoteSince his father's sudden death, reports have surfaced that Kim Jong-un has been purging the North Korean military of "unsound elements" in order to tighten his grip on power.

It's not a new policy; Kim Jong-il executed plenty of his father's advisors and dissenters after Kim Il-sung passed away in 1994.

What is new is that Kim Jong-un is using mortar rounds to execute individual officers instead of a firing squad, according to reports from South Korean media.

Kim Jong-un allegedly asked loyal officials to get rid of "anyone caught misbehaving during the mourning period for Kim Jong-il."

Kim Chol, the North Korean vice-defense minister, was reportedly caught "drinking and carousing" in January, a month after Kim Jong-il died.

Intelligence data submitted to the lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification Committee, claimed that Chol was executed by firing squad.

But a source inside the South Korean government said that Kim Jong-un ordered those carrying out the sentence to leave  "no trace of him behind, down to his hair."


:lulz:

Oh, shit. I see that NK isn't going to be ramping down the crazy level anytime soon.  :horrormirth:

It's amazing what people will put up with.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 24, 2012, 09:33:52 PM
Quote from: Man Green on October 24, 2012, 09:28:55 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on October 23, 2012, 08:23:45 PM
This is, of course, what Cain and others have been saying all along.

A paid informant for the New York Police Department's intelligence unit was under orders to "bait" Muslims into saying inflammatory things... (http://www.salon.com/2012/10/23/informant_nypd_paid_me_to_bait_muslims_2/)

QuoteHe said he sometimes intentionally misinterpreted what people had said. For example, Rahman said he would ask people what they thought about the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Libya, knowing the subject was inflammatory. It was easy to take statements out of context, he said. He said wanted to please his NYPD handler, whom he trusted and liked.

"I was trying to get money," Rahman said. "I was playing the game."

Yeah, it seems painfully obvious, especially to anyone who has EVER READ ANYTHING about situations like the drug "sting" attempt in Seattle. It makes it really frustrating that  they just keep on getting away with it.

It's amazing what people will put up with.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 24, 2012, 10:06:24 PM
Tagline of our century, isn't it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 24, 2012, 10:14:39 PM
Quote from: Man Green on October 24, 2012, 10:06:24 PM
Tagline of our century, isn't it?

Sure.  People will put up with ANY authority, petty or otherwise, and PAY THEM FOR THEIR "SERVICES".

A quick trip to the DMV will demonstrate that quite nicely.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 25, 2012, 07:08:17 AM
I can't say that news out of North Korea disturbs me terribly.

It means Jong-Un hasn't just been wasting his time watching Mickey Mouse ripoffs while the military consolidate their power - he's been making a list, and checking it twice, and he's gonna mortar the fuck out of anyone who refuses to play nice.

The military have far too much power in North Korea and, as strange as it might seem, the new Dear Leader is considered by some, like the Chinese government, as the potential wedge for opening up and modernizing the nation.  Him consolidating his position is the first step in making that a reality.  The Chinese want to make lots of money in North Korea, but the heavily Stalinist military are a major obstacle to that goal.

The mortaring thing might be a bit extreme, but overkill is best kill.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 26, 2012, 01:53:26 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/belgium/9634530/British-ExxonMobil-oil-chief-assassinated-in-Brussels-street.html

QuoteBelgian police have imposed a news blackout after Nicholas Mockford, 60, was shot as he left an Italian restaurant in Neder-over-Heembeek, a suburb of the capital.

The executive was shot three times, once as he lay on the ground, after leaving the Da Marcello restaurant in Rue de Beyseghem at around 10pm on Oct 14.

His wife, Mary, was left beaten and covered in blood. Mr Mockford died on the way to hospital.

Witnesses said they saw the couple walk across the street to their car, a silver Lexus 4x4, before shots were fired.

The attack was said to have happened very quickly and Mrs Mockford was left cradling her husband in the street, shouting for help. According to reports, two men were seen running away carrying a motorcycle helmet.

What I dont get is how the assassins found the time to beat up his wife in such a short period of time. You think you would either shoot the witnesses or high tail it the fuck out of there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 26, 2012, 01:55:30 PM
In unrelated news about Italy.

http://www.neatorama.com/2012/10/21/Cocaine-is-in-the-Air/

QuoteA study of psychotropic drug levels in ambient air from eight Italian cities found background levels of cocaine, cannabinoids - the active ingredients in marijuana - nicotine and caffeine in every urban centre.

Turin had the highest concentrations of cocaine, says Angelo Cecinato at the Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research in Rome. Meanwhile, Bologna and Florence had some of the highest cannabinoid levels, which Cecinato attributes to the large student populations in the two cities.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 26, 2012, 02:08:46 PM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 26, 2012, 01:53:26 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/belgium/9634530/British-ExxonMobil-oil-chief-assassinated-in-Brussels-street.html

QuoteBelgian police have imposed a news blackout after Nicholas Mockford, 60, was shot as he left an Italian restaurant in Neder-over-Heembeek, a suburb of the capital.

The executive was shot three times, once as he lay on the ground, after leaving the Da Marcello restaurant in Rue de Beyseghem at around 10pm on Oct 14.

His wife, Mary, was left beaten and covered in blood. Mr Mockford died on the way to hospital.

Witnesses said they saw the couple walk across the street to their car, a silver Lexus 4x4, before shots were fired.

The attack was said to have happened very quickly and Mrs Mockford was left cradling her husband in the street, shouting for help. According to reports, two men were seen running away carrying a motorcycle helmet.

What I dont get is how the assassins found the time to beat up his wife in such a short period of time. You think you would either shoot the witnesses or high tail it the fuck out of there.

I heard about this the day after it happened.

According to the Belgian press,

QuoteSunday night a top executive of the petro-chemical company ExxonMobil was shot dead in the street in Neder-over-Heembeek, near Brussels. Nicholas Mockford was shot in the head twice, when he and his wife were leaving an Italian restaurant around 22h. Witnesses saw two men running away carrying a motorcycle helmet.

The man died on the way to the hospital. His wife Mary was beaten and covered in blood. Police and DA's office are saying that at this point they aren't excluding any possibilities, from a hit to a carjacking gone wrong. Although the violence used appears to be disproportionate for a carjacking, especially knowing that the killers left the Lexus ATV behind.

Investigators are doing everything they can to locate the perpetrators. They are going through his work at his firm in the hope of finding a clue. ExxonMobil is the company that owns Esso, Mobil and Exxon gas stations.

Sounds like a potential hit to me.

From what I can see from Googling around, Mockford was involved in Exxon-Mobil's Chemical Intermediates division - which is unusual.  While the oil business is occasionally filled with intrigue and dead bodies, the chemical intermediates market, which deals with lubricants, detergents, shampoos and similar, is not usually considered so.

However this information is from 2010, so it might be somewhat out of date.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 26, 2012, 04:40:08 PM
A couple of sources have referred to him as a "green fuel marketer".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on October 27, 2012, 12:08:04 AM
Obama states his opinion on Ayn Rand.

Rand folks lose their collective shit.

http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/cultists-lose-their-minds-after-barack-obama-says-ayn-rand-teenagers
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 27, 2012, 12:41:09 AM
Quote from: Luna on October 27, 2012, 12:08:04 AM
Obama states his opinion on Ayn Rand.

Rand folks lose their collective shit.

http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/cultists-lose-their-minds-after-barack-obama-says-ayn-rand-teenagers

:lulz:

It's not like they were gonna vote for him anyway.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 27, 2012, 12:42:21 AM
Quote[Obama:] Ayn Rand is one of those things that a lot of us, when we were 17 or 18 and feeling misunderstood, we'd pick up. Then, as we get older, we realize that a world in which we're only thinking about ourselves and not thinking about anybody else, in which we're considering the entire project of developing ourselves as more important than our relationships to other people and making sure that everybody else has opportunity – that that's a pretty narrow vision. It's not one that, I think, describes what's best in America. Unfortunately, it does seem as if sometimes that vision of a "you're on your own" society has consumed a big chunk of the Republican Party.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 27, 2012, 09:29:58 PM
Oh, I see.

It's only piracy if you're an African not working for a white billionaire.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/10/billionaire-holds-navy-ship-hostage/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on October 27, 2012, 09:31:24 PM
The Tea Bagger responses to it are funny too.

Real funny, because it's happening to some other country that speaks Spanish.

Nope, there's no unsettling precedents here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on October 27, 2012, 10:05:22 PM
Quote from: Luna on October 27, 2012, 12:08:04 AM
Obama states his opinion on Ayn Rand.

Rand folks lose their collective shit.

http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/cultists-lose-their-minds-after-barack-obama-says-ayn-rand-teenagers

OH GOD OH LAIL  :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

I even learned a new word. (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=stimming)  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 27, 2012, 10:54:26 PM
My friend Kassianne on FB noted that was on page 2.

"Fuck him. Fuck every single so called progressive asshole who has disability as their go to insult."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 27, 2012, 11:14:23 PM
Quote from: Telarus on October 27, 2012, 10:54:26 PM
My friend Kassianne on FB noted that was on page 2.

"Fuck him. Fuck every single so called progressive asshole who has disability as their go to insult."

She makes a very valid point; while true that some deeply disturbed people try to use Autism as an excuse for shitty behavior on the internet, it's a damn shame that Autism has come to be associated with so-called "Rational self-interest" and sociopathic behavior and used as an insult because of it, and I'm not innocent of falling back on that either. It's inaccurate and unfair to people who are actually Autistic.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on October 28, 2012, 08:04:03 AM
Quote from: Nephew Twiddleton on October 27, 2012, 09:29:58 PM
Oh, I see.

It's only piracy if you're an African not working for a white billionaire.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/10/billionaire-holds-navy-ship-hostage/

Quote
[...]his company convinced a small African nation to seize Argentina's Libertard frigate.

Wait, no, that can't be right...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 28, 2012, 05:15:04 PM
The Greek journalist who leaked the names of 2000 Greek citizens who have HSBC bank accounts in Switzerland has been arrested for breach of privacy.

This is your daily reminder that Greek austerity is not for every class of citizen.  And that even pointing it out can be illegal.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on October 28, 2012, 09:44:37 PM
http://tribune.com.pk/story/454614/honour-killing-couple-who-converted-to-islam-killed-by-family/

Quote
A Christian couple, who recently married of their own will and converted to Islam, was gunned down by family members in South Punjab in yet another case of honour killing.

The incident took place in a Christian colony in Kalore Kot, a small town in Bhaker distinct late Thursday night.

According to police sources, Kalsoom Bibi, daughter of Irshad Masih and Muhammad Bilal, son of Ashraf Masih, were killed on the spot after Kalsoom's brother Imran opened fire on them.

A two-year-old child, Alisha, also received bullet injuries in the firing and was shifted to the Kalor Kot Hospital in a critical condition, the investigation officer (IO) of the case told The Express Tribune.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 28, 2012, 09:48:27 PM
NO IT'S ONLY MUSLIMS WHO DO THAT

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 28, 2012, 11:30:51 PM
The Sikh woman who stood up to online abuse about her facial hair (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2012/sep/26/sikh-online-abuse-facial-hair?INTCMP=SRCH)
When a picture of student Balpreet Kaur was posted on the website Reddit and attracted insulting comments, she responded calmly – and earned a well-deserved apology
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 29, 2012, 01:06:12 AM
Quote from: Telarus on October 28, 2012, 11:30:51 PM
The Sikh woman who stood up to online abuse about her facial hair (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2012/sep/26/sikh-online-abuse-facial-hair?INTCMP=SRCH)
When a picture of student Balpreet Kaur was posted on the website Reddit and attracted insulting comments, she responded calmly – and earned a well-deserved apology

That is seriously awesome! What a gracious and classy response from her, and total win.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 03, 2012, 07:12:19 PM
http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Investigation_into_the_death_of_Westland_New_Post_founder_Paul_Latinus,_689_pages

700 pages of police documents on the death of Paul Latinus, head of a Belgian fascist group heavily suspected of being a part of Gladio.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 03, 2012, 09:48:02 PM
https://encyclopediadramatica.se/SANDYLOOTCREW

Today was a great day for fact checking.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 03, 2012, 10:26:43 PM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 03, 2012, 07:12:19 PM
http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Investigation_into_the_death_of_Westland_New_Post_founder_Paul_Latinus,_689_pages

700 pages of police documents on the death of Paul Latinus, head of a Belgian fascist group heavily suspected of being a part of Gladio.

Unfortunately, it's in Flemish, else I'd love to read it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 04, 2012, 12:52:11 AM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 03, 2012, 09:48:02 PM
https://encyclopediadramatica.se/SANDYLOOTCREW

Today was a great day for fact checking.

:spittake:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 04, 2012, 01:50:52 AM
Quote from: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 03, 2012, 09:48:02 PM
https://encyclopediadramatica.se/SANDYLOOTCREW

Today was a great day for fact checking.

That was amazing! :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMMW on November 04, 2012, 10:57:52 PM
Professional journalists believed this:

(https://images.encyclopediadramatica.se/9/9d/Slc4.png)

WOW

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 04, 2012, 11:16:59 PM
Quote from: MMMW on November 04, 2012, 10:57:52 PM
Professional journalists believed this:

(https://images.encyclopediadramatica.se/9/9d/Slc4.png)

WOW

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

Yeah.

:lulz:

That blew me the fuck away. I am not even 100% convinced that they actually believed it, or whether they were simply banking on their audience believing it and repeating it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 08, 2012, 12:43:46 PM
Because there isn't enough crime going on in Somerset and Avon, the police there have resorted to stealing bikes to instill a fear of being a victim in the public

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20248535

QuoteA police force has filmed an officer "stealing" bicycles in full public view to show "just how easy" it is for a thief to get away unchallenged.

PCSO Neil Spiring, of Avon and Somerset Police, used bolt croppers and brute force to 'steal' four bikes.

To further highlight his staged activity the officer at one point dressed in a skeleton outfit.

The force said it wanted to encourage members of the public to call 999 as soon as they saw a crime taking place.

According to UK crime statistics, there are less than 100 robberies a month for the entire Avon and Somerset area.  This includes but is not limited to bikes, it is the total amount of robberies which do not require a break-in (which is a burgalry) or mugging (which is a violent crime).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 08, 2012, 06:45:15 PM

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/11/israels-netanyahu-takes-heat-after-obama-victory/

QuotePoliticians and commentators pounded Bibi, as he's known here, for wading into U.S. politics and damaging the strong relationship between the two countries by backing the wrong horse.

"So Sorry, President Obama, Please Forgive Netanyahu," read the headline of a Haaretz column today by Yossi Sarid, a former longtime Knesset member and leader of the liberal Meretz Party.

"Bibi Gambled, We'll Pay," was another in the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the highest-circulated in Israel.

"In his behavior with the Americans, Netanyahu was like the well-known joke about the difference between a schlemiel and a schlimazel – a schlemiel is the one who spills hot soup on the schlimazel," wrote Sima Kadmon in the Yedioth op-ed. "But in this case, Netanyahu is both the schlemiel and the schlimazel: He spilled the hot soup on himself, and he is not the only one who got burned. We all did."

The same newspaper reported that the prime minister's office was "stunned" by the news of Romney's defeat. Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev called such reporting  "certainly not accurate."

"It's rubbish, it's just not true," Regev told ABC News when asked about the support for Romney.

Netanyahu was "totally neutral the whole campaign," he said. "It's clear there are some people who, for all sorts of reasons, are trying to develop this narrative but it's just not true. He made every effort to stay out of the election."

Israeli politicos from the other end of the political spectrum happily piled onto the narrative. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is mulling another run in Israel's upcoming elections, said, "Our prime minister meddled in the U.S. elections in the name of an American billionaire, who used the prime minister of Israel to promote his own candidate for president. This is a significant violation of the basic rules in the relations between countries, certainly when we are talking about allies such as Israel and the United States."

Glorious.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on November 09, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Jesus Harold Ramis Christ, what a fucking crybaby. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20270325
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 09, 2012, 05:42:12 PM
Quote from: The Waffler on November 09, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Jesus Harold Ramis Christ, what a fucking crybaby. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20270325

"I murdered a bunch of innocent kids and now I have to wear a fucking sweater".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 09, 2012, 05:47:26 PM
Quote from: CAKE on November 09, 2012, 05:42:12 PM
Quote from: The Waffler on November 09, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Jesus Harold Ramis Christ, what a fucking crybaby. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20270325

"I murdered a bunch of innocent kids and now I have to wear a fucking sweater".

"And I need MORE BUTTER."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on November 09, 2012, 06:32:58 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on November 09, 2012, 05:47:26 PM
Quote from: CAKE on November 09, 2012, 05:42:12 PM
Quote from: The Waffler on November 09, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Jesus Harold Ramis Christ, what a fucking crybaby. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20270325

"I murdered a bunch of innocent kids and now I have to wear a fucking sweater".

"And I need MORE BUTTER."

"and I have to shave FAST."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on November 09, 2012, 06:54:30 PM
I'm sorry, but serious mass murderers don't use moisturizer.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 09, 2012, 06:58:36 PM
Well, all except one...

(http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2009/7/7/128914237808210780.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mangrove on November 09, 2012, 07:00:01 PM
Quote from: CAKE on November 09, 2012, 05:42:12 PM
Quote from: The Waffler on November 09, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Jesus Harold Ramis Christ, what a fucking crybaby. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20270325

"I murdered a bunch of innocent kids and now I have to wear a fucking sweater".

But it's a particularly ugly sweater. It's probably the moose sweater I got when I was 10, or something like it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 09, 2012, 08:48:23 PM
CIA Director David Patreus resigns over extramarital affair. (http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/09/15054517-cia-director-david-petraeus-resigns-cites-extramarital-affair?lite)

Congressional hearings, anyone?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on November 10, 2012, 12:39:19 PM
Quote from: American Jackal on November 09, 2012, 06:32:58 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on November 09, 2012, 05:47:26 PM
Quote from: CAKE on November 09, 2012, 05:42:12 PM
Quote from: The Waffler on November 09, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Jesus Harold Ramis Christ, what a fucking crybaby. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20270325

"I murdered a bunch of innocent kids and now I have to wear a fucking sweater".

"And I need MORE BUTTER."

"and I have to shave FAST."

"and my pen is ergonomically incorrect, making it hard for me to write my crap".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 10, 2012, 03:36:16 PM
Quote from: The Waffler on November 10, 2012, 12:39:19 PM
Quote from: American Jackal on November 09, 2012, 06:32:58 PM
Quote from: TEXAS FAIRIES FOR ALL YOU SPAGS on November 09, 2012, 05:47:26 PM
Quote from: CAKE on November 09, 2012, 05:42:12 PM
Quote from: The Waffler on November 09, 2012, 05:08:02 PM
Jesus Harold Ramis Christ, what a fucking crybaby. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20270325

"I murdered a bunch of innocent kids and now I have to wear a fucking sweater".

"And I need MORE BUTTER."

"and I have to shave FAST."

"and my pen is ergonomically incorrect, making it hard for me to write my crap".

It is certainly cruel and unusual punishment to give a mass murderer an ergonomically incorrect pen for writing his manifesto.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on November 12, 2012, 12:15:07 AM
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/12/11/08/1420230/australia-scales-back-internet-blacklist-nixes-full-scale-censorship

http://science.slashdot.org/story/12/11/08/1716244/do-recreational-drugs-help-programmers

http://games.slashdot.org/story/12/11/09/0322230/navy-seals-disciplined-for-revealing-secrets-as-consultants-on-video-game

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/12/11/08/2315251/romney-campaign-accidentally-launches-transition-web-site

That last one made me  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on November 13, 2012, 06:51:40 PM
Firestorm Erupts Over Virginia's Education Goals (http://www.nwpr.org/post/firestorm-erupts-over-virginias-education-goals)

Heard about this on NPR yesterday.
jesus... :facepalm:
QuoteAs part of Virginia's waiver to opt out of mandates set out in the No Child Left Behind law, the state has created a controversial new set of education goals that are higher for white and Asian kids than for blacks, Latinos and students with disabilities.
....
Here's what the Virginia state board of education actually did. It looked at students' test scores in reading and math and then proposed new passing rates. In math it set an acceptable passing rate at 82 percent for Asian students, 68 percent for whites, 52 percent for Latinos, 45 percent for blacks and 33 percent for kids with disabilities.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on November 13, 2012, 06:53:22 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on November 13, 2012, 06:51:40 PM
Firestorm Erupts Over Virginia's Education Goals (http://www.nwpr.org/post/firestorm-erupts-over-virginias-education-goals)

Heard about this on NPR yesterday.
jesus... :facepalm:
QuoteAs part of Virginia's waiver to opt out of mandates set out in the No Child Left Behind law, the state has created a controversial new set of education goals that are higher for white and Asian kids than for blacks, Latinos and students with disabilities.
....
Here's what the Virginia state board of education actually did. It looked at students' test scores in reading and math and then proposed new passing rates. In math it set an acceptable passing rate at 82 percent for Asian students, 68 percent for whites, 52 percent for Latinos, 45 percent for blacks and 33 percent for kids with disabilities.

Bloody hell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 13, 2012, 06:54:11 PM
Quote from: Luna on November 13, 2012, 06:53:22 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on November 13, 2012, 06:51:40 PM
Firestorm Erupts Over Virginia's Education Goals (http://www.nwpr.org/post/firestorm-erupts-over-virginias-education-goals)

Heard about this on NPR yesterday.
jesus... :facepalm:
QuoteAs part of Virginia's waiver to opt out of mandates set out in the No Child Left Behind law, the state has created a controversial new set of education goals that are higher for white and Asian kids than for blacks, Latinos and students with disabilities.
....
Here's what the Virginia state board of education actually did. It looked at students' test scores in reading and math and then proposed new passing rates. In math it set an acceptable passing rate at 82 percent for Asian students, 68 percent for whites, 52 percent for Latinos, 45 percent for blacks and 33 percent for kids with disabilities.

Bloody hell.

HAW HAW

HAW HAW HAW

HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 13, 2012, 07:26:44 PM
Damien Lewis (who plays Al-Qaeda sleeper assassin/potential Vice-President of the USA Nicholas Brody in Homeland) sends a gift to Obama with the obvious, tongue-in-cheek Birther reference message of "from one secret Muslim to another".

The internet explodes in fury.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 13, 2012, 10:18:05 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on November 13, 2012, 06:51:40 PM
Firestorm Erupts Over Virginia's Education Goals (http://www.nwpr.org/post/firestorm-erupts-over-virginias-education-goals)

Heard about this on NPR yesterday.
jesus... :facepalm:
QuoteAs part of Virginia's waiver to opt out of mandates set out in the No Child Left Behind law, the state has created a controversial new set of education goals that are higher for white and Asian kids than for blacks, Latinos and students with disabilities.
....
Here's what the Virginia state board of education actually did. It looked at students' test scores in reading and math and then proposed new passing rates. In math it set an acceptable passing rate at 82 percent for Asian students, 68 percent for whites, 52 percent for Latinos, 45 percent for blacks and 33 percent for kids with disabilities.

OH, AMERICA.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on November 14, 2012, 12:48:40 PM
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/11/13/1161435/-The-People-of-Florida-move-to-Impeach-Rick-Scott

Just a change.org petition... but it's a start.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 15, 2012, 07:30:43 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q03cWio-zjk&feature=youtu.be

Ron Paul's farewell speech.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on November 15, 2012, 02:53:01 PM
http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2012/11/terry-pratchett-my-daughter-rhianna-will-take-over-discworld-when-im-gone (http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2012/11/terry-pratchett-my-daughter-rhianna-will-take-over-discworld-when-im-gone)

Future of the Discworld series left with Pratchett's daughter.

Also, saddest fucking article.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on November 15, 2012, 04:41:15 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on November 15, 2012, 02:53:01 PM
http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2012/11/terry-pratchett-my-daughter-rhianna-will-take-over-discworld-when-im-gone (http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2012/11/terry-pratchett-my-daughter-rhianna-will-take-over-discworld-when-im-gone)

Future of the Discworld series left with Pratchett's daughter.

Also, saddest fucking article.

Damn.

Just... damn.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 15, 2012, 05:00:33 PM
http://www.vice.com/en_se/read/i-was-david-petreauss-bitch-in-the-90s-and-i-hated-every-second-of-it?Contentpage=1

QuoteI've detested Petraeus for a long, long time. I've tried writing about him for a decade, but nobody seemed to listen. He was bulletproof back then – not so anymore. Now's the time for me to tell you all about this self-serving shithead and what it was like being his bitch for years.

Back in 1996, I was a starry-eyed West Point lieutenant in the storied 82nd Airborne Division. I had just graduated from Ranger School and the 2nd Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment was my new home – my first assignment. I loved the Army back then.

When I showed up for duty, our brigade commander was a reasonable guy named John Abizaid. Morale was decent under him, because each battalion in the brigade was pretty much left alone. Colonel Abizaid let us solve our own problems. We were all competent adults and his laid-back, hands-off leadership style made us feel important and trusted.

But after a few months, Abizaid left and in came "Mr Burns".

Mr Burns was our nickname for Petraeus, who was only a colonel back then. We called him that – in case it's not obvious – because he looked and acted like the wiry, hand-rubbing villain in The Simpsons.

After Petraeus showed up, my life and the life of every soldier under his command went to complete shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on November 15, 2012, 05:49:56 PM
QuoteThe Freedom from Religion Foundation in Madison has filed suit against the IRS.

The group said the federal tax enforcers violated the U.S. Constitution, by letting tax-exempt religious groups and churches get involved in political campaigns.

The Madison plaintiffs specifically mentioned the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which ran full-page ads in newspapers across the country on the two Sundays before the elections. Those ads – which appeared in Wisconsin papers large and small – urged voters to consider religious values when going to the polls.

The lawsuit also mentioned that Illinois Bishop Daniel Jenky required a political letter to be read in churches the weekend before the presidential contest.

By not enforcing the ban on electioneering by religious groups, the Madison foundation said the government gave preferential treatment not given to other non-profits groups – like the foundation itself.

The IRS has not commented.

Well, now...  :popcorn:

http://wxerfm.com/news/articles/2012/nov/15/madison-anti-religion-group-sues-irs-over-church-involvement-in-political-campaigns/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 15, 2012, 06:11:13 PM
Quote from: Luna on November 15, 2012, 05:49:56 PM
QuoteThe Freedom from Religion Foundation in Madison has filed suit against the IRS.

The group said the federal tax enforcers violated the U.S. Constitution, by letting tax-exempt religious groups and churches get involved in political campaigns.

The Madison plaintiffs specifically mentioned the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which ran full-page ads in newspapers across the country on the two Sundays before the elections. Those ads – which appeared in Wisconsin papers large and small – urged voters to consider religious values when going to the polls.

The lawsuit also mentioned that Illinois Bishop Daniel Jenky required a political letter to be read in churches the weekend before the presidential contest.

By not enforcing the ban on electioneering by religious groups, the Madison foundation said the government gave preferential treatment not given to other non-profits groups – like the foundation itself.

The IRS has not commented.

Well, now...  :popcorn:

http://wxerfm.com/news/articles/2012/nov/15/madison-anti-religion-group-sues-irs-over-church-involvement-in-political-campaigns/

:lulz: Awesome
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on November 15, 2012, 09:32:43 PM
This should be funny.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on November 17, 2012, 05:00:20 AM
The fuck?

http://www.examiner.com/article/republicans-new-york-seek-to-ban-free-speech-on-the-internet

QuoteWEB SITE ADMINISTRATOR UPON REQUEST SHALL REMOVE ANY COMMENTS POSTED ON HIS OR HER WEB SITE BY AN ANONYMOUS POSTER UNLESS SUCH ANONYMOUS POSTER AGREES TO ATTACH HIS OR HER NAME TO THE POST AND CONFIRMS THAT HIS OR HER IP ADDRESS, LEGAL NAME, AND HOME ADDRESS ARE ACCURATE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on November 18, 2012, 04:16:57 AM
http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/10/02/162163801/obama-s-secret-weapon-in-the-south-small-dead-but-still-kickin

QuoteLook at this map, and notice that deep, deep in the Republican South, there's a thin blue band stretching from the Carolinas through Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. These are the counties that went for Obama in the last election. A blue crescent in a sea of red.

(http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/10/10/npr-map-from-2008_wide-04e44a1fd6cc53d50ac45a8a722618324c6bf036-s4.png)

These same counties went mostly blue in 2004 and 2000. Why? Well, the best answer, says marine biologist Craig McClain, may be an old one, going back before the Civil War, before 1776, before Columbus, back more than 100 million years to the days when the Deep South was under water. Those counties, as he writes here, went for Obama because trillions and trillions and trillions of teeny sun-loving creatures died there. He's talking about plankton. That's why the Republicans can't carry those counties. Blame plankton.

:lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 19, 2012, 09:48:51 AM
Bets on any of this being mentioned during Obama's visit to Burma?  Roughly zero.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NK14Ae01.html

QuoteTo outside observers, the carnage inflicted on the Rohingya minority - a five-month spasm of violence and de fact ethnic cleansing ostensibly stemming from the rape of a Buddhist woman by three Rohingya men - in Rakhine Province is indefensible and inexplicable.

What is even less understandable to Westerners is the virtually universal closing of ranks among local and national governments, pro and anti-government Buddhist monks, junta apologists and pro-democracy activists, President Thein Sein and Aung San Suu Kyi, all uniting to deny the apparently undeniable fact that an old fashioned pogrom is taking place against Rohingya minority and other Muslims.

Friends of Myanmar are puzzled and dismayed that the progressives they have championed have joined forces with the country's most reactionary forces to deny the overwhelming evidence that Rohingya - a dark-skinned Muslim ethnic minority with cultural and linguistic ties to neighboring Bangladesh - are being driven out of their homes by a campaign of intimidation, arson, and violence in 2012 that builds upon years of marginalization and demonization.

Seventy-five thousand Rohingya IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) have been herded into camps on the outskirts of the state capital, Sittwe, and other towns.

In a sign of how bad things are, thousands of Rohingya are trying to flee to Bangladesh, even though they are not welcome there and their only possible refuge if they aren't turned back are two squalid UN-run camps surrounded by a ring of miserable unsanctioned huts.

Exasperated by Myanmar denialism, Human Rights Watch published a satellite photo showing most of the Muslim quarter of a sizable town, Kyak Pyu, burned to the ground.

Also worth noting, the darling of Western "human rights" groupies/millionaire music bands, Aung San Suu Kyi, Doesn't Care About Black Rohingya People:

QuoteThe forum at Harvard's Kennedy School Thursday evening was little shy of a lovefest ...Until someone mentioned the "R" word.

Thanking Suu Kyi for "being our inspiration," a student from Thailand said: "You have been quite reluctant to speak up against the human-rights violations in Rakhine State against the Rohingya ... Can you explain why you have been so reluctant?"

The mood in the room suddenly shifted. Suu Kyi's tone and expression changed. With an edge in her voice, she answered: "You must not forget that there have been human-rights violations on both sides of the communal divide. It's not a matter of condemning one community or the other. I condemn all human rights violations."

Yes, except one of those communities has 94% of the population, the state and the army backing it up.  As the article explains, much anti-Rohingya sentiment can be traced back to fundamentalist interpretations of Theravada Buddhism and how that operates to bolster Burmese nationalism, and that exploiting such sentiments has been a mainstay of the military junta for decades.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 19, 2012, 09:51:20 AM
Also, remember all those dopes cheering on the Burmese Buddhists for "taking on" the junta in early 2008?

Yup.  Nothing more than a factional power struggle, like I said at the time.  Not only that, religious extremists and reactionaries managed to get adoring human rights champions, who they would likely sentence to death, to back them.  Western liberals got played, again!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on November 19, 2012, 01:40:05 PM
Quote from: Cain on November 19, 2012, 09:51:20 AM
Also, remember all those dopes cheering on the Burmese Buddhists for "taking on" the junta in early 2008?

Yup.  Nothing more than a factional power struggle, like I said at the time.  Not only that, religious extremists and reactionaries managed to get adoring human rights champions, who they would likely sentence to death, to back them.  Western liberals got played, again!

I think it's long past time that Western liberals gave up the fairy tale of Buddhism being "that one religion that doesn't spawn fundamentalist assholes, so it's okay."

This is some seriously fucked shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 20, 2012, 06:27:14 PM
Polish assassination plot foiled

http://news.sky.com/story/1014078/poland-foils-bomb-plot-on-president-and-pm

QuoteMr Tusk described him as being "fascinated by Breivik", referring to mass killer Anders Behring Breivik, a far-right fanatic who massacred 77 people in a bombing and shooting frenzy in Norway in July last year.

"In Norway nobody had imagined they had a Breivik in their midst," he added.

In a statement, prosecutors said the suspect was "motivated by his negative view of the current socio-economic situation and felt radical measures were needed to change it".

Mariusz Krason, the lead prosecutor, told journalists the suspect believed that "foreign powers exercised power in Poland rather than real Poles".

The man has no links to political or terror groups but is believed to have been motivated by nationalist, xenophobic anti-Semitic beliefs and was found to be in possession of TNT, gunpowder and other explosives
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Luna on November 20, 2012, 11:20:43 PM
The Lansing, Michigan GoP shows who they REALLY care about:

QuoteToday Lansing Republicans held a hearing on House Bills 5684 and 5685 in the Tax Policy Committee, which would give a tax credit for unborn fetuses past 12 weeks of gestation. After Lansing Republicans eliminated a state tax credit for parents with children last year, these bills would send a clear message to parents that "your kids don't count."

http://www.progressmichigan.org/lansing-republicans-pushing-tax-credit-for-fetuses-after-eliminating-tax-credit-for-children.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 21, 2012, 03:11:16 AM
This is not really very cool at all: http://news.yahoo.com/senate-bill-rewrite-lets-feds-read-your-e-mail-without-warrants-191930756.html

QuoteLeahy's rewritten bill would allow more than 22 agencies -- including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Communications Commission -- to access Americans' e-mail, Google Docs files, Facebook wall posts, and Twitter direct messages without a search warrant. It also would give the FBI and Homeland Security more authority, in some circumstances, to gain full access to Internet accounts without notifying either the owner or a judge. (CNET obtained the revised draft from a source involved in the negotiations with Leahy.)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 21, 2012, 02:17:21 PM
I'm not convinced that will make it to the floor for a vote, but it still scares me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on November 21, 2012, 05:42:57 PM
aaaaaand, it's gone. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57552687-38/leahy-scuttles-his-warrantless-e-mail-surveillance-bill/)

QuoteSen. Patrick Leahy has abandoned his controversial proposal that would grant government agencies more surveillance power -- including warrantless access to Americans' e-mail accounts -- than they possess under current law.
...
Leahy's about-face comes in response to a deluge of criticism today, including the American Civil Liberties Union saying that warrants should be required, and the conservative group FreedomWorks launching a petition to Congress -- with more than 2,300 messages sent so far -- titled: "Tell Congress: Stay Out of My Email!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 22, 2012, 06:52:26 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on November 21, 2012, 05:42:57 PM
aaaaaand, it's gone. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57552687-38/leahy-scuttles-his-warrantless-e-mail-surveillance-bill/)

QuoteSen. Patrick Leahy has abandoned his controversial proposal that would grant government agencies more surveillance power -- including warrantless access to Americans' e-mail accounts -- than they possess under current law.
...
Leahy's about-face comes in response to a deluge of criticism today, including the American Civil Liberties Union saying that warrants should be required, and the conservative group FreedomWorks launching a petition to Congress -- with more than 2,300 messages sent so far -- titled: "Tell Congress: Stay Out of My Email!"

Ohhh good!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 22, 2012, 12:40:23 PM
Moscow has banned a "political repression" protest.  I am amused.

Quote from: Cainad on November 19, 2012, 01:40:05 PM
Quote from: Cain on November 19, 2012, 09:51:20 AM
Also, remember all those dopes cheering on the Burmese Buddhists for "taking on" the junta in early 2008?

Yup.  Nothing more than a factional power struggle, like I said at the time.  Not only that, religious extremists and reactionaries managed to get adoring human rights champions, who they would likely sentence to death, to back them.  Western liberals got played, again!

I think it's long past time that Western liberals gave up the fairy tale of Buddhism being "that one religion that doesn't spawn fundamentalist assholes, so it's okay."

This is some seriously fucked shit.

It's also worth noting that the same strain of Buddhism is practiced in Sri Lanka by the Sinhalese majority.  The same majority that practically genocided the Tamil population a few years back.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 23, 2012, 02:39:26 PM
Well, Buddah did say that "life is suffering", so they just wanted to make sure everyone got their fair share.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on November 23, 2012, 05:42:01 PM
:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 27, 2012, 07:36:45 PM
Probably a meaningless gesture, but a FABULOUS meaningless gesture:

http://www.salon.com/2012/11/27/naked_protesters_storm_boehners_office/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on November 27, 2012, 07:47:24 PM
nice.  :lol:
wait... TFA says that they arrested the three females for indecent exposure.... is that to imply that boehner allowed the four naked men to sit and chat with him for a bit?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 27, 2012, 09:42:58 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on November 27, 2012, 07:47:24 PM
nice.  :lol:
wait... TFA says that they arrested the three females for indecent exposure.... is that to imply that boehner allowed the four naked men to sit and chat with him for a bit?

WTF?

NO MAN WOMAN IS ABOVE THE LAW. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 27, 2012, 10:36:55 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on November 27, 2012, 07:47:24 PM
nice.  :lol:
wait... TFA says that they arrested the three females for indecent exposure.... is that to imply that boehner allowed the four naked men to sit and chat with him for a bit?

WHAT THE FUCK

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prince Glittersnatch III on November 27, 2012, 11:54:54 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/27/world/asia/north-korea-china-onion/index.html

China has reprinted the Onion's story on Kim Jong Un being the sexiest man alive.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 29, 2012, 02:20:05 PM
Quote from: Cain on November 20, 2012, 06:27:14 PM
Polish assassination plot foiled

http://news.sky.com/story/1014078/poland-foils-bomb-plot-on-president-and-pm

QuoteMr Tusk described him as being "fascinated by Breivik", referring to mass killer Anders Behring Breivik, a far-right fanatic who massacred 77 people in a bombing and shooting frenzy in Norway in July last year.

"In Norway nobody had imagined they had a Breivik in their midst," he added.

In a statement, prosecutors said the suspect was "motivated by his negative view of the current socio-economic situation and felt radical measures were needed to change it".

Mariusz Krason, the lead prosecutor, told journalists the suspect believed that "foreign powers exercised power in Poland rather than real Poles".

The man has no links to political or terror groups but is believed to have been motivated by nationalist, xenophobic anti-Semitic beliefs and was found to be in possession of TNT, gunpowder and other explosives

More information:

http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/mimicking-breivik-poland?utm_source=freelist-f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20121129&utm_term=sweekly&utm_content=readmore&elq=1d3ff153ec004bbaa2511d8c9bbb2df9

QuoteKwiecien allegedly considered Breivik's vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack on Norway's parliament building a failure -- Breivik's killed only eight people and failed to inflict structural damage on the building. Breivik used 1 metric ton of ammonium nitrate-based explosives, commonly called ANFO, or ammonium nitrate fuel oil, and parked his vehicle on the street, putting some distance between the VBIED and the building. Kwiecien intended to construct an explosive device using 4 metric tons of ANFO inside a tanker truck, crash through the gates of the parliament building and detonate the VBIED within the courtyard. Investigators believe that it would have been a suicide mission. Had he executed his attack successfully, he likely would have created a blast big enough to cause significant structural damage and loss of life, resulting in more damage and more deaths than Breivik's explosive device.

According to authorities, Kwiecien began planning for the attack between July and September. He apparently had traveled to Warsaw to surveil the area surrounding the building. The fact that there is fairly light security at the entrance to the parliament building may have encouraged Kwiecien to go forward with his plot.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 04, 2012, 06:20:14 PM
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWW_dFjSxdSK1oC95QnNgyHnE6_Q?docId=CNG.ec08bbceb3b9472cf15972b705d9327c.1e1

Shenanigans in the Ukraine as the government resigns.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/12/03/52778.htm

Dildos. Dildos everywhere.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 05, 2012, 02:30:59 AM
THE ENTIRE GOVERNMENT.

Holy fuck!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 06:57:23 PM
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/12/17/121217fa_fact_khatchadourian?currentPage=all

QuoteColonel James S. Ketchum dreamed of war without killing. He joined the Army in 1956 and left it in 1976, and in that time he did not fight in Vietnam; he did not invade the Bay of Pigs; he did not guard Western Europe with tanks, or help build nuclear launch sites beneath the Arctic ice. Instead, he became the military's leading expert in a secret Cold War experiment: to fight enemies with clouds of psychochemicals that temporarily incapacitate the mind—causing, in the words of one ranking officer, a "selective malfunctioning of the human machine.

While not "news" as such, it appeared in my newsfeed. Interesting piece regarding the origins of Chemical warfare post WW2.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 11, 2012, 07:27:30 PM
interesting read, Junkenstein.
thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 11, 2012, 07:50:12 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 06:57:23 PM
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/12/17/121217fa_fact_khatchadourian?currentPage=all

QuoteColonel James S. Ketchum dreamed of war without killing. He joined the Army in 1956 and left it in 1976, and in that time he did not fight in Vietnam; he did not invade the Bay of Pigs; he did not guard Western Europe with tanks, or help build nuclear launch sites beneath the Arctic ice. Instead, he became the military's leading expert in a secret Cold War experiment: to fight enemies with clouds of psychochemicals that temporarily incapacitate the mind—causing, in the words of one ranking officer, a "selective malfunctioning of the human machine.

While not "news" as such, it appeared in my newsfeed. Interesting piece regarding the origins of Chemical warfare post WW2.

Yeah, he was tied up in the whole BZ thing...Which, incidentally, led directly to benzodiazapam, which I take to go to sleep.

So I have that going for me.  Goon-Goon-Galoonga.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on December 11, 2012, 08:06:20 PM
Might want to think twice about that conversation on the bus.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/12/public-bus-audio-surveillance/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 11, 2012, 08:10:47 PM
Quote from: Sita on December 11, 2012, 08:06:20 PM
Might want to think twice about that conversation on the bus.
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/12/public-bus-audio-surveillance/

Or think about ramping it up.   :lulz:

TGRR,
An hero, doesn't afraid of nothing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 11, 2012, 08:11:38 PM
You know, I have to wonder what kind of people the government hires, that want to listen in on day-to-day conversations.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 11, 2012, 08:19:26 PM
20-somethings that were raised on the proper government training tools: The Real World, The Hills, The Real Housewives, and the various Kardashian "reality" shows.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 11, 2012, 08:23:12 PM
Ketchum is cool, but not as cool as the people who came up with a plan to BLOW UP THE MOON to one-up the Soviets.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/us-military-chiefs-planned-to-blow-up-the-moon-with-nuclear-bomb-as-show-of-cold-war-muscle-physicist-claims-8364114.html

Yes, this was a real plan, it would seem:

Quote

US Military chiefs, keen to intimidate Russia during the Cold War, plotted to blow up the moon with a nuclear bomb, according to project documents kept secret for for nearly 45 years.

The army chiefs allegedly developed a top-secret project called, 'A Study of Lunar Research Flights' – or 'Project A119', in the hope that their Soviet rivals would be intimidated by a display of America's Cold War muscle.

According to The Sun newspaper the military bosses developed a classified plan to launch a nuclear weapon 238,000 miles to the moon where it would be detonated upon impact.

The planners reportedly opted for an atom bomb, rather than a hydrogen bomb, because the latter would be too heavy for the missile.

Physicist Leonard Reiffel, who says he was involved in the project, claims the hope was that the flash from the bomb would intimidate the Russians following their successful launching of the Sputnik satellite in October 1957.

Alexander Abian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Abian), thou art avenged!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 11, 2012, 08:30:19 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 11, 2012, 08:23:12 PM
Alexander Abian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Abian), thou art avenged!

How the hell do you find out about these guys?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 11, 2012, 08:31:07 PM
Internet lawl.  It's like internet lore, only more funny.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Speaking of funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20660791

Wife of Nigerian Finance minister kidnapped. He can't even e-mail anyone for help really.

And some guy wants to kick Richard Branson in the balls
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20676667

An unusual bet. One can but hope they both loose and have to kick each other.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 11, 2012, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Speaking of funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20660791

Wife of Nigerian Finance minister kidnapped. He can't even e-mail anyone for help really.


Odd, I didn't find it  funny at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 10:45:07 PM
It amuses me that 419 emails are now actual world problems.



As a result, I, for one, cannot wait to finally meet the hot lesbians desperate for my attentions.


They've been "Desperate" since 1995 or so, I trust they've managed to make suitable travel arrangements by now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 01:31:18 AM
Quote from: hølist on December 11, 2012, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Speaking of funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20660791

Wife of Nigerian Finance minister kidnapped. He can't even e-mail anyone for help really.


Odd, I didn't find it  funny at all.

too soon, huh?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dildo Argentino on December 12, 2012, 06:35:17 AM
I'm sure this is old hat. But just in case it isn't: the best ever piece of 419-baiting.
The carved C64 is an object of amazing beauty.

http://419eater.com/html/john_boko.htm (http://419eater.com/html/john_boko.htm)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 03:27:31 PM
wow.  that one was pretty good!  nice carvings.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 12, 2012, 06:27:35 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 01:31:18 AM
Quote from: hølist on December 11, 2012, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Speaking of funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20660791

Wife of Nigerian Finance minister kidnapped. He can't even e-mail anyone for help really.


Odd, I didn't find it  funny at all.

too soon, huh?

No, just that it isn't funny.

I mean, it might actually be horrormirth in an ironic sense if the finance minister had actually been unable to contact anyone for help because of Nigeria's scammer problem, but since that wasn't the case, it's really just that his mom got kidnapped.

Hey, whatever tickles your funny bone, I guess.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 12, 2012, 06:32:29 PM
HO HO HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/11/us/oregon-mall-shooting/index.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 12, 2012, 08:07:42 PM
Quote from: hølist on December 12, 2012, 06:32:29 PM
HO HO HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/11/us/oregon-mall-shooting/index.html

Dammit, Nigel!  You People need to get a handle on those damn hipsters.  You don't see OUR people shooting people for no reas...Uh.

Never mind.  Enjoy your Tucson.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 12, 2012, 08:10:35 PM
At the link, for added ghoulishness, is a link titled:

"Are you there? Share your stories, videos and images."

Not

"Are you there?  GET THE HELL OUT!"

or

"Are you there?  STOP READING THIS AND TRY TO HELP A VICTIM!"

No.  It's "give us your atrocity porn".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 08:39:25 PM
Quote from: hølist on December 12, 2012, 06:27:35 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 01:31:18 AM
Quote from: hølist on December 11, 2012, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Speaking of funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20660791

Wife of Nigerian Finance minister kidnapped. He can't even e-mail anyone for help really.


Odd, I didn't find it  funny at all.

too soon, huh?

No, just that it isn't funny.

I mean, it might actually be horrormirth in an ironic sense if the finance minister had actually been unable to contact anyone for help because of Nigeria's scammer problem, but since that wasn't the case, it's really just that his mom got kidnapped.

Hey, whatever tickles your funny bone, I guess.

my comment was just a joke, too.

sometimes it's fun to be superficial.
nobody's suggesting that her abduction is actually funny.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 09:18:32 PM
Ravi Shankar died.  :sad:
can't think of a flip joke for that one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 12, 2012, 09:53:32 PM
Did someone have to Shankar a bitch?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on December 12, 2012, 10:01:54 PM
Quote from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10853793Spanish authorities say they have arrested a Panamanian woman arriving at Barcelona airport with 1.38 kilograms of cocaine concealed in breast implants.

The Interior Ministry said Wednesday that border police noticed fresh scars and blood-stained gauze on her chest as well as pale patches beneath her skin.

The woman said she had recently had breast implant surgery. The statement said police were suspicious and sent her to a local hospital where the implants were removed and found to contain cocaine.

The woman arrived in Spain from Bogota, Colombia.

European authorities routinely submit passengers arriving from Latin America to stringent checks to combat drug smuggling.
|

That is some serious investment in a suspicion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on December 13, 2012, 01:08:08 AM
fuck....  :eek:
there had to be more than suspicion.  like they had illegally obtained evidence, or something.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Dildo Argentino on December 13, 2012, 05:31:57 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 09:18:32 PM
Ravi Shankar died.  :sad:
can't think of a flip joke for that one.

Finished tuning, then?  :)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on December 13, 2012, 07:12:59 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 09:18:32 PM
Ravi Shankar died.  :sad:
can't think of a flip joke for that one.

Ahhh shit.... /me is truly bummed. I have a copy of his "Chappauqua" album (soundtrack for the movie by the same nane) winner of the 1966 Venice Silver Lion award...

Om...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 16, 2012, 09:41:42 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 12, 2012, 08:10:35 PM
At the link, for added ghoulishness, is a link titled:

"Are you there? Share your stories, videos and images."

Not

"Are you there?  GET THE HELL OUT!"

or

"Are you there?  STOP READING THIS AND TRY TO HELP A VICTIM!"

No.  It's "give us your atrocity porn".

That's my American Dream!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 16, 2012, 09:42:39 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 08:39:25 PM
Quote from: hølist on December 12, 2012, 06:27:35 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on December 12, 2012, 01:31:18 AM
Quote from: hølist on December 11, 2012, 10:33:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 11, 2012, 09:17:45 PM
Speaking of funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20660791

Wife of Nigerian Finance minister kidnapped. He can't even e-mail anyone for help really.


Odd, I didn't find it  funny at all.

too soon, huh?

No, just that it isn't funny.

I mean, it might actually be horrormirth in an ironic sense if the finance minister had actually been unable to contact anyone for help because of Nigeria's scammer problem, but since that wasn't the case, it's really just that his mom got kidnapped.

Hey, whatever tickles your funny bone, I guess.

my comment was just a joke, too.

sometimes it's fun to be superficial.
nobody's suggesting that her abduction is actually funny.

I don't find nigger or rape jokes funny, either.

I guess I'm just no fun.  :lol:

But that's not even why I found it unfunny. I found it unfunny because there was no punch line. It simply wasn't funny.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on December 17, 2012, 02:18:43 AM
http://us.cnn.com/2012/12/14/health/kentucky-overdoses/index.html?sr=sharebar_facebook

So basically everyone in Kentucky is dying of painkiller overdose and leaving a bunch of orphans behind
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on December 17, 2012, 02:33:32 AM
It's very tragic what this is doing to families and communities.  The Watkins kid was spot on:


"People have to understand that this is a problem," he said. "It doesn't affect just the person that uses, it affects the entire family."

and it effects the entire community, particularly when you have that many kids being orphaned. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on December 17, 2012, 02:33:53 AM
Quote from: Cainad on December 17, 2012, 02:18:43 AM
http://us.cnn.com/2012/12/14/health/kentucky-overdoses/index.html?sr=sharebar_facebook

So basically everyone in Kentucky is dying of painkiller overdose and leaving a bunch of orphans behind

Quote"She wanted to call the police and the other adults in the home were so high they wouldn't allow her to call," said Kelly. "So she crawled up into her mother's arms while her mother died. Now she's just living with a lady she met at the local Boys and Girls Club.
"Those are the situations we're dealing with in eastern Kentucky."

:aww:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on January 03, 2013, 04:11:23 AM
Anybody up for some irony and/or hypocrisy? NY newspaper that published lists of gun owners hires armed guards...
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/01/03/0122219/newspaper-that-published-gun-owners-list-hires-armed-guards

(it links thru to Reuters but the slashdot debate is always entertaining...
.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 07, 2013, 05:00:44 PM
So, while we've been spazzing out about Islamic terrorism abroad and at home, it turns out the UVF are behind the recent spate of "flag riots" in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has been festering for years, as the remnants of republican paramilitiaries were ignored in favour of Bin Laden's "database" of mujahideen mercenaries.  No surprise, loyalist elements used that to rebuild their own networks and justify a violent street presence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 08, 2013, 06:09:46 PM
http://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.com/article/20130107/NEWS/130109196

QuoteAccording to court documents, witnesses observed Potter leaving the vehicle that attracted attention at Valley Forge Drive. While investigating, officials learned of another disturbance near Nos. 169 and 170 Valley Forge Drive. Both units were on fire and officers saw Potter throw two objects toward witnesses.

The objects were later identified as human arms.

and

http://www.news.com.au/business/companies/do-not-call-group-fined-for-phoning-households/story-fnda1bsz-1226549152663

QuoteTHE company that operates the nation's Do Not Call Register has been penalised for making nuisance phone calls to thousands of Melburnians.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 08, 2013, 06:26:23 PM
Also, Doing it Right:

http://www.thedailydolt.com/2013/01/07/actually-officer-i-have-some-corporation-papers-in-the-glove-compartment-so-the-two-of-us-people-have-every-right-to-be-in-the-carpool-lane/

QuoteHis plan was as simple as it was brilliant: Frieman  just drove around in one of California's carpool lanes by himself until he eventually was stopped by police for not having an additional person in the car. (Sidenote: Apparently carpool laws are enforced rather loosely in California. It took Frieman over 10 years of driving around like that before he was finally ticketed.)

Once Frieman was finally pulled over, he handed the officer a certificate of incorporation and voila!!  According to the Supreme Court's own precedent, Frieman suddenly had two "people" in his vehicle. Obviously, the officer still gave him the $481 ticket, so today Frieman is heading to traffic court to argue his case.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 08, 2013, 06:32:10 PM
While funny, I think this will backfire spectacularly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 08, 2013, 06:37:54 PM
Well, he already lost and is yet to appeal.

And as one of the comments noted, he is somewhat visionary by doing this for several years before the law came about.

I would be quite pleased if it started a trend. I've no idea what US costs for registering a company are, but it's relatively cheap in the UK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on January 10, 2013, 12:20:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 08, 2013, 06:32:10 PM
While funny, I think this will backfire spectacularly.
I can't imagine how.
Oh wait.
It will become legal for robotic cars to drive themselves if they are a corporation.
These will then be used by other corporations as cheap assasination tools.
CorpoCar hits target.
CorpoCar gets tried for murder.
CorpoCar files bankruptcy, effectively killing itsself.
Junkenstein, Why do you want murder to be legalised?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 10, 2013, 02:25:24 PM
 :roll:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 10, 2013, 07:33:42 PM
Quote from: :regret: on January 10, 2013, 12:20:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 08, 2013, 06:32:10 PM
While funny, I think this will backfire spectacularly.

Junkenstein, Why do you want murder to be legalised?

You mean it isn't already?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 10, 2013, 09:45:49 PM
For the record my objection is that if this his attempt to undermine corporate personhood, it would backfire by adding further legal justifications for this dubious premise.

"Yeah, I helped fuck the entire concept of personhood, but I didn't get fined.  A winner is me!"

Not that it matters anyway, since the law doesn't work like that.  Intention, past application and common sense are all used in evaluating possible breaches of the law.  It's not like some clever word game, where you can declare your enemy defeated because they forgot to use a semi-colon.

So pretty much he just fucked himself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 10, 2013, 11:41:44 PM
For clarity, I was hoping a trend would start to help weed out the roads.


Every day one of these guys spends clogging up the time of the judicial system, and law enforcement in general means less time available for them to look at ME.

I totally agree that the further he pushes it the further he'll get fucked, but by that point he might just take a few lemmings with him. The judicial ruling I I imagine to be something along the line of "breaking the intention of the application of the law"?

And let's not forget, it's still tough times economically. Got to keep the prison full to bursting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lenin McCarthy on January 12, 2013, 01:09:21 AM
Quote
Tunisian blog accuses Ennahda of running own intelligence apparatus
http://www.tunisia-live.net/2013/01/10/tunisian-blog-accuses-ennahdha-of-running-own-intelligence-apparatus/ (http://www.tunisia-live.net/2013/01/10/tunisian-blog-accuses-ennahdha-of-running-own-intelligence-apparatus/)
In recent leaks by Tunisian award-winning collective blog Nawaat, journalists Malek Khadhraoui, Ramzi Bettaieb, and Houssem Hajlaoui released an investigation on January 8, exposing an alleged weapon deal in which they accused the ruling Ennahdha party of having a shadow intelligence apparatus of its own.

On December 26 and 27, Nawaat posted videos that reveal a conversation over a weapons deal and a plan to kidnap and assassinate important national figures, including politicians, judges, and media figures. The video involved Tunisian businessman Fathi Damak and two other men.

Both Fathi Damak and his son Sadok were arrested by police for interrogation during the last week of December. However, on December 31, Sadok was released while his father remains under arrest. "This triggered our following investigation... How come the two men in the video were not arrested or even interrogated?" said Nawaat journalist Emine M'tiraoui to Tunisia Live.

According to M'tiraoui and to the Nawaat article, Nawaat was asked to stop digging further into the story. The two men present in the video also claimed that they have been following the affair and trying to discover more details in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior.

Suspicions over the work of the two men, reportedly named Ali and Belhassan, led Nawaat journalists to investigate their identities and backgrounds. "It turned out that Belhassan is a member of the League for the Protection of the Revolution and a member of the Ennahdha regional bureau of Ben Arous... Ali is also a member of Ennahdha party," stated M'tiraoui.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2013, 12:42:11 PM
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/earth_to_tom_rescue_us_n67pUeozMczwenypJR7dWK/0

Tom Cruise crazy documented in new book. Inability to meet women highlighted. Wife auditions took place thinking they were film auditions.

Usual scientology insanity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2013, 01:29:59 PM
Quote...but the Scientology Church's beliefs when it comes to psychology and psychiatry — namely, that both are nefarious practices meant to control the individual through drugs and brainwashing

The needle on my irony meter went right around the clock, so many times and so quickly that it took off, like a little helicopter, straight into the sun and now I don't have an irony meter anymore and I blame scientology  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2013, 08:44:14 PM
Shock horror economy beef burgers found to contain trace elements of meat (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/16/tesco-burgers-off-shelves-horsemeat)

Okay so it's horsemeat but meat nonetheless. Colour me gobsmacked  :eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 16, 2013, 08:51:07 PM
Horse is a lot better than what I was expecting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 16, 2013, 08:52:53 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2013, 08:44:14 PM
Shock horror economy beef burgers found to contain trace elements of meat (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/16/tesco-burgers-off-shelves-horsemeat)

Okay so it's horsemeat but meat nonetheless. Colour me gobsmacked  :o


That's some serious neigh-gligence right there!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2013, 09:05:46 PM
(http://www.webbau.ch/marshallthompson/movies/60/images/crosseyedlion/clarence_.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 16, 2013, 09:23:57 PM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2013, 08:52:53 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2013, 08:44:14 PM
Shock horror economy beef burgers found to contain trace elements of meat (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/16/tesco-burgers-off-shelves-horsemeat)

Okay so it's horsemeat but meat nonetheless. Colour me gobsmacked  :o


That's some serious neigh-gligence right there!

:cry:  <--- Decent folks everywhere.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 17, 2013, 03:24:49 AM
I guess it's not just the bridges anymore.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/16/16545955-between-a-wall-and-a-hard-place-oregon-woman-freed-from-tiny-space?lite

QuoteThe screams were coming from a tight space between the apartment building and a cinder block parking garage adjacent to the complex, said Lt. Damon Simmons, spokesman for Portland Fire and Rescue.

"Somehow, she was on top of this 20-foot-high wall and fell down between the walls," he said. "The space that was in between them, at the widest, was probably eight inches and it got narrower from there. She was wedged in. She fell down about 10 or 12 feet."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 17, 2013, 03:26:41 AM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2013, 08:44:14 PM
Shock horror economy beef burgers found to contain trace elements of meat (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/16/tesco-burgers-off-shelves-horsemeat)

Okay so it's horsemeat but meat nonetheless. Colour me gobsmacked  :eek:

When I was a kid you could buy horsemeat at the butcher store. I'm still not sure why it's such a horrifying thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 17, 2013, 08:46:59 AM
Me neither. When I was in France I ate a bunch of horse. Tasted great. When you look at a horse next to a cow, they're practically the same thing, just one has bigger tits. I think there's a lot of cognitive dissonance going on with food v's pet animals.

"Ooooh those asians are the evil cos they eat dogs!"

"Rabbits are cute fluffy pets. Rabbit pie tastes lovely."

Arbitrary attachments, varying by culture, to things made of meat. Go figure  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 17, 2013, 03:39:08 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on January 17, 2013, 08:46:59 AM
Me neither. When I was in France I ate a bunch of horse. Tasted great. When you look at a horse next to a cow, they're practically the same thing, just one has bigger tits. I think there's a lot of cognitive dissonance going on with food v's pet animals.

"Ooooh those asians are the evil cos they eat dogs!"

"Rabbits are cute fluffy pets. Rabbit pie tastes lovely."

Arbitrary attachments, varying by culture, to things made of meat. Go figure  :lulz:

I do understand the social contract involved in not eating companion or working animals. And, if we were working closely alongside horses and EATING them, they would probably be able to smell it and that would create problems. But we don't work closely alongside them anymore, and they are companion animals for very few of us. It's a purely sentimental attachment.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 19, 2013, 12:31:27 AM
Backscatters are going away.


http://m.nbcnews.com/travel/tsa-remove-controversial-full-body-scanners-1B8038882
[/size]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2013, 12:53:12 AM
A step in the right direction? HOW CAN THIS BE? MIND BLOWN!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on January 19, 2013, 01:04:19 AM
Just makes me wonder what they got planned to fill in for the gap now they took away this horrible things now that people are relieved over they soon to be absence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on January 19, 2013, 01:08:10 AM
The article basically says they're just going to put in more metal detectors and the "stick-figure" scanners, whatever those are.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2013, 07:11:10 AM
Something unpleasant, I'm sure.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 23, 2013, 03:21:46 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/9810886/Pakistan-prime-minister-investigator-found-dead.html

QuoteOfficials said Kamran Faisal was found hanging from a ceiling fan in the government hostel where he lived with other colleagues from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
He was one of the officers pursuing allegations that Raja Pervez Ashraf received kickbacks during his time as water and power minister in 2010. The Supreme Court ordered Mr Ashraf's arrest this week but the head of NAB, refused saying there was insufficient evidence.
Police said Mr Faisal's death appeared to be suicide.

Nothing to see here, move along.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2013, 03:37:21 PM
Yeah.

Pakistan's power infrastructure was notoriously corrupt even before this, so while the PM may not have ordered a hit, he almost certainly is an acquaintance of the person who did.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 23, 2013, 07:15:21 PM
It was kind of inevitable. This was interesting though:

QuoteMr Faisal and another investigating officer were taken off the investigation recently by the head of NAB, who was reported to be unhappy with their performance.

And as you noted, it's not really a big secret. I wonder why exactly he was unhappy? Finding too much or too little?

Also the stinger:
QuoteHis death will provide fodder for the nation's conspiracy theorists and rabid talk show hosts, who need little evidence to deduce the hand of shadowy puppetmasters behind every twist and turn in public life

Because nothing shady has ever happened round them parts. Or any parts for that matter.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2013, 07:24:17 PM
Indeed.

Would this be a bad time to note the Telegraph is MI6's favourite paper?  Not that the intelligence services ever feed stories to them, or influence their reporting in any way.  They just really, really like the writers there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 23, 2013, 07:42:11 PM
Well I guess I'm spending tomorrow looking at how the telegrapgh reported the whole "dead spy in a bag in the bath" situation.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 23, 2013, 07:42:43 PM
I believe it was "lol gays".  More or less.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html?ICO=most_read_module

TL;DR version - North Koreans are eating everyone. Zombies imminent.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on January 28, 2013, 06:28:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html?ICO=most_read_module

TL;DR version - North Koreans are eating everyone. Zombies imminent.

Haven't they been eating people for a while now?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 28, 2013, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html?ICO=most_read_module

TL;DR version - North Koreans are eating everyone. Zombies imminent.

Well, thank God they don't have assault rifles, anyway.  That has to count for something.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 06:58:55 PM
Quote from: Pergamos on January 28, 2013, 06:28:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html?ICO=most_read_module

TL;DR version - North Koreans are eating everyone. Zombies imminent.

Haven't they been eating people for a while now?

Quite probably. I suspect the level of cannibalism worldwide is actually much higher than thought. I'm basing this on the multitude of news stories a month involving consumption of humans.


Equality movement for 2025- People who eat people are people too. Cloning may be at the point by then where the Long Pig restaurant is viable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 29, 2013, 01:56:03 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on January 28, 2013, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html?ICO=most_read_module

TL;DR version - North Koreans are eating everyone. Zombies imminent.

Well, thank God they don't have assault rifles, anyway.  That has to count for something.

Hopefully they'll pass some laws to ban eating children, in order to prevent this sort of thing from happening.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on January 29, 2013, 06:33:25 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on January 29, 2013, 01:56:03 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on January 28, 2013, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html?ICO=most_read_module

TL;DR version - North Koreans are eating everyone. Zombies imminent.

Well, thank God they don't have assault rifles, anyway.  That has to count for something.

Hopefully they'll pass some laws to ban eating children, in order to prevent this sort of thing from happening.

How wrong is it that this made me laugh harder than anything else I have read today?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 11:11:53 AM
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-admits-ethiopian-women-were-given-birth-control-shots.premium-1.496519

QuoteIsrael admits Ethiopian women were given birth control shots
Health Minister director general instructs all gynecologists in Israel's four health maintenance organizations not to inject women with long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera if they do not understand ramifications of treatment.

A government official has for the first time acknowledged the practice of injecting women of Ethiopian origin with the long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera.

The most surprising thing for me here is how utterly unsurprising it is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 29, 2013, 03:26:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 11:11:53 AM
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-admits-ethiopian-women-were-given-birth-control-shots.premium-1.496519

QuoteIsrael admits Ethiopian women were given birth control shots
Health Minister director general instructs all gynecologists in Israel's four health maintenance organizations not to inject women with long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera if they do not understand ramifications of treatment.

A government official has for the first time acknowledged the practice of injecting women of Ethiopian origin with the long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera.


The most surprising thing for me here is how utterly unsurprising it is.


Holy shit.

Gee, Israel, eugenics? IRONY MUCH?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 29, 2013, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: Pergamos on January 29, 2013, 06:33:25 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on January 29, 2013, 01:56:03 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on January 28, 2013, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 28, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269094/North-Korean-parents-eat-children-driven-mad-hunger-famine-hit-pariah-state.html?ICO=most_read_module

TL;DR version - North Koreans are eating everyone. Zombies imminent.

Well, thank God they don't have assault rifles, anyway.  That has to count for something.

Hopefully they'll pass some laws to ban eating children, in order to prevent this sort of thing from happening.

How wrong is it that this made me laugh harder than anything else I have read today?

:thanks:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on January 29, 2013, 07:18:12 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on January 29, 2013, 03:26:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 11:11:53 AM
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-admits-ethiopian-women-were-given-birth-control-shots.premium-1.496519

QuoteIsrael admits Ethiopian women were given birth control shots
Health Minister director general instructs all gynecologists in Israel's four health maintenance organizations not to inject women with long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera if they do not understand ramifications of treatment.

A government official has for the first time acknowledged the practice of injecting women of Ethiopian origin with the long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera.


The most surprising thing for me here is how utterly unsurprising it is.


Holy shit.

Gee, Israel, eugenics? IRONY MUCH?

but nigel they are the wrong kind of Jews. It's  debatable that they are even really real Jews for realness.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 29, 2013, 07:22:56 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on January 29, 2013, 03:26:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 11:11:53 AM
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-admits-ethiopian-women-were-given-birth-control-shots.premium-1.496519

QuoteIsrael admits Ethiopian women were given birth control shots
Health Minister director general instructs all gynecologists in Israel's four health maintenance organizations not to inject women with long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera if they do not understand ramifications of treatment.

A government official has for the first time acknowledged the practice of injecting women of Ethiopian origin with the long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera.


The most surprising thing for me here is how utterly unsurprising it is.


Holy shit.

Gee, Israel, eugenics? IRONY MUCH?

DON'T BE AFRAID, IT'S ONLY SLAPSTICK!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 29, 2013, 07:41:15 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on January 29, 2013, 03:26:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 11:11:53 AM
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-admits-ethiopian-women-were-given-birth-control-shots.premium-1.496519

QuoteIsrael admits Ethiopian women were given birth control shots
Health Minister director general instructs all gynecologists in Israel's four health maintenance organizations not to inject women with long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera if they do not understand ramifications of treatment.

A government official has for the first time acknowledged the practice of injecting women of Ethiopian origin with the long-acting contraceptive Depo-Provera.


The most surprising thing for me here is how utterly unsurprising it is.


Holy shit.

Gee, Israel, eugenics? IRONY MUCH?

Nigel says it all in five words.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 29, 2013, 09:43:27 PM
It's just
:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 29, 2013, 09:45:54 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on January 29, 2013, 09:43:27 PM
It's just
:horrormirth:

It's not easy having a good time.

Even laughing at a joke like that makes their face ache.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 09:49:34 PM
I do my best to find the worst for you all.

Israel eventually becoming a uncanny modern edifice of 1940's Germany seems almost inevitable. It's like some kind of Stockholm syndrome on a national scale.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 29, 2013, 09:52:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 09:49:34 PM
I do my best to find the worst for you all.

Israel eventually becoming a uncanny modern edifice of 1940's Germany seems almost inevitable. It's like some kind of Stockholm syndrome on a national scale.

No, it's more of a deal where an abused child grows up to be an abuser.

Or people living with a fortress mentality start thinking the ends justify the means.

Good thing America never does that, right?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 10:00:38 PM
True. The Nation of Palestine is going to be utterly horrific when they get it. They'll be OK to do anything
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 29, 2013, 10:27:09 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 29, 2013, 10:00:38 PM
True. The Nation of Palestine is going to be utterly horrific when they get it. They'll be OK to do anything

Well, we are, right?  And all WE had to deal with was some Natives who objected to our reasonable proposals.

Oh, and commies and terrorists and domestic radicals and 5 year old hooligans with Hello Kitty bubble guns.

Anything to get the job done.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 01, 2013, 08:53:34 AM
Today's little bit of hilarious horror:

http://m24digital.com/en/2013/01/29/pastor-claimed-his-penis-had-been-anointed-with-the-holy-spirit-divine-semen-and-raped-his-faithful/

QuoteSobrino Valdeci Picanto, 59, was arrested in Apore, Goiás, Brazil, for raping several women attending his church. He gave as an excuse that his penis had been consecrated with "divine semen of the Holy Spirit."
A 23-year-old young woman, who prefers to remain anonymous said, "He has convinced us that only God could come into our lives through the mouth."
"Often, after worship, Pastor Valdecir take us to some of the funds back to the church and asked us to do oral sex on him until the Holy Spirit comes through ejaculation".

(http://m24digital.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/pastor-violador-con-pene-sagrado.jpg)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lenin McCarthy on February 01, 2013, 10:28:38 AM
http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/blir-forbudt/ (http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/blir-forbudt/) (Norwegian)

The police in Oslo wants to prohibit all overnight sleeping outdoors without a permit in urban areas. In tents, cars, parks, under bridges and under covers.
What's up with this mentality that banning it is the best way to deal with a problem?
"I saw a homeless junkie lying in a puddle of his own blood last night."
"Horrible. There should be a ban on homeless junkies!"

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 01, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
Quote from: Lenin McCarthy on February 01, 2013, 10:28:38 AM
What's up with this mentality that banning it is the best way to deal with a problem?

"Don't make me look at it."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 01, 2013, 04:01:55 PM
Quote from: Lenin McCarthy on February 01, 2013, 10:28:38 AM
http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/blir-forbudt/ (http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/blir-forbudt/) (Norwegian)

The police in Oslo wants to prohibit all overnight sleeping outdoors without a permit in urban areas. In tents, cars, parks, under bridges and under covers.
What's up with this mentality that banning it is the best way to deal with a problem?
"I saw a homeless junkie lying in a puddle of his own blood last night."
"Horrible. There should be a ban on homeless junkies!"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Did I or did I not propose solving homelessness by banning tents a week or so ago?
:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on February 01, 2013, 06:06:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 01, 2013, 08:53:34 AM
Today's little bit of hilarious horror:

http://m24digital.com/en/2013/01/29/pastor-claimed-his-penis-had-been-anointed-with-the-holy-spirit-divine-semen-and-raped-his-faithful/

QuoteSobrino Valdeci Picanto, 59, was arrested in Apore, Goiás, Brazil, for raping several women attending his church. He gave as an excuse that his penis had been consecrated with "divine semen of the Holy Spirit."
A 23-year-old young woman, who prefers to remain anonymous said, "He has convinced us that only God could come into our lives through the mouth."
"Often, after worship, Pastor Valdecir take us to some of the funds back to the church and asked us to do oral sex on him until the Holy Spirit comes through ejaculation".

LET ME TAKE OUT MY LONG ROD OF MOSES AND SQUIRT THE SWEET JESUS ALL OVER YOUR SOUL!!!!!
                                                                               /
(http://m24digital.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/pastor-violador-con-pene-sagrado.jpg)

FTFY
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on February 01, 2013, 06:53:03 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 01, 2013, 08:53:34 AM
Today's little bit of hilarious horror:

http://m24digital.com/en/2013/01/29/pastor-claimed-his-penis-had-been-anointed-with-the-holy-spirit-divine-semen-and-raped-his-faithful/

QuoteSobrino Valdeci Picanto, 59, was arrested in Apore, Goiás, Brazil, for raping several women attending his church. He gave as an excuse that his penis had been consecrated with "divine semen of the Holy Spirit."
A 23-year-old young woman, who prefers to remain anonymous said, "He has convinced us that only God could come into our lives through the mouth."
"Often, after worship, Pastor Valdecir take us to some of the funds back to the church and asked us to do oral sex on him until the Holy Spirit comes through ejaculation".

(http://m24digital.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/pastor-violador-con-pene-sagrado.jpg)

Is that rape?  I mean, as far as we can tell he wasn't even lying about his holy penis, since he believed it, and they chose to take communion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 01, 2013, 07:00:23 PM
We need GOP statement on what, if any kind of rape this is.

Best I've got is "Evangelical rape"?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2013, 07:51:54 AM
QuoteThe organizers of American Crossroads hope to bring electoral victory to the Republican Party by defeating unelectable tea party candidates in GOP primary races. The new super PAC, called the Conservative Victory Project, will be run by American Crossroads president Steven Law and is supported by former Bush political adviser Karl Rove.

"There is a broad concern about having blown a significant number of races because the wrong candidates were selected," Law told the New York Times on Saturday. "We don't view ourselves as being in the incumbent protection business, but we want to pick the most conservative candidate who can win.


Raw Story (http://s.tt/1zjDQ)

Those "unelectable" candidates were brought to you by..... Karl Rove.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2013, 08:08:27 AM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/opinion/sunday/the-great-gerrymander-of-2012.html?_r=3&

US has gerrymandering problem. More blindingly obvious at 11.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 06, 2013, 10:36:59 AM
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/02/iii_arms_atf_approval.php?ref=fpa

QuoteThe people behind The Citadel project, who are hoping to build a walled prepper community in Idaho, touted a milestone last week: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has given them the green light to start manufacturing firearms.

"In this afternoon's mail, III Arms Company received a little note from the ATF saying: 'Thanks for your interest, please start building firearms,'" Jim Miller, the company's president, wrote on the company's blog last Thursday. "Yup. The III Arms Company now possesses our 'Manufacturer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices' License, otherwise known as an 07FFL, and we can legally manufacture and assemble your firearms. Oh yeah, happy days!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 06, 2013, 03:07:20 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21297606

QuoteThousands of Indian women are having their wombs removed in operations that campaigners say are unnecessary and only performed to make money for unscrupulous private doctors.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 06, 2013, 03:20:06 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21347510

QuoteA German university has voted to strip Education Minister Annette Schavan of her doctorate after an investigation into plagiarism allegations.

The University of Duesseldorf's philosophy faculty decided on Tuesday that she had carried out "a deliberate deception through plagiarism".

Germans again proving that working smart is not the same as working hard.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 06, 2013, 04:08:21 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 06, 2013, 03:20:06 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21347510

QuoteA German university has voted to strip Education Minister Annette Schavan of her doctorate after an investigation into plagiarism allegations.

The University of Duesseldorf's philosophy faculty decided on Tuesday that she had carried out "a deliberate deception through plagiarism".

Germans again proving that working smart is not the same as working hard.

Wow, holy shit!

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 06, 2013, 04:17:24 PM
Lots of that going on in Germany.  China too.

Doctorates are essentially status symbols, so of course people are going to try and get them, even if that means not earning them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 06, 2013, 04:19:39 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 06, 2013, 04:17:24 PM
Lots of that going on in Germany.  China too.

Doctorates are essentially status symbols, so of course people are going to try and get them, even if that means not earning them.

I cannot imagine spending all that extra time studying and researching, only to cap it all off with something stolen. Not to speak of the constant underlying fear of being exposed and losing EVERYTHING.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 06, 2013, 06:01:32 PM
Something, something, lance armstrong joke
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 08, 2013, 06:49:12 PM
http://science.slashdot.org/story/13/02/06/0328238/paper-on-conspiratorial-thinking-invokes-conspiratorial-thinking

Quote"Last summer a paper investigating the link between conspiratorial thinking and the rejection of climate science provoked a response on blogs skeptical of the scientific consensus that appeared to illustrate the very cognitive processes at the center of the research. This generated data for a new paper titled 'Recursive fury: Conspiracist ideation in the blogosphere in response to research on conspiracist ideation (PDF).' The researchers reviewed the reactions for evidence of conspiratorial thinking, including the presumption of nefarious intent, perception of persecution, the tendency to detect meaning in random events, and the ability to interpret contrary evidence as evidence that the conspiracy is even greater in scope that was originally believed. Some of the hypotheses promoted to dismiss the findings of the original paper ultimately grew in scope to include actors beyond the authors, such as university executives, a media organization, and the Australian government. It is not clear whether the response to this paper will itself provide data for further research, or how far down this recursion could progress. I fear the answer may be 'all the way.'"

Perfectly predictable yet still wonderful.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 08, 2013, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 06, 2013, 06:01:32 PM
Something, something, lance armstrong joke
Something, somthing, 'it takes a lot of balls' joke...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 03:25:17 PM
Ahhhh hahaha!
:lulz:

Ron Paul Asks UN For Help Getting Control of RonPaul.com Domain From Fans
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2013/02/ron-paul-feuding-his-fans/61970/

QuoteRon Paul is feuding with his rabid fan base over the ownership of RonPaul.com. Paul wants it, but his fans own it. They're willing to sell it to him... for a price Paul doesn't agree with. So now he's taken the dispute all the way to the United Nations.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 03:26:22 PM
 :lulz:

You know what would be even better...if someone else came along and bought it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 03:30:49 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 11, 2013, 03:26:22 PM
:lulz:

You know what would be even better...if someone else came along and bought it.

:aaa:
Oshit!
that would be amaaaaaazing.
the owners are asking a quarter million for the domain and names list.
but they're pissed, so i wonder if they could be convinced to let it go for less if it's deliciously ironic and could get a guarantee that it wouldn't be used against what they see as their principles.
i wonder how much a group like 4chan or something could muster up for epic lulz such as that?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 04:01:12 PM
If I had the money, I'd buy it and then transfer the domain to Mobotu Sese Soko (http://www.mrdestructo.com/2012/02/vice-ron-paul-hacked-to-white.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 04:03:30 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 11, 2013, 04:01:12 PM
If I had the money, I'd buy it and then transfer the domain to Mobotu Sese Soko (http://www.mrdestructo.com/2012/02/vice-ron-paul-hacked-to-white.html)
nannywalled off.  :sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 04:06:13 PM
QuoteThis week probably marks the moment that schadenfreude finally left the Ron Paul campaign.

There's always been a kind of awful element of fun to listening to rabid Paul defense, given that much of it was reality-optional. But, hey, at least his fans believed in something. And no true believer deserves this week. In the last seven days, some of Paul's former staffers admitted to deliberately courting racists, with his blessing. Then, adding insult to injury, Paul's current ties to American white supremacist groups surfaced courtesy of Anonymous.

As outlined before, there were only a limited number of explanations for Paul's racist, conspiracy-oriented newsletters, and none of them were good. Either he believed the things he printed, merely capitalized on the things he printed, or was unaware of the things he printed. It was a spectrum ranging from monstrous to cynical to incompetent.

Apparently, it's the second option, at least according to the Washington Post:
Quote

"[People] close to Paul's operations said he was deeply involved in the company that produced the [racist] newsletters, Ron Paul & Associates, and closely monitored its operations, signing off on articles and speaking to staff members virtually every day.

"It was his newsletter, and it was under his name, so he always got to see the final product. . . . He would proof it,'' said Renae Hathway, a former secretary in Paul's company and a supporter of the Texas congressman.

"... A person involved in Paul's businesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid criticizing a former employer, said Paul and his associates decided in the late 1980s to try to increase sales by making the newsletters more provocative. They discussed adding controversial material, including racial statements, to help the business, the person said.

"It was playing on a growing racial tension, economic tension, fear of government,'' said the person, who supports Paul's economic policies but is not backing him for president. "I'm not saying Ron believed this stuff. It was good copy. Ron Paul is a shrewd businessman.''
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 04:13:11 PM
I, for one, am happy to report that i am completely cured of my previous affliction with Paulism, and it feels really good to be able to laugh and point at this shit with the other sane and cynical good folks in my life.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 04:18:04 PM
I thought so, but I found that particular story quite interesting, as it reported on details that came from the Anonymous hack of the Paul campaign, which had not appeared elsewhere.

Essentially, it seems he was quite involved with the American Third Positionist group, who are, well, pretty racist.  This is in keeping with the global Third Positionist attempts to use populist figures and movements as a thin wedge for pushing their agenda, though since Paul himself won't talk about it, we can only speculate as to whether it was cynical pandering or ideological convergence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 04:20:29 PM
neither of which is palatable, or course.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 04:21:03 PM
Yeah, either way, it doesn't look good at all. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 11, 2013, 06:30:38 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21409149

For some reason, Palpatine retiring is huge news.

If the reason is due to Savile investigations I may die laughing.

Also, taking bets on a non-white next Pope.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 06:41:45 PM
According to the Prophecies of Saint Malachy, the next Pope will be:

"Peter the Roman, who will nourish the sheep in many tribulations; when they are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The end."

So, a really good time to book a holiday in Italy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 11, 2013, 06:43:00 PM
THE NEXT POPE IS GONNA BE JUDGE DREDD!?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 06:47:55 PM
And the final Pope, by all accounts.

Incidentally, there is an Italian tipped for the top job - Cardinal Angelo Scola.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 11, 2013, 06:48:01 PM
Judge Death is my reading

(http://www.2000adonline.com/books/assets/covers/judge-death-young-death.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 07:02:53 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 11, 2013, 06:43:00 PM
THE NEXT POPE IS GONNA BE JUDGE DREDD!?

the first gay pope, then...
huh.

end of the world keeps getting more interesting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 11, 2013, 07:10:15 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 07:02:53 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 11, 2013, 06:43:00 PM
THE NEXT POPE IS GONNA BE JUDGE DREDD!?

the first gay pope, then...

Well, excluding Pope Sixtus IV, Leo X and Julius III.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 07:31:10 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 11, 2013, 07:10:15 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on February 11, 2013, 07:02:53 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 11, 2013, 06:43:00 PM
THE NEXT POPE IS GONNA BE JUDGE DREDD!?

the first gay pope, then...

Well, excluding Pope Sixtus IV, Leo X and Julius III.

Were they openly gay?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 11, 2013, 07:57:19 PM
I know who's got my vote for the next pope....


(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/531552_572058859472302_1248317525_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 11, 2013, 09:45:51 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 11, 2013, 07:57:19 PM
I know who's got my vote for the next pope....


(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/531552_572058859472302_1248317525_n.jpg)

Is that Lemmy?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 12, 2013, 12:30:30 AM
Looks like maybe Hawkwind-era Lemmy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 12:33:44 AM
When the pope resigns is he no longer infallible?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 08:53:01 AM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/asia/zen-buddhists-roiled-by-accusations-against-teacher.html?_hp&_r=3&

QuoteSince arriving in Los Angeles from Japan in 1962, the Buddhist teacher Joshu Sasaki, who is 105 years old, has taught thousands of Americans at his two Zen centers in the area and one in New Mexico. He has influenced thousands more enlightenment seekers through a chain of some 30 affiliated Zen centers from the Puget Sound to Princeton to Berlin. And he is known as a Buddhist teacher of Leonard Cohen, the poet and songwriter.

Mr. Sasaki has also, according to an investigation by an independent council of Buddhist leaders, released in January, groped and sexually harassed female students for decades, taking advantage of their loyalty to a famously charismatic roshi, or master.

Yup.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 12, 2013, 03:14:58 PM
wait.
that picture at the top of that article shows a zen master at 99 years old? (looking pretty good, there buddy!)
and he's still got a roiling libido?
and he can convince women that the answer to a zen koan is 'Tits or GTFO'?!

THIS GUY IS AWESOME!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 12, 2013, 03:23:27 PM
Yeah, 'cause women aren't really people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 12, 2013, 03:33:22 PM
yes.
yes. that's exactly what i'm saying.  :roll:

no.
no. he would be no less impressive if he were a woman convincing young men to flash their junk, imo.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 12, 2013, 03:37:44 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on February 12, 2013, 03:33:22 PM
yes.
yes. that's exactly what i'm saying.  :roll:

no.
no. he would be no less impressive if he were a woman convincing young men to flash their junk, imo.

Yeah, because it's totally impressive when an older person in a power position coerces stupid people to perform sex acts.

Sorry dude, you're completely squicking me out right now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 12, 2013, 03:44:47 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on February 12, 2013, 03:37:44 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on February 12, 2013, 03:33:22 PM
yes.
yes. that's exactly what i'm saying.  :roll:

no.
no. he would be no less impressive if he were a woman convincing young men to flash their junk, imo.

Yeah, because it's totally impressive when an older person in a power position coerces stupid people to perform sex acts.

Sorry dude, you're completely squicking me out right now.

i reserve the right to not be SRS regarding ain't it awful news blurbs that are off the wall.
if i'm squicking you out because i'm being flip about something that personally affected you, i apologize.
if you take it to mean that i am, in actuality, a horrible person that supports the exploitation of anyone, then i've got something to think about, i guess.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 12, 2013, 03:56:38 PM
Maybe you can go join the Facebook Discordians and LOL at some catholic priests molesting choirboys. It's so edgy.

Fuck off.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 12, 2013, 03:57:44 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on February 12, 2013, 03:56:38 PM
Fuck off.

gladly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 12, 2013, 03:59:26 PM
Here's a real knee-slapper for you, oughta brighten your day: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/02/priest-files-reveal-distrubing-stories-of-child-molestation-coverup.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on February 12, 2013, 04:48:36 PM
Coercion = a form of rape, Ip.
Rape jokes = FAIL.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 12, 2013, 05:15:26 PM
I am Jack's complete lack of surprise. :|

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 05:55:53 PM
Same here really. Even venerable old zen masters are just like the rest of humanity. Not worth the skin covering the skeleton.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 12, 2013, 06:55:21 PM
Yay! Psychiatrists finally starting to admit they have no fucking clue what they're doing (http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/348115/description/No_New_Meds)  :lulz:

QuoteDrug development for complex psychiatric illnesses is misguided, they argue, stuck churning out slight variations on therapeutic themes that didn't work all that well to begin with.

ETA: oh, yeah, and while we're at it... (http://www.mentalhealthforum.net/forum/thread55304.html)

QuoteOne historical example, a century before the first DSM, of a clearly invalid mental illness is drapetomania. Louisiana physician Samuel A. Cartwright was certain he had discovered a new mental disease. After studying runaway slaves who had been caught and returned to their owners, Cartwright concluded in an 1851 report to the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal that these slaves suffered from drapetomania, a disease causing them to flee.

While virtually all psychiatrists today rightfully mock the idea that fleeing slavery could be considered a valid mental illness, it was not until the 1970s that cultural upheaval and political protests persuaded the APA of the invalidity of homosexuality as a mental illness.

And while homosexuality was dropped from the 1980 DSM-3, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) was added, and ODD is now a popular child and adolescent diagnosis. The symptoms of ODD include "often actively defies or refuses to comply with adult requests or rules" and "often argues with adults." Is it any more valid to label teenage rebellion and anti-authoritarianism as a mental illness than it is to label runaway slaves as mentally ill?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 07:18:31 PM
Just had a quick skim, this stood out:

QuoteParticularly upsetting for Frances is the DSM-5's pathologizing of normal human grief. On January 7, 2013 in "Last Plea To DSM-5: Save Grief From the Drug Companies," Frances writes, "Making grief a mental disorder will be a bonanza for drug companies, but a disaster for grievers. The decision is also self-destructive for DSM-5 and further undermines the credibility of the APA. Psychiatry should not be mislabeling the normal."

I was aware the various DSM editions had, shall we say, problems? Issues such as re-classifying "disorders" or bringing various ailments under another banner caused a lot of treatment plan problems for some.

I'll be giving this a good read tomorrow, thanks!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on February 12, 2013, 07:37:28 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on February 12, 2013, 06:55:21 PM
Yay! Psychiatrists finally starting to admit they have no fucking clue what they're doing (http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/348115/description/No_New_Meds)  :lulz:

QuoteDrug development for complex psychiatric illnesses is misguided, they argue, stuck churning out slight variations on therapeutic themes that didn't work all that well to begin with.

ETA: oh, yeah, and while we're at it... (http://www.mentalhealthforum.net/forum/thread55304.html)

QuoteOne historical example, a century before the first DSM, of a clearly invalid mental illness is drapetomania. Louisiana physician Samuel A. Cartwright was certain he had discovered a new mental disease. After studying runaway slaves who had been caught and returned to their owners, Cartwright concluded in an 1851 report to the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal that these slaves suffered from drapetomania, a disease causing them to flee.

While virtually all psychiatrists today rightfully mock the idea that fleeing slavery could be considered a valid mental illness, it was not until the 1970s that cultural upheaval and political protests persuaded the APA of the invalidity of homosexuality as a mental illness.

And while homosexuality was dropped from the 1980 DSM-3, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) was added, and ODD is now a popular child and adolescent diagnosis. The symptoms of ODD include "often actively defies or refuses to comply with adult requests or rules" and "often argues with adults." Is it any more valid to label teenage rebellion and anti-authoritarianism as a mental illness than it is to label runaway slaves as mentally ill?

OOD sounds like it has a lot in common with drapetomania
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 07:43:31 PM
ODD, if I recall correctly was pretty much opening the door to the early Ritalin style drugs. I'll try and dig out some stuff on this, I'm sure i've got something.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on February 12, 2013, 07:46:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 07:43:31 PM
ODD, if I recall correctly was pretty much opening the door to the early Ritalin style drugs. I'll try and dig out some stuff on this, I'm sure i've got something.

I thought Ritalin was mostly prescribed for ADHD originally.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 12, 2013, 07:49:23 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 07:43:31 PM
ODD, if I recall correctly was pretty much opening the door to the early Ritalin style drugs. I'll try and dig out some stuff on this, I'm sure i've got something.

It's the political side of mental illness - non-compliance = badwrong. I believe this problem is much bigger in the states than over here. Makes sense I guess, you guys are a bit more "Orwell" than everywhere else.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2013, 07:57:51 PM
Early ADHD treatments were around the 60's I think, but it only became the brand of choice much later.

ODD was part of the stretching of what could be considered a disorder. Numerous ailments in DSM 4 share similar(admittedly minor mostly) symptoms to the point you'd think it was cut/paste.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 13, 2013, 03:55:50 AM
Interesting how profoundly those two articles contradict each other, isn't it?

But on another note, I've been saying for a while that psychology is to neuroscience as alchemy is to chemistry. All those psychiatric drugs... they kind of know what they do, sort of, but not REALLY. And nobody has a very clear idea of why. It is, fundamentally, more magic than science, and will remain so until technology and neuroscience advance enough that we can understand and explain exactly what the mechanisms of mental illnesses are, as well as why and how certain drugs may have a beneficial effect... and why they don't for some people.

Right now it's basically shooting in the dark, and the scary thing is that it often does more harm than it does good.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 13, 2013, 04:19:05 AM
Um... I'm sure this isn't concrete data, nor Beyesean evidence, but Mrs LMNO was in rough shape for many years, and went through therapy for more, and then finally decided to begin drug therapy. She currently is more confident, emotionally stable, and happier than almost any time since we met, or at least for a longer period of time.

I readily agree that talk therapy set her up for this seeming success, but the pills are what have sent it past the tipping point.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 13, 2013, 04:37:45 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 13, 2013, 04:19:05 AM
Um... I'm sure this isn't concrete data, nor Beyesean evidence, but Mrs LMNO was in rough shape for many years, and went through therapy for more, and then finally decided to begin drug therapy. She currently is more confident, emotionally stable, and happier than almost any time since we met, or at least for a longer period of time.

I readily agree that talk therapy set her up for this seeming success, but the pills are what have sent it past the tipping point.

I'm not saying that pills don't work. Obviously, they do work for enough people to make them a worthwhile avenue of treatment fully deserving of future research. I'm saying that the mechanisms behind why they work are only poorly understood in the best of cases. Just as alchemy eventually gave birth to chemistry, psychology is moving in the direction of birthing a real science, too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 13, 2013, 04:43:26 AM
Oh. Ok, I totally agree. No clue WHY or HOW, but plenty of data as to WHAT.

In short, no arguments here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 13, 2013, 08:57:10 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on February 13, 2013, 04:37:45 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 13, 2013, 04:19:05 AM
Um... I'm sure this isn't concrete data, nor Beyesean evidence, but Mrs LMNO was in rough shape for many years, and went through therapy for more, and then finally decided to begin drug therapy. She currently is more confident, emotionally stable, and happier than almost any time since we met, or at least for a longer period of time.

I readily agree that talk therapy set her up for this seeming success, but the pills are what have sent it past the tipping point.

I'm not saying that pills don't work. Obviously, they do work for enough people to make them a worthwhile avenue of treatment fully deserving of future research. I'm saying that the mechanisms behind why they work are only poorly understood in the best of cases. Just as alchemy eventually gave birth to chemistry, psychology is moving in the direction of birthing a real science, too.

Try getting a shrink to own up to this when they're recommending upping the dosage of something that already has you climbing the walls, tho. Not hypothetical BTW  :evilmad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 13, 2013, 11:00:15 AM
http://www.businessinsider.com/this-story-about-a-startup-ceo-who-just-got-canned-months-after-turning-down-100-million-will-make-your-stomach-turn-2013-2

QuotePhoto-sharing app Instagram had just been acquired by Facebook for $1 billion, and Viddy – often called the Instagram-for-Video – had about 30 million monthly users.
The company was so hot that O'Brien was reportedly approached by Twitter, which wanted to buy the company for ~$100 million.
O'Brien turned down the money.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 13, 2013, 12:55:23 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on February 13, 2013, 08:57:10 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on February 13, 2013, 04:37:45 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 13, 2013, 04:19:05 AM
Um... I'm sure this isn't concrete data, nor Beyesean evidence, but Mrs LMNO was in rough shape for many years, and went through therapy for more, and then finally decided to begin drug therapy. She currently is more confident, emotionally stable, and happier than almost any time since we met, or at least for a longer period of time.

I readily agree that talk therapy set her up for this seeming success, but the pills are what have sent it past the tipping point.

I'm not saying that pills don't work. Obviously, they do work for enough people to make them a worthwhile avenue of treatment fully deserving of future research. I'm saying that the mechanisms behind why they work are only poorly understood in the best of cases. Just as alchemy eventually gave birth to chemistry, psychology is moving in the direction of birthing a real science, too.

Try getting a shrink to own up to this when they're recommending upping the dosage of something that already has you climbing the walls, tho. Not hypothetical BTW  :evilmad:


Oh, I know this isn't hypothetical, and it happens with all kinds of meds, not just those for mental health situations.  My prediction is within the next decade or two, it will be found that there has been some level of collusion between pharmaceutical companies and physicians.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 13, 2013, 01:04:03 PM
That's already been found. There's a few studies showing that physicians (any kind of physician) are more likely to prescribe drugs that they have had a sales rep talk to them about. Most were quite adamant that they didn't do this kind of thing as well and were genuinely surprised to find out it was the case.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 13, 2013, 02:36:05 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 13, 2013, 01:04:03 PM
That's already been found. There's a few studies showing that physicians (any kind of physician) are more likely to prescribe drugs that they have had a sales rep talk to them about. Most were quite adamant that they didn't do this kind of thing as well and were genuinely surprised to find out it was the case.

My brother in law is a drug rep, and based on his descriptions of the day to day, i would say that any doctor that acts surprised that they are swayed by their visits are either disingenuous, or fools.  neither of which is a particularly good quality for a doc, imo.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 13, 2013, 06:34:57 PM
From memory the study attributed it to neither, just everyday subtle influence. Most of them were quite surprised when they were told they suggested brand X over Y the vast majority of the time.

Turns out having a poster or stack of post-its or whatnot glanced at daily boosts sales.

I wouldn't totally rule out some form of corruption in some instances, but it does appear to me as accidental bias.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 13, 2013, 06:38:35 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 13, 2013, 06:34:57 PM
From memory the study attributed it to neither, just everyday subtle influence. Most of them were quite surprised when they were told they suggested brand X over Y the vast majority of the time.

Turns out having a poster or stack of post-its or whatnot glanced at daily boosts sales.

I wouldn't totally rule out some form of corruption in some instances, but it does appear to me as accidental bias.

I'd hardly call it accidental, since that's the whole point of giving out mouse mats and mugs in the first place.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 13, 2013, 06:43:01 PM
right. not accidental.
just advertisement. influence through repetition
and, essentially, bribery. when he was in the sales rep position, he would get in trouble if he didn't spend his quota on wining and dining the docs.  and it was a hefty chunk of change, too.  sounded like Brewster's Millions to me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 13, 2013, 09:37:03 PM
Ah, sorry I put that badly. I meant more subliminal than accidental. You see the mousemat. You mock the mousemat and sales rep. Then recommend their shit. Applies to every industry I've encountered.

I think i'm getting at it not being overtly corrupt, in the main part. Excessive meals and "corporate days" aside.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 14, 2013, 01:34:57 PM
There's been some studies on compliance in clinical psychology which totally line up with that.  It's explained as an exploitation of a social species.  We have some ingrained habits that help a society stay functional, but those habits can be turned for use other than intended.

Yes, I read that in a book.  It's called Influence: Science and Practice.  I quite liked it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 14, 2013, 01:51:38 PM
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/palestinian-territories/prisoner-x-s-death-strains-ties-1.1146345

QuoteCanberra: He was known as Prisoner X, his crimes unknown. For months he languished in an Israeli prison until he was found dead in his cell in an apparent suicide. Later, rumours would swirl that he was an Australian-Israeli who worked for the Israeli secret service Mossad.
The web of secrecy surrounding the man with at least three names - Ben Zygier, Ben Alon, and Ben Allen - is slowly lifting after Australia's public broadcaster revealed details of his case, unravelling the media blackout that the Israeli government had imposed for more than two years using military censorship laws. The report has also forced the Australian government to admit that it had known about the case all along but kept it under wraps.

Well I'm sure Israel will react to this in the reasonable and measured manner of not giving a shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 14, 2013, 01:55:27 PM
Wasn't this one of the guy's suspected of having pretended to be an American while recruiting Jundullah terrorists for assassination ops in Iran?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 14, 2013, 01:59:37 PM
QuoteThe details revealed by the Australian Broadcasting Corp and the admissions by the governments of Australia and Israel are testing relations between the two allies, and raising questions about the extent of Mossad's influence in other countries.

:eek:

A clandestine organisation existing with the sole purpose of conducting wet ops and false-flag terrorist actions on foreign soil looks like it might be operating in other countries? Surely not  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 15, 2013, 11:51:18 AM
http://dailycaller.com/2013/02/14/nate-silver-admits-that-polls-can-affect-elections/

QuoteNate Silver is worried that his polling might actually influence election results. "The polls can certainly affect elections at times. I hope people don't take the forecasts too seriously," he reportedly said during a recent speech sponsored by the Washington University Political Review on Monday night.

"If it gets really weird in 2014, in 2016, then maybe I'll stop doing it," he added. "I don't want to influence the democratic process in a negative way."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 15, 2013, 03:06:28 PM
http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2013/02/decoding-the-science-in-obamas-s.html?ref=hp

You wouldn't believe it, but the Science or FACTS that politicians refer to are not exactly science or facts.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 18, 2013, 09:25:33 AM
The "Everyone is a fucking fool" Files #288276-C/DDA:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/16/3239071/the-miami-beach-cop-and-the-meth.html

QuoteWhile other cops strived for the big bust or sergeant's stripes, George Navarro Jr. had other aspirations. The Miami Beach patrolman yearned for the ultimate score, his friends told investigators: to engineer an epic drug deal, one that would make him rich and allow him to leave law enforcement behind.

They called it the "Coke Dream."

That dream is dead now, as may be Navarro's police career. He was suspended last September without pay after being charged with racketeering and fraud in connection with a scheme to use phony paperwork to acquire luxury cars.

But that might be just the beginning of Navarro's troubles. Although for now he hasn't been charged with anything else, the investigation into his actions has produced reams of damning documents detailing bungled trips to the Bahamas to buy kilos of coke, the rip-off of a suspected marijuana grow house, drunken brawls, a botched attempt to collect a drug debt and — perhaps most strikingly — his penchant for lending his police car, uniforms and other gear to meth-dealer pals.

That last part would explain a great many things about my interactions with law enforcement over the previous years.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 18, 2013, 09:35:51 AM
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/190868061.html

QuoteDocumentary filmmaker Sixx King is black and he's tired of black-on-black violence so he wanted to do something proactive to make a statement.

So he put on a KKK outfit with a white hood and stood in public in Philadelphia to draw attention to an issue that the black community has not been able to solve - black men killing black men at record numbers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 12:39:48 PM
http://hotair.com/archives/2013/02/17/the-age-of-the-fertility-panic-arrives/

QuoteGermany spends 200 billion euros a year trying to get more people to have babies, but are still looking at an average of 1.39 children per family. It seems that France has been the only one to pull it off, getting to 2.1 children per family by giving $1,000 a month for a year to any mother willing to have a third child. That works out to a pretty hefty price tag.

Watch for this idea from a republican or democrat near you soon.

Edited due to unfair bias. Someone's going to view this as a good idea sooner or later.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 19, 2013, 02:14:48 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 12:39:48 PM
http://hotair.com/archives/2013/02/17/the-age-of-the-fertility-panic-arrives/

QuoteGermany spends 200 billion euros a year trying to get more people to have babies, but are still looking at an average of 1.39 children per family. It seems that France has been the only one to pull it off, getting to 2.1 children per family by giving $1,000 a month for a year to any mother willing to have a third child. That works out to a pretty hefty price tag.

Watch for this idea from a republican or democrat near you soon.

Edited due to unfair bias. Someone's going to view this as a good idea sooner or later.

The world is jam-packed with unwanted babies.  Maybe these countries should encourage adoption.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 19, 2013, 03:15:59 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 12:39:48 PM
http://hotair.com/archives/2013/02/17/the-age-of-the-fertility-panic-arrives/

QuoteGermany spends 200 billion euros a year trying to get more people to have babies, but are still looking at an average of 1.39 children per family. It seems that France has been the only one to pull it off, getting to 2.1 children per family by giving $1,000 a month for a year to any mother willing to have a third child. That works out to a pretty hefty price tag.

Watch for this idea from a republican or democrat near you soon.

Edited due to unfair bias. Someone's going to view this as a good idea sooner or later.

The US could start with paid parental leave.

However, any country  that wants to maintain a high standard of living is going to have to adjust to the fact that you can't have population growth AND a high standard of living. This creates an intractable problem for pretty much all economies because they are, unfortunately, all structured around growth.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on February 19, 2013, 03:29:14 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 12:39:48 PM
http://hotair.com/archives/2013/02/17/the-age-of-the-fertility-panic-arrives/

QuoteGermany spends 200 billion euros a year trying to get more people to have babies, but are still looking at an average of 1.39 children per family. It seems that France has been the only one to pull it off, getting to 2.1 children per family by giving $1,000 a month for a year to any mother willing to have a third child. That works out to a pretty hefty price tag.

Watch for this idea from a republican or democrat near you soon.

Edited due to unfair bias. Someone's going to view this as a good idea sooner or later.
Sooner rather than later. There was a "omg America's in the midst of a demographic crisis! No one is having babbies!" thing on Good Morning America like two weeks ago.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 19, 2013, 03:33:37 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on February 19, 2013, 03:15:59 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 12:39:48 PM
http://hotair.com/archives/2013/02/17/the-age-of-the-fertility-panic-arrives/

QuoteGermany spends 200 billion euros a year trying to get more people to have babies, but are still looking at an average of 1.39 children per family. It seems that France has been the only one to pull it off, getting to 2.1 children per family by giving $1,000 a month for a year to any mother willing to have a third child. That works out to a pretty hefty price tag.

Watch for this idea from a republican or democrat near you soon.

Edited due to unfair bias. Someone's going to view this as a good idea sooner or later.

The US could start with paid parental leave.

However, any country  that wants to maintain a high standard of living is going to have to adjust to the fact that you can't have population growth AND a high standard of living. This creates an intractable problem for pretty much all economies because they are, unfortunately, all structured around growth.

i know this has been on your mind lately, so... have you read about any economic theory where quality of life (and the attempt to increase it) is not tied to growth that is waiting to be tried?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 03:37:00 PM
There's something in my head about Immigrant populations and a tendency towards higher birth rates for the initial generations.

I'm sure that there's no possible solution here. It would involve giving a shit about people from another country. Possibly with a different skin colour.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 19, 2013, 03:37:00 PM
HIMEOBSL its in ur demographics, causin' crises.

Ippy, there are no viable non-economic growth models for future prosperity that I know of, however if you look carefully all Nigel was saying is that there are ways to achieve that growth other than via population growth, which is a kinda lazy, "brute-forcing" of economic growth with many negative externalities.  Education, for example, is a huge economic multiplier.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on February 19, 2013, 09:11:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 03:37:00 PM
There's something in my head about Immigrant populations and a tendency towards higher birth rates for the initial generations.

I'm sure that there's no possible solution here. It would involve giving a shit about people from another country. Possibly with a different skin colour.

The US is really good at assimilating immigrants.  I can't see low birth rates being a problem here in the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on February 19, 2013, 09:27:37 PM
i recall seeing something about fertility rates making more of a swoosh rather than a straight line down with increasing GDP/capita.  the very rich countries had an uptick that made them go back up to the replacement rate, and that's where the US stood.  i don't remember what the thinking was on why, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 19, 2013, 09:50:20 PM
Quote from: Pergamos on February 19, 2013, 09:11:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 03:37:00 PM
There's something in my head about Immigrant populations and a tendency towards higher birth rates for the initial generations.

I'm sure that there's no possible solution here. It would involve giving a shit about people from another country. Possibly with a different skin colour.

The US is really good at assimilating immigrants.  I can't see low birth rates being a problem here in the foreseeable future.

Heh.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/censusstatistic/a/aabirthrate.htm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 10:00:53 PM
This could be the century to re-define "aid". We shall no longer give funds or goods, but take thy excess children for the benefit of ALL(tm pending)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Golden Applesauce on February 20, 2013, 02:07:16 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 19, 2013, 09:50:20 PM
Quote from: Pergamos on February 19, 2013, 09:11:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 19, 2013, 03:37:00 PM
There's something in my head about Immigrant populations and a tendency towards higher birth rates for the initial generations.

I'm sure that there's no possible solution here. It would involve giving a shit about people from another country. Possibly with a different skin colour.

The US is really good at assimilating immigrants.  I can't see low birth rates being a problem here in the foreseeable future.

Heh.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/censusstatistic/a/aabirthrate.htm

That article is from 2003 (Google prioritizes recent content, so About.com strips dates off of its old articles) but the last ten years of the US birthrate story has been "it's dropping faster, now slower, now faster... oooh the economy got worse again, now it's going waay down 'cuz nobody can afford children..."

Quote from: Elder Iptuous on February 19, 2013, 09:27:37 PM
i recall seeing something about fertility rates making more of a swoosh rather than a straight line down with increasing GDP/capita.  the very rich countries had an uptick that made them go back up to the replacement rate, and that's where the US stood.  i don't remember what the thinking was on why, though.

Is this the graph you're thinking of?
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/TFR_vs_PPP_2009.svg/720px-TFR_vs_PPP_2009.svg.png)

I don't have any better explanation than you do, other than that I want to see what which countries more of the circles are. (the graph was synthesized from data from the 2009 CIA factbook; I think this (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html), this (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2004rank.html) are his data sources. (also relevant (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2002rank.html)) I think Qatar being at the top of both lists is explained by it having massive wealth disparity; tiny country with a small number of filthy rich oil barons living right in the middle of generic 3rd world ME poverty. No income tax and an 90%+ of your workforce comes from an immigration system that's closer to slavery than indentured servitude probably does something awful to your stats. (You need permission from your employer / visa sponsor to leave the country, and even if they let you leave your employer can ban you from returning, so basically you can't quit or change jobs if your employer doesn't want you to.)

This PDF (https://www.cia.gov/library/reports/general-reports-1/Demo_Trends_For_Web.pdf) on world population / demographic trends from the CIA is also informative. The best case scenario outlined there is basically that the scary youth bubbles all move to the EU (N. Africa / M. East) or US (India / S. E. Asia), where they lobby their new governments to intervene in the crises caused by the fraction of their youth bubble that stayed behind. Cain probably knows more about this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on February 20, 2013, 02:26:02 AM
You know, I think the other factor that undoubtedly is involved in some way is the level of violence and conflict, which of course in turn does have economic linkages.  It's perhaps what is influencing why Israel is where it is.  So for them it isn't economic survival mode as it is with the nations with very low GDP.  It's breeding at a higher level to survive the political/warfare climate. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 20, 2013, 08:56:06 AM
Israel's settler policies have been a long established tool to seize the west bank. Nothing breeds quicker than religious fanatics with a pioneer mentality. The earlier eugenics stuff really wasn't that surprising in this light.

Breeding to success. Oh humanity.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 20, 2013, 10:10:29 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 20, 2013, 08:56:06 AM
Israel's settler policies have been a long established tool to seize the west bank. Nothing breeds quicker than religious fanatics with a pioneer mentality. The earlier eugenics stuff really wasn't that surprising in this light.

Breeding to success. Oh humanity biology.

FTFY
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 20, 2013, 10:56:53 AM
Appreciated, species bias showing through again.

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/02/18/2318254/tpb-files-police-complaint-against-cpiac-for-copying-website

QuoteLast week, a Finnish anti-piracy agency copied the CSS and HTML of The Pirate Bay. Today, TPB announced that they have filed a police report and are preparing to sue for copyright infringement:
"The Pirate Bay, the world's largest site for cultural diversity and file sharing, has today (Monday 2013-02-18) reported a suspected crime to the Finnish police. The suspected criminals are the Finnish anti-piracy organization CIAPC (locally known as TTVK). The reason is that CIAPC have copied files from which The Pirate Bay is built, to produce a fraudulent parody site. While The Pirate Bay may have a positive view on copying, it will not stand by and watch copyright enforcing organizations disrespect copyright."
The Pirate Bay is also arguing that parody laws do not apply thanks to recent legal precedent.

Rather amusing. I eagerly await the defence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 20, 2013, 12:02:41 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 20, 2013, 10:56:53 AM
Appreciated, species bias showing through again.

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/02/18/2318254/tpb-files-police-complaint-against-cpiac-for-copying-website

QuoteLast week, a Finnish anti-piracy agency copied the CSS and HTML of The Pirate Bay. Today, TPB announced that they have filed a police report and are preparing to sue for copyright infringement:
"The Pirate Bay, the world's largest site for cultural diversity and file sharing, has today (Monday 2013-02-18) reported a suspected crime to the Finnish police. The suspected criminals are the Finnish anti-piracy organization CIAPC (locally known as TTVK). The reason is that CIAPC have copied files from which The Pirate Bay is built, to produce a fraudulent parody site. While The Pirate Bay may have a positive view on copying, it will not stand by and watch copyright enforcing organizations disrespect copyright."
The Pirate Bay is also arguing that parody laws do not apply thanks to recent legal precedent.

Rather amusing. I eagerly await the defence.

Classic! CIAPC site sounds more like a Phishing scam than a parody. Aside from being funny as fuck, this case could have a serious side to it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on February 20, 2013, 04:32:27 PM
Oh christ.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 09:13:20 AM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2013/02/koch-brothers-want-know-why-their-money-was-wasted/62331/

QuoteThe massive amount of outside political spending unleashed by Citizens United did not, as feared, make it easier for rich people to buy an election. Instead, it showed that rich people are pretty dumb about politics. Take the billionaire businessmen Charles and David Koch who are spending their 2013 figuring out why they the money they spent in 2012 was such a waste. They have already fired most of their 100 staffers at Americans for Prosperity, and they're now conducting an audit.

Audit - One of the most spiteful words known to man.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 11:02:03 AM
The "Shit everyone knows happens" files #22499/JB/11456-E

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/02/22/heres-how-you-buy-your-way-onto-the-new-york-times-bestsellers-list/
QuoteResultSource, a San Diego-based marketing consultancy, specializes in getting books onto bestseller lists, according to The Wall Street Journal. For clients willing to pay enough, it will even guarantee a No. 1 spot. It does this by taking bulk sales and breaking them up into more organic-looking individual purchases, defeating safeguards that are supposed to make it impossible to "buy" bestseller status.

Property Taxes blamed for everything being fucked in Detroit
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130221/METRO01/302210375
QuoteDelinquency is so pervasive that 77 blocks had only one owner who paid taxes last year, The News found. Many of those who don't pay question why they should in a city that struggles to light its streets or keep police on them.

"Why pay taxes?" asked Fred Phillips, who owes more than $2,600 on his home on an east-side block where five owners paid 2011 taxes. "Why should I send them taxes when they aren't supplying services? It is sickening. ... Every time I see the tax bill come, I think about the times we called and nobody came."

Everyone fucking everyone
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/business/major-banks-aid-in-payday-loans-banned-by-states.html?pagewanted=all&_r=3&

QuoteMajor banks have quickly become behind-the-scenes allies of Internet-based payday lenders that offer short-term loans with interest rates sometimes exceeding 500 percent.

.... The banking industry says it is simply serving customers who have authorized the lenders to withdraw money from their accounts. "The industry is not in a position to monitor customer accounts to see where their payments are going," said Virginia O'Neill, senior counsel with the American Bankers Association.

More joy later.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 12:59:03 PM
The "The Fuck?" Files #44209/KK/4F:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/noted-black-leader-ted-nugent-launches-his-black-p,92904/

QuoteIn recent years, the human bottle-opener flip-flop that is Ted Nugent has done his very best to foster pride in the black community by embodying all the most hateful qualities of the white community. But now he's taking a far more actionable, totally marketable route to bringing black people together so they can listen to some Ted Nugent music and Ted Nugent's ideas and then feel better about themselves: He's launching a tour he's dubbed "Ted Nugent Black Power 2013," because no one who works for him is allowed to disagree with Ted Nugent anymore, apparently.
Typing in his regular column on World Net Daily, Nugent takes the opportunity afforded by Black History Month to "honor blacks" by talking about Ted Nugent, whose "gravity-defying career pivots on my intense adulation for my black musical heroes"—and thus gives him an equally intense personal dismay over how the Democratic Party, The New Deal, Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society experiment," and especially Barack Obama are collectively the "engineer of the destruction of black America." This, rather than helping to strengthen black America in the way that Ted Nugent does, whenever he plays the powerfully black music of Ted Nugent.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 04:01:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 12:59:03 PM
The "The Fuck?" Files #44209/KK/4F:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/noted-black-leader-ted-nugent-launches-his-black-p,92904/

QuoteIn recent years, the human bottle-opener flip-flop that is Ted Nugent has done his very best to foster pride in the black community by embodying all the most hateful qualities of the white community. But now he's taking a far more actionable, totally marketable route to bringing black people together so they can listen to some Ted Nugent music and Ted Nugent's ideas and then feel better about themselves: He's launching a tour he's dubbed "Ted Nugent Black Power 2013," because no one who works for him is allowed to disagree with Ted Nugent anymore, apparently.
Typing in his regular column on World Net Daily, Nugent takes the opportunity afforded by Black History Month to "honor blacks" by talking about Ted Nugent, whose "gravity-defying career pivots on my intense adulation for my black musical heroes"—and thus gives him an equally intense personal dismay over how the Democratic Party, The New Deal, Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society experiment," and especially Barack Obama are collectively the "engineer of the destruction of black America." This, rather than helping to strengthen black America in the way that Ted Nugent does, whenever he plays the powerfully black music of Ted Nugent.

:troll:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
While the tone is trollish, I fear the reporting to be just a matter of inevitability.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 04:29:28 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
While the tone is trollish, I fear the reporting to be just a matter of inevitability.

No, Nugent is trolling.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 04:32:03 PM
My bullshit radar is utterly fucked today.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 04:35:52 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 04:32:03 PM
My bullshit radar is utterly fucked today.

It's a brilliant troll, when you come to think of it.  Wound me up like a cheap watch, and I was EXPECTING something like this.

Nugent is entering the Palin Zone, and he'll be gone by autumn.  So enjoy it while you can.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 04:42:16 PM
Someone shop a picture of Nugent screaming at an onion with the quote of "LAYERS BITCHES"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on February 25, 2013, 06:57:10 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 04:01:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 25, 2013, 12:59:03 PM
The "The Fuck?" Files #44209/KK/4F:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/noted-black-leader-ted-nugent-launches-his-black-p,92904/

QuoteIn recent years, the human bottle-opener flip-flop that is Ted Nugent has done his very best to foster pride in the black community by embodying all the most hateful qualities of the white community. But now he's taking a far more actionable, totally marketable route to bringing black people together so they can listen to some Ted Nugent music and Ted Nugent's ideas and then feel better about themselves: He's launching a tour he's dubbed "Ted Nugent Black Power 2013," because no one who works for him is allowed to disagree with Ted Nugent anymore, apparently.
Typing in his regular column on World Net Daily, Nugent takes the opportunity afforded by Black History Month to "honor blacks" by talking about Ted Nugent, whose "gravity-defying career pivots on my intense adulation for my black musical heroes"—and thus gives him an equally intense personal dismay over how the Democratic Party, The New Deal, Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society experiment," and especially Barack Obama are collectively the "engineer of the destruction of black America." This, rather than helping to strengthen black America in the way that Ted Nugent does, whenever he plays the powerfully black music of Ted Nugent.

:troll:

Uhhhhh...

It appears to be REAL.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ted-nugent-dubs-next-tour-black-power-2013-20130222
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on February 25, 2013, 06:57:53 PM
That, or RS just got trolled.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 07:27:57 PM
Like I said, NUGENT is the one trolling.

And America's gonna eat it right the fuck up.  I mean, fuck, isn't it TOTALLY AMERICA to idolize or spend a bunch of energy scorning a guy who shat his pants to personally avoid the same shit he advocates for others?

LIKE I SAID: TOMORROW IS AN IDIOT WITH ITS PANTS FULL OF SHIT AND A STUPID GRIN ON ITS FACE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on February 25, 2013, 07:50:51 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 07:27:57 PM
Like I said, NUGENT is the one trolling.

And America's gonna eat it right the fuck up.  I mean, fuck, isn't it TOTALLY AMERICA to idolize or spend a bunch of energy scorning a guy who shat his pants to personally avoid the same shit he advocates for others?

LIKE I SAID: TOMORROW IS AN IDIOT WITH ITS PANTS FULL OF SHIT AND A STUPID GRIN ON ITS FACE.

THIS.

He hasn't really sold records since 1980 or so.

And the guy on Honey Boo Boo is TOO QUIET. American needs AN HERO(TM).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 26, 2013, 10:18:37 AM
http://gothamist.com/2013/02/13/police_decide_teen_gang_sex_assault.php

QuotePolice have decided not to pursue charges against the teen classmates of a mentally challenged girl who was allegedly raped because they say the sex was "consensual"—due in part to the attackers' low IQs. According to the Daily News, school administrators had asked Nassau County police to drop the case, and they did, claiming that the mental deficiencies of both the victim and attackers made it "not something for us to get into."

Justice for all unless it's kind of uncomfortable to talk about or pursue.

Also, gang rape, or at least the reporting of gang rape appears to be rising. No idea what to make about that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 26, 2013, 04:32:01 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 07:27:57 PM
Like I said, NUGENT is the one trolling.

And America's gonna eat it right the fuck up.  I mean, fuck, isn't it TOTALLY AMERICA to idolize or spend a bunch of energy scorning a guy who shat his pants to personally avoid the same shit he advocates for others?

LIKE I SAID: TOMORROW IS AN IDIOT WITH ITS PANTS FULL OF SHIT AND A STUPID GRIN ON ITS FACE.

Yeah, if that isn't a troll, he's gone Charlie Sheen.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 26, 2013, 04:32:35 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on February 26, 2013, 04:32:01 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 07:27:57 PM
Like I said, NUGENT is the one trolling.

And America's gonna eat it right the fuck up.  I mean, fuck, isn't it TOTALLY AMERICA to idolize or spend a bunch of energy scorning a guy who shat his pants to personally avoid the same shit he advocates for others?

LIKE I SAID: TOMORROW IS AN IDIOT WITH ITS PANTS FULL OF SHIT AND A STUPID GRIN ON ITS FACE.

Yeah, if that isn't a troll, he's gone Charlie Sheen.  :lol:

I'm okay with this, either way.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 26, 2013, 07:53:12 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 26, 2013, 04:32:35 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on February 26, 2013, 04:32:01 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2013, 07:27:57 PM
Like I said, NUGENT is the one trolling.

And America's gonna eat it right the fuck up.  I mean, fuck, isn't it TOTALLY AMERICA to idolize or spend a bunch of energy scorning a guy who shat his pants to personally avoid the same shit he advocates for others?

LIKE I SAID: TOMORROW IS AN IDIOT WITH ITS PANTS FULL OF SHIT AND A STUPID GRIN ON ITS FACE.

Yeah, if that isn't a troll, he's gone Charlie Sheen.  :lol:

I'm okay with this, either way.

Yeah, it's pretty bi-winning.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 26, 2013, 08:28:14 PM
http://rt.com/usa/six-strikes-program-begins-434/

QuoteStarting this week, Internet Service Providers will start throttling connection speeds for customers alleged to be pirating copyright-protected materials.

Months after a controversial "six-strike" program was slated to be rolled out by the biggest ISPs in the United States, the Copyright Alert System (CAS) confirmed on Monday that the initiative has gone live.

Absolutely nothing can go wrong with this.

Edit for emphasis. If I provide a service to you and arbitrarily choose to under preform because I suspect you of illegal activity, I help no-one. If you are doing illegal things I'm not stopping you. If you aren't I'm just being a dick.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 26, 2013, 08:30:53 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 26, 2013, 08:28:14 PM
http://rt.com/usa/six-strikes-program-begins-434/

QuoteStarting this week, Internet Service Providers will start throttling connection speeds for customers alleged to be pirating copyright-protected materials.

Months after a controversial "six-strike" program was slated to be rolled out by the biggest ISPs in the United States, the Copyright Alert System (CAS) confirmed on Monday that the initiative has gone live.

Absolutely nothing can go wrong with this.

Unless you have all the wrong values, of course.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 26, 2013, 08:35:03 PM
Of course. Nothing to HIDE have you?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 27, 2013, 08:23:37 AM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/02/26/sea-shepherd-whaling-protesters-ruled-pirates/1949659/

QuoteA federal appeals court has declared the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to be modern-day pirates and ordered the anti-whaling activists to stop confronting Japanese ships in the waters off Antarctica.

A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and rebuked a lower-court judge in Seattle, who had sided with Washington state-based Sea Shepherd and dismissed a lawsuit filed by Japanese whalers seeking to halt the protests. An international treaty allows governments to kill whales for research.

It's nice to have the stamp of legitimacy from the US courts. What exactly this ruling intends to accomplish is puzzling.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 27, 2013, 09:06:37 AM
http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2013/02/26/black_police_officer_faces_charges_for_not_investigating_racial_taunts_against_himself.html

QuoteA black York Region officer faces Police Act charges for not investigating racial taunts thrown at him when he was called to a bush party.
Const. Dameian Muirhead, 33, is charged with three counts of misconduct for his handling of a farm party turned ugly, where he was allegedly subjected to repeated racial slurs and told, "I would love to see that guy hanging from a tree."

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 27, 2013, 09:40:49 AM
http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/02/the_media_threat_to_democracy.html

QuoteAnn Coulter, in a recent Kudlow Report, enraged the punditry by suggesting that the mainstream media was a threat to democracy.
"I mean, you really wonder if Democrats would win any elections if we had an honest media in this country," Coulter said. "As Pat Caddell says, the media is becoming a threat to democracy."
In the runup to the last presidential election, Pat Caddell, a Democratic pollster and staunch liberal, said,
"I think we're at the most dangerous time in our political history in terms of the balance of power in the role that the media plays in whether or not we maintain a free democracy or not."
Coulter and Caddell, both experienced media professionals, have given voice to what many Americans believe is the principal threat to American democracy: the progressive liberal mainstream media.

So fair and balanced it makes my eyes bleed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 27, 2013, 12:08:08 PM
For everyone touting Switzerland as the ideal for Gun ownership:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21601323

Next: Justifications for keeping Switzerland heavily armed any why central secured armouries are a terrible idea.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 27, 2013, 12:54:22 PM
What's that? It happened a month ago too? While everyone was talking about how it's a model country for gun ownership and responsibility?   

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-03/gunman-kills-3-injures-2-in-switzerland/4451626
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 27, 2013, 01:11:06 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 27, 2013, 12:08:08 PM
For everyone touting Switzerland as the ideal for Gun ownership:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21601323

Next: Justifications for keeping Switzerland heavily armed any why central secured armouries are a terrible idea.

You'll note street-based gun crime is extremely rare in Switzerland, as the article itself says.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on February 27, 2013, 09:40:40 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 26, 2013, 08:28:14 PM
http://rt.com/usa/six-strikes-program-begins-434/

QuoteStarting this week, Internet Service Providers will start throttling connection speeds for customers alleged to be pirating copyright-protected materials.

Months after a controversial "six-strike" program was slated to be rolled out by the biggest ISPs in the United States, the Copyright Alert System (CAS) confirmed on Monday that the initiative has gone live.

Absolutely nothing can go wrong with this.

Edit for emphasis. If I provide a service to you and arbitrarily choose to under preform because I suspect you of illegal activity, I help no-one. If you are doing illegal things I'm not stopping you. If you aren't I'm just being a dick.

We need to apply this model to more things.  If the electric company suspects you of powering grow lights for weed they should cut down your maximum electricity, same for the water company and water pressure.  Heck, if you are using your car to smuggle stuff the gas station should be able to water your fuel.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 28, 2013, 06:48:59 PM
Joburg filth raise the bar again (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/28/mido-macia-dragged-by-south-african-police_n_2780804.html)

I always said if the woodentops in this country ever get issued guns, I'll be getting one myself and I'll shoot them on sight, no questions asked. This is why.  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 02, 2013, 01:46:55 AM
My god, a half-accurate and informative article in Foreign Affairs.

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138823/peter-andreas/gangsters-paradise

QuoteThere is no doubt that cross-border crime and illicit trade harm individuals and communities and pose challenges to governments, including the United States. But the panicked discourse and frenzied law enforcement policies that define Washington's current approach are an alarmist overreaction. Pundits and policymakers in the United States have grossly distorted the threat and have neglected to place modern crime in historical perspective.

Contrary to the conventional wisdom, much of today's cross-border crime problem is not new. In fact, states have struggled with this precise challenge for centuries. And far from being a passive victim, the United States has fostered as rich a tradition of illicit trade as any other country in the world. Since its founding, the United States has had an intimate relationship with clandestine commerce, and contraband capitalism was integral to the rise of the U.S. economy.

Recognizing this somewhat awkward truth should help cool down today's overheated debates about the phenomenon and how to respond to it. Americans ought to understand and acknowledge their country's own history of complicity in illicit trade. This is especially true of U.S. policymakers. A better understanding of the historical realities of cross-border crime might even reduce the perverse and counterproductive consequences of government crackdowns and redress the chronic lack of attention to the demand side of illicit trade.

How'd this one slip by the CFR's thought police?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 04, 2013, 11:21:10 AM
Latest Israel lack of irony:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/03/03/israel_launches_palestinians_only_bus_lines_in_west_bank.html?wpisrc=most_viral

Quote"Obviously, everyone will start screaming 'apartheid' and 'racism' now," one driver told Ynet. "This really doesn't feel right, and maybe [the ministry] should find a different solution, but the situation right now is impossible."

Well yes. Due to the actions looking quite like Apartheid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 04, 2013, 01:16:59 PM
Look, just because they have seperate buses, it doesn't imply inequality.  Just because the colored race (http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0163_0537_ZO.html), er, Palestinians put that construction on it does not make it so.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on March 05, 2013, 05:41:36 AM
Quote from: http://news.yahoo.com/nra-title-sponsor-nascar-cup-race-texas-190035805--spt.html
NRA title sponsor for NASCAR Cup race in Texas

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — The National Rifle Association is taking its relationship with racing to a new level as the title sponsor of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

The deal with Texas Motor Speedway comes at a time when the NRA is involved in a renewed debate on gun violence in the wake of the December shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

"It's not about politics. It's about sports marketing," TMS president Eddie Gossage said Monday after the announcement of the one-year agreement with the NRA that includes a renewal option.

God I hate this state.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 09:47:47 AM
Veracity highly questionable:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/04/south-korea-reportedly-confirms-kim-jong-uns-wife-gives-birth/

Claims of Kim Jong Spawn. Dennis Rodman somehow connected for some odd reason:

QuoteKim Jong Un, who last week hung out with guest and former NBA star Dennis Rodman, has ratcheted up the saber-rattling his father was known for, with multiple tests of nuclear weapons and missiles, as well as the release of several provocative videos depicting the U.S. under attack. Rodman, who went to North Korea with the Harlem Globetrotters and an HBO camera crew, raved about the dictator, who lives in lavish luxury while most of the people in his nation are starving.
On Sunday, Rodman told ABC's George Stephanopoulos that the diminutive dictator who recently threatened Washington with "miserable destruction" wants President Obama to call him.
"He said, 'If you can, Dennis – I don't want [to] do war. I don't want to do war.' He said that to me," Rodman told the network.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 10:06:39 AM
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/03/03/national/say-goodbye-to-the-buddha-of-the-yakuza/#.UTXDCDDQjcQ
QuoteTakahiko Inoue, yakuza boss and Buddhist priest, died Feb. 10 at age 65. The police determined that he fell from the seventh story of the building where his office was located. When the ambulance arrived, Inoue told the crew: "I'm fine. Just take me to the hospital. I'll walk to the car myself." Those were his last words. There was no protracted investigation.

Those who knew him, in the underworld and in normal society, referred to Inoue as "Hotoke" or "The Buddha." "Hotoke" is also police slang for "the dead." One of his friends sadly joked after his death, "Well, he finally became a real Buddha, after all."

It's not uncommon for a disgraced yakuza boss to seek refuge by becoming a priest after banishment; but it's usually just an exchange of Armani suits for robes and tax-exempt status. Sometimes, the robes double as a sort of bulletproof vest, because even in Japan, it's bad PR to kill a priest. However, bosses who are practicing Buddhist priests? Rare.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2013, 10:13:12 AM
Buddhism + Yakuza + Japanese nationalism is, historically, a very nasty mix, though I can't say I know much about Inagawa-kai, except their involvement in the Japanese property bubble in the 1980s.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 05, 2013, 02:39:17 PM
Quote from: Running From Ghosts on March 05, 2013, 05:41:36 AM
Quote from: http://news.yahoo.com/nra-title-sponsor-nascar-cup-race-texas-190035805--spt.html
NRA title sponsor for NASCAR Cup race in Texas
God I hate this state.
:?
why is this hate inducing?  i'm slightly surprised that they weren't sponsors already.

Quote from: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 10:06:39 AM
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/03/03/national/say-goodbye-to-the-buddha-of-the-yakuza/#.UTXDCDDQjcQ
QuoteSNIP
Sometimes, the robes double as a sort of bulletproof vest, because even in Japan, it's bad PR to kill a priest. However, bosses who are practicing Buddhist priests? Rare.
wait. WTF is that supposed to mean? 'even in Japan'?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 03:22:31 PM
US correspondent living in Japan. I read it as humour due to "the west" having various perceptions of cultural norms in Japan.

I would suggest the more interesting aspect is the unspoken accord between Yakuza and Law enforcement. This guy was given a stamp of approval for having a moral code. This does seem typical of Japan to me, where crime figures and results are highly politicised it would make sense to have guys like this you can reliably go to and know that violent crime will be kept to the lowest level possible.


I really don't know why various crime syndicates and cartels are not recruited in law enforcement more often. The goals seems very similar at times.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 05, 2013, 03:58:51 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 09:47:47 AM
Veracity highly questionable:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/04/south-korea-reportedly-confirms-kim-jong-uns-wife-gives-birth/

Claims of Kim Jong Spawn. Dennis Rodman somehow connected for some odd reason:

QuoteKim Jong Un, who last week hung out with guest and former NBA star Dennis Rodman, has ratcheted up the saber-rattling his father was known for, with multiple tests of nuclear weapons and missiles, as well as the release of several provocative videos depicting the U.S. under attack. Rodman, who went to North Korea with the Harlem Globetrotters and an HBO camera crew, raved about the dictator, who lives in lavish luxury while most of the people in his nation are starving.
On Sunday, Rodman told ABC's George Stephanopoulos that the diminutive dictator who recently threatened Washington with "miserable destruction" wants President Obama to call him.
"He said, 'If you can, Dennis – I don't want [to] do war. I don't want to do war.' He said that to me," Rodman told the network.

Dennis Rodman has the highly questionable distinction of having written the worst book I've ever seen in print. I mean, laughably, appallingly terrible.

I don't even know why his editor would let him do that to himself. I have often wondered whether he paid the publisher to take it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 04:05:08 PM
Vanity press is a growing industry. The vast majority of "celeb" auto/biographies are essentially deals with publishers to sell X amount of copies (Bought directly and sold through book tours) with various newspaper, magazine and promotional events tied in. Cross market the shit out of whatever else you happen to be promoting and every brain dead idiot with awful indistinct relatives will lap it up.

If you ever wonder about the publisher being paid to take some awful heap of shit, they probably got paid. A lot.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 04:34:29 PM
Not really sure where to put this, but this strikes me as a really good take on DRM.

http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/drm-chair-self-destructs-after-8-sittings

I suspect there may be a whole unexploited field of art taking tech concepts and applying them to reality.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2013, 04:39:25 PM
Having recently dealt with the nightmare that is EA's "Origin" client/DRM checking device, I wholeheartedly approve.

However, there needs to be a way to incorporate several dozen extremely frustrating phone calls, a nice but dim customer services rep, a shitty and clueless supervisor to said rep, EMAILS WRITTEN IN ALL CAPS, threats of bodily violence and punching a wall in frustration into the concept.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 04:53:00 PM
I think they call that "Performance Art"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 05, 2013, 04:59:40 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 04:34:29 PM
Not really sure where to put this, but this strikes me as a really good take on DRM.

http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/drm-chair-self-destructs-after-8-sittings

I suspect there may be a whole unexploited field of art taking tech concepts and applying them to reality.

He's dead in the water, since Apple's going to sue him into oblivion.  (his chair has rounded corners!)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on March 05, 2013, 06:49:36 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 03:22:31 PM
US correspondent living in Japan. I read it as humour due to "the west" having various perceptions of cultural norms in Japan.

I would suggest the more interesting aspect is the unspoken accord between Yakuza and Law enforcement. This guy was given a stamp of approval for having a moral code. This does seem typical of Japan to me, where crime figures and results are highly politicised it would make sense to have guys like this you can reliably go to and know that violent crime will be kept to the lowest level possible.


I really don't know why various crime syndicates and cartels are not recruited in law enforcement more often. The goals seems very similar at times.

I'm pretty sure it is usually the other way round (law enforcement being recruited by criminal syndicates) and that it is indeed pretty wide spread.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2013, 06:55:57 PM
In Japan, the Yakuza and the Establishment are virtually indistinguishable.

In the pre-WWII period, the Yakuza societies effectively acted as Japanese intelligence, helping undertake sabotage and assassination operations in China, Russia and Korea.

After WWII, many were recruited by G-2 (US Army Intelligence) to counter the threat of Communist inspired union actions, strikes and similar.  Many Yakuza got rich during WWII, and used their wealth to buy up politicians in the Japanese so-called Liberal Democratic Party, a party which has ruled Japan almost completely since the end of the US occupation.

If you go to Japan, you'll see that many Yakuza gangs even have prominent public offices, easily marked as such.  They're as much a part of the ruling class as the CEOs of large Japanese corporations, senior civil servants, politicians and, yes, those in charge of the police.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 05, 2013, 08:06:48 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 04:05:08 PM
Vanity press is a growing industry. The vast majority of "celeb" auto/biographies are essentially deals with publishers to sell X amount of copies (Bought directly and sold through book tours) with various newspaper, magazine and promotional events tied in. Cross market the shit out of whatever else you happen to be promoting and every brain dead idiot with awful indistinct relatives will lap it up.

If you ever wonder about the publisher being paid to take some awful heap of shit, they probably got paid. A lot.

Have you ever seen his book? If you ever get a chance to look at it in a bookstore, you should. It's incredible. I was working at Borders Books when it came out and my first thought was "HOMIE'S TROLLING".

Oh good, Amazon lets you look inside, you can get a feel for it: http://www.amazon.com/Bad-as-I-Wanna-Be/dp/0440222664#reader_0440222664

Basically, Charlie Sheen is a pale imitation.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 08:17:35 PM
I would like to highlight this as a prime candidate for "Book Heckling".

I was introduced to this concept recently and it's a fast growing amusement. Before your shopping outing, prepare a small piece of paper with your heckle. "He/She dies" or a reveal are particularly spiteful. When in a bookshop, grab a copy and place said heckle nice and close to the spine. Close the book and walk away.

The applications are only limited by shitty books. I now carry a pad for impromptu heckles.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2013, 11:48:57 PM
QuoteThe UK's most senior judge has warned that the legal profession will be "troubled" by aspects of plans to allow courts to examine secret intelligence in private.

MPs backed the plans, which apply to civil hearings, on Monday.

But Lord Neuberger told BBC Radio 4's Law In Action cases might occur where "one party doesn't know what the other party is putting before the judge".

Any lawyer "worth his or her salt" would have concerns, he added.

I forget the exact number of MP's with a law background. A fair few. Emphasis mine, expect this to go right ahead. Interesting times ahoy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 10:47:59 AM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2013/03/whos-fighting-who-map-conservative-fingerpointing/62741/

Nice little guide to some of the GOP infighting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 11:03:37 AM
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/transportation/cars/washington-state-rep-ed-orcutt-claims-bicycles-cause-more-pollution

QuoteWashington State Rep. Ed Orcutt (R) recently claimed that riding bicycles causes more pollution than driving cars.

According to SeattleBikeBlog.com, Orcutt wrote an email to a voter who disagreed with his support for a new tax on the sales of bicycles.

In his email, Orcutt wrote: "If I am not mistaken, a cyclists [sic] has an increased heart rate and respiration. That means that the act of riding a bike results in greater emissions of carbon dioxide from the rider. Since CO2 is deemed to be a greenhouse gas and a pollutant, bicyclists are actually polluting when they ride."

Wow.

I can only hope he chooses to do his part in this crisis and stop breathing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 11:23:47 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/02/27/illinois-republican-gun-control-exactly-like-forced-castration/

Quote"Here is the problem in Illinois," he said on the House floor. "I love you folks in Chicago. You're the ones that have the problem, you have a runaway gun problem. Don't blame the rest of us. This isn't about Democrats, it's not about Republicans. It's because Chicago wants a warm fuzzy. 'Let's pass a bill that will eliminate assault rifles.' Last year there were more people killed with hammers than with assault rifles."

"Here's an analogy folks, I ask you to think of this. You folks in Chicago want me to get castrated because you're families are having too many kids. It spells out exactly what is happening here. You want us to get rid of guns."

Today, my e-mail mostly brings me crazy people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 06, 2013, 02:09:57 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 11:03:37 AM
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/transportation/cars/washington-state-rep-ed-orcutt-claims-bicycles-cause-more-pollution

QuoteWashington State Rep. Ed Orcutt (R) recently claimed that riding bicycles causes more pollution than driving cars.

According to SeattleBikeBlog.com, Orcutt wrote an email to a voter who disagreed with his support for a new tax on the sales of bicycles.

In his email, Orcutt wrote: "If I am not mistaken, a cyclists [sic] has an increased heart rate and respiration. That means that the act of riding a bike results in greater emissions of carbon dioxide from the rider. Since CO2 is deemed to be a greenhouse gas and a pollutant, bicyclists are actually polluting when they ride."

Wow.

I can only hope he chooses to do his part in this crisis and stop breathing.

More to the point, the dumbass has admitted there's a problem.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 06, 2013, 02:31:53 PM
I believe i heard yesterday on the radio that Orcutt admitted to being a moran regarding his statement.
too late.  that's your political legacy, buddy!  :lol:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 04:38:04 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21684105

QuoteThe UK is to provide armoured vehicles and body armour to opposition forces in Syria "to help save lives", Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.

It will offer millions of pounds in "non-lethal" equipment, including search and rescue, communications, and disease-prevention materials.

Mr Hague said it was a "necessary, proportionate and lawful" response to "extreme human suffering".

But some MPs said they feared being drawn into a military intervention.

Well this is just an astonishing surprise. I'm not even taking bets on how this will go.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 07, 2013, 04:19:51 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 04:38:04 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21684105

QuoteThe UK is to provide armoured vehicles and body armour to opposition forces in Syria "to help save lives", Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.

It will offer millions of pounds in "non-lethal" equipment, including search and rescue, communications, and disease-prevention materials.

Mr Hague said it was a "necessary, proportionate and lawful" response to "extreme human suffering".

But some MPs said they feared being drawn into a military intervention.

Well this is just an astonishing surprise. I'm not even taking bets on how this will go.

Totally humanitarian, of course.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 07, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 07, 2013, 04:19:51 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 04:38:04 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21684105

QuoteThe UK is to provide armoured vehicles and body armour to opposition forces in Syria "to help save lives", Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.

It will offer millions of pounds in "non-lethal" equipment, including search and rescue, communications, and disease-prevention materials.

Mr Hague said it was a "necessary, proportionate and lawful" response to "extreme human suffering".

But some MPs said they feared being drawn into a military intervention.

Well this is just an astonishing surprise. I'm not even taking bets on how this will go.

Totally humanitarian, of course.

You missed a bit  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 07, 2013, 10:06:10 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21695037

QuoteThe UK is to fund a £10m programme to help Afghanistan exploit its huge natural resources, the prime minister has revealed.

Estimates of what lies underground in Afghanistan range from $1-3tn worth of gold, gems, iron ore, and oil and gas.

David Cameron announced the three-year funding to support the Afghan Ministry of Mines at an event at Downing Street.

There have been claims that the award of mining contracts after the fall of the Taliban was affected by corruption.

The award of a 30-year contract to a Chinese consortium to exploit the Aynak copper mine in Logar province came under particular criticism.

China seems to be getting some very beneficial mining deals. I'm sure we can all imagine how well the local populace will do under these deals. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 07, 2013, 07:51:14 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 07, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 07, 2013, 04:19:51 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 06, 2013, 04:38:04 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21684105

QuoteThe UK is to provide armoured vehicles and body armour to opposition forces in Syria "to help save lives", Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.

It will offer millions of pounds in "non-lethal" equipment, including search and rescue, communications, and disease-prevention materials.

Mr Hague said it was a "necessary, proportionate and lawful" response to "extreme human suffering".

But some MPs said they feared being drawn into a military intervention.

Well this is just an astonishing surprise. I'm not even taking bets on how this will go.

Totally humanitarian, of course.

You missed a bit  :lulz:

Well, it says right there that it's to "help save lives"

I mean, surely they wouldn't have any ulterior motives.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on March 08, 2013, 12:43:15 AM
Found some interesting things on Yahoo.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/this-could-be-big-abc-news/3-d-printing-revolution-gets-first-pen-173841593.html

QuoteThe 3Doodler, a plastic extrusion pen that resembles a hot glue gun, heats up plastic filament to about 270 degrees Celsius, or 518 Fahrenheit. But unlike a glue gun, the plastic cools almost instantly, allowing you to lift the 3Doodler off the paper and draw in air.

And :

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/this-could-be-big-abc-news/scientist-stumbles-onto-cure-color-blindness-180642512.html

QuoteAccording to Changizi, it turns out that color vision is a trait found only in primates with exposed skin as opposed to dogs, which don't have color vision. We use our color vision to see the subtle variations in blood flow, on, for example, the human face, to sense feelings and emotion.
The glasses were designed to isolate and amplify certain visual characteristics, and were not necessarily intended as a fix for color blindness. But while Changizi and Barber were showing the glasses to individuals around the world, they found that certain people with color blindness could see colors they were otherwise unable to see.

Did not know about this stuff. Probably should have. But dang, it's cool.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 08, 2013, 03:49:21 AM
Chickens have color vision.

JUST SAYING.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on March 08, 2013, 03:57:02 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 08, 2013, 03:49:21 AM
Chickens have color vision.

JUST SAYING.

For some reason that terrifies me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 08, 2013, 04:04:18 AM
Quote from: six to the quixotic on March 08, 2013, 03:57:02 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 08, 2013, 03:49:21 AM
Chickens have color vision.

JUST SAYING.

For some reason that terrifies me.

I feel like that's the most appropriate reaction.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 08, 2013, 04:07:35 AM
http://www.news.com.au/world-news/snipers-deployed-in-war-on-mutant-rats/story-fndir2ev-1226590560751

I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on March 08, 2013, 04:09:28 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 08, 2013, 04:07:35 AM
http://www.news.com.au/world-news/snipers-deployed-in-war-on-mutant-rats/story-fndir2ev-1226590560751

I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.

:lulz:

If I didn't before, I would now think that there is KNOW way Iran has plans for attacking the US. They got way bigger problems at home.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 08, 2013, 08:00:49 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 08, 2013, 04:07:35 AM
http://www.news.com.au/world-news/snipers-deployed-in-war-on-mutant-rats/story-fndir2ev-1226590560751

I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.

Phase 1: Giant radioactive mutants

Phase 2: ZOMBIES!!!

My optimism gland has re-engorged  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on March 08, 2013, 08:19:08 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 08, 2013, 04:07:35 AM
http://www.news.com.au/world-news/snipers-deployed-in-war-on-mutant-rats/story-fndir2ev-1226590560751

I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.

:lulz:

Quote from: From the story:TEHRAN has deployed snipers to fight an invasion of hyper-evolved "mutant rats", which officials say grew freakishly big after being exposed to radiation and chemicals.

The cat-sized rats now outnumber humans in the Iranian capital.

That's quite a picture they've painted.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 08, 2013, 11:57:43 AM
Are they not worried this will just lead to a breed of mutant rats that are capable of killing snipers?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on March 08, 2013, 12:00:09 PM
 
Quote from: Cain on March 08, 2013, 11:57:43 AM
Are they not worried this will just lead to a breed of mutant rats that are capable of killing snipers?

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 08, 2013, 02:50:29 PM
And the plot to Screamers rears its ugly head, once again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 08, 2013, 03:50:04 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 08, 2013, 04:07:35 AM
http://www.news.com.au/world-news/snipers-deployed-in-war-on-mutant-rats/story-fndir2ev-1226590560751

I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.

ROUSes!!!!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 08, 2013, 03:56:25 PM
Although I can't help wondering if that story is somehow related to this story: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/07/herorats.detect.landmines/index.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on March 09, 2013, 05:21:23 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 08, 2013, 04:07:35 AM
http://www.news.com.au/world-news/snipers-deployed-in-war-on-mutant-rats/story-fndir2ev-1226590560751

I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.

Save the rat that's surrounded by four turtles. That one is Master Splinter.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 11, 2013, 09:06:10 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21731368

Clegg using the Charlie Sheen definition of "Winning"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 11, 2013, 12:10:00 PM
Haha, I thought the exact same thing when I saw that headline.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 11, 2013, 03:07:04 PM
The lack of self awareness is painful.

On a different note:

QuoteSidorov felt moved to do something nice for this beleaguered woman he'd never met. He created a donation site on Indiegogo with the stated goal of raising $5,000 for Klein as a token of people's kindness. "Lets give her something she will never forget," he wrote to prospective donors. "A vacation of a lifetime!"
By the time Sidorov's funding drive ended a month later, more than 32,000 people had given a total of $703,168. Klein accepted the money and soon after retired from her bus monitor job. She gave $100,000 to establish the Karen Klein Anti-Bullying Foundation. She kept the rest.

When we watch the truly nasty scene that unfolded on the school bus that day, we all want to give Karen Klein a big hug. We might even, like Max Sidorov, want to send her on a lovely vacation. It seems much less obvious that we'd want to hand her $700,000.
Compare the 10 minutes of verbal abuse that Klein endures in this video to the ordeal of Lydia Tillman—a Colorado woman who was raped, savagely beaten, doused with bleach, and left for dead in an apartment her attacker had set on fire. Tillman survived after leaping out a second-story window. She suffered a stroke, was put in a coma, and awoke five weeks later without speech or motor skills. Her brother launched an Indiegogo campaign that managed to raise a smidge more than its goal of $65,000. This money wasn't meant to fund a vacation for Tillman or to let her quit her job, but rather to pay for a surgery that would allow her to eat solid food again

Short article regarding the various viral videos of late and their resulting donation campaigns. Not exactly hard reporting but it's made me re-consider these various donation campaigns. I was pretty sure they were awful before but now I'm fairly certain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 11, 2013, 07:02:27 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21737627

HA

HAHA

AHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAAHA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 09:04:22 AM
http://www.freep.com/article/20130311/NEWS0102/303110133/Kwame-Kilpatrick-Bobby-Ferguson-guilty-racketeering-extortion-dad-guilty-1-tax-count

I'm amazed Detroit hasn't actually been repossessed by OCP yet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 09:11:20 AM
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/03/07/judge-in-kermit-gosnell-abortion-case-dismisses-pro-life-jurors/

This trial could have some interesting consequences. Either way the usual pro and anti crowd will spout the same soundbites.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 09:21:25 AM
http://rt.com/usa/brooklyn-riot-police-protesters-127/

QuotePolice intervened when more than a hundred people joined in a candlelit vigil in the East Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where 16-year-old Kimani Gray was shot 11 times by police on Saturday.

Brooklynites on Twitter reported that police followed the march and searched apartment buildings in the neighborhood without warrants, looking for children who had been seen throwing bottles at police from neighborhood rooftops.

March participants chanted "NYPD KKK how many kids will you kill today," people report from the scene.

"I'm in the middle of the riot action at Church and Snyder in my district. Right now, things are tense," New York City Councilman Jumaane D. Williams, who represents the area, said on Twitter.

Sixteen-year-old Kimani Gray was shot and killed on Saturday night after, police say, pointing a gun at approaching cops.

According to the officers involved in the shooting, the teenager adjusted his belt "suspiciously," and after they exited their vehicle to investigate, he pointed a .357 caliber revolver at them. Both officers fired at the suspect, hitting Gray eleven times in his torso and legs.

Witnesses say Gray, who was running for his life when he was shot, did not have a gun. "Stay down, or we'll shoot you again," police said once Gray had been hit, according to The New York Times.

After the shooting Gray was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

I've not seen a word of this in UK media.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 09:29:53 AM
http://raniakhalek.com/2013/03/11/medias-absence-causes-confusion-over-kimani-gray-protest/

Closest I can find to actual reporting, I hesitate to use the term "media blackout" but it kind of looks like it. Unless young (Possibly) unarmed minority kids killed by US police isn't really news any more. I guess it isn't. It's been happening for long enough.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 03:11:04 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21751766

QuoteMr Postol says that while he cannot say what the performance of Iron Dome was in Operation Pillar of Defence, "all the available evidence unambiguously indicates a drastically lower level of performance than the 84% claimed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)."

His view is that the successful hit rate on incoming warheads could be as low as 5-10%.

Mr Postol says that if the IDF wants to make such claims, then it should provide the data to back them up.


It seems bloated military projects may not be as effective as the PR claims.

Wonders never cease.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on March 12, 2013, 03:16:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 09:29:53 AM
http://raniakhalek.com/2013/03/11/medias-absence-causes-confusion-over-kimani-gray-protest/

Closest I can find to actual reporting, I hesitate to use the term "media blackout" but it kind of looks like it. Unless young (Possibly) unarmed minority kids killed by US police isn't really news any more. I guess it isn't. It's been happening for long enough.
Not really, unfortunately. It's to be expected, really. I don't really trust the NYPD, all things considered, and am inclined to think the kid was unarmed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2013, 03:33:46 PM
Quote from: Juana Go? on March 12, 2013, 03:16:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 09:29:53 AM
http://raniakhalek.com/2013/03/11/medias-absence-causes-confusion-over-kimani-gray-protest/

Closest I can find to actual reporting, I hesitate to use the term "media blackout" but it kind of looks like it. Unless young (Possibly) unarmed minority kids killed by US police isn't really news any more. I guess it isn't. It's been happening for long enough.
Not really, unfortunately. It's to be expected, really. I don't really trust the NYPD, all things considered, and am inclined to think the kid was unarmed.

PAGING AMADOU DIALLO!
\
:cluephone:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2013, 05:22:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 09:11:20 AM
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/03/07/judge-in-kermit-gosnell-abortion-case-dismisses-pro-life-jurors/

This trial could have some interesting consequences. Either way the usual pro and anti crowd will spout the same soundbites.

I was unaware of the case.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/28/andrea-moton-and-sherry-w_n_1063847.html

Holy shit, this is monstrous.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 05:58:11 PM
Yup.

Just the kind of case you need to reframe the abortion debate. I would hope this is an exceptional incidence but I suspect it may be portrayed by some to be happening everywhere. Horrific shit tends to be good for creating horrific laws. Think about all the crazy GOP statements from the past year. Expect to hear them again soon referencing this, with a side of "I told you so"

And just enough people will buy it to keep the bullshit going on and on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2013, 06:10:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 05:58:11 PM
Yup.

Just the kind of case you need to reframe the abortion debate. I would hope this is an exceptional incidence but I suspect it may be portrayed by some to be happening everywhere. Horrific shit tends to be good for creating horrific laws. Think about all the crazy GOP statements from the past year. Expect to hear them again soon referencing this, with a side of "I told you so"

And just enough people will buy it to keep the bullshit going on and on.

The other side will argue that this is the kind of thing that happens when you make it hard for women to get abortions in nice clean safe well-regulated hospitals, and that more laws restricting abortion will make it happen more, not less.

Don't know how effective that counterargument will be in influencing public opinion, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2013, 06:13:57 PM
Where there was a moral issue, they would create a crime.

And that's really all you have to know, to understand the 21st century.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:15:31 PM
I'd say it would usually be quite effective. However this case is going to get the emotions going of those who would normally act fairly rationally. I'd bet on a rise in statements along the lines of "I used to be Pro-choice but now....."

The other part is that this is dealing with child murder really. Abortion and relevant laws/practices have little to do with the case. I really doubt that the discourse will make this distinction.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2013, 06:18:43 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:15:31 PM
I'd say it would usually be quite effective. However this case is going to get the emotions going of those who would normally act fairly rationally. I'd bet on a rise in statements along the lines of "I used to be Pro-choice but now....."

The other part is that this is dealing with child murder really. Abortion and relevant laws/practices have little to do with the case. I really doubt that the discourse will make this distinction.

And that's the basic disconnect.  The moral result of Roe v Wade was that a fetus is a baby if the mother wants it to be a baby.  Therefore a viable fetus IS a person in a murder trial, but not when it comes to abortion.

The Family, etc, understand this concept, but it is a blasphemy to them...As it puts the decision-making power into the hands fo the woman, and that is utterly unacceptable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2013, 06:24:50 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:15:31 PM
I'd say it would usually be quite effective. However this case is going to get the emotions going of those who would normally act fairly rationally. I'd bet on a rise in statements along the lines of "I used to be Pro-choice but now....."

The other part is that this is dealing with child murder really. Abortion and relevant laws/practices have little to do with the case. I really doubt that the discourse will make this distinction.

Yes, the fact that the preterm babies were born alive and THEN killed may seem like a technicality, but it is an important one.

One of the questions I have, which may never get answered, is why so many of these women were having late-term abortions in the first place, and I suspect that it has to do with scheduling and accessibility issues... pregnant women don't usually decide six months in that they don't want a baby after all. They usually don't want one right from the beginning.

Which makes me wonder if he was making them wait because he was overbooking.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2013, 06:26:40 PM
Also, I think that restricting abortion enough to ensure that atrocities like this take place is the deliberate, premeditated goal of the pro-life crowd.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:44:52 PM
The late term aspect will need close examination.

I gather that mental health is not really a priority in the US (or anywhere really) and I would be surprised if this was not at least an element in some cases, alongside other societal pressures (Work/family/money/etc). I recall post-partum depression figures always being higher than anticipated. Could this just be profiteering from pre-partum depression? I would suspect some women(and partners) get past the legal abortion point and the situation becomes much more real as the final solution is no longer there. Then it is.

If he's that busy, surely hiring help would be wise? Would the usual hippocratic oath not apply, forcing him to send them to another facility?

I'm not going to claim any expertise on anything here, just speculating. All I'm sure about is this is the next big abortion clusterfuck.

If this is a deliberate, premeditated goal then I would say it's one of the shittiest things in history. That crowd is crazy, but not that crazy. I would think it more likely to be a hopefully anticipated side effect. If quite a few similar cases come along quickly that would support deliberate evil.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2013, 06:51:03 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:44:52 PM
I gather that mental health is not really a priority in the US

:whack:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:52:02 PM
Make 'em laugh, Make 'em laugh make 'em laaaaaaaugh!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2013, 06:53:55 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:52:02 PM
Make 'em laugh, Make 'em laugh make 'em laaaaaaaugh!

GO OUT WITH A SMILE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2013, 07:36:41 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 06:44:52 PM
The late term aspect will need close examination.

I gather that mental health is not really a priority in the US (or anywhere really) and I would be surprised if this was not at least an element in some cases, alongside other societal pressures (Work/family/money/etc). I recall post-partum depression figures always being higher than anticipated. Could this just be profiteering from pre-partum depression? I would suspect some women(and partners) get past the legal abortion point and the situation becomes much more real as the final solution is no longer there. Then it is.

If he's that busy, surely hiring help would be wise? Would the usual hippocratic oath not apply, forcing him to send them to another facility?

I'm not going to claim any expertise on anything here, just speculating. All I'm sure about is this is the next big abortion clusterfuck.

If this is a deliberate, premeditated goal then I would say it's one of the shittiest things in history. That crowd is crazy, but not that crazy. I would think it more likely to be a hopefully anticipated side effect. If quite a few similar cases come along quickly that would support deliberate evil.

They are completely that crazy, because forcing conditions that foster this kind of situation gives them what they want; dirty dangerous abortions where those sluts are punished. The goal is not to save lives, but to outlaw abortion, and the more atrocities occur because of laws that restrict the accessibility of safe early-term abortions in high-quality hospitals and clinics, the more unsafe late-term abortions will take place in low-quality abortion mills, giving them the fuel they want to lobby for even more restrictive laws.

"Pre-partum depression"? What is that? Did you just make it up?

Seriously, people are stupid, but you're really underestimating women, or have an incredibly poor idea of how pregnancy works, if you think that so many women would just "let it slide" until the 7th month or so, when they are heavily, visibly pregnant and the procedure is very expensive and dangerous.

I suspect that the key factor here has to do with the unavailability of early-term abortions for these women.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 07:46:44 PM
Quote"Pre-partum depression"? What is that? Did you just make it up?

I'll be honest - I pulled it out of my ass. I freely admit I know pretty much fuck all about pregnancy personally beyond the basics. If the gods are kind to the world I never will.

I googled, it appears to be a thing. Or at least a psuedo thing. Not an expert.
For those who are: Feel free to chime in.
http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?q=pre+partum+depression&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&ei=RYQ_UaUag9I54piAIA&ved=0CC4QgQMwAA

I have very low opinion of people, it's not just women. I base that line of reasoning around the fact things like Jeremy Kyle and Jerry Springer exist. The people I work with exist. More than a few cases where people were unaware of pregnancy until going into labour (mainly teens I think, but also a few past 30) so it's possible some cases were not aware until late stages?

You are most likely spot on that the availability is the key issue, I'm waiting for more evidence before I call this a planned pre-meditated goal though.

Again, totally not an expert here. Just speculating based on random information.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2013, 09:18:35 PM
There is such a thing as pregnancy depression, but it's not properly called "pre-partum" depression, and it would never be called "pre-partum" in a woman who had an abortion.

The reason might become clear when you look up the word "partum".

Anyway, I think that you are brilliantly optimistic regarding how evil people can be when it comes to pursuing their moral goals. Degraded, unsafe abortion conditions is not the ultimate goal of the pro-lifers, it's a means to an end, and since it's readily foreseeable, I think it's safe to conclude that it's deliberate.

As far as people being unaware that they are pregnant until they go into labor, yes, it happens, INCREDIBLY rarely, usually in extremely obese women. The odds that this doctor would encounter hundreds, let alone thousands, such cases are astronomically small. The odds that he would encounter even a dozen are vanishingly small. So there's clearly something else going on; some other reason the women were waiting until the last trimester to obtain an abortion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2013, 09:20:00 PM
BTW, almost all of the hits you pulled up are about post-partum depression, and just happen to also have the word pre-partum in them somewhere. FYI.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on March 12, 2013, 10:29:08 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 12, 2013, 09:18:35 PM
There is such a thing as pregnancy depression, but it's not properly called "pre-partum" depression, and it would never be called "pre-partum" in a woman who had an abortion.

The reason might become clear when you look up the word "partum". [...]

[There is] some other reason the women were waiting until the last trimester to obtain an abortion.
Although development is still a gradual process, "and life does not begin at conception", I guess it still makes abortion appear more like infanticide because of the images formed in the mind. [and just to rub it in, someone outside just started operating a power drill  :horrormirth:]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 10:31:28 PM
Ah, I caught that. My thought about psuedo thing was from the standard google search, seems to be tons but I've no idea what is a reliable source here. (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pre+partum+depression&aq=f&oq=pre+partum+depression&aqs=chrome.0.59j60l2j0l3.4234&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)

Fairly sure Ricky Lake isnt. Daily mail certainly not. The term I was looking for seems to be "pre natal depression".

It may be the idea with people actually wanting the race to the bottom because they seem to believe it will only get better once we get there. Expanding that out is rather worrying. Not thinking about the middle east here at all.

I think I'm struggling with a lot of concepts here. Probably best to shut up. Thanks for being patient here, it's appreciated.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2013, 10:00:13 AM
Back to your regularly scheduled "What the fuck?"

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130310/METRO/303100306

QuoteShriner, who believes God put her on earth to stop the arrival of the Antichrist, said in an interview she wasn't aware how irrational Pingilley had become until reading her blog after her death.

If she had known, she said, she would have done something to help her.

"Her last blog — I don't know where she came up with it," said Shriner, 47, of Carrollton, Ohio, near Canton. "Some stuff was pretty out there. It was just crazy."

But Shriner also said she didn't believe Pingilley killed herself. She said the death was made to look like a suicide by the people who really killed her — a NATO hit squad.

Where to begin?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2013, 10:17:40 AM
The "Yeah, it's nice to confirm this" files:
http://www.neurope.eu/article/papal-conclave-begins-vatican-revealed-own-europes-biggest-gay-sauna
QuoteAs Cardinals gather to select the next Pope, the Vatican has been found to have made a €23 million investment in an apartment block that contains "Europe's biggest gay sauna," Europa Multiclub according to reports in Rome and the UK Independent newspaper.

The building also houses priests, an Archbishop and, occupying a 12 room apartment on the first floor, Cardinal Ivan Dias, the head of the Congregation for Evangelisation of Peoples.

Cardinal Dias will be in the conclave and is a believes that homosexuality can be cured of their "unnatural tendancies" through the Sacrement of Pennance. It is not known if the Cardinal has visited the sauna.

QuoteLa Repubblica said "The cardinals were said to have uncovered an underground gay network, whose members organise sexual meetings in several venues in Rome and Vatican City, leaving them prone to blackmail. They included a villa outside the Italian capital, a sauna in a Rome suburb, a beauty parlour in the centre, and a former university residence that was in use by a provincial Italian archbishop."

>It is not known if Europa Multiclub is the sauna referred to.

The report is being kept locked away until the next Pope is chosen, who will have to deal with its contents. It is rumoured that the Cardinals wish to read the report, not least out of concerns that the next pontiff could be named in it.

Cross your fingers boys and girls. It's just about funny enough to happen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2013, 11:54:20 AM
Today's Bout of the blindingly obvious brought you you by Laura Bush:

http://news.yahoo.com/laura-bush-says-republicans-frightened-women-150008515--abc-news-politics.html

QuoteSome Republican candidates in the 2012 elections "frightened" women, says former first lady Laura Bush.
CNN's Erin Burnett asked Bush Monday in an interview whether Republicans making social issues like gay marriage and abortion so central to the platform led to more than half of women voters voting for President Obama.
"There are obvious examples of candidates that were - that I think frightened some women, but they were the exception rather than the norm in the party," Bush said. "There are all of those social issues that are very, very heartfelt by people. And I understand that. There are differences and there just will be."

QuoteBush said that what she liked most about the Republican Party was that there's room for all opinions on different issues.
"And I'm glad that in our party we have room for all," she said. "I think that's important too."

It doesn't matter what kind of crazy you are, you are welcome.

Also brought to you today by Laura Bush - Madness.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 13, 2013, 03:13:14 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 12, 2013, 10:31:28 PM
Ah, I caught that. My thought about psuedo thing was from the standard google search, seems to be tons but I've no idea what is a reliable source here. (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pre+partum+depression&aq=f&oq=pre+partum+depression&aqs=chrome.0.59j60l2j0l3.4234&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)

Fairly sure Ricky Lake isnt. Daily mail certainly not. The term I was looking for seems to be "pre natal depression".

It may be the idea with people actually wanting the race to the bottom because they seem to believe it will only get better once we get there. Expanding that out is rather worrying. Not thinking about the middle east here at all.

I think I'm struggling with a lot of concepts here. Probably best to shut up. Thanks for being patient here, it's appreciated.

Prenatal depression, again, is a term that can only be used retrospectively after the birth of a baby because of the definition of the word "natal". It is also not a diagnosis or a technical term, just one that people bandy about on talk shows and forums because they heard it somewhere and think it makes them sound like they know what they're doing. I caution against doing that, because it has the opposite effect when you're dealing with people who do know what they're talking about. It's also important to know what postpartum depression actually is (it really lives all by itself in it's own depression category, because it's got a bunch of fairly unique symptoms that are extremely uncommon in depression) so that you don't mistake pregnancy depression for just a pre-birth form of postpartum depression. Depression during pregnancy is depression, and is, unsurprisingly, very common in women who are prone to depression. One can also be depressed after pregnancy. Postpartum depression, however, is a beast of a different color, to the point where many specialists would like it renamed so that people stop confusing it with depression.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2013, 03:52:23 PM
Ah, Thanks Nigel that clarifies a few things. I think I was mainly going wrong by thinking that there may be a specific kind of depression related to carrying a child. I'm also pretty bloody stupid at times so the patience is appreciated.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 13, 2013, 04:58:48 PM
Just saw this news blurb about Biden "differentiat[ing] between the "garden variety slap across the face" and other violent acts which indicate domestic violence"
http://freebeacon.com/biden-this-isnt-your-garden-variety-slap-across-the-face/

cant see the youtube behind the nannywall.  is it as cringeworthy as it sounds?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2013, 07:27:31 PM
New pope from Argentina.

http://www.vaticancrimes.us/

I've been looking over the above, the reporting seems legit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 13, 2013, 07:35:12 PM
Pope Bergoglio
sounds good...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lenin McCarthy on March 13, 2013, 07:57:14 PM
Pope Francis. First Jesuit pope (fun fact: Norway had a constitutional ban on Jesuits entering the country until 1956). First Latin American pope. But still a white conservative old fart.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 13, 2013, 08:10:32 PM
so, i know the last pope was officially Benedict, but i heard him referred to more as pope Ratzinger, apart from the media...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 13, 2013, 08:27:59 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 13, 2013, 03:52:23 PM
Ah, Thanks Nigel that clarifies a few things. I think I was mainly going wrong by thinking that there may be a specific kind of depression related to carrying a child. I'm also pretty bloody stupid at times so the patience is appreciated.

YW!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 13, 2013, 08:32:11 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on March 13, 2013, 04:58:48 PM
Just saw this news blurb about Biden "differentiat[ing] between the "garden variety slap across the face" and other violent acts which indicate domestic violence"
http://freebeacon.com/biden-this-isnt-your-garden-variety-slap-across-the-face/

cant see the youtube behind the nannywall.  is it as cringeworthy as it sounds?

From the oddly-edited snippet of video (Biden is literally cut off midsentence, which to me signals that whoever edited it is intentionally removing context) it sounds as if he is talking about warning signs for domestic abuse that is at high risk for escalating to homicide.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 13, 2013, 08:43:00 PM
Yeah, I found the snipped portion of the quote.

Quote"This isn't your garden variety slap across the face, which is not acceptable in and of itself," he said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/in-rockville-visit-biden-announces-new-program-to-curb-domestic-violence/2013/03/13/9c5acbc8-8bf5-11e2-9f54-f3fdd70acad2_story.html?wprss=rss_southern-maryland

Quote
The Justice Department program, modeled after efforts in Maryland and Massachusetts, will help local law enforcement and medical personnel to identify women at risk of being murdered by intimate partners. Biden said that research has shown that certain predictive behaviors--including attempted strangulation and sexual assault--place women at elevated risk of becoming homicide victims.

You might want to reconsider your source's credibility. That not-so-slick move, all by itself, seriously throws their ethics and motivation into suspicion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 13, 2013, 08:45:17 PM
 :lulz: Yeah, actually, I just looked that "news site" over a little more closely. It's 100% tabloid trash with a pinch of reptar.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 13, 2013, 08:48:01 PM
yeah. that's super shitty giving a quote that's only half a sentance!  wtf
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2013, 08:53:22 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 13, 2013, 08:45:17 PM
:lulz: Yeah, actually, I just looked that "news site" over a little more closely. It's 100% tabloid trash with a pinch of reptar.

That is exactly why I love it.


I'm sick.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 13, 2013, 08:58:42 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on March 13, 2013, 08:48:01 PM
yeah. that's super shitty giving a quote that's only half a sentance!  wtf

Happens all the time... you really have to watch out for it, regardless of which political angle is being manipulated. Whenever you hear a quote that makes you go "WTF??? Why would a politician say something that stupid?" it's wise to try to find a fuller transcript so you can put it in context. It's sort of like those movie review quotes that say "...this is a mind-blowingly superb film." but when you look up the review, the whole quote is "If you're looking for something to compare the worst movie ever made with, this is a mind-blowingly superb film."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 13, 2013, 10:09:39 PM
Free Beacon is basically a clearing house of Movement Conservatism smears and memes.  They manufacture them and release them into the wild, the bigger players see how the environment reacts to them, and picks up on the most promising themes to run in their "serious" and "sober" publications.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on March 14, 2013, 02:06:48 AM
Not technically a news story but such a tremendous pile of horseshit it's worthy of posting.

I give you the most ethical companies in the world:
http://m1.ethisphere.com/wme2013/index.html

because when I think of ethics I think of Pepsi and Starbucks.

Also in hindsight taking in a decades worth of news in less than a week may not have been my best idea. My eyes are open, and it fucking hurts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on March 14, 2013, 11:18:59 AM
http://mashable.com/2013/03/13/first-tablet-for-women/

Jesus Christ.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on March 14, 2013, 01:58:42 PM
Good god. When in the world will people stop assuming that just because you are a woman you like pink, yoga and cooking?
Especially pink. I am sooooo sick of that color, never have been a fan of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 14, 2013, 02:14:33 PM
Quote from: Waffles, Viking Princess of Northern Belgium on March 14, 2013, 11:18:59 AM
http://mashable.com/2013/03/13/first-tablet-for-women/

Jesus Christ.

*crosses eyes* GRRLS AREN'T SPOSE TA KNOW HOW TO DOWNLOAD APPS AND STUFF!

"ePad Femme" sounds like some kind of smart Kotex.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 14, 2013, 02:15:22 PM
Quote from: Sita on March 14, 2013, 01:58:42 PM
Good god. When in the world will people stop assuming that just because you are a woman you like pink, yoga and cooking?

When people stop buying it.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 14, 2013, 02:17:39 PM
I like yoga and cooking, and certain shades of pink.

If we're going full circle back to the fifties, though ("HONEY I FUCKED UP THE COFFEE! WAHHHHHH!") I want fifties privileges. Like not having to make a living.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 14, 2013, 02:19:35 PM
Or, given this is a product created in the Middle East, when their husbands stop buying it for their wives because they assume they will like it, and then beat them when they complain about it.

So basically, at least in the case of Saudi Arabia, never.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on March 14, 2013, 03:27:11 PM
More on the Kimani Gray case:

Autopsy report - he was shot three times in the back, four in the front. (http://gawker.com/5990429/16+year+old-killed-by-nypd-was-shot-three-times-in-back-four-in-front)

Protesting in Brooklyn for the third night in a row last night. (https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/7-nypd-bullets-killed-teen-kimani-gray-article-1.1287452)
(handled, as usual, with brutality - Anarcho Queer (http://anarcho-queer.tumblr.com/) on Tumblr has some pretty good coverage, I think. He usually does. Yes, it's Tumblr, but the guy's on the front line in the flesh, so to speak, and the NYPD has declared the Flatbush part of the area a "frozen zone", meaning the media is not allowed in and anyone can be arrested for not following police orders)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 14, 2013, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Juana Go? on March 14, 2013, 03:27:11 PM
More on the Kimani Gray case:

Autopsy report - he was shot three times in the back, four in the front. (http://gawker.com/5990429/16+year+old-killed-by-nypd-was-shot-three-times-in-back-four-in-front)

Protesting in Brooklyn for the third night in a row last night. (https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/7-nypd-bullets-killed-teen-kimani-gray-article-1.1287452)
(handled, as usual, with brutality - Anarcho Queer (http://anarcho-queer.tumblr.com/) on Tumblr has some pretty good coverage, I think. He usually does. Yes, it's Tumblr, but the guy's on the front line in the flesh, so to speak, and the NYPD has declared the Flatbush part of the area a "frozen zone", meaning the media is not allowed in and anyone can be arrested for not following police orders)

Wait, what?  Martial Law?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 14, 2013, 03:43:10 PM
Quote from: Waffles, Viking Princess of Northern Belgium on March 14, 2013, 11:18:59 AM
http://mashable.com/2013/03/13/first-tablet-for-women/

Jesus Christ.

Oh my god that's HILARIOUS.  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on March 14, 2013, 03:44:06 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 14, 2013, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Juana Go? on March 14, 2013, 03:27:11 PM
More on the Kimani Gray case:

Autopsy report - he was shot three times in the back, four in the front. (http://gawker.com/5990429/16+year+old-killed-by-nypd-was-shot-three-times-in-back-four-in-front)

Protesting in Brooklyn for the third night in a row last night. (https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/7-nypd-bullets-killed-teen-kimani-gray-article-1.1287452)
(handled, as usual, with brutality - Anarcho Queer (http://anarcho-queer.tumblr.com/) on Tumblr has some pretty good coverage, I think. He usually does. Yes, it's Tumblr, but the guy's on the front line in the flesh, so to speak, and the NYPD has declared the Flatbush part of the area a "frozen zone", meaning the media is not allowed in and anyone can be arrested for not following police orders)

Wait, what?  Martial Law?
Basically, yes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 14, 2013, 03:46:37 PM
In Frozen Zones, the first amendment doesn't apply, because, er, fuck you hippies.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 14, 2013, 03:53:17 PM
Quote from: stelz on March 14, 2013, 02:17:39 PM
I like yoga and cooking, and certain shades of pink.

If we're going full circle back to the fifties, though ("HONEY I FUCKED UP THE COFFEE! WAHHHHHH!") I want fifties privileges. Like not having to make a living.

Gonna be honest with you.

I could have been a housewife. My ex makes six figures. He's not abusive or anything, just distant, mildly autistic, and kinda gay. I could have slept with anyone I wanted, he didn't care, and I would have had as much spending money as I cared for... I just would have had to justify my spending and how I spent my time.






Not worth it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 14, 2013, 03:54:05 PM
Quotedistant, mildly autistic, and kinda gay

You say that like those are negatives for a man in a hetrosexual relationship.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 14, 2013, 03:54:12 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 14, 2013, 03:46:37 PM
In Frozen Zones, the first amendment doesn't apply, because, er, fuck you hippies.

Leave it to Brooklyn... They were openly stamping on the Constitution before it was cool.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 14, 2013, 03:54:14 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 14, 2013, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Juana Go? on March 14, 2013, 03:27:11 PM
More on the Kimani Gray case:

Autopsy report - he was shot three times in the back, four in the front. (http://gawker.com/5990429/16+year+old-killed-by-nypd-was-shot-three-times-in-back-four-in-front)

Protesting in Brooklyn for the third night in a row last night. (https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/7-nypd-bullets-killed-teen-kimani-gray-article-1.1287452)
(handled, as usual, with brutality - Anarcho Queer (http://anarcho-queer.tumblr.com/) on Tumblr has some pretty good coverage, I think. He usually does. Yes, it's Tumblr, but the guy's on the front line in the flesh, so to speak, and the NYPD has declared the Flatbush part of the area a "frozen zone", meaning the media is not allowed in and anyone can be arrested for not following police orders)

Wait, what?  Martial Law?

Well, what do you know?

Nope, not a police state at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 14, 2013, 03:54:35 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 14, 2013, 03:54:05 PM
Quotedistant, mildly autistic, and kinda gay

You say that like those are negatives for a man in a hetrosexual relationship.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 14, 2013, 03:54:57 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 14, 2013, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Juana Go? on March 14, 2013, 03:27:11 PM
More on the Kimani Gray case:

Autopsy report - he was shot three times in the back, four in the front. (http://gawker.com/5990429/16+year+old-killed-by-nypd-was-shot-three-times-in-back-four-in-front)

Protesting in Brooklyn for the third night in a row last night. (https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/7-nypd-bullets-killed-teen-kimani-gray-article-1.1287452)
(handled, as usual, with brutality - Anarcho Queer (http://anarcho-queer.tumblr.com/) on Tumblr has some pretty good coverage, I think. He usually does. Yes, it's Tumblr, but the guy's on the front line in the flesh, so to speak, and the NYPD has declared the Flatbush part of the area a "frozen zone", meaning the media is not allowed in and anyone can be arrested for not following police orders)

Wait, what?  Martial Law?

WHERE IS WARREN ELLIS?  THAT BASTARD KEEPS WRITING THE FUTURE ALL WRONG, AND IT ALL COMES TRUE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 14, 2013, 03:59:37 PM
It looks like (http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/frozen_zone/) frozen zone laws date back to WWII, but their scope has been steadily increased, from war-time security powers, to the protection of foreign dignitaries, to shutting down the sites of actual terrorist attacks, to shutting down the site of possible terrorist attacks, to protecting the political leadership of the main two parties, to clamping down on civil dissent.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 14, 2013, 04:28:59 PM
All of the above sounds really useful for a certain style of Government. I'd expect to see more of these in the future. Shame I'm unlikely to hear about them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on March 14, 2013, 04:45:20 PM
Well, you won't from the mainstream media, which seems to have lost its spine since Watergate. Until they shut it down, you'll still hear it on Twitter and other social media.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 14, 2013, 05:33:30 PM
Quote from: Juana Go? on March 14, 2013, 04:45:20 PM
Well, you won't from the mainstream media, which seems to have lost its spine since Watergate. Until they shut it down, you'll still hear it on Twitter and other social media.

Or before.  Let's not forget, Nixon had enemies too, and Watergate was as much an internal coup as it was a case of the media aiding in bringing down a President.

Just saying, Woodward's politics edge towards the extreme conservative spectrum, and people like that consider Nixon a "squish".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 14, 2013, 07:29:57 PM
Quote from: Juana Go? on March 14, 2013, 04:45:20 PM
Well, you won't from the mainstream media, which seems to have lost its spine since Watergate. Until they shut it down, you'll still hear it on Twitter and other social media.

I've made a point of trying to actively avoid any kind of social media, but a twitter account appears to be inevitable at some point. Mainly because I keep missing gig tickets and it's pissing me off.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 15, 2013, 01:32:48 PM
Comparative news reporting:

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13146&LangID=E

The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Terrorism has just published a statement yesterday, describing how the civilian Pakistani government is opposed to drone strikes in its territory (the ISI and Pakistani military - America's actual partners in this program - were not included in the investigation).

Today, in the CFR's propaganda rag

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138845/husain-haqqani/breaking-up-is-not-hard-to-do

QuoteGiven this history of failure, it is time to reconsider whether the U.S.-Pakistani alliance is worth preserving. At least for the foreseeable future, the United States will not accept the Pakistani military's vision of Pakistani preeminence in South Asia or equality with India. And aid alone will not alter Islamabad's priorities. Of course, as Pakistan's democracy grows stronger, the Pakistanis might someday be able to have a realistic debate about what the national interest is and how it should be pursued. But even that debate might not end on terms the United States likes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 15, 2013, 02:57:20 PM
PR lolz (http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/george-osbornes-name-on-economy-policies-proves-toxic-to-voters-new-poll-shows-8534396.html)

Quote

Voters are less likely to back the Government's core economic policies when they are told George Osborne is the author, an extraordinary poll reveals today.

The Ipsos MORI survey, a week ahead of the Budget, may suggest that the Chancellor is so toxic to voters that he has become a liability to his own flagship policies.

Researchers gave half the poll sample a summary of the Coalition's argument that deficit-reduction should be the priority, without any mention of Mr Osborne's name. They were also given a summary of Labour's arguments for higher spending on growth measures and asked to choose between them.

The other half of the sample were shown identical summaries, but this time preceded by the words "George Osborne argues that ... or "Ed Balls argues that..."

Adding the names of the politicians made a dramatic difference to the way people responded. When Osborne and Balls were not mentioned, voters backed the austerity policies by 52 per cent to 41 — an 11-point lead for the Coalition.

But when Mr Osborne and Mr Balls were identified as the authors, support for the Coalition policy fell to 37 per cent, and support for Labour's policy jumped to 53 per cent — some 16 points ahead.

Of course, this does also suggest that a good 16% of the voting population may be easily led sheep who cannot identify good policies from bad ones unless the author of those policies is included as a guide, but....well, just look at the Crazification Factor thread to see the number is probably closer to 27%.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 15, 2013, 10:12:55 PM
"Osborne and Balls"

is really all I have to say.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 15, 2013, 10:50:34 PM
Just wait until you see their pictures:

The Heir Apparent to the Baronetcy of Osborne, George Gideon Oliver Osborne:

(http://barrykade.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/george-gideon-osborne-tory-bstard.jpg?w=500)

Edward Michael Balls

(http://blogs.independent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/EdBalls_468x521.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 16, 2013, 12:41:54 AM
The word that comes to mind is "prig".

PRIGGISH BALLS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 16, 2013, 12:52:03 AM
Balls is actually somewhat more human than Osborne*.

I mean, there are things that dissect cows and kidnap people for anal probing experiments in flying saucers who are more human than Osborne, so I know it's not saying much.

*And a great deal less slimy.  Again though, not a hard achievement.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Golden Applesauce on March 16, 2013, 03:13:47 AM
There's a certain kind of face - tall, wide and flattish, especially a flat nose - that just feels like it needs to be punched, in the same way that big round bellies are meant to be rubbed.

Mr. Balls has such a face.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 16, 2013, 04:01:22 AM
I think it's his piggy little eyes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 18, 2013, 01:17:53 PM
http://www.businessweek.com/printer/articles/101880-why-gun-makers-fear-the-nra

QuoteIn the days after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre on Dec. 14, executives with a half-dozen major U.S. gun manufacturers contacted the National Rifle Association. The firearm industry representatives didn't call the NRA, which they support with millions of dollars each year, to issue directives. On the contrary, they sought guidance on how to handle the public-relations crisis, according to people familiar with the situation who agreed to interviews on the condition they remain anonymous.

While the Obama administration had reacted meekly to mass shootings in Tucson and Aurora, Colo., Sandy Hook would be different. Twenty first-graders were dead. The president, a gun control supporter who previously had avoided the radioactive issue, wiped away tears when talking on television about the "beautiful little kids." As a nation, the normally stoic president added, "We have been through this too many times." In crass political terms, he was newly reelected and had less to lose in confronting pro-gun forces. The NRA's leadership faced a choice: Go to the mattresses as usual, or acknowledge the special horror of Sandy Hook and offer an olive branch.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 18, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
UK Press regulation bullshit part 442902 -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21825823
QuoteA deal has been struck between the three main political parties on measures to regulate the press in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal.

An independent regulator will be set up by royal charter, although opinions vary over whether this is now underpinned by law.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said the charter "would be underpinned by statute", but the PM denied this.

Press reform campaign group Hacked Off has welcomed the deal.

Deal struck, everyone relived that things can carry on as usual.

Note- People who have made the deal still can't agree. Hacked Off welcome a deal that they don't know the detail of.

Number of arrests and convictions still paltry. It's all OK though, 3 talking heads apparently agree.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 18, 2013, 02:19:09 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21786506
QuoteThe most notorious spy who fooled the world was the Iraqi defector, Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi.

His fabrications and lies were a crucial part of the intelligence used to justify one of the most divisive wars in recent history. And they contributed to one of the biggest intelligence failures in living memory.

He became known as Curveball, the codename given to him by US intelligence that turned out to be all too appropriate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 18, 2013, 04:20:34 PM
Never saw this coming:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21835363

QuoteArgentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner says she has asked for the Pope's intervention in the Falklands dispute between her country and the UK.

Visiting the Vatican, Mrs Kirchner said she had asked the Pope to promote dialogue between the two sides.

Argentine Pope Francis was elected last week and will be formally installed as pontiff at a Mass on Tuesday.

In the past he has said the Falkland Islands, a UK overseas territory, belong to Argentina.

"I asked for his intervention to avoid problems that could emerge from the militarization of Great Britain in the south Atlantic," Mrs Kirchner told reporters after having lunch with the Pope.

"We want a dialogue and that's why we asked the pope to intervene so that the dialogue is successful."

Kirchner: Crazy or Calculating? She may want to read up on the history of the catholic church in the UK. I wouldn't always call it accommodating. Until the potential oil is determined, this will just go on and on. Go and look at a drugs or guns story.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 18, 2013, 04:36:51 PM
I can't help but think "Golden Dawn"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21822165
QuoteKatidis denied he gave a Nazi salute. "I am not a fascist and would not have done it if I had known what it meant," Katidis said on his Twitter account.

The player - a former captain of Greece's under-19 team - was fiercely criticised on social media for the salute after scoring the winner in AEK's 2-1 victory over Veria in the Olympic stadium on Saturday.

He insisted he was simply pointing at a team mate in the stands.

It's impressive that the "I didn't know what it meant" defence is still alive.

It's also impressive that you have to be acknowledged as a certain kind of idiot to use it.

It's further impressing me that people still buy this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 18, 2013, 04:41:48 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9913463/My-father-the-hate-preacher-Nate-Phelps-on-escaping-Westboro-Baptist-Church.html

Because you haven't thought about these fools in a couple of months.

QuoteIt was five minutes to midnight as Nate Phelps quietly picked his way through the three interconnected rooms where his siblings slept. At the end of the corridor there was the dining room. To the right, a closed door to the church which adjoined the house. There was no sound from the top of the staircase that led to his father's room. Nate stood there in the darkness, staring at the old red clock in front of him and watched as the minute hand approached 12 and the moment he would turn 18.
He ran as fast as he could, back through the three rooms and out of the door into the night. Nate had no idea who had heard him or who, if anyone, was coming after him. He jumped into his waiting car, an old banger he'd bought for $300 from the high school security guard the previous week, and prayed as the engine spluttered to life. Then he disappeared, away from the church, from his father's abuse and from the only life he'd ever known.
Phelps is the sixth of 13 children of Fred Phelps, the notorious pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Westboro first came to international attention after its members (consisting largely of members of Phelps's extended family) picketed the funeral of Matthew Shepard, the student who was murdered in 1998 because he was gay.

Article full of the expected. Enjoy.

By expected, I mean this kind of thing:

QuoteBut Nate Phelps says the perception in some circles that his father was once this champion of civil rights, railing against discrimination, is laughable. "We would all call black people 'DNs' at home. It stood for Dumb N------ and was our private language," he says. "We thought it was clever to call them that in front of them. He was deeply prejudiced, and he believed the Bible said they were cursed."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 19, 2013, 01:42:18 AM
Wow, that was a really interesting article. Holy shit, those poor kids.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 19, 2013, 03:38:32 AM
I'm surprised there's only forty people in that church.
In a sane world, they'd be marginalized and overlooked. And Phelps would have been locked up a long time ago.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 19, 2013, 11:41:57 AM
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2416651,00.asp

Facebook CEO has 99% approval rating. Reminds me of somewhere.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on March 19, 2013, 12:41:15 PM
America?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 19, 2013, 03:20:38 PM
I was thinking China, or a number of other places. Like North Korea.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 20, 2013, 06:00:10 AM
That's creepy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 20, 2013, 01:48:18 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21861941

QuoteThe Evening Standard has apologised after it published details of the Budget online before George Osborne delivered his statement.

The newspaper's front page outlined announcements such as the cancellation of a fuel duty rise and a rise in the personal tax allowance to £10,000.

QuoteIn 1947 Chancellor Hugh Dalton resigned after leaking details of a Budget to journalists.

So, who leaked to the press?

This caught my interest for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Leveson is still live and being discussed (Though apparently agreed) and this is a prefect example of information moving between Government and press with no accountability. Secondly, I'm assuming the denial mill will start fairly soon. This will be hard to reconcile with the fact that the headlines and reporting was accurate.

It seems clear to me that there are (and likely always will be) inappropriate relations between ministers, press and police. This is quite concerning given the shit Cain threw up about Belgium over the past few days. It's hard to dismiss this as inconsequential when it appears to be a symptom of a larger problem.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 20, 2013, 02:07:49 PM
The Guardian is already making a play to try and get Osbourne sacked.

It won't fly, though. The cocaine and dominatrix story he got buried due to his friend Andy Coulson never went anywhere, and his piss poor management of the economy also hasn't exactly hurt him. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 20, 2013, 02:20:02 PM
I suspect the media will accomplish nothing until the offical stance is set for Leveson.

I further suspect, regardless of the Leveson "deal" that the media will accomplish nothing. Why queer your chances at a future government job?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21856516
QuoteThe Bolshoi Ballet has been mired in further controversy after a former soloist claimed female dancers were forced to sleep with wealthy patrons.

Anastasia Volochkova accused the theatre's general director of turning the company "into a giant brothel".

Outspoken Volochkova, who has dabbled in TV talent and talk shows, was fired from the Bolshoi in 2003 for being too heavy.

General director Anatoly Iksanov dismissed the claims as "ravings".

Volochkova made the allegations during an interview on a television talk show in Russia on Sunday, later repeating them in a radio interview with Russian News Service.

"It mainly happened with the corps du ballet but also with the soloists," she said.

Probably reading a little too much into it after the Belgian info, but this seems to have more to it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 20, 2013, 02:38:16 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/9939401/Rules-of-cyberwar-set-out-for-first-time-in-Nato-manual.html

QuoteThe manual is the first attempt to set out how international law applies to online attacks by the state, and warns that online attacks could lead to full-blown military conflicts.
The handbook, the result of three years collaboration between international experts for Nato's Co-operative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, defines a cyber attack as one that is "reasonably expected to cause injury or death to persons or damage or destruction to objects."
An online attack on an electricity grid resulting in fire is one example of the way that cyberwar could bring about real physical harm.

I'm sure we can all rest easier knowing that these rules will be treated with the same respect given the rules of conventional warfare.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 20, 2013, 09:18:07 PM
AH
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21869330

AHAHA

QuoteComedian Jim Davidson has been questioned about new allegations of sexual offences as part of a probe related to the Jimmy Savile inquiry.

The 59-year-old was answering bail on Wednesday at a London police station when he was "further arrested on suspicion of sexual offences", said Scotland Yard.

Mr Davidson's solicitor says the comic "vigorously denies" the allegations.

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Ahem.

I meant, Fuck you Jim Davidson. Fuck YOU.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 20, 2013, 09:22:07 PM
Is anyone surprised?  Anyone?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 20, 2013, 09:26:16 PM
I've just booked another couple of tickets for Sadowitz when I'm home.

This is going to be great. I couldn't ask for better timing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 21, 2013, 12:28:13 PM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/03/16/newly-hired-detroit-efm-has-some-financial-issues-of-his-own/

QuoteDETROIT (WWJ) – Records show that the new Detroit emergency financial manager, Kevyn Orr, has some unpaid taxes and two liens on his Maryland home.

Orr has apparently not paid $16,000 in unemployment taxes.

Nice going HR.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 22, 2013, 02:45:50 PM
WTF, Hugh Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_6ZZVaiWT0

There's already a petition making the rounds http://blog-off.org/

Cain, nobody's listening to this guy, are they? Tell me he's a UK Tom Cruise...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 22, 2013, 02:55:08 PM
He was hacked by the News of the World, repeatedly.  He made complaints, repeatedly, and nothing was done.  He had to secretly record an interview with a NotW reporter before anyone would even admit there was a phone hacking scandal.

I can understand why he's pissed off about this.  And in the UK, we've tried a lack of regulation for the press, letting them "police themselves".  They decided to break the law and lie repeatedly about doing so.  The government, who are notorious cronies of News International, wanted to create a new "self-policing system", with no legislation to back it up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 22, 2013, 02:56:56 PM
Jesus, he looks like shit and he's in favor of censorship.

GOOD GOING, HUGH GRANT.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 22, 2013, 02:59:02 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 22, 2013, 02:55:08 PM
They decided to break the law and lie repeatedly about doing so. 

So, if what they're doing is already illegal, that means it IS regulated, by law, right? So maybe there should simply be actual enforcement and penalties to reinforce laws that already appear to exist, considering that the press are breaking them?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 22, 2013, 03:02:23 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 22, 2013, 02:59:02 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 22, 2013, 02:55:08 PM
They decided to break the law and lie repeatedly about doing so. 

So, if what they're doing is already illegal, that means it IS regulated, by law, right? So maybe there should simply be actual enforcement and penalties to reinforce laws that already appear to exist, considering that the press are breaking them?

Only in the most technical sense.  The phone-hacking is illegal, but the companies are systematically hiring private investigators to phone hack, which apparently is not illegal.  Especially when the private investigators are ex-police officers, often backed up by friendly still serving police officers who either passed on information illegally or else refused to seriously investigate claims against ex police officers.

Furthermore, complaints were made, since 2007, to the Press Complaints Commission, about this kind of behaviour and these policies, and the PCC ignored them all.  Because the PCC is run by the newspapers, who were all doing it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 22, 2013, 03:09:39 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 22, 2013, 03:02:23 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 22, 2013, 02:59:02 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 22, 2013, 02:55:08 PM
They decided to break the law and lie repeatedly about doing so. 

So, if what they're doing is already illegal, that means it IS regulated, by law, right? So maybe there should simply be actual enforcement and penalties to reinforce laws that already appear to exist, considering that the press are breaking them?

Only in the most technical sense.  The phone-hacking is illegal, but the companies are systematically hiring private investigators to phone hack, which apparently is not illegal.  Especially when the private investigators are ex-police officers, often backed up by friendly still serving police officers who either passed on information illegally or else refused to seriously investigate claims against ex police officers.

Furthermore, complaints were made, since 2007, to the Press Complaints Commission, about this kind of behaviour and these policies, and the PCC ignored them all.  Because the PCC is run by the newspapers, who were all doing it.

So he has a point, but is coming at things from the wrong direction, because there needs to be more teeth in privacy laws.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 22, 2013, 03:39:13 PM
Oh no, UK privacy laws have plenty of teeth.

You just cannot afford them unless you're a politician, pro footballer or foreign billionaire.  Then the UK judges will fall overthemselves to issue a superinjunction, where you cannot print certain information or even print that you have been prevented from printing the information.

There's a systemic failure in the way the UK press, privacy laws, police and government work.  And one of those failures is the unregulated press.  It's not the only one, and an independent watchdog with a legal charter to take steps against invasions of privacy not in the public interest, would be very helpful...but David Cameron (who texted the former NotW editor almost daily, and hired ex-NotW editor Andy Coulson to be his Director of Communications) is refusing any kind press regulation that is not entirely voluntary and toothless.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on March 22, 2013, 03:41:55 PM
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE92J03Q20130320?irpc=932

My people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 22, 2013, 03:48:54 PM
Quote from: Alty on March 22, 2013, 03:41:55 PM
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE92J03Q20130320?irpc=932

My people.

Giving Florida a run for their money, I see.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 25, 2013, 02:15:45 PM
QuoteHe was charged with first-degree assault and weapons misconduct

I love america, I really do!  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on March 25, 2013, 03:48:04 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 25, 2013, 02:15:45 PM
QuoteHe was charged with first-degree assault and weapons misconduct

I love america, I really do!  :lulz:

Yeah, about that. I'm guessing the DA didn't want to get their hands dirty mercilessly prosecuting a double amputee. But if the guy dies, he's still in critical condition, they're thinking about adding a murder charge.

Instead of, you know, charging him with attempted murder RIGHT FUCKING NOW.

:weary:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 25, 2013, 05:56:27 PM
Oh, Texas... http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/03/25/vial-of-easily-weaponized-virus-goes-missing-in-texas/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 26, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/25/law-enforcement-targets-inc-discontinues

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 27, 2013, 12:56:15 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on March 26, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/25/law-enforcement-targets-inc-discontinues

Ummmmm

QuoteI found while speaking with officers and trainers in the law enforcement community that there is a hesitation on the part of cops when deadly force is required on subjects with atypical age, frailty or condition (one officer explaining that he enlarged photos of his own kids to use as targets so that he would not be caught off guard with such a drastically new experience while on duty).

...this for some reason caused this company spokesperson to think "Oooh, a market niche!" rather than "This officer needs psychiatric help"?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 27, 2013, 01:01:08 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 27, 2013, 12:56:15 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on March 26, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/25/law-enforcement-targets-inc-discontinues

Ummmmm

QuoteI found while speaking with officers and trainers in the law enforcement community that there is a hesitation on the part of cops when deadly force is required on subjects with atypical age, frailty or condition (one officer explaining that he enlarged photos of his own kids to use as targets so that he would not be caught off guard with such a drastically new experience while on duty).

...this for some reason caused this company spokesperson to think "Oooh, a market niche!" rather than "This officer needs psychiatric help"?

HOLEEEEEEEY SHIT.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 27, 2013, 01:55:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 27, 2013, 01:01:08 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 27, 2013, 12:56:15 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on March 26, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/25/law-enforcement-targets-inc-discontinues

Ummmmm

QuoteI found while speaking with officers and trainers in the law enforcement community that there is a hesitation on the part of cops when deadly force is required on subjects with atypical age, frailty or condition (one officer explaining that he enlarged photos of his own kids to use as targets so that he would not be caught off guard with such a drastically new experience while on duty).

...this for some reason caused this company spokesperson to think "Oooh, a market niche!" rather than "This officer needs psychiatric help"?

HOLEEEEEEEY SHIT.

RIGHT?

WTF!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on March 27, 2013, 01:59:05 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 27, 2013, 01:55:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 27, 2013, 01:01:08 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 27, 2013, 12:56:15 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on March 26, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/25/law-enforcement-targets-inc-discontinues

Ummmmm

QuoteI found while speaking with officers and trainers in the law enforcement community that there is a hesitation on the part of cops when deadly force is required on subjects with atypical age, frailty or condition (one officer explaining that he enlarged photos of his own kids to use as targets so that he would not be caught off guard with such a drastically new experience while on duty).

...this for some reason caused this company spokesperson to think "Oooh, a market niche!" rather than "This officer needs psychiatric help"?

HOLEEEEEEEY SHIT.

RIGHT?

WTF!

:horror:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 27, 2013, 03:58:48 AM
Quote from: Waffles, Viking Princess of Northern Belgium on March 27, 2013, 01:59:05 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 27, 2013, 01:55:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 27, 2013, 01:01:08 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 27, 2013, 12:56:15 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on March 26, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/25/law-enforcement-targets-inc-discontinues

Ummmmm

QuoteI found while speaking with officers and trainers in the law enforcement community that there is a hesitation on the part of cops when deadly force is required on subjects with atypical age, frailty or condition (one officer explaining that he enlarged photos of his own kids to use as targets so that he would not be caught off guard with such a drastically new experience while on duty).

...this for some reason caused this company spokesperson to think "Oooh, a market niche!" rather than "This officer needs psychiatric help"?

HOLEEEEEEEY SHIT.

RIGHT?

WTF!

:horror:

Seriously, what the FUCK????
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 27, 2013, 02:34:52 PM
Idaho...  What the fuck are you doing?

Biology Teacher Faces Investigation for Use Of Word 'Vagina' in Anatomy Lesson (http://magicvalley.com/news/local/state-investigates-complaint-about-dietrich-science-teacher-s-human-reproduction/article_47dec69a-963f-11e2-a856-001a4bcf887a.html)

QuoteA Dietrich science teacher is being investigated by the state's professional standards commission after a complaint from parents over his teaching methods.

Parents were offended that he explained the biology of an orgasm and included the word "vagina" during his lesson on the human reproductive system in a tenth-grade biology course...

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 27, 2013, 02:39:43 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 27, 2013, 02:34:52 PM
Idaho...  What the fuck are you doing?

Biology Teacher Faces Investigation for Use Of Word 'Vagina' in Anatomy Lesson (http://magicvalley.com/news/local/state-investigates-complaint-about-dietrich-science-teacher-s-human-reproduction/article_47dec69a-963f-11e2-a856-001a4bcf887a.html)

QuoteA Dietrich science teacher is being investigated by the state's professional standards commission after a complaint from parents over his teaching methods.

Parents were offended that he explained the biology of an orgasm and included the word "vagina" during his lesson on the human reproductive system in a tenth-grade biology course...

Maybe they're supposed to call it a "hoohoo".  :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on March 27, 2013, 03:34:14 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 27, 2013, 02:34:52 PM
Idaho...  What the fuck are you doing?

Biology Teacher Faces Investigation for Use Of Word 'Vagina' in Anatomy Lesson (http://magicvalley.com/news/local/state-investigates-complaint-about-dietrich-science-teacher-s-human-reproduction/article_47dec69a-963f-11e2-a856-001a4bcf887a.html)

QuoteA Dietrich science teacher is being investigated by the state's professional standards commission after a complaint from parents over his teaching methods.

Parents were offended that he explained the biology of an orgasm and included the word "vagina" during his lesson on the human reproductive system in a tenth-grade biology course...
Sounds about right.
I remember in biology our teacher had to just say Female (or Male, depending) Reproductive Organ. The only time vagina (or penis) could be said was in health class when we had that week separating the boys and the girls. Because it would be so very wrong if the genders learned about each other :roll:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 03:39:40 PM
Well yes. That's how rapists are made you know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 03:46:20 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21957686

QuoteA self-styled Italian lawyer has been found guilty of tricking people into thinking he was a bona fide legal professional.

Giovanni di Stefano was convicted on 25 charges including deception, fraud and money laundering between 2001 and 2011.

The 57-year-old is known as the "devil's advocate" for representing high-profile criminals.

The ex-Dundee football director has worked with train robber Ronnie Biggs and Saddam Hussein's legal team.

His clients have also included serial killer Dr Harold Shipman and Serbian leader and war criminal Slobodan Milosevic.

He helped make legal history as part of the team which overturned the manslaughter conviction of tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten.

Di Stefano did not react as the 25 guilty verdicts were delivered at London's Southwark Crown Court.

Appears to be mainly guilty of doing an OK job, embarrassing the Italian legal system.

Money Laundering is good to note, given that little client list it's feasible he's got some good dirt on unusual folk. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 27, 2013, 07:14:58 PM
Trigger warning, dead kids.  :cry:

http://darkernet.in/genocide-of-rohingya-happening-right-now-no-bullshit/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 07:26:23 PM
Ah shit, more footage escapes from Burma.

This looks pretty routine for the regime though. Seem to recall something about UK ok'ing arms sales there again recently.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 07:29:24 PM
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iMK4G0EEoRtk6NhG_skJrlfUPqTA?docId=CNG.839a63b495e9438c8a1f00676298857c.351

Incidentally related, UK now #6 in worldwide arms sales. China now #5.

Also incidentally related, good background on UK arms trade, Second episode has some stunning moments from the Burmese reps sent to talk to him. Somewhat dated, but within the past decade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_KNU_Zw_cM

And Mark Thomas always improves the day.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 27, 2013, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 07:29:24 PM
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iMK4G0EEoRtk6NhG_skJrlfUPqTA?docId=CNG.839a63b495e9438c8a1f00676298857c.351

Incidentally related, UK now #6 in worldwide arms sales. China now #5.

http://www.top10stop.com/social/politics/which-countries-produce-the-most-arms-and-military-equipment-top-10-list

WE'RE #1
WE'RE #1
WE'RE #1

Ugh, even being sarcastic about it makes me want to take a shower.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 07:41:32 PM
I'm waiting for the UK to get all embarrassed about arms again. It's overdue.


It's Sex Scandal-uturn-economy-Corruption-Bribe-Resignation-Misc Scandal-Arms-housing-Sex Scandal

Not

economy-corruption-corruption-corruption-corruption-corruption

Politicians today can't do a fucking thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 27, 2013, 09:52:48 PM
One of those wedge things: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20130326-texas-senate-panel-forges-compromise-on-drug-tests-for-some-welfare-applicants.ece
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 27, 2013, 10:00:55 PM
Quote from: stelz on March 27, 2013, 09:52:48 PM
One of those wedge things: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20130326-texas-senate-panel-forges-compromise-on-drug-tests-for-some-welfare-applicants.ece

Yeah, let's spend $600/month/applicant, to let poor people know what we think of them.

THIS FUCKING COUNTRY IS RETARDED. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 27, 2013, 10:39:57 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 27, 2013, 10:00:55 PM
Quote from: stelz on March 27, 2013, 09:52:48 PM
One of those wedge things: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20130326-texas-senate-panel-forges-compromise-on-drug-tests-for-some-welfare-applicants.ece

Yeah, let's spend $600/month/applicant, to let poor people know what we think of them.

THIS FUCKING COUNTRY IS RETARDED.

Permission to quote that?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 10:43:18 PM
More Burma, not that long ago.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21455087

White phosphorous. Classy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 28, 2013, 03:21:08 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 27, 2013, 10:43:18 PM
More Burma, not that long ago.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21455087

White phosphorous. Classy.

We use that shit all the time.  For "concealment".  I shit you not, that's the rationalization.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on March 28, 2013, 03:23:51 AM

From TSG (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/driving-with-dildo-in-mouth-576423#fbcomments)
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/dr/teg/tsg/release/sites/default/files/assets/dildomipark3.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 28, 2013, 07:56:39 AM
Oh shit, close the thread now and start a new one.

That is awesome. Florida?

Edit- Michigan. Read the fucking links before posting. Can't grasp that this month.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 28, 2013, 07:23:48 PM
Woah shit. Doing it right, kinda?

http://www.globalnewsdesk.co.uk/rest-of-the-world/guerrero-armed-vigilantes-occupy-tierra-colorada/03775/

QuoteThe Mexico drug gang crisis refuses to subside as hordes of armed vigilantes in the state of Guerrero marched into the town of Tierra Colorada on Wednesday. The Guerrero armed vigilantes arrested the local police chief, accusing him of participating in the killing of one of their leaders and of collaborating with the Guerrero drug gangs. The Guerrero armed vigilantes possessed shotguns as they barged into Tierra Colorada. These Guerrero armed vigilantes have labelled themselves the 'community police' in reaction to the gruesome criminal gangs in Guerrero and the incapacity of the Guerrero police to provide them with security.

An increasing number of self-defence groups/armed vigilantes have emerged in the Guerrero state in response to the Guerrero and Mexico criminal/drug gang crisis. The Guerrero armed vigilantes occupied the town of Tierra Colorada, which sits on the highway linking Mexico City to Acapulco. The armed vigilantes detained 12 police officers and the ex-director of public security in Tierra Colorada. The leader of the abovementioned Guerrero armed vigilantes had been murdered on Monday.

Or just another Cartel dickabout?
Title: 7,ooo people
Post by: inode_buddha on March 29, 2013, 03:18:38 PM
http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=BMT2001

In Oklahoma, a sub-standard dental office may have infected up to 7,000 people with HIV or hepatitis.
And the minute the feds step in, some local rube will be screaming about regulations and the free market.
Title: Re: 7,ooo people
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 30, 2013, 12:20:26 AM
Quote from: inode_buddha on March 29, 2013, 03:18:38 PM
http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=BMT2001

In Oklahoma, a sub-standard dental office may have infected up to 7,000 people with HIV or hepatitis.
And the minute the feds step in, some local rube will be screaming about regulations and the free market.

HOLY SHIT.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 30, 2013, 12:23:03 AM
FYI, that link is completely not at all for the story. And now I know you're looking to lift your Jeep.  :lol:

Here's the story:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/rogue-dentist-exposed-7000-patients-hiv-hepatitis/story?id=18834611
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on March 30, 2013, 02:33:49 AM
Boston cops going undercover posing as punks to break up DIY punk/indie shows.
http://gawker.com/5992924/lamestain-boston-cops-google-punk-rocker-use-results-to-crack-down-on-diy-house-shows
Please let this happen to old timey jug bands. Please let this happen to old timey jug bands.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 30, 2013, 03:33:13 AM
Quote from: McGrupp on March 30, 2013, 02:33:49 AM
Boston cops going undercover posing as punks to break up DIY punk/indie shows.
http://gawker.com/5992924/lamestain-boston-cops-google-punk-rocker-use-results-to-crack-down-on-diy-house-shows
Please let this happen to old timey jug bands. Please let this happen to old timey jug bands.

"As Slate explains, Joe Sly and his friends—like, say, Donna Giordano, who really likes "the Pit"—come in the wake of a recently passed nuisance control ordinance that's had cops go from mostly shutting down house shows after neighbors' complaints to targeting house shows proactively, through Facebook and other social media outlets."

Wasn't Cain just saying in the drug thread that the solution is obviously to outlaw all things people find pleasurable?  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on March 30, 2013, 04:13:54 AM
Quote from: stelz on March 30, 2013, 03:33:13 AM
Quote from: McGrupp on March 30, 2013, 02:33:49 AM
Boston cops going undercover posing as punks to break up DIY punk/indie shows.
http://gawker.com/5992924/lamestain-boston-cops-google-punk-rocker-use-results-to-crack-down-on-diy-house-shows
Please let this happen to old timey jug bands. Please let this happen to old timey jug bands.

"As Slate explains, Joe Sly and his friends—like, say, Donna Giordano, who really likes "the Pit"—come in the wake of a recently passed nuisance control ordinance that's had cops go from mostly shutting down house shows after neighbors' complaints to targeting house shows proactively, through Facebook and other social media outlets."

Wasn't Cain just saying in the drug thread that the solution is obviously to outlaw all things people find pleasurable?  :lulz:

:lulz:  The cops are doing a great service. Those kids could become psychologically addicted to original music.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 30, 2013, 10:55:15 AM
If they're proper punks then kicking the shit out a couple of filth at the end of the night is part of it. What's the problem here exactly  :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 30, 2013, 03:54:12 PM
Quote from: stelz on March 30, 2013, 03:33:13 AM
Quote from: McGrupp on March 30, 2013, 02:33:49 AM
Boston cops going undercover posing as punks to break up DIY punk/indie shows.
http://gawker.com/5992924/lamestain-boston-cops-google-punk-rocker-use-results-to-crack-down-on-diy-house-shows
Please let this happen to old timey jug bands. Please let this happen to old timey jug bands.

"As Slate explains, Joe Sly and his friends—like, say, Donna Giordano, who really likes "the Pit"—come in the wake of a recently passed nuisance control ordinance that's had cops go from mostly shutting down house shows after neighbors' complaints to targeting house shows proactively, through Facebook and other social media outlets."

Wasn't Cain just saying in the drug thread that the solution is obviously to outlaw all things people find pleasurable?  :lulz:

It gives new meaning to "jerk squad".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 30, 2013, 03:59:15 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 30, 2013, 10:55:15 AM
If they're proper punks then kicking the shit out a couple of filth at the end of the night is part of it. What's the problem here exactly  :?

This is the US, where "kicking the shit out of" the police is a death sentence.

I mean, your police look like this:

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/62970000/jpg/_62970023_waterbottlecop624getty.jpg)

Our police look  like this:

(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110721155016/deadliestwarrior/images/8/80/Swat.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on March 31, 2013, 02:54:55 AM
Yeah, unless you have a very serious deathwish and don't mind how it's granted, you don't fuck with the cops here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 31, 2013, 04:43:58 AM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 30, 2013, 10:55:15 AM
If they're proper punks then kicking the shit out a couple of filth at the end of the night is part of it. What's the problem here exactly  :?

There's a slight cultural difference, here. 

I know UK cops are violent assholes, but that's a relative term.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 31, 2013, 04:44:55 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 30, 2013, 03:59:15 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 30, 2013, 10:55:15 AM
If they're proper punks then kicking the shit out a couple of filth at the end of the night is part of it. What's the problem here exactly  :?

This is the US, where "kicking the shit out of" the police is a death sentence.

I mean, your police look like this:

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/62970000/jpg/_62970023_waterbottlecop624getty.jpg)

Our police look  like this:

(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110721155016/deadliestwarrior/images/8/80/Swat.jpg)

Ever watch someone try to run with those silly-ass leg pouches?

Of course, with a submachine gun, you don't really have to run much, but still.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Ben Shapiro on March 31, 2013, 05:30:39 AM
http://www.cafemom.com/group/preschool?prism_id=152318&utm_medium=sem2&utm_campaign=prism&utm_source=internal&utm_content=1818
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 31, 2013, 05:49:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 31, 2013, 04:44:55 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 30, 2013, 03:59:15 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 30, 2013, 10:55:15 AM
If they're proper punks then kicking the shit out a couple of filth at the end of the night is part of it. What's the problem here exactly  :?

This is the US, where "kicking the shit out of" the police is a death sentence.

I mean, your police look like this:

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/62970000/jpg/_62970023_waterbottlecop624getty.jpg)

Our police look  like this:

(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110721155016/deadliestwarrior/images/8/80/Swat.jpg)

Ever watch someone try to run with those silly-ass leg pouches?

Of course, with a submachine gun, you don't really have to run much, but still.

I always wondered how people run with shit all over they legs. I mean, also cargo pants... if I put stuff in those leg-pockets, and want to move faster than a brisk walk, that shit bounces all up and down.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 31, 2013, 06:14:28 AM
Quote from: /b/earman on March 31, 2013, 05:30:39 AM
http://www.cafemom.com/group/preschool?prism_id=152318&utm_medium=sem2&utm_campaign=prism&utm_source=internal&utm_content=1818

I always hated that song. Must have been embedded squick.  :x :x :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 31, 2013, 10:57:21 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 30, 2013, 03:59:15 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 30, 2013, 10:55:15 AM
If they're proper punks then kicking the shit out a couple of filth at the end of the night is part of it. What's the problem here exactly  :?

This is the US, where "kicking the shit out of" the police is a death sentence.

I mean, your police look like this:

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/62970000/jpg/_62970023_waterbottlecop624getty.jpg)

Our police look  like this:

(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110721155016/deadliestwarrior/images/8/80/Swat.jpg)

Yeah! Coincidentally this is the exact reason I'll never argue for gun control in America whilst agreeing with the policy practically anywhere else. If I saw something like that walking down the street toward me, my first instinct would be to blow the living piss out of it, in the interests of safety.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 31, 2013, 01:55:58 PM
Yeah, but what is more terrifying is our police still look like that and rack up a hell of a respectable body count.

They don't need guns to kill people, and probably think using one is unsporting and only for the sad cases in SO19, who probably can't even get it up without a firearm nearby.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 01, 2013, 11:06:13 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/w9wAtvr.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 01, 2013, 06:06:49 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 31, 2013, 01:55:58 PM
Yeah, but what is more terrifying is our police still look like that and rack up a hell of a respectable body count.

They don't need guns to kill people, and probably think using one is unsporting and only for the sad cases in SO19, who probably can't even get it up without a firearm nearby.

Our police used to have to kill the unarmed elderly, mentally ill people, and schoolchildren the hard way, with pistols or blunt implements.

Poor guys. Good thing we modernized them, to make that unfortunate accidental killing during a routine "driving while black" stop less traumatizing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 01, 2013, 08:17:53 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 31, 2013, 05:49:32 AM
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110721155016/deadliestwarrior/images/8/80/Swat.jpg)


"What do you do at work, Daddy?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 02, 2013, 01:09:31 AM
We don't have an unlimited Tennessee appreciation thread yet, do we?
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/04/01/1802811/tennessee-advances-legislation-that-would-tie-welfare-to-childrens-grades/?mobile=nc
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on April 02, 2013, 01:30:44 AM
I'm sorry, you'll have to repeat that. I think I just had an aneurysm from stupid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 01:31:56 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:09:31 AM
We don't have an unlimited Tennessee appreciation thread yet, do we?
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/04/01/1802811/tennessee-advances-legislation-that-would-tie-welfare-to-childrens-grades/?mobile=nc

What a bunch of assholes.

If your grades are poor, no food for you.  That will make their grades go up, because people think better when they're hungry.

Oh, wait...No, this is just another way to punish poor people for existing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 01:33:32 AM
Also, it's important to program fear and insecurity into them young.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 02, 2013, 01:36:24 AM
Yeah. And if a bunch of them would just HURRY UP AND DIE OFF, maybe we could have more room for GOLF COURSES AND RESORT HOTELS.  :x :x :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 01:37:29 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:36:24 AM
Yeah. And if a bunch of them would just HURRY UP AND DIE OFF, maybe we could have more room for GOLF COURSES AND RESORT HOTELS.  :x :x :x

No, no, no.

If a bunch of them have to drop out at age 3, then we have more life-long caddies at said golf courses.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 02, 2013, 01:43:25 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 01:37:29 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:36:24 AM
Yeah. And if a bunch of them would just HURRY UP AND DIE OFF, maybe we could have more room for GOLF COURSES AND RESORT HOTELS.  :x :x :x

No, no, no.

If a bunch of them have to drop out at age 3, then we have more life-long caddies at said golf courses.

Yeah, and when they start to get old and slow, they can ship them to Texas and deny them medicaid if they make more than $5000 a year.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 01:46:22 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:43:25 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 01:37:29 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:36:24 AM
Yeah. And if a bunch of them would just HURRY UP AND DIE OFF, maybe we could have more room for GOLF COURSES AND RESORT HOTELS.  :x :x :x

No, no, no.

If a bunch of them have to drop out at age 3, then we have more life-long caddies at said golf courses.

Yeah, and when they start to get old and slow, they can ship them to Texas and deny them medicaid if they make more than $5000 a year.

This country is dildos.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 02, 2013, 01:38:23 PM
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/guns/armed-citizens-project-aims-provide-guns-poor-americans

QuoteAt a time when the goal seems to be getting guns off the streets, one group is going in the other direction. FoxNews.com reports that the Armed Citizens Project plans to provide guns to poor Americans who live in areas of high crime.

The group, founded by Kyle Coplen, gave out its first guns this week and plans to arm and train an entire Houston neighborhood as a case study.

"As criminals have more reason to fear the citizenry, crime begins to drop as a result," Coplen told FoxNews.com. "We just trained and armed a class of 10 women. They are now empowered with the knowledge and tools to put holes in those that would do them harm."

May have been posted previously. Charming lack of thinking here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 02, 2013, 03:23:39 PM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:43:25 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 01:37:29 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:36:24 AM
Yeah. And if a bunch of them would just HURRY UP AND DIE OFF, maybe we could have more room for GOLF COURSES AND RESORT HOTELS.  :x :x :x

No, no, no.

If a bunch of them have to drop out at age 3, then we have more life-long caddies at said golf courses.

Yeah, and when they start to get old and slow, they can ship them to Texas and deny them medicaid if they make more than $5000 a year.

And of course, children who aren't on welfare can be as dumb as they please.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 02, 2013, 04:01:06 PM
You know the very best thing about that legislation?

School performance is directly tied to socio-economic status, way beyond any other single measure of performance.  Rich kids outperform poor kids, statistically speaking, so it is, in essence, just another way to punish people for being poor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 02, 2013, 04:27:54 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/02/17567999-georgia-town-passes-law-requiring-citizens-to-own-guns-and-ammo?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 04:40:22 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 02, 2013, 04:27:54 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/02/17567999-georgia-town-passes-law-requiring-citizens-to-own-guns-and-ammo?lite

That, in my opinion, is as bad as gun-grabbing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on April 02, 2013, 05:41:38 PM
Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:09:31 AM
We don't have an unlimited Tennessee appreciation thread yet, do we?
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/04/01/1802811/tennessee-advances-legislation-that-would-tie-welfare-to-childrens-grades/?mobile=nc
(https://gs1.wac.edgecastcdn.net/8019B6/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_meuxbxDjJQ1rtn6jy.gif)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 02, 2013, 06:26:32 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 04:40:22 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 02, 2013, 04:27:54 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/02/17567999-georgia-town-passes-law-requiring-citizens-to-own-guns-and-ammo?lite

That, in my opinion, is as bad as gun-grabbing.

Well why think of a nuanced solution when you can just keep pushing "all or nothing"

If you're not picking a side, fuck off outside as it were.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 06:29:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 02, 2013, 06:26:32 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 02, 2013, 04:40:22 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 02, 2013, 04:27:54 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/02/17567999-georgia-town-passes-law-requiring-citizens-to-own-guns-and-ammo?lite

That, in my opinion, is as bad as gun-grabbing.

Well why think of a nuanced solution when you can just keep pushing "all or nothing"

If you're not picking a side, fuck off outside as it were.

Precisely.  Neither side, IMO, gives a rat's ass about the actual debate.  It's just a chance to Show Those Bastards A Thing Or Two.

That's how all laws are written in Arizona, for another example.  Nobody wants the laws, they just feel they're obligated to push "the other side" around, never considering the consequences of the fact that the resulting laws are REAL.

That's also how 6 year olds get sent up on felony charges for acting up in class.  Or at least part of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 03, 2013, 04:10:31 AM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/04/florida-djs-april-fools-water-joke/63798/

Southwestern Florida's zany radio morning show duo faces indefinite suspension and probable FELONY charges, for scaring the pants off of Floridians by making the terrifying claim, on air, that water taps throughout the area were dispensing dihydrogen monoxide*, using their Serious Voices, on April Fool's Day.




* Yes it's what you think it is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 03, 2013, 04:13:21 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 03, 2013, 04:10:31 AM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/04/florida-djs-april-fools-water-joke/63798/

Southwestern Florida's zany radio morning show duo faces indefinite suspension and probable FELONY charges, for scaring the pants off of Floridians by making the terrifying claim, on air, that water taps throughout the area were dispensing dihydrogen monoxide*, using their Serious Voices, on April Fool's Day.




* Yes it's what you think it is.

They are trying to take our title, V3X.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 03, 2013, 04:22:15 AM
THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT DHMO EXPOSURE.
THINK OF THE CHILDREN.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 03, 2013, 04:28:50 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 03, 2013, 04:13:21 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 03, 2013, 04:10:31 AM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/04/florida-djs-april-fools-water-joke/63798/

Southwestern Florida's zany radio morning show duo faces indefinite suspension and probable FELONY charges, for scaring the pants off of Floridians by making the terrifying claim, on air, that water taps throughout the area were dispensing dihydrogen monoxide*, using their Serious Voices, on April Fool's Day.




* Yes it's what you think it is.

They are trying to take our title, V3X.


These fuckers can have whatever title they want, as long as it's been approved my two managers, signed, notarized, filed, reviewed, stamped, appealed three times, put up for public inspection in a basement nobody knows about, and finally forwarded to the Office of Menial Bureaucratic Pedantics. That's punishment enough for them. As for me and you, well, we get the only title that matters, and we get it just for showing up: Outsider.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 03, 2013, 04:29:56 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 03, 2013, 04:22:15 AM
THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT DHMO EXPOSURE.
THINK OF THE CHILDREN.

MY MOTHER DIED FROM INHALING DIHYDROGEN MONOXIDE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 03, 2013, 04:30:35 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 03, 2013, 04:29:56 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 03, 2013, 04:22:15 AM
THERE'S NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT DHMO EXPOSURE.
THINK OF THE CHILDREN.

MY MOTHER DIED FROM INHALING DIHYDROGEN MONOXIDE!

Um.

Wait.

UNNG.

:lulz:

MEME DESTROYED UTTERLY.

V3X WINS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 03, 2013, 04:32:11 AM
I HEARD PEOPLE WERE PLUGGING DIHYDROGEN MONOXIDE
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 03, 2013, 04:34:19 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 03, 2013, 04:10:31 AM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/04/florida-djs-april-fools-water-joke/63798/

Southwestern Florida's zany radio morning show duo faces indefinite suspension and probable FELONY charges, for scaring the pants off of Floridians by making the terrifying claim, on air, that water taps throughout the area were dispensing dihydrogen monoxide*, using their Serious Voices, on April Fool's Day.




* Yes it's what you think it is.

Well, just exactly how many of Florida's residents got above a C in high school chemistry? How, exactly, ARE they supposed to know that dihydrogen monoxide is the molecular name for water?

Quite honestly, that is a terrible, stupid prank, not far off from calling in a bomb threat.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 03, 2013, 04:40:24 AM
"THEY'RE SCARED BECAUSE THEY'RE UNDERDUCATED, LOL"
                                      \
(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/564894/rich-guy_medium.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 03, 2013, 04:41:22 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 01, 2013, 08:17:53 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 31, 2013, 05:49:32 AM
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110721155016/deadliestwarrior/images/8/80/Swat.jpg)


"What do you do at work, Daddy?"

:horrormirth: :horrormirth: :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 03, 2013, 04:42:56 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 04:40:24 AM
"THEY'RE SCARED BECAUSE THEY'RE UNDERDUCATED, LOL"
                                      \
(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/564894/rich-guy_medium.jpg)

RELATED STORY?

Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:09:31 AM
We don't have an unlimited Tennessee appreciation thread yet, do we?
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/04/01/1802811/tennessee-advances-legislation-that-would-tie-welfare-to-childrens-grades/?mobile=nc
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 03, 2013, 04:43:57 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 04:41:22 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 01, 2013, 08:17:53 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on March 31, 2013, 05:49:32 AM
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110721155016/deadliestwarrior/images/8/80/Swat.jpg)


"What do you do at work, Daddy?"

:horrormirth: :horrormirth: :horrormirth:

THIS IS WHY WE DON'T STARE OUT AT THE DESERT ALL DAMN DAY, KIDS.  THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE BUT BADWRONG THOUGHTS AND NOISES THAT SOUND LIKE BATS OVERLAID WITH THAT CHICK SINGING FUR ELISE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 03, 2013, 04:56:33 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 04:42:56 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 04:40:24 AM
"THEY'RE SCARED BECAUSE THEY'RE UNDERDUCATED, LOL"
                                      \
(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/564894/rich-guy_medium.jpg)

RELATED STORY?

Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:09:31 AM
We don't have an unlimited Tennessee appreciation thread yet, do we?
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/04/01/1802811/tennessee-advances-legislation-that-would-tie-welfare-to-childrens-grades/?mobile=nc


Respectfully disagree. People who need welfare do not have a choice, and shitting on them for being poor is inexcusable. A radio show, however, is not compulsory. Furthermore, regardless of the average listener's education level, the fact that these goofy morning people are running a gag show shouldn't be lost on said average listener.

Now, I'm against class warfare, or warfare of almost any type, but this isn't that. There's a point at which a person should be expected to bring his or her own brains to the fucking party. It is not society's job to tiptoe around the delicate issue of "some people are dumb," and it isn't society's job to skip a good chuckle just because somebody can't take a fucking joke that isn't singling anyone out. Maybe the joke was irresponsible, but they did take the necessary precautions -- like openly stating the whole thing was a joke during every break.

The deejays aren't to blame, here. Certainly not to the tune of felony charges. I mean, at what point do grown adults get to be responsible for their own behavior? And at what point do I get to live in a society where the government doesn't start LOCKING PEOPLE UP every time somebody gets embarrassed?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 03, 2013, 09:02:42 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22008430

UK lawyers appear to be ready to argue that a brain injury makes this chap a more responsible gun owner somehow.

LOGIC
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 03, 2013, 09:44:20 AM
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2013/04/pat-robertson-blames-ivy-league-schools-for-lack-of-miracles-in-america.php

Apparently "Sophisticated" people experience less miracles. Unlike "Humble" Africans.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 03, 2013, 10:32:03 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22011598

Australia saw how much fun the UK is having with child abuse inquiries so it's holding one of it's own.

QuoteA national inquiry into child sex abuse has opened in the Australian city of Melbourne, with more than 5,000 people expected to provide evidence of "abuse and consequential trauma".

PM Julia Gillard has warned that the commission will unearth "some very uncomfortable truths".

She said that its opening was an "important moral moment" for Australia.

The inquiry will look at religious groups, NGOs and state care providers as well as government agencies.

But commission officials have warned that it is unlikely to complete its task by the end of 2015 as requested.

They say that is because the scope of the inquiry is so large - in relation to the number of people testifying and the number of institutions who may be affected by the allegations.

The probe will look into institutional responses to the sexual abuse of children.

I would think the results somewhat inevitable. Systemic failings. Culture of silence. "Learning from mistakes". Add your cliché of choice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 03, 2013, 11:04:40 AM
Oh, the Australian case is interesting in its own right.  It's safe to say the Catholic Church, to give one example, operated with a culture of impunity.   In fact, it reads like an organized crime ring, with priests threatening witnesses with dogs and, in one case, a firearm.  Priests were moved out of the country to prevent prosecution, evidence went "missing" with alarming frequency and the situation was so bad the NSW Chief of Police came out and said that the Vatican was interferring in the case.

There have also been a number of rumours about a well connected ring operating in South Australia, though I'm struggling to find my initial source on this.  A 1970s Australian TV "light entertainment" star was also convicted of sexually abusing several children only a year or two ago.

And then there is this http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/paedophile-bust-saved-children-20110316-1bxau.html

QuoteTHREE Victorian children have been ''saved'' by federal police who helped smash the largest international online paedophile network ever uncovered.

The three boys, and another from New South Wales, all aged under 14, are some of the 230 rescued from harm worldwide during investigations that found an internet forum, which sought child abuse material, had 70,000 members.

Subsequent arrests have shown at least some of this network is based in Australia.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 03, 2013, 11:24:48 AM
Oh great. Will read more around it. The list of offenders is strangely similar though. Guess that's part of the shared heritage thing. Similar cultures trust similar authorities?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21999352

Pakistan Militants doing what they do. In this case attacking the local power plant.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on April 03, 2013, 04:25:22 PM
Samoa Air becomes first airline to implement "pay as you weigh" system (http://www.gizmag.com/samoa-air-pay-weigh-airline/26906/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on April 03, 2013, 04:34:50 PM
North Carolina demonstrates its total lack of understanding of the Constitution, the process of amending the Constitution, constitutional law, and history. (http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/04/03/1815841/eleven-north-carolina-republicans-sponsor-resolution-saying-state-can-ignore-the-constitution/?mobile=nc)
Quoteiser on Apr 3, 2013 at 10:32 am


The Constitution "does not grant the federal government and does not grant the federal courts the power to determine what is or is not constitutional" according to a resolution sponsored by North Carolina House Majority Leader Edgar Starnes (R) and ten of his fellow Republicans — a statement that puts them at odds with over 200 years of constitutional law. In light of this novel reading of the Constitution, Starnes and his allies also claim that North Carolina is free to ignore the Constitution's ban on government endorsement of religion:
QuoteSECTION 1. The North Carolina General Assembly asserts that the Constitution of the United States of America does not prohibit states or their subsidiaries from making laws respecting an establishment of religion.

    SECTION 2. The North Carolina General Assembly does not recognize federal court rulings which prohibit and otherwise regulate the State of North Carolina, its public schools, or any political subdivisions of the State from making laws respecting an establishment of religion.
This resolution is nothing less than an effort to repudiate the result of the Civil War. As the resolution correctly notes, the First Amendment merely provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion," and, indeed, the Bill of Rights was originally understood to only place limits on the federal government. For the earliest years of the Republic, the Bill of Rights were not really "rights" at all, but were instead guidelines on which powers belonged to central authorities and which ones remained exclusively in the hands of state lawmakers.

In 1868, however the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified for the express purpose of changing this balance of power. While the early Constitution envisioned "rights" as little more than a battle between central and local government, the Fourteenth Amendment ushered in a more modern understanding. Under this amendment, "[n]o State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States," nor may any state "deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." The Fourteenth Amendment completely transformed the nature of the American Republic, from one where liberties were generally protected — if at all — by tensions between competing governments to one which recognized that there are certain liberties that cannot be abridged by any government.

There is some academic debate about whether the architects of the Fourteenth Amendment intended the freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights to be applied to the states because these liberties are part of the "privileges or immunities" of U.S. citizens, or because they are liberties that cannot be denied under the Constitution's "due process" guarantees. Regardless of the correct answer to this academic question, however, one of the most important judicial projects of the Twentieth Century was a series of Supreme Court decisions applying most of the Bill of Rights' limits to state governments. This project completed the work the framers of the Fourteenth Amendment began nearly 150 year ago — reconstructing America as a nation that recognizes certain civil rights which no lawmaker is allowed to trample. The right to be free from government endorsements of religious is one of these civil rights.

So when Starnes and his colleagues lash out against this one freedom, they are not simply lashing out against some court decisions that they disagree with. They are rejecting the most transformative moment in American constitutional history and denying that their side lost the Civil War.
A class on the Constitution should be required for entry into governing bodies in this country.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on April 03, 2013, 04:38:54 PM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/04/florida-djs-april-fools-water-joke/63798/

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 03, 2013, 04:45:15 PM
That's not entirely unlike one of my first brain spasms here.

Seems it's caused rage among those who resent being reminded of their stupidity. Surprising.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on April 03, 2013, 04:50:03 PM
Quote from: Waffles, Viking Princess of Northern Belgium on April 03, 2013, 04:38:54 PM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/04/florida-djs-april-fools-water-joke/63798/
it amazes me that there are people that have not heard that joke a thousand times...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 03, 2013, 04:55:49 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-21948000

QuoteAn Argentine company has developed a map for the popular online game Counter Strike in which players fight British "terrorists" on the Falkland Islands.

The setting created by Dattatec.com has clocked more than 9,000 downloads in a few hours, after "going viral".

Despite the pro-Argentina stance of the game, the developers say they mean no disrespect.

Game developers taking brave strides in Politics. One thing that was really lacking in CS was racism and xenophobia. This is bound to cure all of that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 03, 2013, 06:15:06 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 03, 2013, 04:56:33 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 04:42:56 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 04:40:24 AM
"THEY'RE SCARED BECAUSE THEY'RE UNDERDUCATED, LOL"
                                      \
(http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/564894/rich-guy_medium.jpg)

RELATED STORY?

Quote from: stelz on April 02, 2013, 01:09:31 AM
We don't have an unlimited Tennessee appreciation thread yet, do we?
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/04/01/1802811/tennessee-advances-legislation-that-would-tie-welfare-to-childrens-grades/?mobile=nc


Respectfully disagree. People who need welfare do not have a choice, and shitting on them for being poor is inexcusable. A radio show, however, is not compulsory. Furthermore, regardless of the average listener's education level, the fact that these goofy morning people are running a gag show shouldn't be lost on said average listener.

Now, I'm against class warfare, or warfare of almost any type, but this isn't that. There's a point at which a person should be expected to bring his or her own brains to the fucking party. It is not society's job to tiptoe around the delicate issue of "some people are dumb," and it isn't society's job to skip a good chuckle just because somebody can't take a fucking joke that isn't singling anyone out. Maybe the joke was irresponsible, but they did take the necessary precautions -- like openly stating the whole thing was a joke during every break.

The deejays aren't to blame, here. Certainly not to the tune of felony charges. I mean, at what point do grown adults get to be responsible for their own behavior? And at what point do I get to live in a society where the government doesn't start LOCKING PEOPLE UP every time somebody gets embarrassed?

The DJ's were completely out of line, and they, as media professionals, should have known better. How many people listening were station-hopping and had no idea they were listening to a wacky radio show?

It's a little too much like yelling "FIRE" in a crowded theater. That's not embarrassment, that's inciting a public panic that had to be addressed at the taxpayer's expense.

Not funny, and not OK. And yes, the fact that there is a bill proposing that poor people be penalized for performing badly in school IS related, because it's the same kind of smug elitism which blames those same poor people in Florida for not knowing the chemical makeup of water and thinks it's funny to panic them because of their ignorance.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 03, 2013, 06:20:04 PM
Nigel is right, in the notion that this was an overt act, not protected speech.

On the other hand, I'm not very happy with America right now, so I'm not sure if I'm against them being punished by this sort of shit.  And by "them", I mean the DJs and the general public, both...The DJs by charges, and the general public by panic.

A plague on all their houses.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 03, 2013, 06:32:13 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 06:15:06 PM
The DJ's were completely out of line, and they, as media professionals, should have known better. How many people listening were station-hopping and had no idea they were listening to a wacky radio show?

It's a little too much like yelling "FIRE" in a crowded theater. That's not embarrassment, that's inciting a public panic that had to be addressed at the taxpayer's expense.

Not funny, and not OK. And yes, the fact that there is a bill proposing that poor people be penalized for performing badly in school IS related, because it's the same kind of smug elitism which blames those same poor people in Florida for not knowing the chemical makeup of water and thinks it's funny to panic them because of their ignorance.

I don't disagree with you that it was irresponsible. I just don't go so far as to think they deserve to be charged with a felony. A fine, sure, but not a felony. What the radio station decides to do with them (fire, suspend, whatever) is up to the station and it's allowed to make its own rules.

I also don't think that anyone was picking on anybody for being poor. Poor does not necessarily equate to uneducated. I can say people are being stupid, without making any kind of comment about their socioeconomic status. I reserve -- and demand -- the right to discriminate against people for being panicky and stupid in large numbers, regardless of their incomes. It isn't a money thing, it's a human nature thing. Spooking the herd is a time-honored tradition that should be protected.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 01:21:04 AM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on April 03, 2013, 04:50:03 PM
Quote from: Waffles, Viking Princess of Northern Belgium on April 03, 2013, 04:38:54 PM
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/04/florida-djs-april-fools-water-joke/63798/
it amazes me that there are people that have not heard that joke a thousand times...

There are people who also lack hours of free time to goof off on the internet.

Sometimes it's easy to forget privileges that are as simple as a passable educational level and basic expendable time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 01:25:33 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 03, 2013, 06:32:13 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 03, 2013, 06:15:06 PM
The DJ's were completely out of line, and they, as media professionals, should have known better. How many people listening were station-hopping and had no idea they were listening to a wacky radio show?

It's a little too much like yelling "FIRE" in a crowded theater. That's not embarrassment, that's inciting a public panic that had to be addressed at the taxpayer's expense.

Not funny, and not OK. And yes, the fact that there is a bill proposing that poor people be penalized for performing badly in school IS related, because it's the same kind of smug elitism which blames those same poor people in Florida for not knowing the chemical makeup of water and thinks it's funny to panic them because of their ignorance.

I don't disagree with you that it was irresponsible. I just don't go so far as to think they deserve to be charged with a felony. A fine, sure, but not a felony. What the radio station decides to do with them (fire, suspend, whatever) is up to the station and it's allowed to make its own rules.

I also don't think that anyone was picking on anybody for being poor. Poor does not necessarily equate to uneducated. I can say people are being stupid, without making any kind of comment about their socioeconomic status. I reserve -- and demand -- the right to discriminate against people for being panicky and stupid in large numbers, regardless of their incomes. It isn't a money thing, it's a human nature thing. Spooking the herd is a time-honored tradition that should be protected.

Sooooo

You think it's stupid and unreasonable, if you hear on the radio that [unfamiliar chemical] is being found in all the taps in your area, to stop drinking the water and make a run for potable water from the store?

It's really a key clause to civilization that making threats or falsely reporting threats to basic public health and safety are not only not protected speech, but may in fact be considered criminal speech if harm is done to the public as a result.

This is FUCKING ELEMENTARY shit, here. Possibly even more elementary than knowing the basic chemistry of water. I know I heard it in grade school, which means that it's taught somewhere between grades one and three.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 01:28:44 AM
And you and I may not necessarily be expected to know that... but any radio broadcaster should. It's their fucking JOB.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on April 04, 2013, 07:25:11 AM
Ever since 'War of the World' Radio personalities have been held responsible for causing mass panic. The FCC doesn't fuck around.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 04, 2013, 02:36:10 PM
No, no I get that. It's just that people should be able to freak out a little and then say "lol joke!" It's not that the response is inappropriate given the way things are, it's that the way things are is inappropriate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 04, 2013, 05:20:32 PM
BREAKING: EYEBALLS CONTAIN BRAINS AND BAYBEES (http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/04/03/kansas-state-senate-passes-bill-declaring-life-begins-at-a-twinkle-in-a-fathers-eye/)

QuoteTOPEKA, KANSAS — Wednesday morning Kansas state legislators in the senate took a vote on the definition of where life begins in hopes of stopping all abortions from occurring. HB2254 declares "life begins at a twinkle in a father's eye" and won nearly unanimous approval with one dissenting opinion saying "life should also begin in a mother's eye as well."

This bill would basically give permission to any man who ever thought about having a child at any time to declare this thought as a "valid form of life conception." Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook (R-Shawnee) described the bill saying, "once a child is thought about in the eye of its father it has taken on a true existence. We need to protect and defend that life to the fullest extent of the law. Thoughts can't just protect themselves, you know."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 05:25:56 PM
Quote from: stelz on April 04, 2013, 05:20:32 PM
BREAKING: EYEBALLS CONTAIN BRAINS AND BAYBEES (http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/04/03/kansas-state-senate-passes-bill-declaring-life-begins-at-a-twinkle-in-a-fathers-eye/)

QuoteTOPEKA, KANSAS — Wednesday morning Kansas state legislators in the senate took a vote on the definition of where life begins in hopes of stopping all abortions from occurring. HB2254 declares "life begins at a twinkle in a father's eye" and won nearly unanimous approval with one dissenting opinion saying "life should also begin in a mother's eye as well."

This bill would basically give permission to any man who ever thought about having a child at any time to declare this thought as a "valid form of life conception." Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook (R-Shawnee) described the bill saying, "once a child is thought about in the eye of its father it has taken on a true existence. We need to protect and defend that life to the fullest extent of the law. Thoughts can't just protect themselves, you know."

Annnnnnd the national nervous breakdown continues.  LOL Kansas.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 04, 2013, 05:28:34 PM
Among the other highly informative news at Freewood Post

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/04/02/president-obama-admits-to-being-the-reincarnation-of-ancient-egyptian-king-video/

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/04/01/north-korea-battle-south-korea-on-splash/

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/03/27/palin-launches-new-line-of-refreshments-aimed-squarely-at-conservatives-fatties/

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/03/28/white-house-accidentally-orders-drone-strike-on-fox-news-headquarters/

But I understand, checking you're not actually referencing an obvious parody site is hard.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 05:33:14 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 02:36:10 PM
No, no I get that. It's just that people should be able to freak out a little and then say "lol joke!" It's not that the response is inappropriate given the way things are, it's that the way things are is inappropriate.

Um. Maybe if you're talking about a schoolroom prank, or maybe a frat house. Announcing that the water supply is contaminated on the radio is not something that can be fixed with "lol, joke!"

Do I really have to spell this out for you? People hear it on the radio, the radio has assumed authority, they turn off the radio and call their friends and loved ones to warn them, go to the store to buy bottled water, people are worried and calling the health department for information, people who never even heard the radio broadcast think that there's a contamination in the water supply, and now all of a sudden who has to deal with it? Who has to reassure people who are no longer listening to the radio for "lol, joke"? The county does, or possibly even the state. At everyone's monetary expense. That's why it's illegal.

I lived someplace for a while where there were relatively frequent breaches in water safety, so it's not like this is an unreasonable response. And again, that's why it's illegal.

Florida has a long history of pretty severe drinking water contamination. Once again, this is one of the reasons why false reports of water contamination are illegal.

I'm just asking you to stop digging your heels in, and think it through.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 05:41:59 PM
Quote from: Cain on April 04, 2013, 05:28:34 PM
Among the other highly informative news at Freewood Post

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/04/02/president-obama-admits-to-being-the-reincarnation-of-ancient-egyptian-king-video/

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/04/01/north-korea-battle-south-korea-on-splash/

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/03/27/palin-launches-new-line-of-refreshments-aimed-squarely-at-conservatives-fatties/

http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/03/28/white-house-accidentally-orders-drone-strike-on-fox-news-headquarters/

But I understand, checking you're not actually referencing an obvious parody site is hard.

Meh...It's so in character for the USA right now that I didn't even check the link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 05:42:07 PM
I'm not sure what part of "the way things are" is inappropriate. The fact that we have a public water supply, or the fact that a lot of people don't know what dihydrogen monoxide is. I kind of like the former, and the latter seems pretty reasonable to me. I mean, I didn't know what NaCl was until recently. Even among people who DID do well in high school chemistry, they may have forgotten, or not clearly heard what, exactly, the "threat" was and hear only  that the water supply is contaminated, and react to that.

Since the radio is one of the primary avenues the government uses to warn people about threats to public health and safety, it was an inappropriate prank no matter what. And, again, you might not be expected to know that, but anyone who is actually in a position to be broadcasting should at least have had rudimentary broadcast laws and ethics training.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 05:46:24 PM
This isn't the same as the Lite Brite scare in Boston, which was just stupid.

And while I appreciate the irony of a stale and over-used conservative joke being played on Florida (which isn't particularly conservative by population, but DOES contain many of the crazier conservatives), starting a panic on the radio IS a crime and SHOULD BE a crime.

A few years ago, they'd be fined up the ass by the SEC, which I think is appropriate.  Post-911, they're gonna get the book thrown on top of them1.




1  The Book has gotten larger since the coining of the phrase "throwing the book at".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 06:05:09 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 05:46:24 PM
This isn't the same as the Lite Brite scare in Boston, which was just stupid.

And while I appreciate the irony of a stale and over-used conservative joke being played on Florida (which isn't particularly conservative by population, but DOES contain many of the crazier conservatives), starting a panic on the radio IS a crime and SHOULD BE a crime.

A few years ago, they'd be fined up the ass by the SEC, which I think is appropriate.  Post-911, they're gonna get the book thrown on top of them1.




1  The Book has gotten larger since the coining of the phrase "throwing the book at".

I first heard of the "joke" when Penn and Teller did it a few years ago, and I didn't find it particularly funny THEN, either. It just smacks of looking down on people for not knowing something you know. HAW HAW, IGNORANT PLEBES! HOW FOOLISH OF YOU TO BE UNDEREDUCATED IN SCIENCE!

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 06:07:32 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 04, 2013, 06:05:09 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 05:46:24 PM
This isn't the same as the Lite Brite scare in Boston, which was just stupid.

And while I appreciate the irony of a stale and over-used conservative joke being played on Florida (which isn't particularly conservative by population, but DOES contain many of the crazier conservatives), starting a panic on the radio IS a crime and SHOULD BE a crime.

A few years ago, they'd be fined up the ass by the SEC, which I think is appropriate.  Post-911, they're gonna get the book thrown on top of them1.




1  The Book has gotten larger since the coining of the phrase "throwing the book at".

I first heard of the "joke" when Penn and Teller did it a few years ago, and I didn't find it particularly funny THEN, either. It just smacks of looking down on people for not knowing something you know. HAW HAW, IGNORANT PLEBES! HOW FOOLISH OF YOU TO BE UNDEREDUCATED IN SCIENCE!

It's been around since the 90s at least, as an email forward, an appeal to ridicule against the EPA, etc, by po'buckers who thought that because it was new to them, it would be new to everyone.

It was stale in 1998, and it's worse now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 04, 2013, 06:11:12 PM
Yeah, OK, I see I'm only arguing to defend my initial chuckle at the joke, which isn't worth defending at the expense of being an asshole. I cede my position.

I do want to punish people for not caring more about science, but maybe that kind of thing isn't the way to do it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 06:12:51 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 06:11:12 PM
I do want to punish people for not caring more about science,

That might be the wrong approach. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 06:14:30 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 06:12:51 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 06:11:12 PM
I do want to punish people for not caring more about science,

That might be the wrong approach.

Maybe we could take their food stamps away if they get bad grades.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 06:16:18 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 06:11:12 PM
Yeah, OK, I see I'm only arguing to defend my initial chuckle at the joke, which isn't worth defending at the expense of being an asshole. I cede my position.

I do want to punish people for not caring reform the education and economic system so that people have the opportunity to learn more about science, but maybe that kind of thing isn't the way to do it.

Maybe you meant something more like this?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 04, 2013, 06:22:14 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 04, 2013, 06:16:18 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 06:11:12 PM
Yeah, OK, I see I'm only arguing to defend my initial chuckle at the joke, which isn't worth defending at the expense of being an asshole. I cede my position.

I do want to punish people for not caring reform the education and economic system so that people have the opportunity to learn more about science, but maybe that kind of thing isn't the way to do it.

Maybe you meant something more like this?

Yes I did mean something more like that. Thank you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 06:24:18 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 06:07:32 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 04, 2013, 06:05:09 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 04, 2013, 05:46:24 PM
This isn't the same as the Lite Brite scare in Boston, which was just stupid.

And while I appreciate the irony of a stale and over-used conservative joke being played on Florida (which isn't particularly conservative by population, but DOES contain many of the crazier conservatives), starting a panic on the radio IS a crime and SHOULD BE a crime.

A few years ago, they'd be fined up the ass by the SEC, which I think is appropriate.  Post-911, they're gonna get the book thrown on top of them1.




1  The Book has gotten larger since the coining of the phrase "throwing the book at".

I first heard of the "joke" when Penn and Teller did it a few years ago, and I didn't find it particularly funny THEN, either. It just smacks of looking down on people for not knowing something you know. HAW HAW, IGNORANT PLEBES! HOW FOOLISH OF YOU TO BE UNDEREDUCATED IN SCIENCE!

It's been around since the 90s at least, as an email forward, an appeal to ridicule against the EPA, etc, by po'buckers who thought that because it was new to them, it would be new to everyone.

It was stale in 1998, and it's worse now.

There's a Wikipedia page for it, apparently: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrogen_monoxide_hoax
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 04, 2013, 06:24:54 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 06:22:14 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 04, 2013, 06:16:18 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 06:11:12 PM
Yeah, OK, I see I'm only arguing to defend my initial chuckle at the joke, which isn't worth defending at the expense of being an asshole. I cede my position.

I do want to punish people for not caring reform the education and economic system so that people have the opportunity to learn more about science, but maybe that kind of thing isn't the way to do it.

Maybe you meant something more like this?

Yes I did mean something more like that. Thank you.

Awesome! In that case, I agree completely.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 04, 2013, 06:56:58 PM
Nigel, I admit I laughed and had a bit of "LOL dummy" at the expense of the panicked masses, though when you pointed out the problem, I had to agree with you.

I am wondering if felony charges are appropriate, though.  Would you say the potential punishment fits this crime?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 04, 2013, 06:58:31 PM
People thought the Martians were invading when Orson Wells said so on the radio and he wasn't even trying to prank anybody, AFAIK.
Never underestimate gullibility, I guess, and it WAS fucked up.

Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 04, 2013, 06:56:58 PM
Nigel, I admit I laughed and had a bit of "LOL dummy" at the expense of the panicked masses, though when you pointed out the problem, I had to agree with you.

I am wondering if felony charges are appropriate, though.  Would you say the potential punishment fits this crime?


Wouldn't this have been just a bigass FCC fine not so long ago?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 04, 2013, 11:44:41 PM
Quote from: stelz on April 04, 2013, 05:20:32 PM
BREAKING: EYEBALLS CONTAIN BRAINS AND BAYBEES (http://www.freewoodpost.com/2013/04/03/kansas-state-senate-passes-bill-declaring-life-begins-at-a-twinkle-in-a-fathers-eye/)

QuoteTOPEKA, KANSAS — Wednesday morning Kansas state legislators in the senate took a vote on the definition of where life begins in hopes of stopping all abortions from occurring. HB2254 declares "life begins at a twinkle in a father's eye" and won nearly unanimous approval with one dissenting opinion saying "life should also begin in a mother's eye as well."

This bill would basically give permission to any man who ever thought about having a child at any time to declare this thought as a "valid form of life conception." Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook (R-Shawnee) described the bill saying, "once a child is thought about in the eye of its father it has taken on a true existence. We need to protect and defend that life to the fullest extent of the law. Thoughts can't just protect themselves, you know."

Oops, I got Poe'd.

Hard to tell anymore.  :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 05, 2013, 12:36:12 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 04, 2013, 06:56:58 PM
Nigel, I admit I laughed and had a bit of "LOL dummy" at the expense of the panicked masses, though when you pointed out the problem, I had to agree with you.

I am wondering if felony charges are appropriate, though.  Would you say the potential punishment fits this crime?

Oh, it's definitely got the old "taste of horrormirth" going on. It's not that it isn't funny, it's that it's a combination of funny and HORRIFYING.

And yes, I think that for something like that, felony charges could be appropriate, depending on the degree of panic and the public cost. Plus, a hefty fine on the station, for not training its broadcasters.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 08:20:44 AM
I've been pondering this the past couple of days.

On one hand, I tell outrageous lies to any who I think would believe them. It's caused a few laughs over the years, and I doubt anyone was seriously hurt. Felony charges seem a bit strong for what was clearly intended to be a prank (The date helps that defence) and surely in good humour.

I'm giving the benefit of the doubt for good humour because I think that DJ's would technically be classed as news broadcasters. Now if you start handing out felony charges to news broadcasters that have caused panic and alarm with false information.... you have to start making a big list.

There's also the thing that the only people really allowed to be pissed about this in my opinion is the listener base, which I doubt is that large in the scheme of things. Complaints will be coming from everywhere. Seems kind of unfair as they weren't advertising revenue before and are even less likely to be now. I could see a hypothetical situation where they get more letters of support than complaint from their actually listener base and still get sacked. That seems kind of shitty.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 11:09:43 AM
There's also the aspect of youth learning "authorities" are not always as correct as they think and do make mistakes. A lesson that should be taught more often and is rarely seen in education.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 12:51:27 PM
http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/04/17600743-scientology-linked-rehab-narconon-under-fire-from-two-former-executives?lite

Scientology still a thing, more ex-members remind you it's a bad thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 05, 2013, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 12:51:27 PM
http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/04/17600743-scientology-linked-rehab-narconon-under-fire-from-two-former-executives?lite

Scientology still a thing, more ex-members remind you it's a bad thing.

Didn't Nigel peg AA as a cult recently? NA, Scientology...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 05, 2013, 04:50:47 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 08:20:44 AM
I've been pondering this the past couple of days.

On one hand, I tell outrageous lies to any who I think would believe them. It's caused a few laughs over the years, and I doubt anyone was seriously hurt. Felony charges seem a bit strong for what was clearly intended to be a prank (The date helps that defence) and surely in good humour.

I'm giving the benefit of the doubt for good humour because I think that DJ's would technically be classed as news broadcasters. Now if you start handing out felony charges to news broadcasters that have caused panic and alarm with false information.... you have to start making a big list.

There's also the thing that the only people really allowed to be pissed about this in my opinion is the listener base, which I doubt is that large in the scheme of things. Complaints will be coming from everywhere. Seems kind of unfair as they weren't advertising revenue before and are even less likely to be now. I could see a hypothetical situation where they get more letters of support than complaint from their actually listener base and still get sacked. That seems kind of shitty.

They aren't newsmen but they are broadcasters and should at least have had a minimum of training.

The radio is used as part of the public emergency warning system.

People who were not listening are likely to have been affected as news spread by word of mouth.

It was dangerous and irresponsible, and they at the very least deserve to be fined and fired.

There are different levels of responsibility for different professions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 05, 2013, 04:51:13 PM
Quote from: stelz on April 05, 2013, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 12:51:27 PM
http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/04/17600743-scientology-linked-rehab-narconon-under-fire-from-two-former-executives?lite

Scientology still a thing, more ex-members remind you it's a bad thing.

Didn't Nigel peg AA as a cult recently? NA, Scientology...

Totally a cult.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 05:54:21 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 05, 2013, 04:50:47 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 08:20:44 AM
I've been pondering this the past couple of days.

On one hand, I tell outrageous lies to any who I think would believe them. It's caused a few laughs over the years, and I doubt anyone was seriously hurt. Felony charges seem a bit strong for what was clearly intended to be a prank (The date helps that defence) and surely in good humour.

I'm giving the benefit of the doubt for good humour because I think that DJ's would technically be classed as news broadcasters. Now if you start handing out felony charges to news broadcasters that have caused panic and alarm with false information.... you have to start making a big list.

There's also the thing that the only people really allowed to be pissed about this in my opinion is the listener base, which I doubt is that large in the scheme of things. Complaints will be coming from everywhere. Seems kind of unfair as they weren't advertising revenue before and are even less likely to be now. I could see a hypothetical situation where they get more letters of support than complaint from their actually listener base and still get sacked. That seems kind of shitty.

They aren't newsmen but they are broadcasters and should at least have had a minimum of training.

The radio is used as part of the public emergency warning system.

People who were not listening are likely to have been affected as news spread by word of mouth.

It was dangerous and irresponsible, and they at the very least deserve to be fined and fired.


There are different levels of responsibility for different professions.

I do agree in the most part. Personally I don't take DJ as a particularly serious profession so I'm probably viewing this with an undue degree of sympathy though.

Regarding the bolded, this is what I was getting towards with the news media at large. How much total bullshit is broadcast and then repeated by word of mouth? If a fine and sacking is in order for the DJ's, surely a few talking heads are overdue for the same?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 06:06:54 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 05, 2013, 04:51:13 PM
Quote from: stelz on April 05, 2013, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 12:51:27 PM
http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/04/17600743-scientology-linked-rehab-narconon-under-fire-from-two-former-executives?lite

Scientology still a thing, more ex-members remind you it's a bad thing.

Didn't Nigel peg AA as a cult recently? NA, Scientology...

Totally a cult.

I can't claim firsthand experience of any AA type thing, but it struck me as unhealthy bullshit that a "higher power" seemed built into a lot of them. Always a strong indicator to Run fast, Run far.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 05, 2013, 06:28:10 PM
Ok, junk has made a point.

Two DJs make a factual but seemingly fraudulent statement about Florida tap water, and are in danger of felonious behavior.

An entire administration makes fraudulent but seemingly factual statements about Iraq's possession of WMD, but are not charged at all.


That a lot more hippie-ish than intended, but you see what I'm getting at. No dead vs 200,000+ dead, and the DJs face jail time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 05, 2013, 06:38:13 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 05, 2013, 06:28:10 PM
Ok, junk has made a point.

Two DJs make a factual but seemingly fraudulent statement about Florida tap water, and are in danger of felonious behavior.

An entire administration makes fraudulent but seemingly factual statements about Iraq's possession of WMD, but are not charged at all.


That a lot more hippie-ish than intended, but you see what I'm getting at. No dead vs 200,000+ dead, and the DJs face jail time.

Allow me to reitterate:

1.  Big thieves hang little thieves.

2.  Kill one person, go to prison for life.  Kill 200,000 people, ride to the opera in a limosine.

3.  Rape gets you a year, an ounce of pot gets you 26 years.

4.  Start a war, become a statesman.  Play a stupid & juvenile prank, get felony charges.

That's all you really need to know about the American justice system.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on April 05, 2013, 08:58:58 PM
Quote
That's all you really need to know about the American justice system.

Apparently imprisonment isn't enough anymore. I'm hearing a rumor that the man who wrote this has been arrested today. I was going to rant about it but all I ended up writing was the word FUCK a bunch of times.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-mcgowan/communication-management-units_b_2944580.html

QuoteOnly now -- three years after I filed a federal lawsuit to get to the truth -- have I learned why the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) sent me to the CMU: they simply did not like what I had to say in my published writing and personal letters.  In short, based on its disagreement with my political views, the government sent me to a prison unit from which it would be harder for me to be heard, serving as a punishment for my beliefs.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 05, 2013, 09:04:57 PM
Communication Management Units.

I am unsurprised by either their existence or the name.  The name itself is a slap in the face to everything even remotely connected to the idea of a free and open society.

I am also unsurprised that Obama and Holder continued their existence.  They won't ever go away...The idea is just TOO 21st Century America to ever die.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 06, 2013, 09:27:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 05:54:21 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 05, 2013, 04:50:47 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 05, 2013, 08:20:44 AM
I've been pondering this the past couple of days.

On one hand, I tell outrageous lies to any who I think would believe them. It's caused a few laughs over the years, and I doubt anyone was seriously hurt. Felony charges seem a bit strong for what was clearly intended to be a prank (The date helps that defence) and surely in good humour.

I'm giving the benefit of the doubt for good humour because I think that DJ's would technically be classed as news broadcasters. Now if you start handing out felony charges to news broadcasters that have caused panic and alarm with false information.... you have to start making a big list.

There's also the thing that the only people really allowed to be pissed about this in my opinion is the listener base, which I doubt is that large in the scheme of things. Complaints will be coming from everywhere. Seems kind of unfair as they weren't advertising revenue before and are even less likely to be now. I could see a hypothetical situation where they get more letters of support than complaint from their actually listener base and still get sacked. That seems kind of shitty.

They aren't newsmen but they are broadcasters and should at least have had a minimum of training.

The radio is used as part of the public emergency warning system.

People who were not listening are likely to have been affected as news spread by word of mouth.

It was dangerous and irresponsible, and they at the very least deserve to be fined and fired.


There are different levels of responsibility for different professions.

I do agree in the most part. Personally I don't take DJ as a particularly serious profession so I'm probably viewing this with an undue degree of sympathy though.

Regarding the bolded, this is what I was getting towards with the news media at large. How much total bullshit is broadcast and then repeated by word of mouth? If a fine and sacking is in order for the DJ's, surely a few talking heads are overdue for the same?

A fuckton, and yes, and that is the problem with the insane power imbalance in our society.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 06, 2013, 09:28:35 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on April 05, 2013, 08:58:58 PM
Quote
That's all you really need to know about the American justice system.

Apparently imprisonment isn't enough anymore. I'm hearing a rumor that the man who wrote this has been arrested today. I was going to rant about it but all I ended up writing was the word FUCK a bunch of times.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-mcgowan/communication-management-units_b_2944580.html

QuoteOnly now -- three years after I filed a federal lawsuit to get to the truth -- have I learned why the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) sent me to the CMU: they simply did not like what I had to say in my published writing and personal letters.  In short, based on its disagreement with my political views, the government sent me to a prison unit from which it would be harder for me to be heard, serving as a punishment for my beliefs.

Well fuck everything. That's it; we have finally arrived at FULL ORWELL.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 07, 2013, 12:30:46 PM
QuoteA teenager who became Britain's first youth police and crime commissioner (PCC) has apologised for violent, racist and anti-gay remarks on Twitter.

Paris Brown, 17, was appointed to work alongside Kent's Independent PCC Ann Barnes representing young people across the county last week.

Paris said she was "showing off and wildly exaggerating" in the tweets reported in The Mail on Sunday.

Ms Barnes said Paris would "learn quickly from this".

The newspaper also reported Paris boasted about her sex life, drug taking and drinking on her account @vilulabelle on the social networking website.

Her Twitter page has since been removed.

In a statement, Paris said: "I deeply apologise for any offence caused by my use of inappropriate language and for any inference of inappropriate views.


Paris has previously used Twitter for what she described as "showing off and wildly exaggerating"
"I am not homophobic, racist or violent and am against the taking of drugs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-22057246

A shock as the whole PCC/ Youth PCC was totally not supposed to be a do-nothing job with minimal responsibilities.Still a stunning display of no sense. Not like a recent matter that affected the youth in this country was some kind of riot last year with more than a few ankle biters heading to the pokey.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on April 07, 2013, 12:58:53 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 04, 2013, 02:36:10 PM
No, no I get that. It's just that people should be able to freak out a little and then say "lol joke!" It's not that the response is inappropriate given the way things are, it's that the way things are is inappropriate.

When it comes to radio, the FCC is in charge, F = Federal, breaking a federal law = felony. I used to be a radio DJ, and there's a very clear rule on the subject of hoaxes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 07, 2013, 03:11:56 PM
Ah.

So the key is you need to not (apparently/allegedly/actually) know it's a hoax. Interesting.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 07, 2013, 03:22:42 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 07, 2013, 03:11:56 PM
Ah.

So the key is you need to not (apparently/allegedly/actually) know it's a hoax. Interesting.

On the flip side, didn't the courts rule in favor of FOX lying and presenting it as a news show?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on April 07, 2013, 07:03:39 PM
:lol: Terrible Step Uncle doesn't believe Fox is full of shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2013, 08:47:44 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22038012

QuoteA hi-tech bracelet could soon be helping civil rights and aid workers at risk of being kidnapped or killed.

When triggered, the personal alarm uses phone and sat-nav technology to warn that its wearer is in danger.

Warnings are sent in the form of messages to Facebook and Twitter to rally support and ensure people do not disappear without trace.

The first bracelets are being given out this week and funding is being sought to make many more.

You see this? This actually has the kernel of a good idea. The next time the campaign of the week comes around, think about this.

Then think about this:

Quote"Most of us, given the chance, would like to help others in danger," said Civil Rights Defenders' executive director Robert Hardh. "These civil rights defenders are risking their lives for others to have the right to vote, or to practise religion or free speech."

Those who monitor bracelets can also help bring pressure to bear on governments to find or release people abducted or jailed. In total, 55 bracelets will be given out by the end of 2014.

55. By the end of 2014. Does that seem a reasonable number given the number of workers in high risk situations?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2013, 09:01:12 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22047852

QuoteA former chief of the navy in Guinea-Bissau has appeared in a US court on charges linked to cocaine trafficking, officials have said.

Rear Adm Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto was flown to New York after he was detained while travelling on a yacht in the east Atlantic.

Adm Na Tchuto is described by the US as a kingpin in Guinea-Bissau's huge drugs trade.

The small West African state is a staging post for drug-smuggling gangs.

Cocaine is smuggled to Guinea-Bissau from Latin America before finding its way to Europe as well as the US.

Looks like it's time for a change in hierarchy. I'll be surprised if this chap is alive in a year.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 08, 2013, 09:10:50 AM
The West African market for drugs has been in...considerable flux since the Mali partition and subsequent intervention.  Not entirely surprising to see some people losing the political capital and protection they thought they once had as a consequence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2013, 09:24:58 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22058572

Iran due to be a nuclear power in 12-18 months.

I think I've heard this before. A lot. For several years.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 08, 2013, 09:28:31 AM
Only every year since 1990, according to Mossad  :lulz:

Hey, if they keep throwing out random numbers, they'll be right eventually.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2013, 10:05:47 AM
http://articles.philly.com/2013-03-22/news/37940199_1_schiliro-whelan-report-states

QuoteMARCUS HOOK Mayor James "Jay" Schiliro had a bad day.

Then it got worse.

As the clock approached midnight on Feb. 21, a drunken Schiliro embarked on an ill-advised mission to redefine the term "public servant" in his blue-collar refinery town, according to a police report.

Schiliro, 38, allegedly turned the Marcus Hook Police Department into a private escort agency, ordering a cop on the late-night shift to bring a 20-year-old man to his house in a marked police vehicle.

He gave the man wine, then allegedly offered 20 to 30 times to perform oral sex on him, according to the report.

When the man repeatedly refused, Schiliro, who as mayor controls the police department, started to pull out handguns, informed the man that he was "going to be a hostage," fired a 9 mm bullet into the wall and said that he'd ordered police to stay away from the house, the report states.

"The mayor, I believe, has indicated to the press that he has some issues," said Delaware County District Attorney John Whelan.

Hardly news, but a cheap laugh.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2013, 10:10:31 AM
This is news however:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/chavez-protege-invokes-curse-on-those-who-vote-against-him/article10828067/

QuoteVenezuelan acting President Nicolas Maduro said on Saturday a centuries-old curse would fall on the heads of those who do not vote for him in next week's election to pick a successor to late leader Hugo Chavez.

Mr. Maduro's invocation of the "curse of Macarapana" was the latest twist in an increasingly surreal fight between him and opposition leader Henrique Capriles for control of the South American oil-producing nation of 29 million people.

"If anyone among the people votes against Nicolas Maduro, he is voting against himself, and the curse of Macarapana is falling on him," said Mr. Maduro, referring to the 16th-century Battle of Macarapana when Spanish colonial fighters massacred local Indian forces.

QuoteIn his daily campaign rallies, Mr. Maduro has been referring constantly to Mr. Chavez and playing a video where the former president endorses his protege last year as his successor.

In the most polished of his other campaign videos, to a backdrop of swirling strings, Venezuelans write messages such as "For the love of my culture" and "For the love of my children" on balloons, and then release them into the sky.

Finally, Mr. Chavez's face appears in the clouds, and he winks.

Puncturing Capriles' public admiration of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Maduro has also been playing a video of the former Brazilian president endorsing him too.

At his rallies, Capriles mocks Maduro as a cheap imitation of Chavez. He says Maduro's track record during the president's sickness from cancer and after his death has wrought disaster on Venezuelans in terms of a currency devaluation and price rises.

Venezuela's vote will decide not only the future of "Chavismo" socialism but also control of the world's biggest oil reserves and economic aid to left-leaning nations in Latin America and the Caribbean from Cuba to Ecuador.

Well that makes most other elections sound pretty fucking dull.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2013, 12:37:37 PM
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2013/04/america-may-be-the-worlds-top-exporter-of-sperm/

QuoteSome American exports make their way around the world for their novelty or technical prowess (or through aggressive marketing). But America's rise as a top exporter of sperm has less to do with the quality of the product than it does with the process, according to a new story by Brooke Jarvis for The Verge.

For the most part, over American history, the flow of people—or more specifically, genetic material—has predominately been into the country. But while America is still largely a destination for families on the move, according to Jarvis, "by some estimates, the United States is the world's largest exporter of sperm, sending vials to dozens of countries every year." From one Seattle sperm bank, she writes, "some 60 percent ends up outside the United States."

"sperm has become a vigorous (ahem), multi-million dollar global industry. The sperm trade is growing ever larger and ever more international, with more and more kids being born via unknown fathers on distant continents."

USA - Exporting Crazy worldwide in any way it can.

It would probably be quite revealing to see the list of countries exported to.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on April 08, 2013, 03:30:48 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 06, 2013, 09:28:35 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on April 05, 2013, 08:58:58 PM
Quote
That's all you really need to know about the American justice system.

Apparently imprisonment isn't enough anymore. I'm hearing a rumor that the man who wrote this has been arrested today. I was going to rant about it but all I ended up writing was the word FUCK a bunch of times.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-mcgowan/communication-management-units_b_2944580.html

QuoteOnly now -- three years after I filed a federal lawsuit to get to the truth -- have I learned why the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) sent me to the CMU: they simply did not like what I had to say in my published writing and personal letters.  In short, based on its disagreement with my political views, the government sent me to a prison unit from which it would be harder for me to be heard, serving as a punishment for my beliefs.

Well fuck everything. That's it; we have finally arrived at FULL ORWELL.

I try to imagine it as an adventure. It's like we get to live in a science fiction novel.

It has been confirmed that Daniel was arrested for writing this. The good news is that he is out already due to the fact that the law that they used to arrest him was declared unconstitutional and struck down in 2007.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/04/daniel-mcgowan-arrested_n_3016885.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/05/daniel-mcgowan-jailing_n_3021613.html?1365197128

The land of the free. Where you can get jailed for speaking out about how you can get jailed for speaking out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 09, 2013, 09:21:50 AM
Right, what have we got today then?

This:
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/safe_driver_act_would_grant_li_1.html

QuoteSPRINGFIELD — With the exception of 16-year-olds obsessing about their driver's tests, most people don't think much about the benefits of driving and having a license.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, and state Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville, are working with the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition for passage of legislation that would provide access to driver's licenses for immigrants who cannot obtain Social Security documentation.

"There are many different opinions about immigration, but I think we have found a very small issue where we have some common ground. Everyone wants the roads to be safer," said Farley- Bouvier.

The bill titled An Act relative to safe driving stipulates that in order for a person to receive one of these licenses they must pass a driver's exam. They must also purchase liability insurance for their motor vehicles.

"The card will not be valid if the person does not purchase the insurance," Farley-Bouvier said.

The bill also calls for the issuance of an ID card with a distinctive design that would set it apart from a regular driver's license.

Well that won't end badly for the people it's "trying to help"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 09, 2013, 09:28:48 AM
And this:
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130407/09244422618/french-intelligence-agency-forces-wikipedia-volunteer-to-delete-article-re-instated-it-becomes-most-read-page-french-wikipedia.shtml

QuoteLast week, we wrote about an organization that was unhappy that a Wikipedia article no longer existed. Now we have the opposite problem: an organization unhappy because a Wikipedia article does exist. And not just any organization, but the "Direction Centrale du Renseignement Intéieur" (Central Directorate of Interior Intelligence, DCRI), a French intelligence agency, which suddenly decided that an article about a military base contained classified information, and wanted it deleted. As the English-language Wikipedia article on the subject explains:
The Wikimedia Foundation asked the intelligence agency what precise part(s) of the article were a problem in the eyes of the intelligence agency, noting that the article closely reflected information in a freely available television broadcast. The DCRI refused to give these details, and repeated its demand for deletion of the article.
Wikipedia refused to delete it, and then things took a nasty turn, as a press release from the Wikimedia Foundation explains:

The page that kept vanishing was related to this:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy/index.php?en_contact

Very odd.

QuoteMoreover, it seems likely that Hill finds himself on the receiving end of legal threats because he uses his own name on Wikipedia, rather than operating anonymously as many others do. ICD's current actions almost certainly mean that fewer people will be willing to take that risk, and will instead opt to carry out their work under the cloak of anonymity, or may not want to get involved at all. That last point -- the potential chilling effect -- is the most worrying, as Hill explains:
If I can be scared off by threats like these, anybody can. After all, I have friends at the Wikimedia Foundation, a position at Harvard Law School, and am close friends with many of the world's greatest lawyer-experts on both wikis and cyberlaw. And even I am intimidated into not improving the encyclopedia.

I am concerned by what I believe is the more common case -- where those with skin in the game will fight harder and longer than a random Wikipedian. The fact that it's usually not me on the end of the threat gives me lots of reasons to worry about Wikipedia at a time when its importance and readership continues to grow as its editor-base remains stagnant.
We may come to look back on today's Wikipedia as the project's golden age, before those "with skin in the game" started their assault in earnest, and before Wikipedia editors increasingly gave up trying to ward them off for fear of legal reprisals.

Edit for additional content, was a bit bare.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 09, 2013, 09:29:26 AM
And now a quick break for a cheap laugh:
http://gizmodo.com/5994000/this-is-the-porn-that-gets-downloaded-in-the-vatican

Details and more:
http://torrentfreak.com/priests-watch-dvd-screeners-while-pirates-download-filth-in-the-vatican-130407/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Torrentfreak+%28Torrentfreak%29

Quote"Back in January, he mentioned he had watched Lincoln the night before," Paul explained. "So I asked had they shown it early in the cinema or something and he said: 'No, we have a film club once a week and we watched it up at the monastery'."

Of course, back in January the movie wasn't out on DVD, so either the priest is an Oscar voter or there's another more likely explanation. And it gets worse.

"We watched Django Unchained last week, which I found very violent," the priest told Paul. "We watched Les Miserables the week before and Zero Dark Thirty the week before that."

What we appear to have here is a secret pirate movie club located in a monastery, run and frequented by priests. If that wasn't enough, Paul says the priests just don't see anything wrong in it either.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 09, 2013, 09:49:54 AM
http://consumerist.com/2013/04/08/worst-company-in-america-final-death-match-bank-of-america-vs-ea-part-ii/

QuoteNEW YEAR, SAME OLD PROBLEMS
It's been almost five years since Bank of America acquired Countrywide and Merrill Lynch, and all the toxic mortgages and mortgage-backed securities that came with those deals. And every year since, BofA has been criticized by consumers, advocates, lawmakers, regulators, and everyone's Uncle Eddie for failing to clean up that financial porta-potty.
Last year, BofA was doing a bad job of responding to consumer complaints. That didn't change in the interim, with the bank coming in last on the American Customer Satisfaction Index survey, or its back-of-the-pack ranking for replying to consumers who registered complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Meanwhile, BofA showed its dedication to customers by cutting its ATM network by around 10%. So you can thank the bank every time you pay a fee because the BofA ATM that used to be there is no longer available.
For years, we've been writing about BofA foreclosing on the wrong house or having private property improperly seized. Did that stop? Apparently not, as agents for the bank did things like vanish with homeowners' classic muscle cars.
Let's not forget some old fave BofA moves, like screwing up a homeowner's loan adjustment so that she somehow ends up owing $14,500 more when it's over, or refusing to acknowledge that your mom has passed away.
And it's not just consumers that had problems with BofA. In addition to being responsible for the largest chunk of the $25 billion nationwide robosigning settlement, BofA has been sued by investors, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, and the U.S. government — though of course, not a single criminal indictment has been brought against a BofA exec (or any Wall Street biggie) for its part in the mortgage meltdown.
Meanwhile, BofA was caught interfering with the foreclosure review process (before the government just handed the process over to the banks anyway).
Hell, even CEO Brian Moynihan seems to openly regret his predecessor's decision to acquire the failing institutions that have since resulted in more than $40 billion settlements and legal costs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 10, 2013, 03:47:41 PM
http://dawn.com/2013/04/10/pakistan-successfully-test-fires-hatf-iv-ballistic-missile-2/

Pakistan showing North Korea how to sabre-rattle.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 10, 2013, 04:07:52 PM
http://www.examiner.com/article/breastaurant-trademark-texas-restaurant-trademarks-racy-name

QuoteDoug Guller, CEO of ATX Brands LLC, owns Bikinis Sports Bar and Grill, and he announced on Tuesday that he has trademarked the term "breastaurant." It is trademarked throughout the United States Patent and Trademarks Office. That means his company is the only one that can describe itself using that word.

"We're really excited about receiving this federal trademark," Guller said in a statement. "Our team has worked hard over the last seven years to offer a unique experience to our fans. It just further solidifies that Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill is America's ONLY breastaurant."

The "breastaurant" trademark will go with Guller's chain that has locations throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. It isn't the first time he has been in the news like this though.

Back in July 2012, Guller purchased an abandoned town known as Bankersmith, Texas in Kendall County. It is about two hours distance from Austin, and he bought it off of Craigslist and planned to turn it into a seasonal tourist destination.

Once everything was finalized, Guller renamed the town "Bikinis" in honor of his restaurant.

So, this is a thing. Well I say this, of course institutionalised sexism is a thing. This just seems a little more overt and asking for a lawsuit. Not sure from who first but I'm fairly sure it's coming.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 10, 2013, 04:15:26 PM
QuoteGov. Andrew Cuomo took "step one" Tuesday in responding to the arrests of two state lawmakers, opting to stiffen penalties and create new criminal charges that would help district attorneys prosecute public corruption.
Flanked by his counsel and several downstate prosecutors, the governor announced proposals to make it easier to prove government bribery charges; prevent anyone convicted of a new class of public corruption offenses from ever holding office, lobbying or taking an interest in a company that lobbies or does business with the state; and create a "duty" for public officials to report corruption if they see it.
"I want to strike while the iron is hot. A crisis is a terrible thing to waste," Cuomo, a Democrat, said. "Today we start at the beginning, and we start with stricter and more effective criminal deterrence."

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Cuomo-offers-anti-corruption-act-4421148.php

I can't wait to see all the exciting changes this will fail to bring. I'm pretty sure most of that shit is actually already illegal. I'm fairly confident that if this passes not a single soul will be charged with it. Between plea-bargains and the standard of lawyer anyone caught in this level of corruption is likely to be able to retain, this strikes me as a colossal fucking waste of time.

In fact, I suspect it may just fuck over lower level officials for negligence to report (Spot and whistleblow on) corruption. Which again, I'm pretty sure is a crime.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 10, 2013, 04:22:00 PM
Lengthy, but amusing:
http://moneymorning.com/2013/04/09/could-gold-and-silver-coins-become-legal-tender-in-your-state/

QuoteConfidence in the U.S. dollar is so low that 13 states are poised to recognize gold and silver coins as legal tender.

Arizona is the latest state set to make the move.

Monday, the Republican sponsored Arizona measure sailed through the House of Representatives 36-2. The bill moves on for another vote in the Senate, where it got its first nod Feb. 28 in a 17-11 vote.

Should it land on Gov. Jan Brewer's desk, it's good as gold.

Sen. Chester Crandall (R-AZ), the bill's sponsor, says the move "is the logical thing for the state of Arizona to do."

The bill doesn't mean residents will pay for groceries and utilities with the coins. It's more of a backup plan that provides "a lifeboat for Arizona so that we can construct Plan B" when paper currency is no longer widely accepted.

Utah led the way in 2011 when it sanctioned bullion as currency with the Legal Tender Act.

QuoteThroughout history, every single instance of money printing and substantial increases in a country's debt has always led to the destruction of paper currency and a depression among the citizens that live through it.

At least, that is what Utah lawmakers found when researching the benefit of gold and silver bullion as legal tender.

Utah's passage was spurred by the U.S. Federal Reserve's money printing, massive debt accumulation, and $220 billion annual interest due on the debt.

Worries of the U.S. dollar losing value, hyperinflation and an economic collapse all supported the move. Lawmakers argued that gold and silver bullion will continue to keep their value because they are sound currencies with no debts attached to them.

Missouri shared that sentiment when it proposed The Sound Money Act in April 2012. Its passage also was motivated by the belief that the U.S. dollar is burdened by heavy debt and losing value as that load grows.

"Today, the citizens of Missouri are one step closer to having the value of their investments, savings and currency protected from inflation and manipulation by the Federal Reserve Board and the federal government," Rick Danker, Economics Director of American Principles in Action said following the bill's approval.

"This is great news for the cause of sound money, not just in Missouri but for other states seeking to use their constitutional authority to make gold and silver coins legal tender," he added.

South Carolina lawmakers took up the discussion in March 2012.

"I'm no financial expert but I am smart enough to know that you can't keep printing money when it has no backing," Republican Rep. Mac Toole told Fox News at the time.

There is something about gold as a currency that seems to turn particular people into some kind of King Midas on crack crossed with an Austin Powers villain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 04:26:07 PM
QuoteConfidence in the U.S. dollar is so low that 13 states are poised to recognize gold and silver coins as legal tender.

Arizona is the latest state set to make the move.

That's because we're RETARDED.  The constitution already allow states to do this, so does federal and state law.

Quote from: Article I, Section 10, Clause 1No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 10, 2013, 04:29:06 PM
Yeah, but how else can they show Obama and all those liberals that the Gold Standard is the best thing ever?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 04:38:01 PM
Quote from: Cain on April 10, 2013, 04:29:06 PM
Yeah, but how else can they show Obama and all those liberals that the Gold Standard is the best thing ever?

It just bothers me that this many governors have never actually read the constitution.  It doesn't SURPRISE me, it just annoys me.

Or maybe they HAVE, and they know their base HASN'T, and this is just a nice, safe, and totally cynical ploy to show what great states' rights yahoos they are.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 10, 2013, 04:40:24 PM
Rational actions part 22297171/KH -

QuoteJorif went into the maternity ward at Virginia Hospital Center last week and got into an argument when he was told he couldn't go into a patient's room, police said.
More from NBCWashington.com
Jorif allegedly pulled out the knife from his waistband and used it to bang on a door before tossing it into the patient's room, according to police.
Investigators said he'd gone to the hospital to tell the woman her baby's father couldn't visit because he'd just been arrested.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17683265-police-meat-cleaver-thrown-in-maternity-ward?lite

Nothing says "He can't make it" like a meat cleaver thrown at you.

And Rog, it's the latter. Don't promise things that haven't already been delivered.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 04:41:55 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 10, 2013, 04:40:24 PM
And Rog, it's the latter. Don't promise things that haven't already been delivered.

Possibly.  Jan Brewer was involved, so there's an even chance it's pure derp.

It does make an interesting opening move to getting the Rand-tards back on board, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on April 10, 2013, 05:02:07 PM
Make a public show of your defiance by doing something that you're actually allowed to do, but framed such that the public assumes you're being rebellious. Then, when you don't get prosecuted for it, it looks like a win for you. Pretty shrewd, if that much thought went into it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 05:17:19 PM
Quote from: Cainad on April 10, 2013, 05:02:07 PM
Make a public show of your defiance by doing something that you're actually allowed to do, but framed such that the public assumes you're being rebellious. Then, when you don't get prosecuted for it, it looks like a win for you. Pretty shrewd, if that much thought went into it.

Brewer didn't think it up...She loves over-the-top theatrics, but she simply isn't that smart.  Some of her PR wonks are, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 10, 2013, 06:39:28 PM
Well, as dad said, "always hire people smarter than you."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 06:41:51 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 10, 2013, 06:39:28 PM
Well, as dad said, "always hire people smarter than you."

The perfect employee is 20% smarter than yourself, with insanely low self-esteem and/or no leadership ambition.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 10, 2013, 06:43:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 06:41:51 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 10, 2013, 06:39:28 PM
Well, as dad said, "always hire people smarter than you."

The perfect employee is 20% smarter than yourself, with insanely low self-esteem and/or no leadership ambition.

This is why I never have a problem finding a decent job.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 10, 2013, 06:44:51 PM
However, it's also the reason you're not doing the hiring.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 06:45:06 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 10, 2013, 06:43:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 06:41:51 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 10, 2013, 06:39:28 PM
Well, as dad said, "always hire people smarter than you."

The perfect employee is 20% smarter than yourself, with insanely low self-esteem and/or no leadership ambition.

This is why I never have a problem finding a decent job.

Faking a lack of ambition isn't very hard.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 06:45:30 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 10, 2013, 06:44:51 PM
However, it's also the reason you're not doing the hiring.

But I do the hiring.   :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 10, 2013, 06:47:52 PM
Pardon my confusion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 10, 2013, 07:05:18 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 06:45:06 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 10, 2013, 06:43:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 06:41:51 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on April 10, 2013, 06:39:28 PM
Well, as dad said, "always hire people smarter than you."

The perfect employee is 20% smarter than yourself, with insanely low self-esteem and/or no leadership ambition.

This is why I never have a problem finding a decent job.

Faking a lack of ambition isn't very hard.

To be honest, I do have ambition. I seem to get by using the related but different tactic of being "unassuming." In the past 8 years I have quintupled my income without going to college. I'm not without ambition, I just apply it without trying or appearing to be a threat to my boss' job. Also, I'll admit there's a fair amount of luck that has gone into it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 07:52:48 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17678244-journalists-watch-as-reporter-faces-jail-time-for-not-revealing-sources?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 08:25:15 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17688268-dog-tied-to-railroad-tracks-saved-by-eagle-eyed-engineer?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 10, 2013, 09:32:10 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 08:25:15 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17688268-dog-tied-to-railroad-tracks-saved-by-eagle-eyed-engineer?lite

How old WAS that guy that he came up with a stunt like that?
The Perils of Pauline came out in 1914, I just checked.  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 11, 2013, 12:17:46 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:

Indeed!

Including such timeless classics as,
Quote from: the article"The fact that the party is strongly committed to traditional marriage has not prevented their involvement through GOProud or Log Cabin Republicans," they wrote. "We deeply resent the insinuation that we have treated homosexuals unkindly personally."

I mean, for fuck's sake, talk about privilege. The fact that this statement can even be written without the author dying of internal hemorrhaging brought on by its gut-wrenching self-inflicted irony is a deeply satisfying testament to the GOP's continued dominance of the "Somebody chop down all these trees, they're blocking my view of the forest!" market.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 11, 2013, 02:23:57 AM
LOLZ (http://www.salon.com/2013/04/10/kid_rock_im_embarrassed_to_be_a_republican/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 11, 2013, 02:57:23 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:

CUT 'EM LOOSE.

PREDICTION: The GOP cuts their most radical social conservatives loose, and begins making a slow arc towards social progressiveness. Meanwhile, the Democrats will continue their slide into conservatism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 11, 2013, 03:06:20 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 02:57:23 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:

CUT 'EM LOOSE.

PREDICTION: The GOP cuts their most radical social conservatives loose, and begins making a slow arc towards social progressiveness. Meanwhile, the Democrats will continue their slide into conservatism.

You're probably right about this... the Blue Dog Democrats are holding the door open for these people, and once the GOP finds its footing with a coalition between social progressives and fiscal conservatives, the parties will probably return to their original configurations -- Republicans for banksters, and Democrats for .. uhh.. well, also banksters. But their sales pitches, at least, will swap places, as you predict.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 11, 2013, 04:45:29 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 11, 2013, 03:06:20 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 02:57:23 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:

CUT 'EM LOOSE.

PREDICTION: The GOP cuts their most radical social conservatives loose, and begins making a slow arc towards social progressiveness. Meanwhile, the Democrats will continue their slide into conservatism.

You're probably right about this... the Blue Dog Democrats are holding the door open for these people, and once the GOP finds its footing with a coalition between social progressives and fiscal conservatives, the parties will probably return to their original configurations -- Republicans for banksters, and Democrats for .. uhh.. well, also banksters. But their sales pitches, at least, will swap places, as you predict.

Uhhh...weren't the repubs originally a coalition of antislavery forces?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 11, 2013, 05:21:29 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 11, 2013, 04:45:29 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 11, 2013, 03:06:20 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 02:57:23 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:

CUT 'EM LOOSE.

PREDICTION: The GOP cuts their most radical social conservatives loose, and begins making a slow arc towards social progressiveness. Meanwhile, the Democrats will continue their slide into conservatism.

You're probably right about this... the Blue Dog Democrats are holding the door open for these people, and once the GOP finds its footing with a coalition between social progressives and fiscal conservatives, the parties will probably return to their original configurations -- Republicans for banksters, and Democrats for .. uhh.. well, also banksters. But their sales pitches, at least, will swap places, as you predict.

Uhhh...weren't the repubs originally a coalition of antislavery forces?

They were opposed to [expanding] slavery, sure. But it wasn't all moral high-horse. It was also "let's take what we perceive as an unfair economic advantage of the South away from them." The moral argument was convenient, not necessarily primary.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 11, 2013, 05:38:56 AM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17694009-uruguay-approves-gay-marriage-second-in-region-to-do-so?lite

I, FOR ONE, AM GLAD TO LIVE IN THE FREE-EST NATION ON EARTH.

URUGUAY, STOP SHOWING OFF.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 09:27:55 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22102649

QuoteA man who lived as a hermit in the Maine woods for nearly three decades committed more than 1,000 burglaries for food and supplies, police say.

Christopher Knight was arrested last week after setting off a motion sensor in an alleged break-in at a youth camp.

On Tuesday, police said they found the site where the so-called North Pond Hermit was said to have lived for 27 years with virtually no human contact.

His existence has become part of local lore in the small Maine town of Rome.

Police say Mr Knight, 47, treated a nearby camp for disabled children and adults like a "local Walmart", pillaging it for supplies when needed, the Kennebec Journal newspaper reported.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 09:32:56 AM
More Pope fun

QuoteBut can Bergoglio's efforts to be a witness for justice during the dark days of the military regime compare with those of Oscar Romero, the archbishop from El Salvador, whose uncompromising criticism of government death squads and oppression of the poor led to him being assassinated in 1980 as he celebrated Mass?

"Bergoglio was not a Romero. Very few people were like that," says Ivan Petrella, religious affairs commentator at think tank Fundacion Pensar in his Buenos Aires office.

But if Romero scored 10 on a 10-point scale for his courageous stand, how had the current Pope fared? "I´d say 7.5," says Petrella. "Allegations against him have no basis in evidence."

But there is another story that demands answers - the supremely toxic affair of "disappeared" pregnant women, who gave birth to their children while being held in detention centres. Most of the mothers were murdered and their children handed on to "deserving" couples who were well connected with the brutal military junta.

This is very much a live political issue. A number of the children have discovered the painful truth about their past, while hundreds more still remain blissfully ignorant of their parentage. The campaigning grandmothers assert that many priests and nuns were complicit in what happened and are still at large in society. They show no sign of letting the matter rest.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22064929

Timing and tone of this article is no no way related the falklands at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 01:02:25 PM
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/03/28/study-packages-sealed-with-atheist-tape-10-times-more-likely-to-disappear/?iid=obinsite

QuoteAtheist Shoes calls itself "a cadre of shoemakers & artists in Berlin, Germany" that hand-make artsy shoes for "people who don't believe in god(s)." The company describes its shoes as "Bauhaus-inspired," referring to a German crafts and arts school that operated in the early 20th century, eschewing ornamentation and emphasizing harmony between an object's function and design. The company also claims to have "lots of customers" in the United States.

And yet it says shipments to U.S. customers sometimes "take longer than they should to arrive" and "even go missing." When U.S. customers began requesting that Atheist Shoes not box shipments with packing tape trumpeting the company's name and ideology — the word "atheist" displayed repeatedly — Atheist Shoes wondered if the USPS, or at least some of its employees, might be up to no good.

Thus the ad hoc study: The company says it sent two packages each to 89 people (178 packages total) canvassing nearly every U.S. state — one package with the Atheist-branded tape, one without. And this is where the results suggest something fishy: According to Atheist Shoes, company-branded packages took on average three days longer to reach their destination and were 10 times more likely to disappear outright. An Atheist-branded package sent to Michigan arrived 37 days later than its non-branded companion. What's more, the company ran a series of "control" tests in Europe which it claims "demonstrate no such bias."

What's up with the USPS? Who knows, but Atheist Shoes says it's no longer using Atheist-branded packing tape, that delivery times are already improving and to "please order with confidence, our godless American friends!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 01:40:26 PM
Well this could explain a lot:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22099990

QuoteAnalysis of commercially available rice imported into the US has revealed it contains levels of lead far higher than regulations suggest are safe.

Some samples exceeded the "provisional total tolerable intake" (PTTI) set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by a factor of 120.

The report at the American Chemical Society Meeting adds to the already well-known issue of arsenic in rice.

The FDA told the BBC it would review the research.

Lead is known to be harmful to many organs and the central nervous system.

It is a particular risk for young children, who suffer significant developmental problems if exposed to elevated lead levels.

Because rice is grown in heavily irrigated conditions, it is more susceptible than other staple crops to environmental pollutants in irrigation water.

Recent studies have highlighted the presence of arsenic in rice - prompting consumption advice from the UK's Food Standards Agency and more recently from the FDA.

However, other heavy metals represent a risk as well.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 11, 2013, 04:13:11 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 01:40:26 PM
Well this could explain a lot:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22099990

QuoteAnalysis of commercially available rice imported into the US has revealed it contains levels of lead far higher than regulations suggest are safe.

Some samples exceeded the "provisional total tolerable intake" (PTTI) set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by a factor of 120.

The report at the American Chemical Society Meeting adds to the already well-known issue of arsenic in rice.

The FDA told the BBC it would review the research.

Lead is known to be harmful to many organs and the central nervous system.

It is a particular risk for young children, who suffer significant developmental problems if exposed to elevated lead levels.

Because rice is grown in heavily irrigated conditions, it is more susceptible than other staple crops to environmental pollutants in irrigation water.

Recent studies have highlighted the presence of arsenic in rice - prompting consumption advice from the UK's Food Standards Agency and more recently from the FDA.

However, other heavy metals represent a risk as well.

WHAT, food imported from countries who make all of our consumer goods cheaply due to a nearly complete lack of environmental regulation TAINTED?

HOW COULD THAT BE

I AM SURPRISE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 11, 2013, 04:20:51 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 01:02:25 PM
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/03/28/study-packages-sealed-with-atheist-tape-10-times-more-likely-to-disappear/?iid=obinsite

QuoteAtheist Shoes calls itself "a cadre of shoemakers & artists in Berlin, Germany" that hand-make artsy shoes for "people who don't believe in god(s)." The company describes its shoes as "Bauhaus-inspired," referring to a German crafts and arts school that operated in the early 20th century, eschewing ornamentation and emphasizing harmony between an object's function and design. The company also claims to have "lots of customers" in the United States.

And yet it says shipments to U.S. customers sometimes "take longer than they should to arrive" and "even go missing." When U.S. customers began requesting that Atheist Shoes not box shipments with packing tape trumpeting the company's name and ideology — the word "atheist" displayed repeatedly — Atheist Shoes wondered if the USPS, or at least some of its employees, might be up to no good.

Thus the ad hoc study: The company says it sent two packages each to 89 people (178 packages total) canvassing nearly every U.S. state — one package with the Atheist-branded tape, one without. And this is where the results suggest something fishy: According to Atheist Shoes, company-branded packages took on average three days longer to reach their destination and were 10 times more likely to disappear outright. An Atheist-branded package sent to Michigan arrived 37 days later than its non-branded companion. What's more, the company ran a series of "control" tests in Europe which it claims "demonstrate no such bias."

What's up with the USPS? Who knows, but Atheist Shoes says it's no longer using Atheist-branded packing tape, that delivery times are already improving and to "please order with confidence, our godless American friends!"

Wish they'd posted the actual numbers.

I'd totally buy these: http://www.atheistberlin.com/shoes/the-charlie-d-blue-grey-ich-bin-atheist-sole-1.html because they're adorable and handmade, except I don't really want my footprints to proclaim my religion, even if I was an atheist.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 04:21:22 PM
It's a shocker isn't it?

QuoteLead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica Pictonum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic) is a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning#Signs_and_symptoms

Surely the reason for the western world's retardation couldn't be massive global widespread poisoning? No. That's just being paranoid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 11, 2013, 04:24:25 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 11, 2013, 05:21:29 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 11, 2013, 04:45:29 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 11, 2013, 03:06:20 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 02:57:23 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:

CUT 'EM LOOSE.

PREDICTION: The GOP cuts their most radical social conservatives loose, and begins making a slow arc towards social progressiveness. Meanwhile, the Democrats will continue their slide into conservatism.

You're probably right about this... the Blue Dog Democrats are holding the door open for these people, and once the GOP finds its footing with a coalition between social progressives and fiscal conservatives, the parties will probably return to their original configurations -- Republicans for banksters, and Democrats for .. uhh.. well, also banksters. But their sales pitches, at least, will swap places, as you predict.

Uhhh...weren't the repubs originally a coalition of antislavery forces?

They were opposed to [expanding] slavery, sure. But it wasn't all moral high-horse. It was also "let's take what we perceive as an unfair economic advantage of the South away from them." The moral argument was convenient, not necessarily primary.

Yeah, true.

But it would still be an improvement on their current TUFF ON SMUDGEY PEOPLES stance.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 11, 2013, 04:29:10 PM
Quote from: stelz on April 11, 2013, 04:24:25 PM
Quote from: V3X on April 11, 2013, 05:21:29 AM
Quote from: stelz on April 11, 2013, 04:45:29 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 11, 2013, 03:06:20 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 02:57:23 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 10, 2013, 11:30:28 PM
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/10/17691775-social-conservatives-warn-priebus-they-could-abandon-gop?lite

MELTDOWN.   :lulz:

CUT 'EM LOOSE.

PREDICTION: The GOP cuts their most radical social conservatives loose, and begins making a slow arc towards social progressiveness. Meanwhile, the Democrats will continue their slide into conservatism.

You're probably right about this... the Blue Dog Democrats are holding the door open for these people, and once the GOP finds its footing with a coalition between social progressives and fiscal conservatives, the parties will probably return to their original configurations -- Republicans for banksters, and Democrats for .. uhh.. well, also banksters. But their sales pitches, at least, will swap places, as you predict.

Uhhh...weren't the repubs originally a coalition of antislavery forces?

They were opposed to [expanding] slavery, sure. But it wasn't all moral high-horse. It was also "let's take what we perceive as an unfair economic advantage of the South away from them." The moral argument was convenient, not necessarily primary.

Yeah, true.

But it would still be an improvement on their current TUFF ON SMUDGEY PEOPLES stance.

Totally. I mean, you're never going to convince either major party to divorce themselves from the interests of the mega-wealthy. In that respect, the (future) Republican emphasis on individual liberty might be attractive to me. The problem will be that they're still going to be for "small government," which means continuing to do everything they can to gut public welfare, health care, and retirement programs. Then again, in that regard, they're not too much different from Obama these days.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 11, 2013, 05:15:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 04:21:22 PM
It's a shocker isn't it?

QuoteLead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica Pictonum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic) is a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning#Signs_and_symptoms

Surely the reason for the western world's retardation couldn't be massive global widespread poisoning? No. That's just being paranoid.

Well, in terms of actual science, that is pretty ridiculous.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 11, 2013, 06:45:13 PM
BIGASS TRIGGER WARNING

Anti Gay Activist Lisa Byron Found Guilty of Child Porn Etc. (http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/anti-gay-activist-lisa-biron-found-guilty-child-pornography-after-video-taping-daughter)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 06:50:15 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 05:15:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 04:21:22 PM
It's a shocker isn't it?

QuoteLead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica Pictonum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic) is a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning#Signs_and_symptoms

Surely the reason for the western world's retardation couldn't be massive global widespread poisoning? No. That's just being paranoid.

Well, in terms of actual science, that is pretty ridiculous.

Ergo, just plausible to be a FOX headline. Somedays I dream of a career in propaganda and PR.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 11, 2013, 07:42:19 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 06:50:15 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 05:15:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 04:21:22 PM
It's a shocker isn't it?

QuoteLead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica Pictonum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic) is a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning#Signs_and_symptoms

Surely the reason for the western world's retardation couldn't be massive global widespread poisoning? No. That's just being paranoid.

Well, in terms of actual science, that is pretty ridiculous.

Ergo, just plausible to be a FOX headline. Somedays I dream of a career in propaganda and PR.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on April 11, 2013, 09:00:34 PM
I wish I had the source so I could look into it properly, but one of my professors showed us a graph that displayed a correlation between incidence of lead poisoning and rates of certain types of crime, offset by about 20 years. As lead-containing stuff became less prevalent, fewer children grew up with associated brain damage.

Of course, "I saw it on a graph once" is about as robust a source as a fortune cookie, so take that with a few grains of (lead-free) salt.

It would be really nice to believe that we could cure more of society's ills by identifying and removing more toxins from our food and products, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on April 11, 2013, 09:20:35 PM
From Mother Jones (http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/01/lead-crime-link-gasoline):
(http://www.motherjones.com/files/Lead_Crime_325.gif)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2013, 09:26:46 PM
I'd forgot about that link.

If I remember correctly, the main motivation for phasing it out was economic primarily (Lead's expensive) as well as a general push at the time.

QuoteTetraethyllead
Gasoline, when used in high-compression internal combustion engines, has a tendency to autoignite (detonate) causing damaging "engine knocking" (also called "pinging" or "pinking") noise. Early research into this effect was led by A.H. Gibson and Harry Ricardo in England and Thomas Midgley and Thomas Boyd in the United States. The discovery that lead additives modified this behavior led to the widespread adoption of their use in the 1920s, and therefore more powerful, higher compression engines. The most popular additive was tetraethyllead. With the discovery of the extent of environmental and health damage caused by the lead, however, and the incompatibility of lead with catalytic converters found on virtually all newly sold US automobiles since 1975, this practice began to wane (encouraged by many governments introducing differential tax rates) in the 1980s.In the US, where lead had been blended with gasoline (primarily to boost octane levels) since the early 1920s, standards to phase out leaded gasoline were first implemented in 1973 — due in great part to studies conducted by Philip J. Landrigan. In 1995, leaded fuel accounted for only 0.6% of total gasoline sales and less than 2000 short tons (1814 t) of lead per year. From 1 January 1996, the Clean Air Act banned the sale of leaded fuel for use in on-road vehicles. Possession and use of leaded gasoline in a regular on-road vehicle now carries a maximum $10,000 fine in the US. However, fuel containing lead may continue to be sold for off-road uses, including aircraft, racing cars, farm equipment, and marine engines.[7] Similar bans in other countries have resulted in lowering levels of lead in people's bloodstreams.[8][9]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline#History
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline#Tetraethyllead

Will have a read around. Curious now and I can't remember shit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_J._Landrigan#Lead

QuoteIn the early 1970s, Landrigan took on ASARCO, a smelting company and one of the largest employers in El Paso, Texas. In testing the blood of children attending schools near ASARCO's El Paso smelting plant, Landrigan concluded that 60% of children living within one mile of the smelter had elevated blood lead levels and that even small amounts of lead exposure lowers a child's IQ.[8] In a later study (2002), Landrigan correlated childhood lead exposure and lifetime earning potential, concluding that current levels of lead exposure in the United States amount to an aggregate income loss of over $40 billion dollars a year.[9]
Landrigan and his studies played a key role in the government mandate phasing out lead components from gasoline, beginning in 1975, and the federal ban on lead paint in 1978 – culminating in an 88% drop in lead levels in American children by 2005.[10][11]

edit- Just remembered I may have some work related stuff to this too. I'll dig out the current exposure guidelines and see if they add anything
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on April 11, 2013, 10:38:15 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on April 11, 2013, 09:20:35 PM
From Mother Jones (http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/01/lead-crime-link-gasoline):
(http://www.motherjones.com/files/Lead_Crime_325.gif)

Cool! Makes sense that it would be correlated to lead in gasoline, rather than lead in general.

The story behind tetraethyl lead and the fight to get it removed is a pretty interesting one. I had to read a book about it for one of my classes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 11, 2013, 11:37:40 PM
Quote from: Cainad on April 11, 2013, 09:00:34 PM
I wish I had the source so I could look into it properly, but one of my professors showed us a graph that displayed a correlation between incidence of lead poisoning and rates of certain types of crime, offset by about 20 years. As lead-containing stuff became less prevalent, fewer children grew up with associated brain damage.

Of course, "I saw it on a graph once" is about as robust a source as a fortune cookie, so take that with a few grains of (lead-free) salt.

It would be really nice to believe that we could cure more of society's ills by identifying and removing more toxins from our food and products, though.

I wouldn't question the presence of a correlation, but we all know the trouble with correlations.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 11, 2013, 11:43:44 PM
(I'm not saying that's NOT the case, just that I am reserving judgement until I read more about it.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 12, 2013, 10:45:12 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 11, 2013, 11:37:40 PM
Quote from: Cainad on April 11, 2013, 09:00:34 PM
I wish I had the source so I could look into it properly, but one of my professors showed us a graph that displayed a correlation between incidence of lead poisoning and rates of certain types of crime, offset by about 20 years. As lead-containing stuff became less prevalent, fewer children grew up with associated brain damage.

Of course, "I saw it on a graph once" is about as robust a source as a fortune cookie, so take that with a few grains of (lead-free) salt.

It would be really nice to believe that we could cure more of society's ills by identifying and removing more toxins from our food and products, though.

I wouldn't question the presence of a correlation, but we all know the trouble with correlations.

This!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 10:50:12 AM
Putin - Big on Buddhism
http://en.ria.ru/russia/20130411/180578136.html

QuoteULAN-UDE, April 11 (RIA Novosti) – Russian President Vladimir Putin promised "100-percent support" for Russian Buddhists on Thursday during a visit to the country's Buryatia republic, where about 20 percent of the population is Buddhist.
Lama Damba Ayusheyev, head of the Buddhist Sangha of Russia, complained to the president that Buddhist universities often do not have state accreditation, and their students are drafted into the army for compulsory military service. Under Russian law, full-time university students are exempt from military service for the duration of their studies.
Putin suggested the students could be drafted for a few months in the summer during the course of their studies, as some Moscow university rectors have suggested. Lama Ayusheyev said that this would be "more acceptable."
"Buddhism plays a significant role in Russia...It has always been that way. It is well known that the Buddhists helped during both world wars," Putin told the lamas of the Ivolga datsan, Russia's main Buddhist temple.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 10:57:10 AM
Police demonstrating conflict resolution method #81444/a

http://gizmodo.com/5994349/watch-the-police-attack-and-arrest-a-man-for-recording-them-with-a-cell-phone-camera?post=58831622
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 12, 2013, 11:12:34 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 10:57:10 AM
Police demonstrating conflict resolution method #81444/a

http://gizmodo.com/5994349/watch-the-police-attack-and-arrest-a-man-for-recording-them-with-a-cell-phone-camera?post=58831622

QuoteYou can see the police officer fill out all the details on the ticket and then when he realizes he's being recorded, tells Pringle to put the camera away because it could be converted into a weapon.

Who was it posted that picture of the riot squad, compared to our UK filth? If a copper cycled down one of our streets in shorts and one of those retarded little push-bike helmets he would be dragged off it and beaten to death by the nearest gang of pre-schoolers. Just sayin  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 11:21:40 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9985757/Iranian-scientist-claims-to-have-invented-time-machine.html#disqus_thread

Iran Invents time machine.

QuoteRazeghi said his latest project has been criticised by friends and relatives for "trying to play God" with ordinary lives and history. "This project is not against our religious values at all. The Americans are trying to make this invention by spending millions of dollars on it where I have already achieved it by a fraction of the cost," he said. "The reason that we are not launching our prototype at this stage is that the Chinese will steal the idea and produce it in millions overnight."

Does Iran feel like Best Korea's getting all the attention this month? I think so.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2013, 09:29:28 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on April 12, 2013, 11:12:34 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 10:57:10 AM
Police demonstrating conflict resolution method #81444/a

http://gizmodo.com/5994349/watch-the-police-attack-and-arrest-a-man-for-recording-them-with-a-cell-phone-camera?post=58831622

QuoteYou can see the police officer fill out all the details on the ticket and then when he realizes he's being recorded, tells Pringle to put the camera away because it could be converted into a weapon.

Who was it posted that picture of the riot squad, compared to our UK filth? If a copper cycled down one of our streets in shorts and one of those retarded little push-bike helmets he would be dragged off it and beaten to death by the nearest gang of pre-schoolers. Just sayin  :lulz:

That was me. Those guys in the video look just like old-timey police... the ones in Portland have to wear this ugly, heavy black armor crap at all times. The ones I've talked to hate it.

But, you never know when you're going to have to beat down a black jaywalker.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2013, 09:34:09 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 11:21:40 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9985757/Iranian-scientist-claims-to-have-invented-time-machine.html#disqus_thread

Iran Invents time machine.

QuoteRazeghi said his latest project has been criticised by friends and relatives for "trying to play God" with ordinary lives and history. "This project is not against our religious values at all. The Americans are trying to make this invention by spending millions of dollars on it where I have already achieved it by a fraction of the cost," he said. "The reason that we are not launching our prototype at this stage is that the Chinese will steal the idea and produce it in millions overnight."

Does Iran feel like Best Korea's getting all the attention this month? I think so.

"Random Whackjob Registers Latest Quackdoodle "Invention".

Seriously, why is anyone even reporting on this? And why can't I find ANYTHING about the allegedly State-run "Centre for Strategic Inventions" outside of this article?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:11 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:34:09 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 11:21:40 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9985757/Iranian-scientist-claims-to-have-invented-time-machine.html#disqus_thread

Iran Invents time machine.

QuoteRazeghi said his latest project has been criticised by friends and relatives for "trying to play God" with ordinary lives and history. "This project is not against our religious values at all. The Americans are trying to make this invention by spending millions of dollars on it where I have already achieved it by a fraction of the cost," he said. "The reason that we are not launching our prototype at this stage is that the Chinese will steal the idea and produce it in millions overnight."

Does Iran feel like Best Korea's getting all the attention this month? I think so.

"Random Whackjob Registers Latest Quackdoodle "Invention".

Seriously, why is anyone even reporting on this? And why can't I find ANYTHING about the allegedly State-run "Centre for Strategic Inventions" outside of this article?

Because he went back and destroyed it.  Duh.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2013, 09:35:31 PM
I swear, you can get ANYTHING reported as news these days.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:35:31 PM
I swear, you can get ANYTHING reported as news these days.

Except, you know, news.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2013, 09:37:29 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:11 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:34:09 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 12, 2013, 11:21:40 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9985757/Iranian-scientist-claims-to-have-invented-time-machine.html#disqus_thread

Iran Invents time machine.

QuoteRazeghi said his latest project has been criticised by friends and relatives for "trying to play God" with ordinary lives and history. "This project is not against our religious values at all. The Americans are trying to make this invention by spending millions of dollars on it where I have already achieved it by a fraction of the cost," he said. "The reason that we are not launching our prototype at this stage is that the Chinese will steal the idea and produce it in millions overnight."

Does Iran feel like Best Korea's getting all the attention this month? I think so.

"Random Whackjob Registers Latest Quackdoodle "Invention".

Seriously, why is anyone even reporting on this? And why can't I find ANYTHING about the allegedly State-run "Centre for Strategic Inventions" outside of this article?

Because he went back and destroyed it.  Duh.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2013, 09:38:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:35:31 PM
I swear, you can get ANYTHING reported as news these days.

Except, you know, news.

I guess they need to fill up all the empty space left over when they're done not reporting on anything relevant.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2013, 09:38:36 PM
Here we go:

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2013/04/iran-time-machine-scientist/64183/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:39:38 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:38:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:35:31 PM
I swear, you can get ANYTHING reported as news these days.

Except, you know, news.

I guess they need to fill up all the empty space left over when they're done not reporting on anything relevant.

Or scaring the VD scabs off of people with stories about how DPRK missiles "could deliver a nuke".  Fucking bombs they have are primitive, they weigh TONS.  But we're GOING to have this little war, whether or not Lil Kim is serious or not.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:39:38 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:38:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:35:31 PM
I swear, you can get ANYTHING reported as news these days.

Except, you know, news.

I guess they need to fill up all the empty space left over when they're done not reporting on anything relevant.

Or scaring the VD scabs off of people with stories about how DPRK missiles "could deliver a nuke".  Fucking bombs they have are primitive, they weigh TONS.  But we're GOING to have this little war, whether or not Lil Kim is serious or not.

Yeah, I figured that "Oh wait, Um, yeah they totally DO actually have a delivery system after all!" piece of "new intelligence" was essentially an excuse to go liberate them.

Which I would be all for, except it's going to be ugly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 12, 2013, 11:03:26 PM
Maryland will now tax you for rain that falls on your property (http://www.gazette.net/article/20130405/NEWS/130409397/-1/the-x2018-rain-tax-x2019&template=gazette)

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on April 13, 2013, 12:05:01 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 12, 2013, 11:03:26 PM
Maryland will now tax you for rain that falls on your property (http://www.gazette.net/article/20130405/NEWS/130409397/-1/the-x2018-rain-tax-x2019&template=gazette)

:lulz:

Phrasing it as taxing rain is rather deceptive. It taxes impervious surfaces, which makes sense since the goal is to cut down on the amount of rain that washes into the bay off of those surfaces.  This actually strikes me as a pretty well designed tax since attempts to reduce the tax bill, by reducing the amount of impervious surfaces, will also reduce the required expenditure to deal with the problem.  It would be better if there was some sort of tax credit for cachement systems though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 13, 2013, 12:18:17 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:39:38 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:38:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:35:31 PM
I swear, you can get ANYTHING reported as news these days.

Except, you know, news.

I guess they need to fill up all the empty space left over when they're done not reporting on anything relevant.

Or scaring the VD scabs off of people with stories about how DPRK missiles "could deliver a nuke".  Fucking bombs they have are primitive, they weigh TONS.  But we're GOING to have this little war, whether or not Lil Kim is serious or not.

Yeah, I figured that "Oh wait, Um, yeah they totally DO actually have a delivery system after all!" piece of "new intelligence" was essentially an excuse to go liberate them.

Which I would be all for, except it's going to be ugly.

I don't think the excuse "liberation" is going to come up, this time.

I think it's going to be sort of bald-faced asskicking.  Which I am against, on account of heaps of dead people.

I don't see a reason for war here, unless the DPRK actually attacks.  I no longer trust the concept of pre-emptive warfare.  Never did, come to think of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 13, 2013, 12:21:59 AM
QuoteI no longer trust the concept of pre-emptive warfare.  Never did, come to think of it.

It kind of makes sense if you think of world politics like prison inmate politics. Bes way to show everyone you're serious is to beat the shit out of anyone who looks at you wrong.

Turns out the Triads and Mafia aren't taking too much shit though so gangs occur.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 13, 2013, 12:25:17 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 13, 2013, 12:21:59 AM
QuoteI no longer trust the concept of pre-emptive warfare.  Never did, come to think of it.

It kind of makes sense if you think of world politics like prison inmate politics. Bes way to show everyone you're serious is to beat the shit out of anyone who looks at you wrong.

Turns out the Triads and Mafia aren't taking too much shit though so gangs occur.

Except that I don't buy them as a credible threat.  And even if they were, the USSR was a credible threat for 45 years, and they never felt the need to jam their collective dicks in the radioactive meatgrinder.

I see no reason to once AGAIN appease the American public's desire for war porn by killing a bunch of people for a bit of posturing.  The fact that we're making such a big deal over these jackasses makes us look like we're worried

We can afford to wait this out more than they can.  If they launch, we shoot them down - and we CAN do that - THEN we kick their arses.  Otherwise, I'm for "wait and see".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 13, 2013, 01:32:44 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 12, 2013, 11:03:26 PM
Maryland will now tax you for rain that falls on your property (http://www.gazette.net/article/20130405/NEWS/130409397/-1/the-x2018-rain-tax-x2019&template=gazette)

:lulz:

That actually sounds like a perfectly reasonable tax to me. Not only that, but as a homeowner it could benefit me, because some of the money is going to grants that help abate runoff.

Living in an area as rainy as Portland, runoff is a huge issue here, and we all pay the consequences. You may not be able to relate because you live in a dry area.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on April 13, 2013, 01:35:15 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 13, 2013, 01:32:44 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 12, 2013, 11:03:26 PM
Maryland will now tax you for rain that falls on your property (http://www.gazette.net/article/20130405/NEWS/130409397/-1/the-x2018-rain-tax-x2019&template=gazette)

:lulz:

That actually sounds like a perfectly reasonable tax to me. Not only that, but as a homeowner it could benefit me, because some of the money is going to grants that help abate runoff.

Living in an area as rainy as Portland, runoff is a huge issue here, and we all pay the consequences. You may not be able to relate because you live in a dry area.

That's a fair assessment, I guess. It just seems absurd to tax me based on how much rain my city receives, but admittedly it's absurd at first thought and I'm unmotivated to put more than that first thought into it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 13, 2013, 01:37:40 AM
Quote from: Pergamos on April 13, 2013, 12:05:01 AM
Quote from: V3X on April 12, 2013, 11:03:26 PM
Maryland will now tax you for rain that falls on your property (http://www.gazette.net/article/20130405/NEWS/130409397/-1/the-x2018-rain-tax-x2019&template=gazette)

:lulz:

Phrasing it as taxing rain is rather deceptive. It taxes impervious surfaces, which makes sense since the goal is to cut down on the amount of rain that washes into the bay off of those surfaces.  This actually strikes me as a pretty well designed tax since attempts to reduce the tax bill, by reducing the amount of impervious surfaces, will also reduce the required expenditure to deal with the problem.  It would be better if there was some sort of tax credit for cachement systems though.

Yep, and the beauty of the way the tax is designed is that if you, as a property owner, take measures to abate your runoff, not only will they be funded (at least in part) by revenue generated by  the bill, but you then qualify for a reduced tax or full exemption (I assume based on the amount of runoff you are able to divert from the street).

We REALLY need something like that here. I would go for a gutterless roofline and bioswales in a heartbeat if I could afford it. I think a lot of people would (gutterless runoff systems are maintenance-free), and it would save countless thousands of gallons of contaminated water from flooding the river, and cut way back on sewage overflow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 13, 2013, 02:08:42 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 13, 2013, 12:18:17 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:39:38 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:38:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 12, 2013, 09:35:59 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 12, 2013, 09:35:31 PM
I swear, you can get ANYTHING reported as news these days.

Except, you know, news.

I guess they need to fill up all the empty space left over when they're done not reporting on anything relevant.

Or scaring the VD scabs off of people with stories about how DPRK missiles "could deliver a nuke".  Fucking bombs they have are primitive, they weigh TONS.  But we're GOING to have this little war, whether or not Lil Kim is serious or not.

Yeah, I figured that "Oh wait, Um, yeah they totally DO actually have a delivery system after all!" piece of "new intelligence" was essentially an excuse to go liberate them.

Which I would be all for, except it's going to be ugly.

I don't think the excuse "liberation" is going to come up, this time.

I think it's going to be sort of bald-faced asskicking.  Which I am against, on account of heaps of dead people.

I don't see a reason for war here, unless the DPRK actually attacks.  I no longer trust the concept of pre-emptive warfare.  Never did, come to think of it.

The theoretical reasons I would support an invasion have to do with the horrible reports of famine, forced labor camps, and mass death I have heard happening there. Whether those are true, we have no way of knowing, but can you imagine if we had intervened with the Khmer Rouge instead of supporting it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 16, 2013, 11:02:41 AM
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/lethal-secret-georgias-unusual-effort-to-supply-its-executions-90035.html?hp=r7

QuoteGeorgia has a drug problem. The state is taking extraordinary steps to find a new dealer to feed its execution habit. A bill awaiting Gov. Nathan Deal's signature would provide extraordinary protection to companies supplying lethal chemicals for use in Georgia's execution chamber. It also would shield their identities as a "state secret."
The legislation is controversial — and born of ironies. Georgia's supply of lethal chemicals, 13 vials of them, passed their expiration date on March 1. Those vials cannot legally be injected into a human being, even to cause death, and will be destroyed.

The normal supply chain has dried up. Two years ago, manufacturers stopped making one of the drugs that had been key to the three-drug "cocktail" used for lethal injections throughout the country since 1982, and the Denmark maker of pentobarbital, the barbiturate used in single-drug executions, has refused to supply it for executions. The 13 vials were Georgia's last dose.
The state's legislation could involve potential copyright and patent infringements in copying chemical formulations — but in sanctioned stealth. We're talking "state secrets" here: The drug suppliers would be legally anonymous. They would also be working in the deep shadows of the compounding pharmacy industry, the same folks who brought you spinal meningitis from Massachusetts. In this case, however, death would be the drugs' planned outcome.

Never really considered the logistics of killing prisoners.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 16, 2013, 12:02:03 PM
Not sure how serious this one is....

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/2013/04/north-korean-missile-test-delayed-by-windows-8.html


Also: http://www.thelocal.fr/page/view/breasts-better-off-without-bras-french-study#.UW0lQbXvjTo
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 16, 2013, 12:33:43 PM
So we're seriously expected to believe NK can afford Windows 8?

And the second, A French study encouraging less Bras. I can get behind that, but I suspect it to be total bullshit. The wife was less than favourable in her observations. More science must be done.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on April 16, 2013, 04:03:51 PM
i'm just wondering why it says the guy needed a slide rule to measure tits...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 17, 2013, 02:53:27 AM
Apparently, the younger women who didn't wear bras had their nipple-to-shoulder distance grow smaller over time, the opposite of sagging.... so then obviously, slide rules?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 18, 2013, 07:46:31 AM
... by 7mm per year. Which, over 15 years, means that if you stop wearing a bra your nipples will relocate to your shoulders.

The whole thing reads like a very elaborate joke.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 09:06:43 AM
QuoteA West Virginia high school student is filing an injunction against her principal, who she claims is threatening to punish her for speaking out against a factually inaccurate abstinence assembly at her school. Katelyn Campbell, who is the student body vice president at George Washington High School, alleges her principal threatened to call the college where she's been accepted to report that she has "bad character."
George Washington High School recently hosted a conservative speaker, Pam Stenzel, who travels around the country to advocate an abstinence-only approach to teen sexuality. Stenzel has a long history of using inflammatory rhetoric to convince young people that they will face dire consequences for becoming sexually active. At GW's assembly, Stenzel allegedly told students that "if you take birth control, your mother probably hates you" and "I could look at any one of you in the eyes right now and tell if you're going to be promiscuous." She also asserted that condoms aren't safe, and every instance of sexual contact will lead to a sexually transmitted infection.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/04/17/1883121/west-virginia-abstinence-assembly/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 10:27:00 AM
This appears to have come to a conclusion:

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/the-madness-ends-lawyer-charles-carreon-to-pay-46100/

QuoteLast summer, Tucson lawyer Charles Carreon dashed off a letter requesting that Matt Inman, the creator of popular webcomic The Oatmeal, "deliver to me a check in the amount of $20,000" as payment for some things Inman had said about a site called FunnyJunk.

Carreon didn't get his check, though. Instead, Inman drew a crude picture of woman—who might or might not have been Carreon's mother—seducing a bear. "There are some things that you accept with grace," Carreon told Ars in an interview last summer. "But I do not accept that my mother engaged in bestiality and I do not accept that FunnyJunk slept with its mother, as it does not have a mother."

Inman also raised $200,000 online and said he would photograph it for Carreon before sending it off to a pair of charities. Carreon responded by suing The Oatmeal's creator, the National Wildlife Federation, the American Cancer Society, and 100 anonymous "Does" who had allegedly mocked or bullied him online.

The entire Carreon affair became a long and bizarre story that only got weirder as it lurched along. By the end of it:

Carreon threatened to subpoena Ars Technica
He wrote a song about Inman that included the lines, "Your humor's scatological / Your mind is pathological / Did someone drop you on your head / When you were in your baby-bed?"
His wife called critics "Nazi scumbags," among many, many other names
"Satirical Charles" created a website designed to mock Carreon; Carreon exposed the man behind it and began threatening libel action, warning that "I have the known capacity to litigate appeals for years"
Satirical Charles sued Carreon for a declarative judgment that his site was legal
Carreon voluntarily dropped his lawsuit against Inman et al., telling Ars: "Mission accomplished"
Carreon set up his own website, claiming to be the victim of a "rapeutation" attack and putting up a video for a song called "Psycho Santa" (which was, naturally, about Inman)
Carreon took extreme measures to avoid being served in the Satirical Charles case—a lawyer eventually had to track him down outside a federal courtroom as he emerged from a hearing
In December 2012, Carreon gave Satirical Charles everything he wanted, admitting that the site was legal and agreeing to pay "costs" of $725
When Satirical Charles' lawyer then demanded $77,765.25 in compensation for his time, Carreon tied the matter up in paperwork for months, objecting vociferously to just about any further payout and finally agreeing to cough up... $200
All of which brings us to today, when the federal judge overseeing the Satirical Charles litigation finally handed down his order on fees. "While defendant [Charles Carreon's] threatened claims were not 'exceptional' at the outset of this case, defendant's actions throughout the litigation certainly transformed this case into an 'exceptional' matter, deserving of an award of attorney fees," concluded the judge. "Evidence supports a finding of malicious conduct during the course of this case."

Class act.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 04:06:23 PM
HO HO HO

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22204072

HE HE HE

QuoteA former deputy editor at the Sun has been charged with conspiring to commit misconduct in public office, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced.

It is claimed that Fergus Shanahan authorised one of his journalists to make two payments totalling £7,000 to a public official for information.

It is alleged to have occurred between August 2006 and August 2007.

Mr Shanahan, now executive editor at the Sun, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 8 May.

The charges arise from Operation Elveden, which is investigating allegedly inappropriate payments from journalists to public officials.

Alison Levitt, QC, principal legal advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions, said: "This announcement relates to a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police Service that was received by the CPS on 4 March 2013.

"Following a careful review of the evidence, we have concluded that Fergus Shanahan, who served as an Editor at the Sun newspaper, should be charged with an offence of conspiring to commit misconduct in public office."

And remember, Murdoch(s) never knew about any of this. At all. Allegedly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 04:35:09 PM
http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/alleged-ricin-mailer-appears-obsessed-with-illegal-organ-har

I have no fucking idea:

QuoteWASHINGTON — Following the arrest of Paul Kevin Curtis in connection with the mailing of letters to President Barack Obama and U.S Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss) that initially tested positive for the poison ricin, NBC reported that "both letters are signed: 'I am KC and I approve this message.'"
Now, other writings from a "Kevin Curtis" — focused on his experience as a former employee of North Mississippi Medical Center — have been found, and both pages end on a similar note:
"This is Kevin Curtis& I approve this message."
And:
"This is Kevin Curtis and I approve this report."
The writings of this Kevin Curtis, also of Mississippi, appear connected to each other — as well as several social media accounts, active as recently as earlier Wednesday. The writings document "the actions of what I believe to be that of a secret shadow government in which I feel have been put into place by higher powers to be in order to hide the truth behind the illegal organ harvesting market which I began investigating in 2000."
A newspaper photograph of a Kevin Curtis, who is an Elvis impersonator and runs a cleaning business, is both on a Facebook page for a Kevin Curtis and at one of the sites on which his writings are found.
The profile picture on the Facebook page is the same as for Kevin Curtis on Twitter. Two different YouTube accounts — Elvisguy and KEVINCURTISLIVE — also appear to come from the same person.
In a video on one of the accounts dated from 2001, the person references having been in jail earlier and says, "My whole name is Paul Kevin Curtis." The video was tweeted recently from Kevin Curtis' Twitter account. The video is being made because, according to the video's description, "This is how I roll when my home is burned down while I'm in Memphis, Tn performing in the largest Elvis Persley Impersonator's Contest 'Images of the King'."
In a a photo posted to Facebook two years ago — on April 15, 2011 — he remained focused on the obsession from the hospital days. In the caption, he wrote: "I won't get into the illegal black market of fetus parts sold each day for Profits in the United States on the Black Market. I'll save that for another time, place & day. God bless. KC"
As recently as October 2012, he tweeted about how "i blew whistle on illegal bone, tissue, organ & body parts trade in 1999 in Ms."
Less than 20 hours ago, he wrote on Facebook:
I'm on the hidden front lines of a secret war. A war that is making Billions of dollars for corrupt mafia related organizations and people. (bone, tissue, organ, body parts harvesting black market) when we lay our loved ones to rest....we hope and pray their bodies are not violated but I am here to tell you, as long as the bone, tissue & organ harvesting indu$try is NOT REGULATED....on any level(s) whether it be local, state, federal or national...........your loved ones body parts are NOT $AFE. It's not fun for me to be the Me$$enger here. It was not fun in 1999 when I made accidental discovery and became a "Person of interest".
My mother wants me to SHUT UP. My brothers fear me. My sister hates me. My cousins have hostility towards me (they work in healthcare) I have lost most of my friends. I have spent more than $130,000.00 on legal fee's in 13.5 yrs. They burned down my home, killed my dogs, my cat, my rabbit, blew up my 1966 Plymouth Valent. They destroyed my marriage, they distracted my career, they stalked, they trolled, they came in to my home, took my computers, had me arrested 22 times and guess what? I am still a thorn in their corrupt anals! I will remain here until Jesus Christ decides its time for me to go. (ur welcome and amen. :)

People be crazy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 18, 2013, 04:39:28 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 10:27:00 AM
This appears to have come to a conclusion:

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/the-madness-ends-lawyer-charles-carreon-to-pay-46100/

QuoteLast summer, Tucson lawyer Charles Carreon dashed off a letter requesting that Matt Inman, the creator of popular webcomic The Oatmeal, "deliver to me a check in the amount of $20,000" as payment for some things Inman had said about a site called FunnyJunk.

Carreon didn't get his check, though. Instead, Inman drew a crude picture of woman—who might or might not have been Carreon's mother—seducing a bear. "There are some things that you accept with grace," Carreon told Ars in an interview last summer. "But I do not accept that my mother engaged in bestiality and I do not accept that FunnyJunk slept with its mother, as it does not have a mother."

Inman also raised $200,000 online and said he would photograph it for Carreon before sending it off to a pair of charities. Carreon responded by suing The Oatmeal's creator, the National Wildlife Federation, the American Cancer Society, and 100 anonymous "Does" who had allegedly mocked or bullied him online.

The entire Carreon affair became a long and bizarre story that only got weirder as it lurched along. By the end of it:

Carreon threatened to subpoena Ars Technica
He wrote a song about Inman that included the lines, "Your humor's scatological / Your mind is pathological / Did someone drop you on your head / When you were in your baby-bed?"
His wife called critics "Nazi scumbags," among many, many other names
"Satirical Charles" created a website designed to mock Carreon; Carreon exposed the man behind it and began threatening libel action, warning that "I have the known capacity to litigate appeals for years"
Satirical Charles sued Carreon for a declarative judgment that his site was legal
Carreon voluntarily dropped his lawsuit against Inman et al., telling Ars: "Mission accomplished"
Carreon set up his own website, claiming to be the victim of a "rapeutation" attack and putting up a video for a song called "Psycho Santa" (which was, naturally, about Inman)
Carreon took extreme measures to avoid being served in the Satirical Charles case—a lawyer eventually had to track him down outside a federal courtroom as he emerged from a hearing
In December 2012, Carreon gave Satirical Charles everything he wanted, admitting that the site was legal and agreeing to pay "costs" of $725
When Satirical Charles' lawyer then demanded $77,765.25 in compensation for his time, Carreon tied the matter up in paperwork for months, objecting vociferously to just about any further payout and finally agreeing to cough up... $200
All of which brings us to today, when the federal judge overseeing the Satirical Charles litigation finally handed down his order on fees. "While defendant [Charles Carreon's] threatened claims were not 'exceptional' at the outset of this case, defendant's actions throughout the litigation certainly transformed this case into an 'exceptional' matter, deserving of an award of attorney fees," concluded the judge. "Evidence supports a finding of malicious conduct during the course of this case."

Class act.

Damn, that's... special.  :lulz:

Kind of reminds me of my litigation-happy sister. She will sue anyone for anything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 04:43:00 PM
It's well worth reading the full thing, that's a very abbreviated summary. The Oatmeal and "Satirical Charles" pulled out a wonder here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on April 18, 2013, 04:46:42 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 04:35:09 PM
http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/alleged-ricin-mailer-appears-obsessed-with-illegal-organ-har

I have no fucking idea:

QuoteWASHINGTON — Following the arrest of Paul Kevin Curtis in connection with the mailing of letters to President Barack Obama and U.S Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss) that initially tested positive for the poison ricin, NBC reported that "both letters are signed: 'I am KC and I approve this message.'"
Now, other writings from a "Kevin Curtis" — focused on his experience as a former employee of North Mississippi Medical Center — have been found, and both pages end on a similar note:
"This is Kevin Curtis& I approve this message."
And:
"This is Kevin Curtis and I approve this report."
The writings of this Kevin Curtis, also of Mississippi, appear connected to each other — as well as several social media accounts, active as recently as earlier Wednesday. The writings document "the actions of what I believe to be that of a secret shadow government in which I feel have been put into place by higher powers to be in order to hide the truth behind the illegal organ harvesting market which I began investigating in 2000."
A newspaper photograph of a Kevin Curtis, who is an Elvis impersonator and runs a cleaning business, is both on a Facebook page for a Kevin Curtis and at one of the sites on which his writings are found.
The profile picture on the Facebook page is the same as for Kevin Curtis on Twitter. Two different YouTube accounts — Elvisguy and KEVINCURTISLIVE — also appear to come from the same person.
In a video on one of the accounts dated from 2001, the person references having been in jail earlier and says, "My whole name is Paul Kevin Curtis." The video was tweeted recently from Kevin Curtis' Twitter account. The video is being made because, according to the video's description, "This is how I roll when my home is burned down while I'm in Memphis, Tn performing in the largest Elvis Persley Impersonator's Contest 'Images of the King'."
In a a photo posted to Facebook two years ago — on April 15, 2011 — he remained focused on the obsession from the hospital days. In the caption, he wrote: "I won't get into the illegal black market of fetus parts sold each day for Profits in the United States on the Black Market. I'll save that for another time, place & day. God bless. KC"
As recently as October 2012, he tweeted about how "i blew whistle on illegal bone, tissue, organ & body parts trade in 1999 in Ms."
Less than 20 hours ago, he wrote on Facebook:
I'm on the hidden front lines of a secret war. A war that is making Billions of dollars for corrupt mafia related organizations and people. (bone, tissue, organ, body parts harvesting black market) when we lay our loved ones to rest....we hope and pray their bodies are not violated but I am here to tell you, as long as the bone, tissue & organ harvesting indu$try is NOT REGULATED....on any level(s) whether it be local, state, federal or national...........your loved ones body parts are NOT $AFE. It's not fun for me to be the Me$$enger here. It was not fun in 1999 when I made accidental discovery and became a "Person of interest".
My mother wants me to SHUT UP. My brothers fear me. My sister hates me. My cousins have hostility towards me (they work in healthcare) I have lost most of my friends. I have spent more than $130,000.00 on legal fee's in 13.5 yrs. They burned down my home, killed my dogs, my cat, my rabbit, blew up my 1966 Plymouth Valent. They destroyed my marriage, they distracted my career, they stalked, they trolled, they came in to my home, took my computers, had me arrested 22 times and guess what? I am still a thorn in their corrupt anals! I will remain here until Jesus Christ decides its time for me to go. (ur welcome and amen. :)

People be crazy.

He does a kind of not-so-subtle Branson/ethnic "humor" thing, too. I threw up in my mouth a little.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqoM6Gk2CM
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on April 18, 2013, 05:43:29 PM
Want to avoid having cousin sex?  There's an app for that. (http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/anti-incest-app-built-iceland-college-students-1C9392483) (at least in Iceland)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on April 18, 2013, 07:02:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 18, 2013, 10:27:00 AM
This appears to have come to a conclusion:

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/the-madness-ends-lawyer-charles-carreon-to-pay-46100/

QuoteLast summer, Tucson lawyer Charles Carreon dashed off a letter requesting that Matt Inman, the creator of popular webcomic The Oatmeal, "deliver to me a check in the amount of $20,000" as payment for some things Inman had said about a site called FunnyJunk.

Carreon didn't get his check, though. Instead, Inman drew a crude picture of woman—who might or might not have been Carreon's mother—seducing a bear. "There are some things that you accept with grace," Carreon told Ars in an interview last summer. "But I do not accept that my mother engaged in bestiality and I do not accept that FunnyJunk slept with its mother, as it does not have a mother."

Inman also raised $200,000 online and said he would photograph it for Carreon before sending it off to a pair of charities. Carreon responded by suing The Oatmeal's creator, the National Wildlife Federation, the American Cancer Society, and 100 anonymous "Does" who had allegedly mocked or bullied him online.

The entire Carreon affair became a long and bizarre story that only got weirder as it lurched along. By the end of it:

Carreon threatened to subpoena Ars Technica
He wrote a song about Inman that included the lines, "Your humor's scatological / Your mind is pathological / Did someone drop you on your head / When you were in your baby-bed?"
His wife called critics "Nazi scumbags," among many, many other names
"Satirical Charles" created a website designed to mock Carreon; Carreon exposed the man behind it and began threatening libel action, warning that "I have the known capacity to litigate appeals for years"
Satirical Charles sued Carreon for a declarative judgment that his site was legal
Carreon voluntarily dropped his lawsuit against Inman et al., telling Ars: "Mission accomplished"
Carreon set up his own website, claiming to be the victim of a "rapeutation" attack and putting up a video for a song called "Psycho Santa" (which was, naturally, about Inman)
Carreon took extreme measures to avoid being served in the Satirical Charles case—a lawyer eventually had to track him down outside a federal courtroom as he emerged from a hearing
In December 2012, Carreon gave Satirical Charles everything he wanted, admitting that the site was legal and agreeing to pay "costs" of $725
When Satirical Charles' lawyer then demanded $77,765.25 in compensation for his time, Carreon tied the matter up in paperwork for months, objecting vociferously to just about any further payout and finally agreeing to cough up... $200
All of which brings us to today, when the federal judge overseeing the Satirical Charles litigation finally handed down his order on fees. "While defendant [Charles Carreon's] threatened claims were not 'exceptional' at the outset of this case, defendant's actions throughout the litigation certainly transformed this case into an 'exceptional' matter, deserving of an award of attorney fees," concluded the judge. "Evidence supports a finding of malicious conduct during the course of this case."

Class act.

I was following the story up until Carreon dropped the lawsuit against the Oatmeal. I had no idea it went completely balls to the wall. Wow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 10:52:24 AM
Florida Part #??zrirhfr123/E

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/fl-naked-cops-massage-20130418,0,2407612.story

QuoteThe police officer lay face down on the massage table, on duty, unarmed and naked.

For 30 minutes Shu Yuan Sun worked the muscles of the officer's back, his shoulders and legs, and then told him, "Turn over." And that, said Hallandale Beach Police Sgt. Todd Crevier, is when the crime went down.

While the arrests this month of three women on charges of prostitution and practicing health care without a license are described as part of an ongoing investigation into human trafficking, having undercover officers strip naked and engage in skin-to-skin contact to make arrests has revived an old debate.

QuoteDuring one visit, the woman identified as Nikki "brushed her hand across my penis" and then "made an up and down motion with her hand" to indicate an offer of masturbation, wrote one officer. The officer said he declined, saying, "Maybe next time."

"It sounds like a lot of fun, but it's a nasty, tough job," said Charlie Fuller, a retired Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent who now runs the International Association of Undercover Officers. "The prostitutes have a better intelligence system than any agency in the world. You have to disrobe or they won't talk to you."

Flournoy said detectives themselves decide how far to go when working an undercover assignment.

"Sometimes officers have to make their own moral decision as it relates what they feel comfortable with," he said. "But I have had massages and they are unclothed. [These officers] are portraying themselves not as police but as regular customers."

Points awarded for not calling it a "Hard job"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 11:01:36 AM
http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/crime-law/video-shows-uc-santa-cruz-police-confiscating-2-po/nXSTq/

Drugs&Gonads&drugs #9000000000/B

Words fail at the idiocy of this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 11:18:06 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22232304

QuoteTens of thousands of people in the Netherlands have objected to an official King's Song marking the 30 April investiture of Willem-Alexander.

The song, composed by Dutch-British producer John Ewbank and performed by 51 Dutch artists, was released on Friday morning.

By Saturday, an online petition entitled No to the King's Song had attracted 37,000 signatures.

Mr Ewbank has now withdrawn it as the official anthem.

Many had objected to the lyrics as well as the mix of rap with traditional music.

QuoteWhile the lyrics were based on words submitted by Dutch citizens, they were put together by four writers.

Some critics complained about lines such as: "I build a dyke with my bare hands and keep the water away" and "through wind and rain I'll stand beside you... I'll keep you safe as long as I live".

One signatory to the petition said the song "spontaneously turns you into a republican, if you weren't one already".

No comment.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 22, 2013, 11:18:51 AM
Quote"It sounds like a lot of fun, but it's a nasty, tough job," said Charlie Fuller, a retired Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent who now runs the International Association of Undercover Officers. "The prostitutes have a better intelligence system than any agency in the world. You have to disrobe or they won't talk to you."

Oh no, you have to undress?  How horrible!  The Cosa Nostra merely required you had to kill someone to prove you were not a cop.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 11:41:19 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-22105916

QuoteFive people have been killed in a shooting at an apartment complex south of the US city of Seattle, police say.

A man and a woman were found dead in separate apartments during a search of the building in Federal Way on Sunday.

One of two men lying injured in a car park died from gunfire after producing a weapon when police approached him, though it is not clear whether he was killed by a police bullet.

The other injured man and another were also later found dead in the car park.

"When we arrived, there was a lot of gunfire already being fired and multiple calls, 911 calls of gunfire," Federal Way police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said.

It is not clear how the shooting incident at the complex began.

``We're gonna continue to go door to door in hopes that we can find some additional witnesses, and hopefully we won't be finding any more victims,'' Ms Schrock told AP.

Police carried out extensive searches but said they did not think there were any more gunmen at large in the district.

Bomb guy caught, Guns guys continue as normal.

While not good, it does continue to highlight the relevant dangers of guns against domestic terrorism. No mention of the gun, but I would suspect a handgun from the "produced a gun" line the guy possibly being killed by a police bullet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 11:45:40 AM
QuoteA poster has been put up in New Scotland Yard with a personal message from Sir Bernard.

It reads: "Twenty years ago the Lawrence family lost their loved son, Stephen.

"We let them down by not catching his murderers. Then last year we finally brought two of his killers to justice. The Met won't forget Stephen Lawrence."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22244598

Over the past 20 years this has been a classic case of incompetence and institutional racism.

Within the past 5 years it's quite easy to name a number of Met police cases that have gone nowhere due to incompetence and institutionalised racism.

The conclusion I come to is that while they may not forget, they don't care either.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 02:50:53 PM
Shitbags&shitbags&shitbags #929295/Q

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22244494

QuoteSinn Fein president Gerry Adams has told a court his brother, Liam Adams, admitted sexually abusing his daughter.

Liam Adams is charged with 10 counts of sexually abusing his daughter Aine, who has waived her right to anonymity. He denies all the charges.

Giving evidence at the trial in Belfast, Gerry Adams said that he had several walks with his brother.

He said during one of them, Liam Adams acknowledged he had abused Aine, but said that it had only happened once.

The Sinn Fein president said that Liam Adams made the alleged admission during a long walk in the rain in Dundalk, County Louth, in 2000

"I had a long walk with Liam. We had a number of conversations," Mr Adams said.

"During the course of that he acknowledged that he had sexually abused Aine. He said it only happened the once."

Mr Adams was asked what Liam Adams had said he had done.

Gerry Adams replied: "To the best of my recollection the terms that he used were that he had molested her or that he had interfered with her, that he had sexually assaulted her."

Mr Adams said he had first confronted his brother about the alleged abuse during a meeting in Buncrana, County Donegal, in 1987. He told the court that at that time Liam Adams denied the allegations.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 02:52:59 PM
Russians joining in the shooting people fun:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22251836

QuoteA gunman has shot dead five people - including a 14-year-old girl - in the western Russian city of Belgorod, local officials say.

The attacker killed three people inside a hunting shop and two passers-by on the street, and then fled in a car.

The abandoned vehicle - a BMW - was later found by the police.

The officials believe the shooting was an attempted robbery. Latest reports in the Russian media suggest there may have been two gunmen.


The shooting began at about 14:00 local time (10:00 GMT) in the shop in the city centre.

Russian news agencies later posted photos of the bodies lying on the street near the Okhota (Hunt) shop and a crowd of onlookers gathered nearby.

Local media are also quoting Belgorod police as saying the gunman is a 31-year-old city resident who was released from prison last year.

The suspect is currently being hunted by the police, amid reports that he may be hiding at a local car market.

Oddly familiar in some ways. I wonder if he's Chechen too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 22, 2013, 03:17:49 PM
No.  Belgorod is too far north.  It's old Cossack land, if anything, though most people there are Russian.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 03:20:53 PM
Ah.

Well. Cossacks were friendly fellows. Makes more sense now. The Chechen speculation was more incidental to the timing of the event.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 22, 2013, 03:28:32 PM
http://www.jamestown.org/programs/nca/

For all your Chechen insurgent needs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 08:39:38 PM
Development in Syria fuckery:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22254996
QuoteEU member states have agreed to ease an oil embargo on Syria to allow the purchase of crude from the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad.

Foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg said they had made the decision "so as to help the civilian population".

European companies will now be able to import crude oil and petroleum products from opposition-held areas.

Each transaction will have to be approved by the main opposition alliance, the National Coalition.

Experts have warned that buying Syrian crude will be complicated because of security concerns and damaged infrastructure. It is believed oil will have to be transported by tanker to Turkey and Iraq.


QuoteThe International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that Syria's daily oil production has since slipped from 400,000 barrels to 130,000. An official report published in April that has been cited by state media said oil exports had dropped to almost nothing. The government has also been forced to import refined fuel supplies to keep up with demand.

Syria's main oilfields are in the eastern provinces of Deir al-Zour and Hassakeh, which both border Iraq.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based activist group, believes most of the oil fields there are now controlled by rebel groups

That's a pretty big nail in the coffin as I see it. The bullshit about it being "for the people" is nice as always. I think that'll be going away within the next decade.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on April 22, 2013, 10:00:36 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 22, 2013, 11:18:06 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22232304

QuoteTens of thousands of people in the Netherlands have objected to an official King's Song marking the 30 April investiture of Willem-Alexander.

The song, composed by Dutch-British producer John Ewbank and performed by 51 Dutch artists, was released on Friday morning.

By Saturday, an online petition entitled No to the King's Song had attracted 37,000 signatures.

Mr Ewbank has now withdrawn it as the official anthem.

Many had objected to the lyrics as well as the mix of rap with traditional music.

QuoteWhile the lyrics were based on words submitted by Dutch citizens, they were put together by four writers.

Some critics complained about lines such as: "I build a dyke with my bare hands and keep the water away" and "through wind and rain I'll stand beside you... I'll keep you safe as long as I live".

One signatory to the petition said the song "spontaneously turns you into a republican, if you weren't one already".

No comment.

The rapping parts of the song sound like Die Antwoordt to me.  Admittedly that is only because it is in a similar language and I can't understand it.  It contrasts really weirdly with the rest of the song.

I think that each King gets his own song is kind of a cool tradition.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 23, 2013, 10:38:14 AM
Well presented piece on human trafficking

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22250772

With some luck, the presentation of the facts will get it a wider audience. Some focus on the reasons behind it towards the end was good to see too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 23, 2013, 01:18:39 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22266051

QuoteMillionaire businessman James McCormick, 56, has been convicted at the Old Bailey of three counts of fraud after selling fake bomb detectors.

The Advanced Detection Equipment was based on a golf ball finder device and sold for up to $40,000 (£27,000) in Iraq, Georgia, Saudi Arabia and Niger.

McCormick, of Langport, Somerset, made an estimated £50m from sales of his fake detectors.

He marketed the detectors to military, governments and police and even the UN.

The models were described by prosecutors as completely ineffectual and lacking any grounding in science.

Just reminding you that humans are scum and will profit in any way they can.

Carry on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 23, 2013, 02:08:27 PM
More Syria:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22266212

QuoteA senior Israeli military official has said Syrian forces have used chemical weapons against rebels several times.

Brig Gen Itai Brun said military intelligence believed the nerve agent sarin had probably been used "in a number of incidents".

Syria's government and rebels have accused each other of using chemical weapons. A UN team is trying to enter Syria to investigate.

The US has said it would not tolerate the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Speaking at a security conference in Jerusalem, Gen Brun said: "To the best of our professional understanding, the regime has made use of deadly chemical weapons against the rebels in a number of incidents in the past."

He said photographs of victims foaming at the mouth and with constricted pupils and other unspecified symptoms "provide evidence that deadly chemical weapons have been used".

"Which chemical weapons? Apparently sarin. The regime is also using chemical weapons that neutralise and are not fatal," he said.

Things looking increasingly sketchy for Assad. The timing of this I'm sure has nothing to do with the oil agreements.

Taking bets about the timescale for liberation. Iran can wait it seems.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 25, 2013, 08:42:56 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22245873
QuoteUganda's President Yoweri Museveni has publicly handed a sack containing about $100,000 (£66,000) in cash to a youth group, raising questions about how the money will be spent.

The donation was broadcast on national television, with many social media comments condemning it.

"There should have been a system to make sure the youth spend the money properly," said analyst Peter Magelah.

A minister said giving the money in public would ensure transparency.

Mr Museveni pledged to help the group during the 2011 election campaign.

This is practically a cartoon. Would open record keeping not better serve transparency? Where did the sack of cash come from in the first place? Who's cash was it? Apparently this is done so "The youth can see who has their money" for various schemes.

No potential problems with that I'm sure.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 25, 2013, 09:06:04 AM
Things you would never see in the US:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22289456
QuoteCurrent policy on illegal drugs creates victims of crime and more prisoners at a cost to taxpayers, the Prison Governors Association (PGA) has argued.

It says blanket prohibition of Class A drugs allows criminals to control the quality and supply of them to addicts, who turn to crime to fund their habits.

The PGA has signed up to the international Count the Costs campaign against an enforcement-led approach.

The Home Office said drugs were illegal "because they are dangerous".

PGA president Eoin McLennan-Murray said it believed "a substantial segment of the prison population have been convicted of low-level acquisitive crimes simply to fund addiction".

"The current war on drugs is successful in creating further victims of acquisitive crime, increasing cost to the taxpayer to accommodate a higher prison population and allowing criminals to control and profit from the sale and distribution of Class A drugs," he said.

"A fundamental review of the prohibition-based policy is desperately required and this is why the Prison Governors Association are keen to support the Count the Costs initiative."

'Futility of approach'
Count the Costs co-ordinator Martin Powell said PGA members witnessed "the day-to-day futility of the UK's current enforcement-led approach to drugs".

"Increasingly, those involved in picking up the pieces of our failed war on drugs want to see alternatives to prohibition explored," he said.

He also called on the government to commission a comprehensive policy review "as a matter of urgency".

Naturally nothing will be done and this is another group that can be safely ignored. It's just nice to see people point out the obvious occasionally.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 25, 2013, 11:43:14 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 25, 2013, 09:06:04 AM
Things you would never see in the US:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22289456
QuoteCurrent policy on illegal drugs creates victims of crime and more prisoners at a cost to taxpayers, the Prison Governors Association (PGA) has argued.

It says blanket prohibition of Class A drugs allows criminals to control the quality and supply of them to addicts, who turn to crime to fund their habits.

The PGA has signed up to the international Count the Costs campaign against an enforcement-led approach.

The Home Office said drugs were illegal "because they are dangerous".

PGA president Eoin McLennan-Murray said it believed "a substantial segment of the prison population have been convicted of low-level acquisitive crimes simply to fund addiction".

"The current war on drugs is successful in creating further victims of acquisitive crime, increasing cost to the taxpayer to accommodate a higher prison population and allowing criminals to control and profit from the sale and distribution of Class A drugs," he said.

"A fundamental review of the prohibition-based policy is desperately required and this is why the Prison Governors Association are keen to support the Count the Costs initiative."

'Futility of approach'
Count the Costs co-ordinator Martin Powell said PGA members witnessed "the day-to-day futility of the UK's current enforcement-led approach to drugs".

"Increasingly, those involved in picking up the pieces of our failed war on drugs want to see alternatives to prohibition explored," he said.

He also called on the government to commission a comprehensive policy review "as a matter of urgency".

Naturally nothing will be done and this is another group that can be safely ignored. It's just nice to see people point out the obvious occasionally.

Heh! Luckily for us, the guys in charge are complete fucking retards. Prohibition is here to stay. Ka-ching!  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 25, 2013, 03:20:01 PM
UK press response to attemped reform : NO U

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22294722

QuoteA number of newspapers are to publish a proposal for self-regulation backed by royal charter, after rejecting plans from the main political parties.

The government and Labour Party agreed to a royal charter last month in response to Lord Justice Leveson's report on press standards and ethics.

They said an independent watchdog would be set up by royal charter with powers to issue fines and demand apologies.

But newspapers argue that they had no say in the final discussions.

According to a statement released by the Newspaper Society on behalf of a number of national and local newspapers, they said the royal charter published by the government on 18 March had been condemned by a "range of international media freedom organisations" and enjoys "no support within the press" in the UK.

"A number of its recommendations are unworkable and it gives politicians an unacceptable degree of interference in the regulation of the press," warned the statement.

The clusterfuck continues with no sign of progress on any front. This should only drag on for a couple more years before being quietly killed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 26, 2013, 04:13:49 PM
Palesitinian Marathon encounters problems:

http://www.policymic.com/articles/37037/bethlehem-marathon-thrown-by-palestinians-can-t-find-26-miles-to-run-on

QuoteHundreds of people braved the freezing rain and blistering winds on Sunday to participate in the West Bank's first marathon. The race, also called the Right to Movement, was held to successfully demonstrate two things — the first, to show what peaceful resistance looks like, and second, to show how difficult the simple task of finding 26.2 miles (or 42 kilometers) of contiguous land under occupied Palestine is. The marathon was also successful in demonstrating that until Israel lets go of its hard-line stance on the Palestinian occupation and allow Palestinians their basic freedoms, any solution to the conflict will be nearly impossible to reach.

Unsurprisingly, Israel's actions had already given the runners yet another reason to demonstrate against the occupation before the race could even take place — last week, around 26 runners from the Gaza Strip were unable to participate in the marathon, having been denied permission to travel to the West Bank by the COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry unit that is responsible for coordinating civilian issues with Palestinians.

According to COGAT, "The request of 26 Gaza residents to take part in the Bethlehem marathon was examined by the relevant authorities and it was decided to reject the request because it does not fall within the determined criteria for crossing from Gaza to the West Bank."

The only time Gaza residents can travel to the West Bank, where their fellow estranged Palestinians reside, is only if there is an exceptional humanitarian reason or an urgent medical issue.

QuoteIn a statement, the organizers of the marathon lamented the difficulties of finding a mere 26-mile stretch under occupied Palestine, saying, "The EU and the U.S. talk about a two-state solution, an independent Palestine – but we cannot find the 42 kilometers needed for a marathon. Not 42 kilometers of an area, which [is] supposed to be an independent state [that is] controlled by the Palestinian themselves."

Palestinians, they added, "do not have a state, and their lands are controlled by a foreign army — that army controls their movement with roadblocks, checkpoints, military zones, an illegal wall and a complex set of discriminatory laws."

And the organizers of the marathon are right. Although everyone has the right to movement, it is clear from the Palestinian's plight that not everyone has the option to movement. Until this vital component of self-determination is granted to the Palestinians, the U.S. and EU's calls for a two-state solution are meaningless.

An elegant way to highlight the issue.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 26, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
I continue to find Israel ironically evil.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 27, 2013, 01:42:02 AM
It's such a basket of crazy/evil, It fascinates me.

This :
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Extreme-Rambling-Walking-Separation-Barrier/dp/0091927811/ref=la_B001JRUXM8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367022598&sr=1-1

And the stageshow that he did a while ago was excellent. Well worth a read.

As is pointed out, it's the constant barrage of little impediments on freedom that become noticeable. These restrictions become normalised and then new ones imposed. Resistance is met with further restrictions.

Maybe the new pope will sort shit out.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 30, 2013, 09:01:29 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 26, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
I continue to find Israel ironically evil.

My (admittedly oversimplified) view is of the cycle of abuse, acted on a state-level. The Jews got herded into ghettos, then camps by ze Germans and now it's their turn to do it to the Palestinians.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 30, 2013, 06:43:26 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on April 30, 2013, 09:01:29 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 26, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
I continue to find Israel ironically evil.

My (admittedly oversimplified) view is of the cycle of abuse, acted on a state-level. The Jews got herded into ghettos, then camps by ze Germans and now it's their turn to do it to the Palestinians.

Yeah, basically. And this time, instead of feeling compelled to stop them, we feel compelled to support them, because we basically set them up in this situation.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 30, 2013, 06:57:39 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 30, 2013, 06:43:26 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on April 30, 2013, 09:01:29 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on April 26, 2013, 04:34:44 PM
I continue to find Israel ironically evil.

My (admittedly oversimplified) view is of the cycle of abuse, acted on a state-level. The Jews got herded into ghettos, then camps by ze Germans and now it's their turn to do it to the Palestinians.

Yeah, basically. And this time, instead of feeling compelled to stop them, we feel compelled to support them, because we basically set them up in this situation.

Also, they are our "allies", though they've never helped us at all.  Mostly, I think, because they are in our minds "white people" in a very "scary neighborhood" (ie, non-white and angry).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:33:20 AM
This will end well:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22349239
QuoteAn Israeli settler has been killed by a Palestinian at a bus stop in the northern West Bank, police say.

The attack took place at Tapuah Junction, near the city of Nablus, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

Reports say the Palestinian stabbed the man before grabbing his gun and shooting him. The attacker was shot and wounded by security forces, police say.

Palestinians and Israeli troops have clashed recently in the West Bank, but fatal attacks on settlers are rare.

Mr Rosenfeld said the Palestinian attacked the Israeli from behind, stole his weapon and then shot him at close range.

Israeli media reports say the Palestinian shot at security forces when they arrived at the scene. The man was shot and wounded by border police before being arrested.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 01:28:19 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22315469

QuoteThe biggest cocaine smugglers in Europe are the 'Ndrangheta, a mafia from the "toe of Italy", Calabria. They may not be as well known as their Sicilian counterparts but their drugs and extortion business is worth billions of euros. When cornered their bosses hole up in secret bunkers.

I don't think I've ever been so relieved to see sunlight. Since dead of night I had been crawling through tunnels strewn with rat excrement, personal effects and the paraphernalia of the cocaine business.

The dust and damp were choking. How long had I been underground? Four hours? Five? Eight? Then at last, filthy, tired, and disorientated, I surfaced into a gorgeous mountain landscape, and a breeze bearing the perfume of wild oregano.

I felt as if I had just escaped a brush with insanity, with evil.

The tunnels were in the town of Plati, on Aspromonte, the "harsh mountain" that dominates the landscape at the very toe-tip of Italy's boot.

Plati has been notorious for a century as a stronghold of the 'Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia.

Its bosses are among the world's leading cocaine traffickers, and they have particularly strong links to the 'Ndrangheta's outposts in Australia.

But recently they have not been having things their own way.

Pursued by a newly determined police, the 'Ndranghetisti constructed an astonishing network of secret hiding places under the streets and houses.

It is virtually a parallel city, an underworld Plati where bunkers located behind sliding staircases, hidden trapdoors and even inside a pizza oven are linked by endless tunnels.

There is a kind of madness to the bunkers of Plati.

Even the deepest and best-concealed bolt-holes have secret escape routes within them.

The tunnels merge and separate, feed into the sewer system, and branch out again for hundreds of metres, emerging right outside town, amid the bushes of a dry river bed.

Now the tunnels have been discovered, and left to the curiosity of rats and mafia historians like me.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 04:35:20 PM
Saudi Arabia acting calmly and rationally:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22355376

QuotePolice in Saudi Arabia say they have shot and wounded a man wanted over his involvement in protests in a restive province in the east of country.

The interior ministry said Abdullah al-Asrih was one of two men arrested after a gun battle in the town of Qatif.

The ministry said both men were wounded in their legs.

There have been low-level protests for more than a year in the Qatif region of Eastern Province, where most of Saudi Arabia's Shia Muslim minority live.

Mr Asrih, a Shia, was on a list of 23 suspects wanted in connection with the protests, which broke out in February 2011.

A security spokesman said Mr Asrih and the second man were involved in the selling of drugs and alcohol, both of which are banned in the conservative kingdom.

No prizes for guessing the likely penalty for these horrific crimes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:08:59 PM
People... People who eat people....

QuoteNewly discovered human bones prove the first permanent British settlers in North America turned to cannibalism over the cruel winter of 1609-10, US researchers have said.

Scientists found unusual cuts consistent with butchering for meat on human bones dumped in a rubbish pit.

The four-century-old skull and tibia of a teenage girl in James Fort, Virginia, were excavated from the dump last year.

James Fort, founded in 1607, was the earliest part of the Jamestown colony.
Quote

The evidence is absolutely consistent with dismemberment and de-fleshing of this body," said Doug Owsley, a forensic anthropologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.

Written documents had previously suggested the desperate colonists resorted to cannibalism - but the discovery of the 14-year-old girl's bones offers the first scientific proof.

Quote"It's somebody doing what they had to do," said Dr Owsley of the cannibalism.


Are the hungrieeeeest people in the world.....

edit- linkage http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22362831
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 01, 2013, 08:14:13 PM
Or possibly not (http://www.opendemocracy.net/jen-paton/europe-and-its-cannibals):

QuoteWhile the flashiest modern headlines about cannibalism are confined to the depraved (Dorangel Vargas and Jeffrey Dahmer) or the desperate (the Uruguyan rugby team who crashed in the Andres in 1972), stories of European cannibalism during the middle ages celebrated its supposed fierceness and utility.

QuoteSurvival cannibalism with a sprinkling of simple greed is one thing, but the chroniclers cannot help but note the propagandistic utility of the idea of cannibalism because it strikes such fear in enemy hearts: "The Saracens and Turks reacted thus: 'this stubborn and merciless race, unmoved by hunger, sword, or other perils for one year at Antioch, now feasts on human flesh; therefore, we ask, 'Who can resist them?'" The infidels spread stories of these and other inhuman acts of the crusaders, but we were unaware that God had made us an object of terror." Thus the first major encounter between Christians and Muslims was coloured - in fact and folklore - by European cannibalism.

All I'm saying is 1609 is a lot closer to the Crusades than the modern world, in many ways.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:21:02 PM
I'd never even considered that aspect.

Thinking for a moment now, it's surprising how far the idea/alleged practice goes back and throughout various cultures.

A really high class monkey idea. Gods it amazes me that the insects aren't in charge by now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 01, 2013, 08:24:14 PM
I dunno.  Humans have not yet done anything quite as horrifying, on the individual level, as the Tarantula hawk does as part of it's life-cycle.

Also, here's a nice link (http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/why-mexicos-zetas-expanded-faster-rivals) about why Los Zetas have expanded so rapidly.  Note for all aspiring criminals out there - control the territory, and everything will follow.

QuoteSo how do we explain the Zetas' expansion? To begin with, the Zetas have never looked at themselves as a drug trafficking operation. They have always been a military group whose primary goal is to control territory. In essence, the Zetas understood something the other groups did not: they did not need to run criminal activities in order to be profitable; they simply needed to control the territory in which these criminal activities were taking place.

This outlook changed what they saw as propitious territory. The Zetas, for example, sought new markets, areas that had traditionally a role in drug trafficking or major criminal activity. Out of the total of municipalities in which Zetas have operated since their onset, the Harvard study showed that 381 were previously a territory of another criminal organization. The closest cartel to Zetas is Gulf, a cartel that operated in 325 municipalities held by others, followed by La Familia with 260.

They did this with the aforementioned combination of brute strength and training but most importantly, a singularly focused model. Their soldiers had one job: take over the territory and extract rent from the other criminal actors. They did not have to establish the infrastructure. They simply had to stick to their goal, then extort petty drug dealers, human traffickers, human smugglers, thieves and contraband traders.

To be sure, they are making money from international drug trafficking, which also plays into their strategy. But this too is modified to the Zetas' overall strategy of controlling territory. Guatemala, for example, is the perfect choke point for cocaine shipments moving north, an area the group can control militarily and thus gain control of these shipments moving north.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:33:02 PM
The same essentially applies on a larger level when considering state actors I'd guess. Borders are set on the state's ability to man and control them. Viewing any government as essentially a criminal enterprise would probably be a fairly accurate comparison in more cases than not.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:48:30 PM
Also, question: How accurate are gang control maps like the ones in the Zeta article? I'd guess them to be fairly hazy by their nature but when comparing to stories like this:

QuoteAt least 13 people are dead after a battle broke out between prisoners at a jail in the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosi.

A group of inmates used homemade knives and picks to attack rivals at the La Pila prison, the state attorney general's office was quoted as saying.

Authorities took several hours to bring the fighting under control.

Deadly outbreaks of violence are common in Mexico's overcrowded jails, which house inmates from rival drug gangs.

Dozens of people were injured - some seriously - in the fighting that broke out at La Pila, situated in the state capital, early on Saturday morning, officials said.

The authorities in the northern state of San Luis Potosi have begun to name the dead and warned concerned families waiting for news that the number of fatalities may rise.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-22327439

Is there any kind of realisitic guess you can make on groups of perpetrators in an area? (Above is probably a bad example being a jail). Also, depending on the accuracy of those maps, can you assess likely perpetrators on larger data?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on May 02, 2013, 03:15:01 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:08:59 PM
People... People who eat people....

QuoteNewly discovered human bones prove the first permanent British settlers in North America turned to cannibalism over the cruel winter of 1609-10, US researchers have said.

Scientists found unusual cuts consistent with butchering for meat on human bones dumped in a rubbish pit.

The four-century-old skull and tibia of a teenage girl in James Fort, Virginia, were excavated from the dump last year.

James Fort, founded in 1607, was the earliest part of the Jamestown colony.
Quote

The evidence is absolutely consistent with dismemberment and de-fleshing of this body," said Doug Owsley, a forensic anthropologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.

Written documents had previously suggested the desperate colonists resorted to cannibalism - but the discovery of the 14-year-old girl's bones offers the first scientific proof.

Quote"It's somebody doing what they had to do," said Dr Owsley of the cannibalism.


Are the hungrieeeeest people in the world.....

edit- linkage http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22362831

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS86rHpdRXI

Rasputina apparently knew about this first...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 02, 2013, 03:51:24 AM
This is just something weird that showed up when I was googling gang territory maps - google maps is keeping up with Zeta territory. Like if I was searching google maps for "Starbucks Austin TX" or some shit.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=112334459833207861207.000495169c97e4afb8a7f
On second thought, I shouldn't be surprised. They have pictures of peoples' underwear on clotheslines.  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 02, 2013, 04:06:50 AM
Unrelated...Oh, Kentucky.  :x
And to be fair, I went to school with kids who bagged deer in first grade and nobody died.
Supervised, though. Always supervised.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/authorities-2-year-old-kentucky-girl-accidentally-shot-killed-by-5-year-old-brother/2013/04/30/c1832fee-b206-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html

QuoteIn this case, the rifle was made by a company that sells guns specifically for children — "My first rifle" is the slogan — in colors ranging from plain brown to hot pink to orange to royal blue to multi-color swirls.

http://www.crickett.com/index.htm?osCsid=up4la67a5jpio1o641ge42va57

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 02, 2013, 11:39:18 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:33:02 PM
The same essentially applies on a larger level when considering state actors I'd guess. Borders are set on the state's ability to man and control them. Viewing any government as essentially a criminal enterprise would probably be a fairly accurate comparison in more cases than not.

Again, I must reference Charles Tilly - War Making and State Making as Organized Crime.

Probably up until about the 16th century in Europe, you'd be very hard pressed to see the difference between most "kingdoms" and the Mafia.  There are levels of state formation which reduce the most notable criminal aspects of the enterprise with some forms of participatory legitimacy....to a degree.

Quote from: Junkenstein on May 01, 2013, 08:48:30 PM
Also, question: How accurate are gang control maps like the ones in the Zeta article? I'd guess them to be fairly hazy by their nature

Somewhat hazy, around the edges, but more or less accurate.  When a group like the Zetas is so single-mindedly determined on the territorial issue, it engages in a fair amount of signalling in regards to zones of control.  It would also be apparent from how they are extorting other organized crime whether or not they control a region, which police intelligence should be able to recognize fairly easily.

The US and Mexican governments are also aware how important the territorial issue is, hence MX1's emails regarding "controlling the plazas" and the Sinaloa Cartel.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 03, 2013, 09:04:42 PM
QuoteUKIP leader Nigel Farage has hailed gains in council elections across England as a "game changer".

UKIP won over 140 seats and averaged 25% of the vote in the wards where it was standing.

The Conservatives lost control of 10 councils, but retained 18, while Labour gained two councils and boosted its councillors by nearly 300.

David Cameron said he would "work really hard to win back" supporters who had decided to vote for UKIP.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22382098

I suspect a curious combination of ex BNP/Lib Dem and a good chunk of protest vote here. An unfortunate potential coalition partner. Farage tends to remind me of slime. Not attached to or from anything, just general ooze.

It's amusing to watch the numerous interviews stating this is not a racial issue with "supporters" then stating "We're not racailist" (Direct quote even the spelling, appears to be party slogan)

I'll laugh a lot if the next government is a coalition of Labour and UKIP. At this point it really wouldn't surprise me. The swing has caused them to be taken much more seriously so expect posturing and "PR slips" before the next bout of elections to regain the precious "Not racialist" vote.

In the meantime, lets piss and moan more about the welfare bill and immigrants.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 03, 2013, 09:21:08 PM
In other petty election news....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-22394258

QuoteA Lincolnshire family-of-five are celebrating after three of them won seats for UKIP in the county council elections.

Sue Ransome, 61, with her daughters Felicity, 27, and Elizabeth, 26, won seats in Boston.

Her husband Don and daughter, Jodie Sutton, 36, also stood in Boston but came second.

UKIP made gains across Lincolnshire, ensuring the Conservatives lost overall control.

The Tories won just 36 seats - down from 61 at the previous election.

QuoteMrs Ransome added her 19-year-old son was also interested in standing in future elections.

"Perhaps at a parish level, just to start him off. We shall see."

HO HO HO

It's a good thing rotten boroughs are a thing of the past and we have proper democracy now. No conflict of interest issues here at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 03, 2013, 09:34:56 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22393696

Quotehe US has extended targeted sanctions against Burma for another year but lifted a visa ban on officials.

The State Department said the move both rewarded progress and aimed to prevent backsliding on reform.

It cited human rights concerns and the continued detention of political prisoners as factors in extending the annual sanctions order.

Last month the European Union lifted the last of its non-military sanctions on Burma.

The US has already lifted most trade and investment sanctions against Burma amid a series of reforms in the South East Asian nation.

The State Department said the latest moves both acknowledged the important changes that had been made in Burma and the challenges that remained.

Well considering those travel restrictions don't stop Burmese officials travelling to London for the annual DSEI arms fair. Is monitoring and ensuring reform as important as selling arms? No.

There's apparently a nice new line in drones being exhibited this year by the by.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 03, 2013, 09:37:08 PM
The US is playing funny games in Burma.  It recently all but demanded that Aung San Suu Kyi play nice with the military there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 03, 2013, 09:38:56 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22392544

A depressing but hardly unexpected development

QuoteGunmen have shot dead the prosecutor investigating the murder of Pakistan's ex-leader Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in 2007.

Police said Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali was ambushed as he was driving from his Islamabad home to a court hearing in the Bhutto case in Rawalpindi.

Police have not speculated on a reason for the shooting.

Chaudhry Zulfiqar was also the top prosecutor in a case related to the attacks in Mumbai, India, in 2008.

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has been accused of failing to provide adequate security for Bhutto at the time of her death.

Mr Musharraf, who recently returned to Pakistan after living abroad, is being held under house arrest while the claims against him are investigated. He denies the allegations.

No-one has ever been convicted over the murder of Ms Bhutto.

Police said Chaudhry Zulfiqar was on his way to the anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi for a hearing on Friday morning when his car was ambushed.

The attackers on a motorcycle sprayed the car with bullets, badly injuring the prosecutor who later died in hospital.

A hospital spokesman said Chaudhry Zulfiqar had been hit by more than seven bullets from the front and side, including one to the head.

This is an unfortunate way of finding moral lawyers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 03, 2013, 09:41:12 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 03, 2013, 09:37:08 PM
The US is playing funny games in Burma.  It recently all but demanded that Aung San Suu Kyi play nice with the military there.

I'm guessing that was the upshot of the recent state visit there. All gone quiet on the massacres front. Or they're being kept more low key.

A general lack of outrage about the "unfortunate mistakes" too. Unsurprisingly. Any idea what the deal is? Part of the overall "return to the pacific" thing?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 03, 2013, 10:44:20 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 03, 2013, 09:41:12 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 03, 2013, 09:37:08 PM
The US is playing funny games in Burma.  It recently all but demanded that Aung San Suu Kyi play nice with the military there.

I'm guessing that was the upshot of the recent state visit there. All gone quiet on the massacres front. Or they're being kept more low key.

A general lack of outrage about the "unfortunate mistakes" too. Unsurprisingly. Any idea what the deal is? Part of the overall "return to the pacific" thing?

Yeah, Chinese presence, mineral deposits and drugs also play a role.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 04, 2013, 10:46:14 AM
Heh.

The FBI has valiantly foiled another terrorist plot it is responsible for - namely the dangerous 18 year old radical Abdalla Ahmad Tounisi, who wanted to go jihadi in Syria.

Yes, that's the same Syria whose leader the US is trying to force into exile by providing arms to the Syrian rebels.

But wait!  It gets even better.  His FBI handler discussed the possibility of attacking US targets with him, and was convinced that he was not keen on targeting American civilians, didn't believe it was useful or moral, and was in part inspired to go to Syria because of US support for the rebels.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 04, 2013, 08:43:21 PM
The FBI never seem to learn. It's almost like they're doing this shit on purpose.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22414334

QuoteDeputy House of Commons Speaker Nigel Evans has been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault, Press Association sources say.

The 55-year-old Conservative MP is being questioned about alleged attacks on two men in their 20s, the sources said.

Police said a 55-year-old man was being interviewed by officers.

The alleged offences took place between July 2009 and March 2013 in Pendleton, Lancashire, police added.

It is understood that Prime Minister David Cameron has been made aware of the arrest.

More conservative party usual antics.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 04, 2013, 08:56:49 PM
The fucking FBI.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 05, 2013, 10:44:37 AM
More Syria:

QuoteIsraeli rockets have hit a research centre near Damascus, Syria says.

Witnesses heard huge explosions near the Jamraya facility, which Western officials have suggested is involved in chemical weapons research.

Residents told the BBC that nearby military positions were also hit.

Israel has not confirmed the strike, but sources say it targeted weapons bound for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. It is the second suspected Israeli strike in two days.

On Friday Israeli aircraft hit a shipment of missiles in Syria, according to unnamed US and Israeli officials.

Israel has repeatedly said it would act if it felt advanced weapons were being transferred to militant groups in the region, especially Hezbollah.

The BBC's Jim Muir in Beirut says Israel's intervention is a very dangerous development.

He says Israel will not want to be seen as being involved in the conflict, but Syria's state media is hammering the message that the rebels are working hand in glove with Israel.

A state TV bulletin said: "The new Israeli attack is an attempt to raise the morale of the terrorist groups, which have been reeling from strikes by our noble army."

Israeli radio quoted a senior security official confirming an attack against targets in Syria, but the official gave no further detail.

Yeah, this is going to get messy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on May 05, 2013, 08:03:11 PM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/may/04/security-alert-war-in-cyberspace

Weev's sentencing. Actually quite a well written article. End with...

QuoteBack in the court in Walnut Street, just after the judge passes sentence, Andrew is led away in shackles. Before he vanishes, he shoots a grin to his friends and calls out: "All hail Discordia!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 06, 2013, 09:50:52 PM
A variety of developments.

First, German Neo-Nazi murder trials:
QuoteAn alleged member of a German neo-Nazi cell has gone on trial in Munich in connection with a series of racially motivated murders.

Beate Zschaepe, 38, is accused of being part of the National Socialist Underground (NSU), which killed 10 people, most of them of Turkish origin.

She denies the murder charges. Critics say the police made serious errors.

The judge later adjourned the trial for a week after the defence team accused the judge of bias.

After entering court, Ms Zschaepe stood with folded arms and turned her back on the camera.

Her lawyers lodged a legal complaint with the judge, accusing him of bias. They complained about being searched for possible weapons or other objects on arrival, while prosecutors and police were not. The judge ordered an adjournment until 14 May to consider the complaint.

The NSU case sparked controversy as police wrongly blamed the Turkish mafia before discovering the far-right cell.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22423785

Cain, anything interesting going on here?

And also, the first 3d printed gun
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22421185

Quotehe world's first gun made with 3D printer technology has been successfully fired in the US.

The controversial group which created the firearm, Defense Distributed, plans to make the blueprints available online.

The group has spent a year trying to create the firearm, which was successfully tested on Saturday at a firing range south of Austin, Texas.

Anti-gun campaigners have criticised the project.

Europe's law enforcement agency said it was monitoring developments.

Victoria Baines, from Europol's cybercrime centre, said that at present criminals were more likely to pursue traditional routes to obtain firearms.

+/- 5 years to get closer to an easy adoption stance is my guess. Line that made me laugh the most?

QuoteMr Wilson, who describes himself as a crypto-anarchist, said his plans to make the design available were "about liberty".

Mr Wilson: is pretentious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 06, 2013, 09:53:13 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 06, 2013, 09:50:52 PM
Mr Wilson: is pretentious.

Welcome to America, circa the 21st century.

I HAVE A CAUSE AND I CARE ABOUT IT.  SHARE THIS AND LIKE IF YOU AGREE THAT I CARE ABOUT IT.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 06, 2013, 09:57:48 PM
BUT WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 06, 2013, 10:00:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 05, 2013, 10:44:37 AM
More Syria:

QuoteIsraeli rockets have hit a research centre near Damascus, Syria says.

Witnesses heard huge explosions near the Jamraya facility, which Western officials have suggested is involved in chemical weapons research.

Residents told the BBC that nearby military positions were also hit.

Israel has not confirmed the strike, but sources say it targeted weapons bound for Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. It is the second suspected Israeli strike in two days.

On Friday Israeli aircraft hit a shipment of missiles in Syria, according to unnamed US and Israeli officials.

Israel has repeatedly said it would act if it felt advanced weapons were being transferred to militant groups in the region, especially Hezbollah.

The BBC's Jim Muir in Beirut says Israel's intervention is a very dangerous development.

He says Israel will not want to be seen as being involved in the conflict, but Syria's state media is hammering the message that the rebels are working hand in glove with Israel.

A state TV bulletin said: "The new Israeli attack is an attempt to raise the morale of the terrorist groups, which have been reeling from strikes by our noble army."

Israeli radio quoted a senior security official confirming an attack against targets in Syria, but the official gave no further detail.

Yeah, this is going to get messy.

Somebody was posting liveleaks pics of that the other night and saying it was a mushroom cloud.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 06, 2013, 10:00:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 06, 2013, 09:57:48 PM
BUT WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?

I ALREADY DID, WISEGUY.  I SIGNED AN ONLINE PETITION.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 06, 2013, 10:08:26 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 06, 2013, 10:00:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 06, 2013, 09:57:48 PM
BUT WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?

I ALREADY DID, WISEGUY.  I SIGNED AN ONLINE PETITION.

BUT DID YOU 'LIKE' AND 'SHARE'?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 06, 2013, 10:23:52 PM
Quote from: stelz on May 06, 2013, 10:08:26 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 06, 2013, 10:00:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 06, 2013, 09:57:48 PM
BUT WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?

I ALREADY DID, WISEGUY.  I SIGNED AN ONLINE PETITION.

BUT DID YOU 'LIKE' AND 'SHARE'?

NOT ENOUGH. MAKE 10 HEARTFELT POSTERS AND DIRECTLY EMAIL 4 FRIENDS ASKING THEM TO JUST EMAIL 4 FRIENDS ABOUT SERIOUS ISSUE. THEN YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH.

FOR SUPER ACTIVISM POINTS DISTRIBUTE 5 FLYERS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 07, 2013, 12:14:26 PM
QuoteCain, anything interesting going on here?

Well, at least three people related to the NSU are police informants.  And at the time, the German internal intelligence services were far more focused on the ominious threat of Die Linke, the newly formed German Left Party.

Quote from: WikipediaThe Left Party and some of its caucuses remain under observation by the BfV, listed in the annual Verfassungsschutzbericht under the heading "left-extremist tendencies and suspected cases". The 2007 report cites as evidence of the party's "extremism" Lothar Bisky's June 2007 statement that democratic socialism remains the party's goal: "We also still discuss the change of property and power relations.... We ask the 'system question'." However, the report notes that in practice the parliamentary party appears as to act as a "reform-oriented" left force.

[...]

The Left is also under observation by four western CDU/CSU-governed states, where party in its entirety is considered to be extremist (Lower Saxony, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria).[31] Saarland ceased observation of The Left in January 2008.[30] By contrast, in the five eastern states The Left is not under surveillance, with the local LfVs seeing no indication of anti-constitutional behaviour of the party as a whole. However the small "Communist Platform" — a hardline communist minority faction within the party — is under observation in three eastern states.[32]

In January 2012, it became known that more than one third of the party's MPs are observed by the federal Verfassungsschutz due to suspected extremist views.

So, German intelligence can spare the time to watch over 1/3rd of the MPs for the country's 4th largest political party, but are so out of touch with the extremist right in the country that, when a number of immigrants are killed, all by the same weapon, they instead decide to blame the murders on the Turkish mafia (because all Turks are linked to organized crime, you see) and then fail to pursue the case any further.

Or, something else was going on.  I'm going with "something else", since, according to eyewitnesses, a Hessian Verfassungsschutzbericht agent was present during the murder of Halit Yozgat.

Too many informants are linked to this case to suggest no-one knew about the NSU.  Either they have sympathizers within the various Verfassungsschutzberichts, or else, elements of German intelligence are playing their old games with right wing extremists again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2013, 01:53:14 PM
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/05/spy-court-stats/

Shocking news ahead!

QuoteA secretive federal court last year approved all of the 1,856 requests to search or electronically surveil people within the United States "for foreign intelligence purposes," the Justice Department reported this week.

The report (.pdf), released Tuesday to Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader from Nevada, provides a brief glimpse into the caseload of what is known as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. None of its decisions are public.

The 2012 figures represent a 5 percent bump from the prior year, when no requests were denied either.

The secret court, which came to life in the wake of the Watergate scandal under the President Richard M. Nixon administration, now gets the bulk of its authority under the FISA Amendments Act, which Congress reauthorized for another five years days before it would have expired last year.

Don't you feel safer now?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 07, 2013, 01:57:06 PM
The secret court has, to my knowledge, never turned down a FISA request.

Which is part of why the government drive to all information, all the time, must break the laws, must retroactively give immunity to the telecoms etc etc is so ridiculous.

Then again, I suppose if they started routing every actual electronic surveillance request, then there would need to be a significant expansion in the court's staff, just to keep up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2013, 01:58:47 PM
Lessons in local governance:
http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130505/CITYANDREGION/130509556/1026

QuoteAdvertisement


Heading into the final hours before Tuesday's Buffalo School Board elections, Carl P. Paladino had spent more than $25,000 of his own money to convince South Buffalo voters to choose him, the latest campaign finance filings show.

Jason M. McCarthy had raised more than $22,000 through the end of last week to try to retain his North District seat. The sums are part of a combined $70,000 that candidates have spent so far vying for positions that pay $5,000 a year.

But that collective amount is eclipsed by the money being spent by one group – widely believed to be the state teachers union – that is flooding mailboxes across the city with expensive, full-color smear ads trying to link various candidates to Paladino. In addition, the group sending the mailers is doing so illegally, far exceeding state spending limits.

The regional director of New York State United Teachers does not deny sending the ads, which have been distributed through a postal permit in Queens that is owned by a direct-mail company there.

Whoever is sending the glossy smear fliers has, by many accounts, succeeded in confusing voters. In addition, the group has violated state law that limits spending that is not authorized by candidates to $25 per candidate.

By the time the elections are over, whoever is sending the ads will likely have spent more than $100,000 – far more than any other money being spent on this year's battle to determine control of the Board of Education.


The lesson seems to be that cash will get you what you want.

QuoteOne version of the ads being sent from the Queens postal permit features a picture of Park District candidate Paladino next to a picture of one of the candidates in another district who is not backed by the union. An arrow points to Paladino, saying, "This guy is the zero-experience, race-baiting, pornography-loving millionaire who wants to take over Buffalo schools." Another arrow points to the other candidate and says, "And this guy thinks that's just great."

And if cash isn't working, use attack ads.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2013, 02:00:16 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 07, 2013, 01:57:06 PM
The secret court has, to my knowledge, never turned down a FISA request.

Which is part of why the government drive to all information, all the time, must break the laws, must retroactively give immunity to the telecoms etc etc is so ridiculous.

Then again, I suppose if they started routing every actual electronic surveillance request, then there would need to be a significant expansion in the court's staff, just to keep up.

Now you're thinking like a Job-Creator. Figure out a way to outsource it and it's a truly modern business.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2013, 02:16:40 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22434077

QuoteLibya's Defence Minister Mohammed al-Barghathi has resigned in protest over a siege by gunmen on the ministries of justice and foreign affairs.

The militiamen had been demanding the introduction of a law banning Gaddafi-era officials from holding office.

On Sunday, a week after the siege began, parliament passed the law.

"I will never be able to accept that politics [can] be practised by the power of weapons," Reuters news agency quotes the defence minister as saying.

Wait, What?

There may have been a more fundamental reason for you not to continue in that post.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 07, 2013, 02:26:56 PM
I think he means the power of other people's weapons without some kind of widespread social sanction set within a political context that allows for the theoretical dismissal of political control of that weaponry in the case of abuse.

But that doesn't sound as pithy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2013, 03:02:27 PM
It also doesn't send the best of messages to the international arms dealing community. I'd guess that gravy train came to a fairly abrupt end after the revolution. Perhaps no one has explained the "Guns for oil" deal that had been working so well.

Also, your daily reminder of horror:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22437771

QuoteA Briton faces up to 27 years in a US jail for plotting to kidnap, rape, kill and eat a child, authorities say.

Agents found the basement of Geoffrey Portway's Massachusetts home equipped with a steel cage and a child-sized home-made coffin, in a raid last year.

The 40-year-old had spent months discussing the kidnap and murder online with an American, Michael Arnett.

Portway pleaded guilty to soliciting the kidnap of a child and distribution and possession of child pornography.

His admission on Monday was part of a plea agreement, the US Attorney's Office said. Under the terms he must serve between 216 and 327 months in jail before he is deported to the UK.

These abduction/imprisonment cases seem to be cropping up more frequently. I'm not sure if this is a case of better detection or just inevitable sloppiness from playing "Warden" for years. I've got a hunch that it's actually a lot more widespread than suspected or thought. Mainly because it's pretty horrific and people are good at hiding shit when they really don't want to get caught.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2013, 03:11:32 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 07, 2013, 02:26:56 PM
I think he means the power of other people's weapons without some kind of widespread social sanction set within a political context that allows for the theoretical dismissal of political control of that weaponry in the case of abuse.

But that doesn't sound as pithy.

And he's just rescinded his resignation. Well, that's turned that thing into non-news.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 08, 2013, 01:14:16 PM
Everyone loves audacious crime:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22447516

QuotePolice in Belgium, Switzerland and France have arrested 31 people in connection with one of the world's largest robberies of diamonds.

Belgian prosecutors say they have recovered large sums of money and some of the diamonds that were taken in a raid at Brussels airport in February.

A gang cut through the airport's perimeter fence and broke into the cargo hold of a Swiss aeroplane as it waited for take off.

They took $50m (£32m) of diamonds.

The diamonds were "rough stones" being transported from Antwerp to Zurich.

Prosecutors described the thieves as "professionals".

They had dressed as police, wore masks and were well armed.

They forced their way through security barriers and drove towards the Helvetic Airways plane, forcing open the cargo hold to reach gems that had already been loaded.

They snatched 120 packages before escaping through the same hole in the fence.

Prosecutors said the whole operation took only about five minutes, no shots were fired and no-one was hurt.

Film by the end of the year assuming everyone involved has been caught.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 08, 2013, 01:35:24 PM
Serious times in court:

http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/05/07/57378.htm

QuoteThe "claw machine," in which kids try to drop a claw onto a stuffed animal, is an illegal gambling operation and should be shut down, a woman claims in a class action against Denny's.
     Ashley Cheesbrough sued Denny's in Superior Court.
     Cheesbrough claims that Denny's "engaged in unlawful business acts to earn higher profits by exposing its patrons to illegal gambling devices and providing them with opportunities to gamble. Denny's conduct violates public policies tethered to laws that are designed to protect the public against the deleterious effects of gambling."
     She claims that Denny's encourages illegal gambling by offering "games of chance" in the arcade sections of its restaurants.

QuoteCheesbrough says she personally lost money trying to win prizes out of claw machines at Denny's, and never would have played them had she "known that the machine was an illegal gambling device."
     The complaint does not say how much money she lost playing the game.
     But she claims that she and other class members will continue to lose money and Denny's will "retain proceeds of its ill-gotten gains" unless the court orders Denny's to remove the claw machines and other games of chance from its restaurants.
     She seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction, disgorgement and restitution for unfair competition and business law violations.

I'm betting 4/5 figures. Minimum.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 08, 2013, 02:58:26 PM
QuoteBut she claims that she and other class members will continue to lose money and Denny's will "retain proceeds of its ill-gotten gains" unless the court orders Denny's to remove the claw machines and other games of chance from its restaurants.

Bottom-of-the-food-chain level of willpower. These people are supposed to be exploited and conned. It's what they're for.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 08, 2013, 08:26:36 PM
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/former-enron-ceo-jeff-skilling-may-leave-prison-2017-1C9846371

:boring:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 08, 2013, 10:21:14 PM
Well, by the standards of the investment banks, Enron's leadership were not criminals, only pioneers in innovative revenue-streaming methods.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 08, 2013, 10:27:12 PM
I still don't get why anyone actually thought Mark-to-Market was in any way sane.

Even Enron joked about it being bullshit. Which was probably one of the few honest things they actually did.



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 08, 2013, 10:39:21 PM
Berlusconi:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22458282

QuoteAn appeals court in Italy has upheld the conviction for tax fraud of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

The court also reinstated a four-year prison sentence and five-year ban from public office he was handed in October.

Mr Berlusconi was convicted of artificially inflating prices of film distribution rights bought by his company, Mediaset, to avoid taxes.

He is now expected to appeal against Wednesday's ruling at Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation.

The 76-year-old has denied the charges and said they are politically motivated.

But instead of overturning October's verdict, the Milan appeals court on Wednesday upheld his conviction for tax evasion and re-instated the original jail sentence. The four-year term had been cut to one year by a lower court because of his age.

"We knew it would go like this," Mr Berlusconi's defence lawyer Niccolo Ghedini told reporters.

There is however no real prospect of Mr Berlusconi being jailed, as he will exercise his right to appeal and the case will actually soon expire under a time limit, the BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome reports.

I fucking bet he did too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 09, 2013, 08:28:32 AM
Ill thought out opinion of the day for 5 minutes of shame:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22459815

QuoteA prominent barrister specialising in reproductive rights has called for the age of consent to be lowered to 13.

Barbara Hewson told online magazine Spiked that the move was necessary in the wake of the Savile scandal to end the "persecution of old men".

She also said that complainants should no longer receive anonymity.

The NSPCC called her views "outdated and simply ill-informed" and said to hear them "from a highly experienced barrister simply beggars belief".

Her remarks come after a number of high-profile arrests over allegations of historical sexual offences in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Among those to have been convicted is former BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall, who admitted 14 charges of indecently assaulting girls, including one aged nine, between 1967 and 1985.

Ms Hewson described Hall's crimes as "low-level misdemeanours" which "ordinarily... would not be prosecuted".

'Prurient charade'
"What we have here is the manipulation of the British criminal justice system to produce scapegoats on demand. It is a grotesque spectacle," she said.

"It's time to end this prurient charade, which has nothing to do with justice or the public interest."

She argues for an end to complainant anonymity, a strict statute of limitations to prevent prosecutions after a substantial amount of time has passed and a reduction in the age of consent to 13.

She said that "touching a 17-year-old's breast, kissing a 13-year-old, or putting one's hand up a 16-year-old's skirt" are not crimes comparable to gang rapes and murders and "anyone suggesting otherwise has lost touch with reality".

The NSPCC described crimes such as Hall's as "incredibly serious" and said that "to minimise and trivialise the impact of these offences for victims in this way is all but denying that they have in fact suffered abuse at all.

"Any suggestion of lowering the age of consent could put more young people at risk from those who prey on vulnerable young people."

It also argued that complainant anonymity should be maintained and that historical prosecutions should be allowed as "many who are abused are bullied, blackmailed and shamed into staying silent, often well into adulthood"

There's been murmurs for a while about if these offences "were really crimes" and associated victim blaming. This is particularly overt.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 09, 2013, 09:21:03 AM
Quoteonline magazine Spiked

Stopped reading right there.  Spiked is basically contrarianism for its own sake.

In fact, Spiked Online has a very interesting history, when you look into it.  Originally called "Living Marxism", it was the journal of the Revolutionary Communist Party (UK, 1978) a Trotskyist outfit that somehow drifted into extreme corporate libertarianism and support for Tony Blair's endless wars of foreign interventionism.

Inbetween that, they spent a lot of time arguing that therapy was bad, that paedophilia criminalised being an older man, and undertaking literary criticism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 06:38:40 PM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/09/18149623-8-die-in-clothing-factory-fire-in-bangladesh-as-rana-plaza-toll-passes-900?lite

At least I get my clothing cheap.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 09, 2013, 06:47:01 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 09, 2013, 09:21:03 AM
Quoteonline magazine Spiked

Stopped reading right there.  Spiked is basically contrarianism for its own sake.

In fact, Spiked Online has a very interesting history, when you look into it.  Originally called "Living Marxism", it was the journal of the Revolutionary Communist Party (UK, 1978) a Trotskyist outfit that somehow drifted into extreme corporate libertarianism and support for Tony Blair's endless wars of foreign interventionism.

Inbetween that, they spent a lot of time arguing that therapy was bad, that paedophilia criminalised being an older man, and undertaking literary criticism.

Good to know, thanks. I'd seen it in a few places and hadn't looked at what spiked was. Looking at a couple of articles, balance isn't one of their watchwords.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 09, 2013, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 06:38:40 PM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/09/18149623-8-die-in-clothing-factory-fire-in-bangladesh-as-rana-plaza-toll-passes-900?lite

At least I get my clothing cheap.

Yeah, and at least I can afford to have a dozen pairs of pants instead of just a couple like in the old days. When they wear out, I can just throw them away and buy more, like the manufacturers do with people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 06:54:40 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on May 09, 2013, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 06:38:40 PM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/09/18149623-8-die-in-clothing-factory-fire-in-bangladesh-as-rana-plaza-toll-passes-900?lite

At least I get my clothing cheap.

Yeah, and at least I can afford to have a dozen pairs of pants instead of just a couple like in the old days. When they wear out, I can just throw them away and buy more, like the manufacturers do with people.

When I ask "What kind of world do you want?", it is pretty obvious what kind of world America wanted. 

Cheap at ANY price™, if you catch my meaning.  There's always another poor kid waiting to sweep up the last "employee" and step into his/her job.  And it's WAY THE FUCK OVER THERE, where we don't have to see it.  Because that might make us uncomfortable, and that would diminish our American Experience™.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 09, 2013, 06:55:24 PM
QuoteSix were cleared to reopen on Thursday after inspectors issued safety certificates.

Well I bet they'll feel just super at work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 06:56:36 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 09, 2013, 06:55:24 PM
QuoteSix were cleared to reopen on Thursday after inspectors issued safety certificates.

Well I bet they'll feel just super at work.

How'd they get cleared so fast?

Oh, yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 09, 2013, 07:08:23 PM
It's all part of the fun of outsourcing. Demand for cheap shit rises, so the lowest labour costs are sought. Labour gets cheaper when burdened by fewer regulations resulting in hilariously deadly working environments.

The UK's been on to this for a long time. Ever since Victorian factory owners had to relent against (14/12? at least 12) hour days cheaper product has been imported where viable. More than a few dynasties are built on those past edge positions too. There's also the paternalistic aspect in modern times where we get to look and criticise them for being unsafe when the conditions are easily comparable to recent history.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 07:11:08 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 09, 2013, 07:08:23 PM
It's all part of the fun of outsourcing. Demand for cheap shit rises, so the lowest labour costs are sought. Labour gets cheaper when burdened by fewer regulations resulting in hilariously deadly working environments.

The UK's been on to this for a long time. Ever since Victorian factory owners had to relent against (14/12? at least 12) hour days cheaper product has been imported where viable. More than a few dynasties are built on those past edge positions too. There's also the paternalistic aspect in modern times where we get to look and criticise them for being unsafe when the conditions are easily comparable to recent history.

Well, we weren't prepared to accept the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, but Bangladesh?  Isn't that what they're for?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 09, 2013, 07:24:38 PM
To sum up My People when presented with this news : "Plenty more where they came from" and various similar things.

There was shouting today. Lots of shouting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 09, 2013, 07:31:55 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 06:54:40 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on May 09, 2013, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 09, 2013, 06:38:40 PM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/09/18149623-8-die-in-clothing-factory-fire-in-bangladesh-as-rana-plaza-toll-passes-900?lite

At least I get my clothing cheap.

Yeah, and at least I can afford to have a dozen pairs of pants instead of just a couple like in the old days. When they wear out, I can just throw them away and buy more, like the manufacturers do with people.

When I ask "What kind of world do you want?", it is pretty obvious what kind of world America wanted. 

Cheap at ANY price™, if you catch my meaning.  There's always another poor kid waiting to sweep up the last "employee" and step into his/her job.  And it's WAY THE FUCK OVER THERE, where we don't have to see it.  Because that might make us uncomfortable, and that would diminish our American Experience™.

Not even to mention how we blow through farm workers like so much tissue paper, and have rigged the world food market so that local farmers can't compete with our subsidized prices. One of the reasons Mexico is in such deep shit is because farmers there can't afford to farm, thanks to NAFTA.

Enjoy your $3 quart of strawberries.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 09, 2013, 07:34:34 PM
Oh, and more than 25,000 farmers have committed suicide in India.

But hey, OUR food is cheap. Too expensive for Those People Over There, but on average Americans only spend 10% of our annual income on food, less than we ever have at any point in history. Half what we did in the 1960's.

Woo.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 10, 2013, 09:57:48 AM
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/04/30/sony-patent-is-hilarious-terrifying/?iid=obnetwork

I don't know where to put this.

QuoteMaybe patent illustrations shouldn't be fair game. After all they are intentionally crude, existing to be simultaneously vague and specific, laying claim to an innovation or idea without giving too much away. And yet, Sony (SNE) patent 8246454 B2 is irresistible. Filed in 2009 and published last summer, the patent describes "methods, systems, and computer programs for converting television commercials into interactive network video games." In other words, it describes the potential future of interactive ads.

(http://fortunebrainstormtech.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/130430130437-sony-patent-2-620xa.png?w=620&h=348)

The future of advertising seems assured and even more obnoxiously intrusive than before. There's something about having to interact with the ad that makes my teeth itch.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 10, 2013, 08:14:02 PM
I also love that the assumed default tv show is two people shooting each other.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on May 10, 2013, 08:49:01 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 10, 2013, 08:14:02 PM
I also love that the assumed default tv show is two people shooting each other.

The only American alternative would be considered bad taste in a patent application.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 11, 2013, 01:22:29 AM
There's so much shit wrong with it. Standing up and shouting brand names. Voluntarily. What the fuck is this?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 11, 2013, 02:22:45 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 11, 2013, 01:22:29 AM
There's so much shit wrong with it. Standing up and shouting brand names. Voluntarily. What the fuck is this?

Maybe I'm just an eternal optimist, but I don't think this is going places.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 11, 2013, 03:03:33 AM
I wouldn't say it was 100% voluntary if you have to do it to make the fucking ad go away.  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on May 11, 2013, 03:57:41 AM
Going by Hulu's model, there'll be a timer and you can then short-cut it by "completing" the game.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 11, 2013, 04:48:16 AM
Uhhhh...

Nah, couldn't be.

TEXAS wouldn't try to scapegoat anybody. They's gawd feerin'.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-opens-criminal-investigation-fertilizer-plant-explosion/story?id=19153003
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on May 13, 2013, 04:20:19 AM
 Toilet paper. Microwave. Tucson. (http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/tucsonan-learns-the-hard-way-to-keep-toilet-paper-out/article_f77b067c-baa2-11e2-b588-0019bb2963f4.html)

I didn't know where to post this or if it's already been noticed.

Why is it that people think microwaves have a drying effect?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on May 13, 2013, 12:58:52 PM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on May 13, 2013, 04:20:19 AM
Toilet paper. Microwave. Tuscon. (http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/tucsonan-learns-the-hard-way-to-keep-toilet-paper-out/article_f77b067c-baa2-11e2-b588-0019bb2963f4.html)

I didn't know where to post this or if it's already been noticed.

Why is it that people think microwaves have a drying effect?
Many are ignorant of what a microwave uses to heat things. An oven makes things hot and dries stuff, therefore a microwave should be able to dry stuff.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 13, 2013, 04:14:57 PM
FFS
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 13, 2013, 04:16:29 PM
QuoteBetween 2006 and 2010 there were about 7,300 structure fires in the United States in which a microwave oven was involved in the ignition, Baker said, citing a statistic from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association.

That's 5 microwave fires a day.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 13, 2013, 04:22:04 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 13, 2013, 04:16:29 PM
QuoteBetween 2006 and 2010 there were about 7,300 structure fires in the United States in which a microwave oven was involved in the ignition, Baker said, citing a statistic from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association.

That's 5 microwave fires a day.

Proof that even though we're getting smarter, we started out pretty much completely retarded.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 13, 2013, 04:26:23 PM
Admittedly, at least some of those fires had to be started on purpose.  A microwave is essentially an IED waiting to be, uh, improvised.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 14, 2013, 12:19:30 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on May 13, 2013, 04:20:19 AM
Toilet paper. Microwave. Tuscon. (http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/tucsonan-learns-the-hard-way-to-keep-toilet-paper-out/article_f77b067c-baa2-11e2-b588-0019bb2963f4.html)

I didn't know where to post this or if it's already been noticed.

Why is it that people think microwaves have a drying effect?

It's Tucson, Jake.  There's no explaining it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on May 14, 2013, 12:53:43 AM
 :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on May 14, 2013, 02:10:15 AM
Quote from: Sita on May 13, 2013, 12:58:52 PM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on May 13, 2013, 04:20:19 AM
Toilet paper. Microwave. Tucson. (http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/tucsonan-learns-the-hard-way-to-keep-toilet-paper-out/article_f77b067c-baa2-11e2-b588-0019bb2963f4.html)

I didn't know where to post this or if it's already been noticed.

Why is it that people think microwaves have a drying effect?
Many are ignorant of what a microwave uses to heat things. An oven makes things hot and dries stuff, therefore a microwave should be able to dry stuff.

But you'd think the first time  you try a pizza in there you'd figure that out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on May 14, 2013, 02:21:01 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on May 14, 2013, 02:10:15 AM
Quote from: Sita on May 13, 2013, 12:58:52 PM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on May 13, 2013, 04:20:19 AM
Toilet paper. Microwave. Tucson. (http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/tucsonan-learns-the-hard-way-to-keep-toilet-paper-out/article_f77b067c-baa2-11e2-b588-0019bb2963f4.html)

I didn't know where to post this or if it's already been noticed.

Why is it that people think microwaves have a drying effect?
Many are ignorant of what a microwave uses to heat things. An oven makes things hot and dries stuff, therefore a microwave should be able to dry stuff.

But you'd think the first time  you try a pizza in there you'd figure that out.
You'd think so but I know people that still try to use metal in a microwave.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 14, 2013, 03:39:21 AM
I saw a guy stick a little pot plant in the Valero microwave. It actually did dry it somehow, but the whole Valero smelled like weed.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 14, 2013, 07:01:36 AM
I have dried things using a microwave. The key is, you get it warm, and then you take it out to let the steam evaporate off the warm item. Repeat until dry, and never, ever leave it unattended. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 09:08:53 AM
Not sure what to make of this, it kind of sounds like an apology. Not a very good one though.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22519384

QuoteA prominent Japanese politician has described as "necessary" the system by which women were forced to become prostitutes for World War II troops.

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto said the "comfort women" gave soldiers putting their lives at risk a chance "to rest".

He acknowledged that the women had been acting "against their will".

Some 200,000 women in territories occupied by Japan during WWII are estimated to have been forced into becoming sex slaves for troops.

Many of the women came from China and South Korea, but also from the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Japan's treatment of its wartime role has been a frequent source of tension with its neighbours.

Mr Hashimoto, the co-founder of the nationalist Japanese Restoration Party, was the youngest governor in Japanese history before becoming mayor of Osaka.

He said last year that Japan needed "a dictatorship".

In his latest controversial comments, quoted by Japanese media, he said: "In the circumstances in which bullets are flying like rain and wind, the soldiers are running around at the risk of losing their lives,"

"If you want them to have a rest in such a situation, a comfort women system is necessary. Anyone can understand that."


He also claimed that Japan was not the only country to use the system, though it was responsible for its actions.

He said he backed a 1995 statement by Japan's then-PM Tomiichi Murayama, in which he apologised for its wartime actions in Asia.

"It is a result of the tragedy of the war that they became comfort women against their will. The responsibility for the war also lies with Japan. We have to politely offer kind words to [former] comfort women."

His "Understanding" sounds a lot like "justifying".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 14, 2013, 09:15:14 AM
You may find this by Peter Lee (http://chinamatters.blogspot.com/2013/05/chinas-border-rows-mirror-grim-history.htmll) of the Asia Times Online to be of interest:

QuoteWorld diplomacy is realigning in President Barack Obama's second term. The confrontational "pivot to Asia" is morphing into a "rebalancing" the makes a place for China inside the structure where together with India as observers they can ponder a more alarming case of deja vu than Indian nationalists' desire for a do-over on the 1962 war: the parallels between Germany in the 1930s and Shinzo Abe's Japan today.

This is not to say that Prime Minister Abe is a genocidal maniac determined to ignite a catastrophic world war. It is to say that some of the imperatives and opportunities that informed Germany back then and are also present in Japan today - ones that can be addressed without recourse to personalities, thereby avoiding indictment under Godwin's Law (the tongue-in-cheek rule that any Internet discussion of contemporary events invoking the name of a certain German dictator is prima facie discredited).

Consider that in its place in the international order Japan today is pretty much at the same spot Germany was in 1933: ready to shed the disarmament restrictions imposed by its conquerors (Versailles Treaty for Germany and the pacifist constitution for Japan) and reassume its role as a full-fledged (and unrestrained) member of the global community.

Impatience with foreign impositions is exacerbated by economic malaise created by the same group of foreigners who are gumming up the military works (Great Depression for Germany; Great Recession for Japan) and the concurrent transformation of a large but impoverished and dysfunctional neighbor into a rapidly growing and threatening force (the USSR for Germany; the PRC for Japan).

With the old order discredited, national rebirth becomes a matter of urgency and is heralded by a leader determined to throw off the restraints that have been shackling the military and economy, and swagger across the world stage in a manner that gratifies and electrifies the nation (he-who-must-not-be-named for Germany, Shinzo Abe for Japan).

Vulnerable territories are protected (Rhineland for Germany, Senkakus for Japan) and lost ones recovered (Saar for Germany, the Soviet-occupied Kuriles, maybe, for Japan). A risky and balance-sheet busting economic stimulus program (with a healthy military component) is enacted to translate the perfection of sovereignty and national spirit into national vitality (Germany's massive exercise in Keynesian stimulus and Japan's "Abenomics").

A newly assertive foreign policy requires strengthened alliances to deal with the big unfriendly neighbor (the Anti-Comintern pact for Germany and the US pivot architecture for Japan).

Of course, the parallels are far from complete. Unlike Nazi Germany, the redefined Japan is not preparing to embark on a ruinous quest for Lebensraum and racial reintegration through conquest. Nor does Japan consider itself existentially threatened by alien forces within its own social polity.

But then again, anxious and newly empowered nationalism frequently finds a domestic target.

QuoteGiven his high personal popularity levels and the disarray of the opposition, Abe doesn't have to burn down the Reichstag to attain a dominant position in Japanese politics. However, the nationalist pot must be kept boiling, so don't expect things to quiet down on the Senkaku and Dokdo and Yasukuni fronts in the run-up to the elections.

The point is not that 21st century Japan is 1930s Germany. The point is that a combination of time, malaise, threats, opportunities, politics, and ambition have unleashed forces that, for good or ill (well, frankly, mainly for good), were kept bottled up for over half a century.

Thanks to a well-founded anxiety over China's rise, ineluctable US marginalization, and Japan's relative decline, Japan's conservatives are leading an effort to redefine Japan's national polity and international role in a way that is potentially more destabilizing than that traditional bugbear, "Rising China".

It is a time of national urgency and political flux, a chance for leaders with strong and not necessarily popular views to act boldly if not rashly to seize the political initiative, define the national agenda, and set the direction for the country at a crucial point in its history before time, circumstance, and elections combine to shut the window of opportunity.

And a combination of risky policies, untested leaders, unformed public opinion, powerful interests, and a dangerous strategic and economic environment could lead to unpleasant outcomes beyond the directionless dithering we've come to expect of Japan in the last decade.

China's dustup over Ladakh may be viewed as potentially stabilizing as the PRC and its neighbors develop the economic, military, and diplomatic tools to formalize control of what they already have and manage disputes that have been bubbling along for decades.

However, if Prime Minister Abe succeeds in repositioning Japan as an independent power broker in Asia - in particular, by escalating Japanese support of Philippine, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese resistance to Chinese pretensions to include military backing - the regional status quo could be upset and these disputes have the potential to be much more disruptive than the old, familiar, and often meaningless bilateral frictions between China and its neighbors.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 09:23:18 AM
UKIP, the totally not racist Party,  has incidents like this far too frequently. This is not how you run a PR Machine.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-22516724

QuoteUKIP officials are investigating claims a new Worcestershire councillor posted offensive material about Muslims on Facebook.

Eric Kitson, who won the Stourport-on-Severn seat on 2 May, said he shared racist cartoons and jokes only to show people how "disgusting" they were.

He said it had been "stupid" for him to share the messages, which were posted last year, and apologised.

He has shut his Facebook account and said he was considering resigning.

Mr Kitson said he did not "have a racist bone in my body - it's just a bit of bloody stupidity".

A variation on the last line appears to be becoming compulsory for new members.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on May 14, 2013, 10:49:49 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 09:23:18 AM
UKIP, the totally not racist Party,  has incidents like this far too frequently. This is not how you run a PR Machine.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-22516724

QuoteUKIP officials are investigating claims a new Worcestershire councillor posted offensive material about Muslims on Facebook.

Eric Kitson, who won the Stourport-on-Severn seat on 2 May, said he shared racist cartoons and jokes only to show people how "disgusting" they were.

He said it had been "stupid" for him to share the messages, which were posted last year, and apologised.

He has shut his Facebook account and said he was considering resigning.

Mr Kitson said he did not "have a racist bone in my body - it's just a bit of bloody stupidity".

A variation on the last line appears to be becoming compulsory for new members.

Racism without racists, that's what its come to. In other words, abhorrent behaviour is justified by a complete lack of introspection and deus ex machina rationalizations of intent.

I dont know what disgusts me more, racists that are overt and cynical, or these no-spine crypto-racists.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 12:03:48 PM
I'm leaning towards the spineless variety being worse.

Whenever anyone uses "I'm not X, But..." they are almost invariably X. Refusing to admit that you hold a set of beliefs, regardless of how right/wrong they are pretty much ensures you'll never have a productive conversation. Or worse, half the conversation is spent around how much they're not X they just think that they're Right/Wrong/Good/Bad and are just saying "What a lot of us feel"

Shits of this nature rely on nameless masses of the population who have been inexplicably wronged by X. Largely, they won't have even encountered X, but it's in the paper and distant acquaintances have had unpleasant dealings with X. It's the new acceptable form of prejudice. By stating what you are not, you expose exactly what you are.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 14, 2013, 12:05:51 PM
I'm not not a racist but...I don't judge people based on their race.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 12:09:17 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 14, 2013, 12:05:51 PM
I'm not not a racist but...I don't judge people based on their race.
Sentences you will never see in politics.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 12:27:11 PM
Hey Cain, This looks right up your proverbial:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22522494

QuoteAn alleged CIA agent has been briefly detained in Moscow for allegedly trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer, Russian media report.

The alleged agent was held overnight before released to US officials, Russia's Federal Security Service said.

He is said to have been working as a secretary at the US embassy in Moscow.

The man was reportedly arrested with a large sum of money, technical devices and written instructions for the agent he had tried to recruit.

He was named as Ryan Fogle, said to be a third secretary at the US embassy in Moscow. There is no comment from the embassy.

Russia and the US recently agreed said they wished to step up security co-operation after the Boston Marathon bombing.

"FSB counter-intelligence agents detained a CIA staff member who had been working under the cover of third political secretary of the US embassy in Moscow," the FSB said.

"At the moment of detention, special technical equipment was discovered, written instructions for the Russian citizen being recruited, as well as a large sum of money and means for altering appearance."

Seems stupid to pull this kind of shit now, or would this just be routine thing?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 14, 2013, 12:35:25 PM
Eh, that's pretty standard fare.  Counterespionage is a mug's game, anyway.  Hasn't been fun since Angleton shuffled off his mortal coil
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 12:40:52 PM
Yeah, I figured if it was BBC headline it's not that damaging to either side. Must look up Angleton though, sounds like an interesting fellow.

Utter Non-news of the day (Entire article)
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/world/archives/2013/05/20130513-202620.html

QuoteA Utah couple recently discovered they were sharing their home with tens of thousands of bees.
"We were just sitting on our couch, turned off the TV and could hear some buzzing in the walls," Tyler Judd of Provo, Utah, told NBC News.

So they called bee-removal specialist Albert Chubak.

"(It was) not in the ceiling, not in the sofa," Chubak said in a YouTube video. "So we started listening to the wall, and we identified them in the wall."

Chubak found a bee colony with between 40,000 and 60,000 bees.

If there's ever a bee-finding emergency, this is the man you want.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 14, 2013, 03:24:58 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 14, 2013, 12:05:51 PM
I'm not not a racist but...I don't judge people based on their race.

:mittens:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 03:39:30 PM
Hey Remember this guy?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22518979

QuoteA Philadelphia doctor has been convicted of the first-degree murders of three babies delivered and killed with scissors in late-term abortions.

Dr Kermit Gosnell, 72, was acquitted on another charge of killing a fourth baby, who let out a whimper before he cut its neck, prosecutors said.

He was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of an adult patient who died of an overdose.

The case was seized on by both sides in the US debate over abortion.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Gosnell.

He performed thousands of abortions over a career spanning three decades. Officials said his medical practice earned him about $1.8m (£1.1m) a year.

Not very surprising. I am surprised that the anti-abortion mob hasn't made more out of this guy. He's pretty much appeal to emotion personified.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 14, 2013, 04:06:52 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 14, 2013, 03:39:30 PM
Hey Remember this guy?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22518979

QuoteA Philadelphia doctor has been convicted of the first-degree murders of three babies delivered and killed with scissors in late-term abortions.

Dr Kermit Gosnell, 72, was acquitted on another charge of killing a fourth baby, who let out a whimper before he cut its neck, prosecutors said.

He was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of an adult patient who died of an overdose.

The case was seized on by both sides in the US debate over abortion.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Gosnell.

He performed thousands of abortions over a career spanning three decades. Officials said his medical practice earned him about $1.8m (£1.1m) a year.

Not very surprising. I am surprised that the anti-abortion mob hasn't made more out of this guy. He's pretty much appeal to emotion personified.

The anti-abortion side tried to claim that the "librul media" had a "blackout" on the story, but that didn't go over very well because a simple Google search reveals hundreds of articles from CNN, CBS, etc.

It's just that bloggers and forums aren't all over this, and that's probably partly because there's no disagreement on the level of horror that the situation generates. The only area for disagreement is finding where the solution lies; is it in increasing access to clean, safe abortions, or is it in banning abortion entirely? The "banning abortion entirely" side is not looking so good, because it's lack of access to early-term abortions under clean, safe conditions that allowed this monster to stay in business in the first place, and to do the things he did.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2013, 01:02:49 AM
More Japanese nationalism:

http://english.sina.com/world/2013/0513/589996.html

Quote
Abe poses inside jet plane numbered 731 at ASDF base

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe poses inside a T-4 training jet plane of the Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse flight team at the ASDF base in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi prefecture on May 12, 2013 as part of his inspection tour of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami disaster areas.

The number 731 reminds people of Unit 731, which was a covert biological and chemical warfare research and development unit of the Imperial Japanese Army that undertook lethal human experimentation during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on May 15, 2013, 06:47:16 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 14, 2013, 03:24:58 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 14, 2013, 12:05:51 PM
I'm not not a racist but...I don't judge people based on their race.

:mittens:

:lol:

Hey, did you all see this?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/may/14/naacps-julien-bond-its-ok-irs-target-racist-tea-pa/
QuoteJulian Bond, with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said during a Tuesday interview on MSNBC that it's only right and just that the federal government and the IRS target tea party groups.
Tea party groups are, after all, "overtly racist" and the "Taliban wing of American politics," Mr. Bond said, Mediaite reported. The IRS ought to look over these groups' shoulders, he said — at the same time condemning former President Bush, for what he alleged was that administration's biased push for the IRS to investigate the NAACP.

:facepalm:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2013, 11:20:28 AM
Hah, what an idiot.

It's easy to make a case for the IRS to investigate Tea Party groups anyway.  Teabaggers have a fundamental philosophical objection to paying taxes when Democrats are in power.  Therefore, logic suggests they are more likely to fudge their records to pay less, and so should come under greater scrutiny.

I mean, seriously, "Taliban wing of American politics"?  When was the last time the Teabaggers rolled into a town and started hanging people for not following God's law?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 11:55:38 AM
I for one, would like to see roving mobs of Tea partiers bringing the law of Rand to the masses.

Talking of Taliban, This seems to be an unusually forward thinking step:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/10053981/Taliban-renounces-war-on-anti-polio-workers.html

QuoteThe announcement comes just weeks after the Afghan government launched a new campaign to immunise more than eight million children between six months and five years old throughout the country. It said it had trained 46,000 volunteers to conduct the campaign which is funded by the American aid agency USAID, the World Health Organisation and Unicef.
Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria are the three remaining countries in the world where polio remains a serious threat, but efforts to eradicate the disease have been sabotaged by the Taliban and other Islamic militants who have assassinated immunisation volunteers in all three countries.
Eleven polio workers were killed in Pakistan last year, including five women who were shot dead in Karachi in December last year. Earlier this year a police officer protecting vaccination campaigners was shot by motorcycle gunmen in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. In Afghanistan, a 16 year old girl involved in an anti-polio vaccination campaign in Kapisa province was shot six times in the stomach outside her home last December and died later in hospital.
In March this year the Afghan government was forced to abandon its polio vaccination campaign in Nuristan province where, it said, Taliban opposition had made it impossible.
Opposition to the vaccination programme has been driven by conservative clerics who claim it is a plot to sterilise Muslim children, and Taliban commanders who fear it is being used to gather intelligence in their strongholds. Those fears increased following the 2011 killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad where Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi was arrested for running a fake hepatitis vaccination campaign to help the CIA collect DNA samples of members of the bin Laden family.

But in a sudden U-turn the Taliban leadership issued a statement offering its support for polio eradication campaigns as long as foreigners were not involved and that all volunteers respected local Islamic culture.
"According to the latest international medicine science, the polio disease can only be cured by preventive measures ie the anti-polio drops and the vaccination of children against this disease.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan supports and lends a hand to all those programs which works for the health care of the helpless people of our country,"
said a stament issued by the 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan'.
But it warned the World Health Organisation and Unicef to employ only "unbiased people" in a campaign "harmonised with the regional conditions, Islamic values and local cultural traditions."
It also ordered its fighters to give polio workers "all necessary support".
Mohammad Younas Fakor, an independent political analyst, said the move was aimed at boosting its popularity among Afghans as the withdrawal of foreign troops draws closer.
"I think the Taliban looks towards 2014, and they know that they will not have any other option rather than coming to the political process," he said.
Meanwhile, 13 civilians were killed in a bomb attack on mourners on their way to the funeral of two other victims of terrorism in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan today.

A ploy for more aid money or actual progress?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 15, 2013, 12:09:54 PM
From the Sunday Times yesterday

QuoteISRAEL is preparing to agree a defence co-operation deal with Turkey and three Arab states aimed at setting up an early warning system to detect Iranian ballistic missiles.

The proposal, referred to by the diplomats involved as "4+1", may eventually lead to technicians from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan working alongside Israelis in joint command-and-control centres.

The American-brokered plan is to build a "moderate crescent" of allied states that share a powerful vested interest in countering Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 12:21:53 PM
That seems quite sensible until Israel is thrown into the mix.

They've got no problems playing with others at all.

I assume that this "Moderate Crescent" is basically going to encompass Arabic states friendly to US political ambitions. None of those mentioned (Apart from Israel) are really likely targets of Iranian wrath. That makes me think this is pretty much "Operation Human Shield" to protect Israel. Given the Israeli Lobby in the US, that's not particularly surprising.

They seem to be talking a lot about Iran, but I can't help but think the impetus now is due to Syria.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 01:20:14 PM
QuoteThe New Hampshire city of Keene is suing "Robin Hood and His Merry Men" — a group that has made a name for itself by putting coins in people's parking meters before parking enforcement agents can slap them with a ticket.
The New Hampshire Union Leader reported this week that the six "Robin Hooders" named in the suit troll downtown Keene — often tracking parking enforcement officers — in search of cars parked at expired meters.
When they find one, they pay the meter and slip notes under the windshield wiper of the vehicle that says: "Your meter expired; however, we saved you from the king's tariffs, Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Please consider paying it forward." The note includes an address where people can send donations for the effort.
The city claims in the lawsuit that the "Robin Hooders" are taunting and harassing the city's three parking enforcement officers and causing them so much anxiety and distress that they've considered leaving their jobs — an outcome that would force the city to pick up the tab for hiring and training replacements.
"They say video recording or talking to them is harassing them, but I don't agree with that," James Cleaveland, a member of the group, told the Union Leader.

The city is asking the court to establish a "safety zone" that blocks these six "Robin Hooders" from coming within 50 feet of the parking agents. The city said that will allow parking enforcement officers to do their job without interference, and denied it was trying to prevent members of the group from "exercising their constitutional rights."

One- Are you really a city when you only have 3 parking wardens? Round here they go out in gangs of 3, mainly for protection.

Two - I suspect this is what happens when you give the wrong lunatic a parking ticket.

QuoteThe Union Leader reported that the group is tied to Free Keene, which describes itself on its website as a group of people who have realized that government is "the violent monopoly" and says that "aggressing against one's neighbors, regardless of the goals one is looking to accomplish, is unacceptable and morally bankrupt."
"The next great step for mankind is the step toward the voluntary society," the website reads. "We are going to accomplish this using peaceful, market-based actions. This is not a revolution. We are not revolving, or going back to the beginning. This is evolution."

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 01:37:45 PM
Recent Benghazi boom put down to "Fishing Explosives"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/14/us-libya-blast-idUSBRE94D0MB20130514?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71&google_editors_picks=true

QuoteA blast that killed three people in Libya's second city Benghazi was caused by fishing explosives that detonated accidentally, not a car bomb as originally thought, a local government official said on Tuesday.

But rights activists said the incident was symptomatic of deteriorating security in a country whose government exerts scant authority beyond the capital Tripoli.

The oil-producer is largely split into fiefdoms of armed groups that were instrumental in the 2011 revolution that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi and are now competing for influence.

"The vehicle belonged to a fisherman, who was killed in the blast caused by the explosive materials he was carrying in his car," Tarik Bozribe, a Benghazi city councilor, told Reuters.

The car blew up on Monday near a hospital in the city in eastern Libya, killing the three people, including a child, and injuring another 14, the Health Ministry said.

Libyan fishermen often use explosives to snare their catch.

Nothing to see here, move along.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 01:57:13 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/05/14/armed-security-officer-accidentally-shoots-student-at-aurora-school/

QuoteA man who police said had a second job as an "armed security officer" was being investigated after he accidentally shot a student Rangeview High School in Aurora, Colorado on Monday.

According to KMGH-TV, a school employee who also has a second job as a security officer had offered a student a ride home at the end of the day. The gun discharged, hitting the student in the leg, when the school employee tried to secure his weapon in the glove box of the car.

The man took the student to a nearby hospital, where he was rushed into surgery with a "significant injury," police said. The injuries were not expected to be fatal.

It was not immediately clear what type of work the man did for the school, but police said that he was not a teacher.

Police did not say if the employee would face charges.

If more people were armed then this event could have been avoided. Somehow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 02:11:18 PM
Things that are probably much more than they seem:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/world/americas/2-are-arrested-in-killing-of-malcolm-xs-grandson.html?smid=fb-nytimes&WT.z_sma=WO_2WA_20130514&_r=2&

QuoteMEXICO CITY — The police here arrested two men on murder and robbery charges on Monday in the beating death last week of Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of Malcolm X, though many questions about the case remained unresolved.

The men taken into custody, David Hernández Cruz and Manuel Alejandro Pérez de Jesús, worked as waiters at the Palace Club, a downtown bar where Mr. Shabazz, 28, was beaten, in what the city prosecutor called a dispute over an excessive bill.

Two other bar employees who the authorities said participated in the beating, which left Mr. Shabazz with fatal skull, jaw and rib fractures, were being sought.

The body of Mr. Shabazz, who for years had wrestled with living in the shadow of his grandfather's fame, was still at a city morgue on Monday while American consular officials worked to have it returned to the United States. A family spokeswoman said they would have no comment, and no funeral plans have been announced.

I know fairly little about this. I would guess that there's a great deal more to this though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 04:45:00 PM
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/14/famed-texas-con-man-billie-sol-estes-dies/?test=latestnews

QuoteBillie Sol Estes, a flamboyant Texas huckster who became one of the most notorious men in America in 1962 when he was accused of looting a federal crop subsidy program, has died. He was 88.
Estes, whose name became synonymous with Texas-sized schemes, greed and corruption, died in his sleep at his home in DeCordova Bend, a city about 60 miles southwest of Dallas, his daughter said Tuesday. A local funeral home confirmed it would be handling the services.
Estes reigned in the state as the king of con men for nearly 50 years. At the height of his infamy, he was immortalized in songs by Allan Sherman (in "Schticks of One and Half a Dozen of the Other") and the Chad Mitchell Trio (in "The Ides of Texas"). Time magazine even put him on its cover, calling him "a welfare-state Ponzi ... a bundle of contradictions and paradoxes who makes Dr. Jekyll seem almost wholesome."
"He considered dancing immoral, often delivered sermons as a Church of Christ lay preacher," the magazine wrote. "But he ruthlessly ruined business competitors, practiced fraud and deceit on a massive scale, and even victimized Church of Christ schools that he was supposed to be helping as a fund raiser or financial adviser."


He truly lived the american dream
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on May 15, 2013, 05:16:47 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 15, 2013, 02:11:18 PM
Things that are probably much more than they seem:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/world/americas/2-are-arrested-in-killing-of-malcolm-xs-grandson.html?smid=fb-nytimes&WT.z_sma=WO_2WA_20130514&_r=2&

QuoteMEXICO CITY — The police here arrested two men on murder and robbery charges on Monday in the beating death last week of Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of Malcolm X, though many questions about the case remained unresolved.

The men taken into custody, David Hernández Cruz and Manuel Alejandro Pérez de Jesús, worked as waiters at the Palace Club, a downtown bar where Mr. Shabazz, 28, was beaten, in what the city prosecutor called a dispute over an excessive bill.

Two other bar employees who the authorities said participated in the beating, which left Mr. Shabazz with fatal skull, jaw and rib fractures, were being sought.

The body of Mr. Shabazz, who for years had wrestled with living in the shadow of his grandfather's fame, was still at a city morgue on Monday while American consular officials worked to have it returned to the United States. A family spokeswoman said they would have no comment, and no funeral plans have been announced.

I know fairly little about this. I would guess that there's a great deal more to this though.

i only know the bill was around $1,200 dollars... i cant say im surprised

looks like it had something to do with prostitutes and pimps
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 16, 2013, 01:01:12 PM
Probably closer to financial fuckery:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22549710

QuoteBP wants Prime Minister David Cameron to intervene over the escalating cost of compensating US companies for the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster in 2010.

BBC business editor Robert Peston has learned that BP feels its financial recovery is in jeopardy because the compensation system is being abused.

The financial burden of paying fictitious and inflated claims may even make BP a takeover target, it fears.

BP hopes Mr Cameron will raise the issue with the US government.

The Deepwater Horizon disaster killed 11 oil rig workers and released an estimated four million barrels of oil into the Gulf and along the coastline.

BP put aside $7.8bn (£5.2bn) when it agreed to pay compensation in 2012, but the company now expects the final figure to be much higher.
The justification:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22547971

QuoteBP gives many examples of businesses which have received huge compensation payments when they have suffered no harm from the oil spill. Here are some choice ones:

1) "The Claims Administrator awarded more than $3m in base compensation to a rice farmer based on a 'simple one month delay in the receipt of 91% of the claimant's revenues,' because the bulk of the claimant's 2009 revenue was recorded in November while the bulk of its 2010 revenues was recorded in December".

2) "A construction company located in Zone D - the farthest area from the spill - was awarded $4.8m by the Claims Administrator despite 'negative revenue and other obvious revenue mis-statements' and even after the claimant had admitted its monthly records 'over-stated benchmark year profits by over $1m".

3) "An advertising firm was awarded almost $3m as a result of a $2.1m bulk purchase of advertising time in August 2010. Because this advertising purchase was not matched with the revenue to which it corresponded... the firm appeared to have an artificial monthly loss in August, followed by artificially high profits when the advertising time was used".

4) "$3.3m [was awarded] to a law office in central Louisiana, even though its profit in the year of the spill exceeded its benchmark profits by 10%".

BP says that the way its settlement is being implemented by the Courts Administrator, with the support of the Louisiana district court, is "poised to become a black mark on the American justice system", when it could have become a positive landmark because of "its ambitious size, its innovative nature and the speed with which it was negotiated to compensate injured parties".

It continues: "If this travesty is allowed to continue, BP will be irreparably harmed and future defendants will be reluctant to settle because they cannot be confident that settlement agreements will be construed textually and fairly".

No real mention of Bhopal and various others like it. I'm sure they're next on the list after this is dealt with.

So anyway, it looks like BP is going to be whipped for a while longer until they're in a better position to be bought on the cheap. BP is selling and dismantling a number of assets worldwide and as far as I know this is due to continue until late 2014 at the earliest.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 16, 2013, 01:08:36 PM
This is actually quite shitty:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22551914

QuoteThe BBC is to apologise for a Newsnight report about military charity Help for Heroes that gave the false impression it was responsible for shortcomings in support offered to wounded veterans.

A BBC investigation found the report was misleading and unfair.

The programme has also been under fire for dropping a report into disgraced BBC DJ Jimmy Savile and wrongly linking Lord McAlpine to a sex abuse inquiry.

The apology to Help for Heroes will be broadcast on TV and radio later.

The internal investigation into the report by former Bureau of Investigative Journalism chief reporter Angus Stickler found that there was no evidence to back Newsnight's claim about Help for Heroes.

In the apology, the BBC will say: "Following an investigation by its Editorial Complaints Unit, the BBC now accepts that its coverage was misleading and unfair to Help for Heroes.

"Help for Heroes" has been widely known as a scam for quite some time. There have been several reports about mismanagement of funds, Executive Pay, it's general propaganda and actually doing rather little to "Help" "Heroes". I'm guessing Newsnight is taking such a beating due to the ongoing fallout from Savile. They are still getting the blame for fucking that one up quite badly and the poor decisions taken immediately afterwards. As a result it's now become a bit of a soft target for those it reports against. Note that the Savile and Mcalpine incidents are in the opening lines. This just helps remind people of the fuck ups and undermines any actual reporting.

The BBC also has a bit of a tendency to flog itself in public over any actual or perceived wrongdoing on its part. If Newsnight is still going in 5 years, I'd put money on the Savile incident being mentioned in any future fuckups.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 16, 2013, 01:54:24 PM
No surprises:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2013/0515/KFC-smugglers-bring-buckets-of-chicken-through-Gaza-tunnels

QuoteFor six years, Rafat Shororo longed for the taste of a KFC sandwich he had eaten in Egypt. This week, he got his finger lickin' fix at home in the Gaza Strip after a local delivery company managed to smuggle it from Egypt through underground tunnels.

"It has been a dream, and this company has made my dream come true," says Mr. Shororo, an accountant, as he receives his order from the delivery guy.

The al-Yamama company advertises its unorthodox new fast-food smuggling service on Facebook. It gets tens of orders a week for KFC meals despite having to triple the price to 100 shekels ($30) to cover transportation and smuggling fees. The deliveries go from the fryers at the Al-Arish KFC joint 35 miles away to customers' doorsteps in about three hours.

The fact that the tunnels operate quickly and cheaply enough for the Colonel's secret recipe to be enjoyed in the tightly controlled Gaza Strip shows just how much of a sieve the Egypt-Gaza border has become.

Further proof that Walls and borders just becomes a profit mechanism for those most adept at crossing it.

I also love this:

QuoteIronically, one of the reasons smugglers agreed to start dealing in KFC is because Israel's easing of restrictions on trade since the November cease-fire with Hamas has dealt a serious blow to the tunnel business.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 16, 2013, 02:00:17 PM
Also of note:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4380183,00.html

QuoteA reconciliation is in sight between the divided factions governing the Palestinians, as Hamas announced it has reached a deal with rival Fatah regarding the formation of a new unity government within three months.

Hamas's deputy politburo chief, Musa Abu Marzook, spoke with the Palestinian news agency Ma'an and claimed that representatives from both sides have decided to go forward with the deal in wake of the talks held in Cairo.

I've not got high hopes, but I'd guess a united front would help the region greatly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 16, 2013, 02:02:51 PM
Worth a look:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/may/08/christian-home-schooling-dark-side

QuoteSeveral decades ago, political activists on the religious right began to put together an "ideology machine". Home schooling was a big part of the plan. The idea was to breed and "train up" an army of culture warriors. We now are faced with the consequences of their actions, some of which are quite disturbing.

According to the Department of Education, the home schooling student population doubled in between 1999 and 2007, to 1.5 million students, and there is reason to think the growth has continued. Though families opt to home school for many different reasons, a large part of the growth has come from Christian fundamentalist sects. Children in that first wave are now old enough to talk about their experiences. In many cases, what they have to say is quite alarming.

When he was growing up in California, Ryan Lee Stollar was a stellar home schooling student. His oratory skills at got him invited to home schooling conferences around the country, where he debated public policy and spread the word about the "virtues" of an authentically Christian home school education.

Now 28, looking back on his childhood, it all seems like a delusion. As Stollar explains:

"The Christian home school subculture isn't a children-first movement. It is, for all intents and purposes, an ideology-first movement. There is a massive, well-oiled machine of ideology that is churning out soldiers for the culture war. Home schooling is both the breeding ground – literally, when you consider the Quiverfull concept – and the training ground for this machinery. I say this as someone who was raised in that world."

Too frequently, Stollar says, the consequences of putting ideology over children include anxiety, depression, distrust of authority, and issues around sexuality. This is evident from the testimonials that appear on Home schoolers Anonymous, the website that Stollar established, along with several partners.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 16, 2013, 04:48:33 PM
There's a pretty depressing documentary about that, somewhere. I saw it a couple years ago, I'll try to dig it up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 16, 2013, 04:51:42 PM
Grown kids on the talk circuit telling the world what their wacky parents tried to grind into their heads and talking about acquired disorders might create a decent sized backlash. Should be interesting to watch.

Sucks that so many people had to get screwed up to make that happen, though.  :sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 16, 2013, 04:52:45 PM
There was also a case recently where a German family tried to claim asylum in the US, citing religious persecution in Germany...because German law doesn't allow them to homeschool children with their batshit insane beliefs.

The DoJ chucked the case out, and are now being accused of religiously persecuting Christians by putting them in Gay Atheist Muslim deathcamps.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 16, 2013, 04:56:00 PM
From another angle: possible result of "HOMESCHOOL IS BAD, MOAR PUBLIC SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE!!!1!" ???  :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 16, 2013, 04:58:23 PM
I think I might be thinking of "Jesus Camp", which is well worth the watch.

http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 16, 2013, 05:00:28 PM
No escape for these kids even when they go away in the summer. *shudders*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 16, 2013, 05:32:49 PM
People have been homeschooling children with their wacky beliefs for as long as there have been wacky beliefs. The thing that makes the Fundamentalist Christian ones so alarming is their degree of organization, the money they have backing them, and the political goals they have for their children. Check out Patrick Henry College.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 16, 2013, 05:35:00 PM
Quote from: stelz on May 16, 2013, 05:00:28 PM
No escape for these kids even when they go away in the summer. *shudders*

Jesus Camp isn't about summer camp. It's about the entire Christian Fundamentalist education movement, from preschool to politician college. Their goal is to raise Fundamentalist Christian "policy makers", and they have a lot of money in it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 16, 2013, 05:45:18 PM
I got tricked into going to jesus recruitment camp when I was little. Didn't fall for it even a little bit. The guys running it (mostly teachers at my school) all seemed like a bunch of complete hippy pricks. Some of the other kids bought the shit, tho. Found it kinda horrifying. I was 13 or 14 years old at the time, not as jaded as I am now but still pretty cynical. This was, like, totally brainwashing.

Of course none of us had been brought up, since birth, with the bullshit.I imagine it would take a pretty strong will to not get sucked into that vortex of fail.  :evilmad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 18, 2013, 01:50:48 AM
Yeah, I was only ever churchified during summer sessions, with a group of not-quite-friends from the same below-poverty-level social strata. It was billed as a 'treat', basically a cheap version of Disneyworld and Six Flags and other FUN places that kids with parents who weren't deadbeats got to go. Totally was not even a cheap version of fun.

And no one wants to hear the story of how that ended. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2013, 01:58:53 AM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 18, 2013, 01:50:48 AM

And no one wants to hear the story of how that ended.

Wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 18, 2013, 04:52:21 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2013, 01:58:53 AM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 18, 2013, 01:50:48 AM

And no one wants to hear the story of how that ended.

Wrong.

  :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 18, 2013, 09:09:04 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2013, 01:58:53 AM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 18, 2013, 01:50:48 AM

And no one wants to hear the story of how that ended.

Wrong.

Seconded.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Golden Applesauce on May 19, 2013, 04:21:59 AM
I came into contact with those people, briefly, when I was homeschooled for 7th/8th grade.

They were scary as fuck.

Fortunately, they never tried to recruit me, just used me as an example for their children for what not to do.

Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 18, 2013, 01:50:48 AM
Yeah, I was only ever churchified during summer sessions, with a group of not-quite-friends from the same below-poverty-level social strata. It was billed as a 'treat', basically a cheap version of Disneyworld and Six Flags and other FUN places that kids with parents who weren't deadbeats got to go. Totally was not even a cheap version of fun.

And no one wants to hear the story of how that ended. 

You can't give that intro and then refuse to tell the story.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 19, 2013, 06:31:40 AM
Well...?

HOW DID IT END?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 07:50:55 PM
Sorry. It isn't a funny story. It's a sick one. But spoiler alert, no one found Jesus.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on May 19, 2013, 07:58:58 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 07:50:55 PM
Sorry. It isn't a funny story. It's a sick one. But spoiler alert, no one found Jesus.

EVER MORE INTRIGUED.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 08:36:04 PM
Quote from: Queen Gogira Pennyworth, BSW on May 19, 2013, 07:58:58 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 07:50:55 PM
Sorry. It isn't a funny story. It's a sick one. But spoiler alert, no one found Jesus.

EVER MORE INTRIGUED.

I wrote something about it, two years ago. Just found the post. Not A Hypothetical. (http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php/topic,29968.msg1083302.html#msg1083302)

It was the same group of kids every summer, twelve to sixteen kids (ages 5 to 17) being carted across poorly paved roads in one giant van. That was the 'ride' portion of the trip. Three or four summers we went. The prizes were bible comic books, plastic dinosaurs, and stickers. We got candy at the gas station on either the trip there or the trip back. Jolly Ranchers and Starbursts and Tootsie Rolls. That was the 'treat' portion. Whoever won that day's Bible Study Quiz thing got to ride up front, where it was cooler. It was all really lame and somewhat boring but it was something to do and an excuse to hang out with other kids, which didn't happen often. Then shit changed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 08:38:55 PM
I'm sorry. I have got to get over this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on May 19, 2013, 09:14:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 08:38:55 PM
I'm sorry. I have got to get over this.

Shit, I'm sorry I pushed it :(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 10:21:25 PM
Quote from: Queen Gogira Pennyworth, BSW on May 19, 2013, 09:14:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on May 19, 2013, 08:38:55 PM
I'm sorry. I have got to get over this.

Shit, I'm sorry I pushed it :(

I'm sorry I brought it up. I don't even remember making the post ITT.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 20, 2013, 01:18:26 AM
Sorry. I thought it would end in a much less horrible clusterfuck.
OUCH.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 22, 2013, 10:50:25 AM
Define Privilege:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-22619361

QuoteA mayor has driven his car through the doors of his local Tesco Express.

Councillor Terry Buckle, mayor of St Edmundsbury in Suffolk, drove his car into the store at Lawson Place, Moreton Hall, on Tuesday afternoon.

He was taken to West Suffolk Hospital with minor injuries but later released. His family said he was "alright".

Morteon Hall councillor Frank Warby said: "He had a slight mishap. They are automatic doors so opened as he approached."

Suffolk Police said officers were called to the store, which is on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds, at 16:35 BST.

'Speedy recovery'
A spokesman said the doors of the store were broken but there was "hardly any damage" to the car.

Tesco said no customers or staff were hurt.

A spokesman said: "We wish the driver a speedy recovery and are relieved that none of our other customers or colleagues were hurt during this incident.

"An ambulance attended the scene and the shop is open and trading as usual for our customers.

"We'll be working as quickly as possible to get the front of the store repaired and back to normal."

I pull that shit, I go to jail. He pulls that shit, and he gets a get well soon card. Remember, drink-drive laws only apply to some in the UK. This isn't the first guy to be found in a car, in highly irregular circumstances and no breath/blood samples taken.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 22, 2013, 11:02:32 AM
Reasonable reactions in Paris:

QuoteA man has killed himself inside the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris in the French capital, causing its evacuation.

The man pulled out a shotgun and shot himself through the mouth beside the main altar shortly after 16:00 (14:00 GMT) - in front of some 1,500 people.

He was later named by police as 78-year-old Dominique Venner, an award-winning far-right historian.

Mr Venner had recently been involved in the campaign against the government's decision to legalise gay marriage.

On Saturday, President Francois Hollande signed the bill into law.

QuoteEarlier on Tuesday, he had written on his blog a critique of the same-sex marriage bill.

"New spectacular and symbolic actions are needed to wake up the sleepwalkers and shake the anaesthetised consciousness," he wrote.

"We are entering a time when acts must follow words."

So this guy's legacy will be bag searches before entering the Cathedral then.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 22, 2013, 02:20:23 PM
Odd timings here.

Saw this first:

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/karl-rove-white-house-surveilling-fox-reporter-is?ref=fpb

QuoteAppearing Monday on Fox News, Karl Rove attacked the Obama administration's surveilling of Fox reporter James Rosen in a leak investigation as "chilling" and its rationale for doing so "beyond the pale."

"We had to confront this question during the Bush administration," he said. "There were leaks of classified information and in each and every instance, the focus was on the potential leak, not the reporter who received it."

Rove defended the need to prosecute leaks but said the media shouldn't be targeted.

"This is really chilling," he said.

Host Megyn Kelly noted that in 2005, New York Times reporter Judith Miller went to jail for refusing to reveal a source.

Rove said of Rosen: "This is a clear declaration by the FBI and Department of Justice they considered him a target of a criminal investigation, and wanted to prosecute him for criminal conspiracy. This is beyond the pale."

Then 10 minutes later-ish this:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/05/20/richard_milhous_obama_118475.html

QuoteIn the past week, Nixon's name has been invoked often, and not in a way that pleases the current president or his loyalists. Unless it's a reference to his dramatic 1972 visit to China, Nixon is not the president any of his successors enjoy being likened to -- especially when the suffix "gate" is attached to it.

Barack Obama was only 13 years old when Nixon resigned from office one step ahead of the posse. This is old enough to know that correlations between himself and the 37th president should be contested, which Obama has done.

"I'll let you guys engage in those comparisons," he replied when asked at a rainy Rose Garden appearance Thursday how he felt about the Nixon parallel. "You can go ahead and read the history, I think, and draw your own conclusions."

This response echoed language employed earlier in the week by Obama's spokesman, Jay Carney. "I can tell you," the White House press secretary told reporters, "that the people who make those kinds of comparisons need to check their history."

Fair enough. Carney was a colleague of mine in the White House press corps during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush years, and he summoned a pretty good institutional memory about the beat. Nixon's presidency unraveled on the shoals of widespread criminality with no precedent in American politics. So, yes -- by all means, let's leave Watergate out of it.

Yet, I can't help but think that Nixon and Obama have more in common than either man's devotees might imagine.

Richard Milhous Nixon was thin-skinned, felt persecuted by the opposition party, had a penchant for classifying political adversaries -- and journalists -- as "enemies," and tried to control his image so fiercely that, ultimately, zealous aides committed illegal acts to further his re-election.

But even before that had happened -- and before Nixon himself began directing a coverup -- truth had become a casualty of his administration. This is the parallel between Richard Nixon and Barack Obama.

Nothing new really, Rove's an cretin and Obama has a variety of issues.

I mainly took this a moment to reflect upon what the world would be like now if Nixon had Drones.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 22, 2013, 04:56:27 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 22, 2013, 02:20:23 PM
Odd timings here.

Saw this first:

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/karl-rove-white-house-surveilling-fox-reporter-is?ref=fpb

QuoteAppearing Monday on Fox News, Karl Rove attacked the Obama administration's surveilling of Fox reporter James Rosen in a leak investigation as "chilling" and its rationale for doing so "beyond the pale."

"We had to confront this question during the Bush administration," he said. "There were leaks of classified information and in each and every instance, the focus was on the potential leak, not the reporter who received it."

Rove defended the need to prosecute leaks but said the media shouldn't be targeted.

"This is really chilling," he said.

Host Megyn Kelly noted that in 2005, New York Times reporter Judith Miller went to jail for refusing to reveal a source.

Rove said of Rosen: "This is a clear declaration by the FBI and Department of Justice they considered him a target of a criminal investigation, and wanted to prosecute him for criminal conspiracy. This is beyond the pale."

Then 10 minutes later-ish this:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/05/20/richard_milhous_obama_118475.html

QuoteIn the past week, Nixon's name has been invoked often, and not in a way that pleases the current president or his loyalists. Unless it's a reference to his dramatic 1972 visit to China, Nixon is not the president any of his successors enjoy being likened to -- especially when the suffix "gate" is attached to it.

Barack Obama was only 13 years old when Nixon resigned from office one step ahead of the posse. This is old enough to know that correlations between himself and the 37th president should be contested, which Obama has done.

"I'll let you guys engage in those comparisons," he replied when asked at a rainy Rose Garden appearance Thursday how he felt about the Nixon parallel. "You can go ahead and read the history, I think, and draw your own conclusions."

This response echoed language employed earlier in the week by Obama's spokesman, Jay Carney. "I can tell you," the White House press secretary told reporters, "that the people who make those kinds of comparisons need to check their history."

Fair enough. Carney was a colleague of mine in the White House press corps during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush years, and he summoned a pretty good institutional memory about the beat. Nixon's presidency unraveled on the shoals of widespread criminality with no precedent in American politics. So, yes -- by all means, let's leave Watergate out of it.

Yet, I can't help but think that Nixon and Obama have more in common than either man's devotees might imagine.

Richard Milhous Nixon was thin-skinned, felt persecuted by the opposition party, had a penchant for classifying political adversaries -- and journalists -- as "enemies," and tried to control his image so fiercely that, ultimately, zealous aides committed illegal acts to further his re-election.

But even before that had happened -- and before Nixon himself began directing a coverup -- truth had become a casualty of his administration. This is the parallel between Richard Nixon and Barack Obama.

Nothing new really, Rove's an cretin and Obama has a variety of issues.

I mainly took this a moment to reflect upon what the world would be like now if Nixon had Drones.

I will posit that Nixon was a more ethical President than any we've had since Jimmy Carter.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 22, 2013, 08:55:06 PM
I'm intrigued. Why?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on May 22, 2013, 09:04:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 22, 2013, 08:55:06 PM
I'm intrigued. Why?

We could start with the clean air & water acts.

And that he lost his job because he wouldn't let his men swing in the breeze.

Sure, he was a paranoid freak, but he had beliefs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 22, 2013, 09:09:22 PM
Interesting. Must read up on more on him more. Always worth considering this kind of angle, adds to the magnificence of the monster. 

I think I was partly reacting with gut, assuming there must have been someone better in the meanwhile. Then I thought through who I could remember.

Fuck, that's depressing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 23, 2013, 02:28:11 AM
He was also antisemitic as all hell, and knew it, but absolutely refused to let it affect his policy or his hiring.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 23, 2013, 01:20:29 PM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/22/white-house-drone-strikes-us-citizens

QuoteThe White House has launched a new effort to draw a line under its controversial drone strike policy by admitting for the first time that four American citizens were among those killed by its covert attacks in Yemen and Pakistan since 2009.

In a letter to congressional leaders sent on Wednesday, attorney general Eric Holder acknowledged previously classified details of the drone attacks and promised to brief them on a new US doctrine for sanctioning such targeted killings in future.

Holder claimed one of the US citizens killed, Anwar al-Awlaki, was chief of external operations for al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (Aqap) and had been involved in plots to blow up airplanes over US soil. However, Holder said three others killed by drones – Samir Khan, Abdul Rahman Anwar al-Awlaki and Jude Kenan – were not "specifically targeted". The second of these victims, Anwar al-Awlaki's son, is said by campaigners to have been 16 when he died in Yemen in 2011.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism estimates that between 240 and 347 people have been killed in total by confirmed US drone strikes in Yemen since 2002, with a further 2,541 to 3,533 killed by CIA drones in Pakistan.

Amid mounting concern that the policy has harmed US interests overseas, President Obama is expected to give a major speech on his counter-terrorism strategy at the National Defense University in Washington on Thursday, marking the start of a concerted effort to better justify and explain the killings.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2013, 01:42:25 PM
From Holder's statement:

QuoteFor example, when Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab — the individual who attempted to blow up an airplane bound for Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 — went to Yemen in 2009, al-Aulaqi arranged an introduction via text message. Abdulmutallab told U.S. officials that he stayed at al-Aulaqi's house for three days, and then spent two weeks at an AQAP training camp. Al-Aulaqi planned a suicide operation for Abdulmutallab, helped Abdulmutallab draft a statement for a martyrdom video to be shown after the attack, and directed him to take down a U.S. airline. Al-Aulaqi's last instructions were to blow up the airplane when it was over American soil.

Only, Abdulmutallab never actually said Al-Awlaki instructed him to blow up the plane.  He refused to name his co-conspirator, then immediately afterwards discussed how he had been inspired by the speeches of Al-Awlaki.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on May 25, 2013, 04:53:05 PM
Thanks for that fact-check, Cain.  :kingmeh:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 25, 2013, 06:13:20 PM
No problem.

Obama's speech was full of rhetorical bullshit.  "Signature strikes" will continue as and when ordered by the White House - that is the bottom line.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 29, 2013, 10:00:24 AM
Today in lazy BBC reporting, we learn that Coulson gave an interview to GQ
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22690011

And isn't bitter at all:
QuoteBoris Johnson would rather David Cameron "fail miserably" at the election than "stab him in the back", ex-No 10 press chief Andy Coulson says.

Mr Coulson told GQ magazine that if the Tories lose the election, the London mayor believed he could then "ride in on his bike to save party and country".

Mr Johnson's future ambitions have been the source of constant speculation.

Mr Coulson was forced to resign from Downing Street after becoming embroiled in the phone hacking scandal.

He faces charges relating to phone hacking and alleged conspiracy to bribe public officials for information, alleged offences that date back to his time as editor of the News of the World.

In an article for GQ magazine, the former No 10 director of communications said he thought Mr Johnson was unlikely to move against Mr Cameron while he was still prime minister.

He said: "Stabbing David, or anyone else for that matter, in the back would be distinctly off brand, just not very Boris."

However, Mr Coulson added: "He would much prefer to see David fail miserably in the election and ride in on his bike to save party and country."

A career as a pundit does not beckon. Please fuck off now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 29, 2013, 10:28:37 AM
Somewhat related to Machete Terror:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22698510

HA HA HA

QuoteA list apparently showing the contact details of English Defence League (EDL) members has been published online.

It has been posted by people claiming to part of a computer hacking network known as Anonymous.

Names and addresses of more than 200 people from all over the country are on the list.

The post from a group calling itself Anonymous UK also includes the mobile telephone numbers of people it claims to be senior members of the EDL.

It said the EDL "should have expected this" and warned it to "expect more".

The publication followed an audio message from Anonymous UK to the EDL that accused the far-right group of taking "advantage of moments of fear and terror to spread hatred and animosity".

This should be good. The last time the BNP list was published every card carrying racist shat themselves. I doubt it's got any notable names but it's a sure bet that there will still be a couple of police officers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 29, 2013, 12:34:02 PM
Again, this really isn't news. Some people seem to forget that this kind of shit goes on though:
http://inplainsight.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/27/18380470-sentenced-to-debt-some-tossed-in-prison-over-unpaid-fines?chromedomain=openchannel&lite

QuoteCash-strapped cities and states increasingly are trying to tap a previously overlooked pot of money – uncollected fines, fees and other costs imposed by civil and criminal courts – in order to help them balance their books.

And when people don't pay these court-ordered debts, some local officials have not been shy about tossing them in jail, leading to the creation of modern-day "debtor's prisons" full of poor offenders, advocates say.

"The system doesn't really work when the courts, instead of administering justice, are debt collection agencies," said Roopal Patel, co-author of a 2010 report on the issue by the Brennan Center for Justice. "If a court is preoccupied with fundraising and turning toward the poorest people going through the system to raise money, it really undermines the function of the courts."

While there is no comprehensive data on how many states jail citizens for court-related debt, several organizations, including the Brennan Center, have raised alarms over what they say is the widespread practice of locking up poor offenders in violation of federal law, citing Supreme Court rulings that someone can only be incarcerated for "willfully" refusing to pay.

James Robert Nason could be a case study for the court-debt-prison cycle.

In 1999, when he was 18, he pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in Spokane, Wash. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, community service, and ordered to pay $735 in court costs, attorney fees and restitution. That debt began to accrue 12 percent annual interest from the day of his sentencing.

Nason didn't finish the community service, and didn't keep up with the payments. As a result he served more than 120 days behind bars over several years, despite arguing that he couldn't afford to pay. At one hearing, he said he was both homeless and unemployed.

In 2006, as he faced 120 more days in jail, his court-appointed appellate  lawyer argued that Spokane's self-described "auto jail," which put Nason behind bars without a hearing whenever he failed to pay, violated his rights to due process.

In 2010, the Washington State Supreme Court agreed. Before imposing sanctions for failure to pay court debt, "a trial court must inquire into the offender's ability to pay," the court wrote in its decision in Nason's case. Spokane court officials declined to comment, citing pending lawsuits.

Certain counties in Florida, Ohio, Georgia and elsewhere also routinely imprison people who fail to keep up with court debt, according to the American Civil Liberties Union and the Brennan Center. In practice, advocates said, courts often fail to inquire about a defendant's ability to pay until after they're incarcerated.

This to me seems to be another charming after effect of the sub-prime shitstorm. Paying your finical overlords is your reason to live. Disagree and go to jail. I'm sure it was happening prior to the latest fuck-ups and over the next few years I think this is going to be huge.

There's already a ton of empty private prisons. Bunks need Bums.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 29, 2013, 04:45:41 PM
Yeah, the debtor's prison situation has been escalating for a while.

It's one reason I am not at all OK with some state's laws about throwing parents who don't pay child support in jail. It helps no one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on May 31, 2013, 08:09:46 AM
So, this is pretty horrible shit, just a warning. Very horrible rape and murder. 

Happened about two streets over from my new place.

http://articles.ktuu.com/2013-05-26/killing-elderly-couple_39527139
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 31, 2013, 08:18:20 AM
That is so sad and horrible. :(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 31, 2013, 12:03:50 PM
Not much yet, but should be funny to watch:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22727903

QuoteMP Patrick Mercer has resigned the Conservative Party whip.

Mr Mercer is a former shadow defence minister who has represented Newark since 2001.

The former Army officer was sacked from the Conservative frontbench by David Cameron in 2007 after allegedly racist comments.

The BBC understands his decision to quit is in connection with a lobbying story being pursued by Panorama, scheduled to go out on Thursday.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 31, 2013, 01:56:44 PM
Mercer's a nutter.  He's surrounded himself with so-called counterterrorism experts, most of whom are neocon cranks.  Check out his links to nutter Dominic Wightman and VIGIL, when you have the time.

As for this, turns out he was lobbying on behalf of Fiji.  As you may know, Fiji has been suspended from the Commonwealth due to its distressing tendency to undertake military coups.   Very naughty.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 01, 2013, 10:56:41 AM
You could be forgiven for missing this, since virtually every UK media outlet has tried to bury it in one form or another (this link was hidden away in a corner on the Guardian website)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/may/31/uk-human-rights-record-un-panel

QuoteThe British government's human rights record since the attacks of 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq is facing ferocious criticism from a United Nations panel, which warns that prompt action is needed to ensure the country meets its obligations under international law.

In a report published on Friday, the UN Committee against Torture recommends more than 40 separate measures which it says will need to be taken if the UK is to be given a clean bill of health.

While the committee has focused on the failure to hold to account those responsible for human rights abuses in the so-called war on terror, and for the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq, it also raises a series of other serious concerns over matters that include the controversial Justice and Security Act, the forced removal of failed asylum seekers to Sri Lanka, and the failure to hold a public inquiry into the state's involvement in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

The report – which will doubtless make uncomfortable reading across Whitehall – contains the harshest criticism that the committee has yet made of a British government. It is the first substantial criticism since 1992, when the UK was told that were it not for the mistreatment of terrorism suspects in Northern Ireland, it would have been found to have "met in virtually every respect" its obligations under the UN convention against torture.

QuoteThe committee condemned what it described as an "escape clause" in the 1988 Criminal Justice Act, the piece of legislation that incorporated the UN torture convention into UK law. It called for the repeal of the clause, as it provides British officials with a defence against prosecution for torture if they can show that they had "lawful authority, justification or excuse" for inflicting severe pain or suffering.

During the hearings earlier this month, the committee's members made clear that they were concerned that another piece of UK legislation, the 1994 Intelligence Services Act, may explain why no British intelligence officer has ever needed to rely on that defence, as it ensures they cannot be prosecuted within the UK once a warrant providing such "lawful authority" has been signed by a government minister.

The report says the committee is "deeply concerned at the growing number of serious allegations of torture and ill-treatment, including by means of complicity, as a result of the state party's military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan".

QuoteAsked about the concerns raised by the committee, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, which led the British delegation to Geneva earlier this month, issued a statement saying the British government "does not engage in torture, or solicit, encourage or condone its use" and works to prevent torture occurring.

No, of course not.  The UK is deeply and terribly shocked to find that its overseas partners and allies engage in torture....time and time again.  We had no idea the regime in Uzbekistan, notorious for killing political dissidents with boiling oil, might torture prisoners.  Or that Kenyan Police, notorious for running death squads, might torture people.  Or that our friends in Bangladesh, who torture journalists for "blasphemy", might torture other people.

One wonders exactly what British intelligence does all day, since one can find examples of us working side by side with people who engage in torture on a daily basis, but they are apparently woefully unaware of their terrible practices and would never dream of handing someone over to be roughed up a bit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2013, 11:25:30 AM
That info is getting consistently buried. Shock all round.

More on the Mercer fuckup:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22742327
QuoteThree peers have been accused of agreeing to carry out parliamentary work for payment.

Undercover Sunday Times reporters filmed the men appearing to offer to help a fake solar energy company.

Ulster Unionist Lord Laird, and Labour's Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate and Lord Cunningham, deny wrongdoing.

Lord Laird was also filmed by the BBC's Panorama discussing a retainer to ask parliamentary questions. He has now resigned the party whip.

The fresh allegations over political lobbying come after MP Patrick Mercer resigned the Tory whip on Friday amid claims he broke lobbying rules.

The House of Lords code of conduct says peers cannot engage in "paid advocacy" - using their access to Parliament to make a profit.

The Sunday Times suggests the three peers, who it filmed separately, may have broken those strict rules.

It's the usual shit. Lords caught offering things then suddenly claiming they've been scammed, mislead and never do any wrong ever.

Countdown until next remarkably similar incident: Less than 6 months.

QuoteThe first, Lord Cunningham - a minister under Tony Blair - offered to write to Prime Minister David Cameron to push the solar energy company's supposed agenda.

He also offered to ask parliamentary questions and was offered a monthly payment of £10,000 but said he could do a deal for £12,000 a month.

He told undercover reporters he offered "value for money" because he could introduce them to senior members of all three of the main political parties.

But in a statement sent to the Sunday Times, Lord Cunningham denied breaking any rules.

He said: "I deny any agreement to operate in breach of the House of Lords code of conduct and, in fact, recall that I made it clear that I would only operate within the rules."


He said his reference to "a fanciful £12,000 a month payment" was made to test his suspicion that he had been talking to journalists.

Lord (Brian) Mackenzie, a former chief superintendent for Durham police and President of the Police Superintendents Association, said he could arrange parties for paying clients - including on the terrace of the House of Lords - after being asked if this was possible.

"I just say to a colleague who has nothing to do with it, 'would you host a function for me?'" he said.

When asked if he had done anything wrong, Lord Mackenzie told BBC Radio 5 live: "Not at all".

I've honestly lost count of the number of "Peers" who have come out with this kind of limp lie. It'd be a really nice change for just one of them to cough to wrongdoing and name a bunch of names. I guess moral fibre isn't a useful quality in government.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 02, 2013, 04:13:45 PM
You know, I have to say - the Telegraph is really getting it's teeth into Parliamentary corruption.  I have to give them credit.  Partnering with the BBC would, if you ever read the Telegraph blog section, be seen as akin to partnering with Stalin.  Admittedly, Labour peers were the targets in this case but, for instance, with the whole MPs expenses scandal, everyone came out of that smelling of shit, and they were working with the BBC on Patrick Mercer too.

They're still a bunch of loonies with a few notable exceptions (Oborne, Evans-Pritchard), but credit where credit is due.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2013, 04:20:15 PM
True, but I suspect less than laudable motives. One of the few things uniting the press at the moment is Leveson. I'd guess there's an informal agreement that any regulation is bad for all so lets embarrass as many as required until the whole thing goes away or becomes much more favourable to us.

At 11: more calls for openness and transparency. Moves towards anything resembling this expected never.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 02, 2013, 06:36:02 PM
Oh yes, they're not being altruistic about this.  As much as the press may pose as indifferent observers of the Great Game, they're players, just as much as the politicians, if not more so.

But a few less corrupt peers may encourage the others, of which I have no doubt there are many, of accepting bribes in the future.  At least a little hesitation, when the question of payment comes up, if nothing else.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2013, 09:56:11 AM
Nigel, this would look like your wheelhouse:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/05/the-controversial-topics-of-wikipedia/

QuoteOver on the arXiv there's a draft of a forthcoming book chapter entitled "The most controversial topics in Wikipedia: A multilingual and geographical analysis" which aims to answer this question. The researchers looked at multiple different language versions of Wikipedia in order to see if there are any commonalities for controversy. Using a metric based on "reverts (when an editor completely undoes the work of another editor), they measured an article's "controversiality."

Below is a word cloud derived from the titles of the 1,000 most controversial articles:

(http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/05/wordcloud-660x441.png)

(http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/05/controversy-660x672.png)

I doubt it's possible to draw any solid conclusions here, but if a breakdown by country was possible I bet that'd be quite revealing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2013, 11:10:45 AM
More HA HA HA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22749803

QuoteAnti-sleaze reforms will go ahead, the deputy PM has said after three peers and an MP were accused of agreeing to do parliamentary work for payment.

Critics say the coalition is taking too long to bring in a statutory register of lobbyists despite a pledge to do so.

Nick Clegg, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said he and the PM were "determined" it should go ahead.

Lord Cunningham, Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate and Lord Laird, and MP Patrick Mercer all deny wrongdoing.

On Sunday Lord Laird resigned the Ulster Unionist party whip and Labour suspended the other two peers pending an investigation. Patrick Mercer resigned the Tory whip on Friday.

'Groundhog Day'
Mr Clegg said newspapers had been filled with "the murkier side of British politics" over the weekend and that the latest "unsettling but not surprising" allegations were symptomatic of a political system "long crying out for head-to-toe reform".

"It's the political equivalent of Groundhog Day: MPs accused of abusing their position; businesses of getting too close," he wrote.

QuoteBut he added: "I know that the absence of the [statutory lobbyists'] register from last month's Queen's Speech raised some concerns.

"So let me be clear: it will happen.

"Having consulted on the proposal, the detail is being looked at thoroughly in government."
There are 2 lies in the above quote. Points for spotting both.

QuoteConservative MP Robert Buckland, a member of the Commons Standards and Privileges Committee, said "robust and fair advocacy" on behalf of constituents should be allowed but MPs must use their common sense as to what was acceptable.

"When it comes to offer of money, I think it is sheer horse sense for many MPs to smell a rat and to know what to do," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Yeah, if they offer a sack of cash, bail. Everyone knows that bribes are done in Gifts, hospitality and fact-finding tours. The briefcase of cash is just so 80's.

QuoteJonathan Tonge, professor of politics at the University of Liverpool, told BBC Breakfast that a register of lobbyists would not solve the problem and the rules on paid lobbying were already very clear.

"What would really solve the problem would be to make it a criminal offence for any lobby group to offer cash," he said.

"Another thing is to stop parliamentarians ever being allowed back - they are allowed back into the House of Lords even if they have served time in prison for the way they have acted within Parliament."

Good luck getting a vote on that. Ever.

Highest rated comment:
Quote3. rideforever
2 HOURS AGO
CORRUPTION

It's not sleeze, it's CORRUPTION.

Calling it sleeze is a way for the BBC to help the power elite damage the country.

Which is a fair point. Any time the political elite fuckup here, it ends up sounding like a fucking benny hill sketch. Part of the story here is that there are people so embedded in corruption being offered deals like this doesn't even register as a bit iffy. That would indicate a cultural problem to me, and I doubt many would want to honestly assess the reality. If you're in a position to do something about it, you're probably in a position to profit too. No doubt many, many, have. Just like expenses, it's probably the whole barrel that is rotten.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2013, 12:06:49 PM
More "Stupid Wingnut" but hey:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22751349

QuoteHollywood actor Michael Douglas says oral sex caused his throat cancer.

He made the revelation to The Guardian newspaper, three years after he was diagnosed with the disease.

When asked whether he now regretted his years of smoking and drinking - common causes of oral cancer - the 68-year-old replied "No.

"Because without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV which actually comes about from cunnilingus," he said.

Not just him being slow, the BBC isn't exactly on form today:

QuoteYou're more likely to become infected with HPV if you start having sex at a younger age and if you have a lot of sexual partners, especially if you're having sex without using a barrier method of contraception.

At 11 - Why you should avoid nuts if you have a nut allergy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 03, 2013, 12:58:32 PM
QuoteI doubt it's possible to draw any solid conclusions here, but if a breakdown by country was possible I bet that'd be quite revealing.

Some of those languages are pretty state-specific.  I mean, fr. obviously relates mostly to France, and while French is spoken elsewhere, that's where it is most prolific.  .cs refers to the Czech language, I believe, which is very specific to central Europe, and .hu is Hungary, and if you know anything about Hungarian, you'll know how distinct and unique a language it is.  fa. is Farsi I believe, and .he is Hebrew, so....actually, you can draw some rather state specific conclusions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2013, 01:04:35 PM
I was a little wary of that, mainly due to ex-pat populations around the world. I'm also quite concious that it's wikipedia and so half the edit wars are probably from very opposing view points. Taking some of the biggest:

Israel
War
Iran
Islam

for example, I doubt there's much disagreements within the native country, but others are probably going to disagree. A lot.

So it's not so much about what is controversial within your own borders, but what other perceive to be controversial about you?

There's a point here but being lost in shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2013, 03:09:00 PM
More curious cases of BBC language:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-22754580

QuoteA judge has been assaulted during a sentencing hearing at Ipswich Crown Court.

Judge John Devaux was attacked by a man who stripped to his vest and raced from the public gallery, eyewitnesses said.

The plucky judge, who had sentenced a man to 30 months in prison for driving offences, returned to court minutes later and said he was "unharmed".

Suffolk police said a man was being held in custody on suspicion of contempt of court.

QuoteWitnesses said the judge's robes and wig were pulled off during the drama.

Jaimie Budd, who was in the public gallery, described seeing the man take off his top to reveal a black vest.

"We thought that he was going to reveal some sort of statement or tribute, but instead he got up and ran to the judge's bench," she said.

"He ran up the steps and started battering the hell out of the judge."

She added: "He pulled his robes, his wig came off. It was extremely horrific."

John Weston, who was also in court, said: "I looked into the court and saw a couple of chairs had been turned over.

"Plucky"
"Battering the hell"
"Couple of chairs turned over"

Guy cited for contempt of court. I assume this is being underplayed as he is currently being subject to all manner of things while awaiting his contempt hearing.

QuoteJudge Devaux returned to court minutes after the assault to hear the next listed case.

He told the court: "I think we're all unharmed."

I'd love to see what the victims of crime compensation payout looks like for this one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 04, 2013, 12:22:00 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2013, 12:06:49 PM
More "Stupid Wingnut" but hey:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22751349

QuoteHollywood actor Michael Douglas says oral sex caused his throat cancer.

He made the revelation to The Guardian newspaper, three years after he was diagnosed with the disease.

When asked whether he now regretted his years of smoking and drinking - common causes of oral cancer - the 68-year-old replied "No.

"Because without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV which actually comes about from cunnilingus," he said.

Not just him being slow, the BBC isn't exactly on form today:

QuoteYou're more likely to become infected with HPV if you start having sex at a younger age and if you have a lot of sexual partners, especially if you're having sex without using a barrier method of contraception.

At 11 - Why you should avoid nuts if you have a nut allergy.

Inevitable update:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22762555

QuoteIn his emailed statement on Monday, Mr Burry said: "No. He did not say oral sex was the cause of his cancer."

The publicist referred to medical evidence linking oral sex to head neck cancer, adding "but [Douglas] did not say it was the cause to his specific cancer".

It's just strongly implied now that he's read the interview back to himself. Also, that his wife has HPV or he's been having an affair. Lessons to be learnt in interview technique here. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 04, 2013, 02:42:58 PM
Things increasingly associated with India - Gang Rape. Depressingly.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-22763734

QuoteIndian police say that a 30-year-old American woman has been gang-raped in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh.

Police said that the woman had been attacked after she accepted a lift by three men in a truck in Manali, a resort town in the state.

No arrests have been made but police have set up roadblocks and are searching for the suspects.

Scrutiny of sexual violence in India has grown since the rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bus in December.

The gang rape of the student sparked widespread protests and prompted the government to alter laws relating to rape in India.

Five men and one juvenile have been charged with the rape. One of the men has since hanged himself in prison, officials say.

In the Manali case, police say the three men drove the woman to a secluded spot where they raped her and robbed her.

After arriving in Manali on Monday she had been on a visit to Vashisth, a nearby tourist area popular with foreigners, but was delayed and had been looking for a taxi in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"Because it happened at night, she couldn't read the truck number. At around 7am, we put up checkpoints everywhere and we've been looking for the suspects," senior local police official Vinod Dhawan told BBC Hindi.

There seems to be at least 1 high profile (I.e - Makes it into western media) case every month. The real numbers here are probably horrific. There seems to be something very fucked within Indian Culture. Between "Eve-teasing", incidents like this and the corruption issues.... It seems to be a fucking mess with good advertisting regarding outsourcing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 04, 2013, 03:03:48 PM
Short piece regarding infant mortality and Finland, possibly of interest to those with spawn:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415

What stands out for me is how cost-effective this seems to be. Making something like this part of your culture seems quite smart to me. Shame this isn't expanded more at other key life stages.

QuoteFor 75 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.

It's a tradition that dates back to the 1930s and it's designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they're from, an equal start in life.

The maternity package - a gift from the government - is available to all expectant mothers.

It contains bodysuits, a sleeping bag, outdoor gear, bathing products for the baby, as well as nappies, bedding and a small mattress.

With the mattress in the bottom, the box becomes a baby's first bed. Many children, from all social backgrounds, have their first naps within the safety of the box's four cardboard walls.
Mothers have a choice between taking the box, or a cash grant, currently set at 140 euros, but 95% opt for the box as it's worth much more.

The tradition dates back to 1938. To begin with, the scheme was only available to families on low incomes, but that changed in 1949.

"Not only was it offered to all mothers-to-be but new legislation meant in order to get the grant, or maternity box, they had to visit a doctor or municipal pre-natal clinic before their fourth month of pregnancy," says Heidi Liesivesi, who works at Kela - the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

So the box provided mothers with what they needed to look after their baby, but it also helped steer pregnant women into the arms of the doctors and nurses of Finland's nascent welfare state.

In the 1930s Finland was a poor country and infant mortality was high - 65 out of 1,000 babies died. But the figures improved rapidly in the decades that followed.

Mika Gissler, a professor at the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, gives several reasons for this - the maternity box and pre-natal care for all women in the 1940s, followed in the 60s by a national health insurance system and the central hospital network.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 04, 2013, 03:56:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 04, 2013, 03:03:48 PM
Short piece regarding infant mortality and Finland, possibly of interest to those with spawn:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415

What stands out for me is how cost-effective this seems to be. Making something like this part of your culture seems quite smart to me. Shame this isn't expanded more at other key life stages.

QuoteFor 75 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.

It's a tradition that dates back to the 1930s and it's designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they're from, an equal start in life.

The maternity package - a gift from the government - is available to all expectant mothers.

It contains bodysuits, a sleeping bag, outdoor gear, bathing products for the baby, as well as nappies, bedding and a small mattress.

With the mattress in the bottom, the box becomes a baby's first bed. Many children, from all social backgrounds, have their first naps within the safety of the box's four cardboard walls.
Mothers have a choice between taking the box, or a cash grant, currently set at 140 euros, but 95% opt for the box as it's worth much more.

The tradition dates back to 1938. To begin with, the scheme was only available to families on low incomes, but that changed in 1949.

"Not only was it offered to all mothers-to-be but new legislation meant in order to get the grant, or maternity box, they had to visit a doctor or municipal pre-natal clinic before their fourth month of pregnancy," says Heidi Liesivesi, who works at Kela - the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

So the box provided mothers with what they needed to look after their baby, but it also helped steer pregnant women into the arms of the doctors and nurses of Finland's nascent welfare state.

In the 1930s Finland was a poor country and infant mortality was high - 65 out of 1,000 babies died. But the figures improved rapidly in the decades that followed.

Mika Gissler, a professor at the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, gives several reasons for this - the maternity box and pre-natal care for all women in the 1940s, followed in the 60s by a national health insurance system and the central hospital network.

SOCIALISM!  :argh!: :argh!: :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 04, 2013, 04:00:10 PM
Next you'll be suggesting we take care of people when they're sick or old.

It's UNAMERICAN.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 04, 2013, 07:09:23 PM
Indeed, stay away from filthy socialism. I was having an idiot moment. Must be sunstroke.

In other news, How to make friends and influence people part 424hh/q/q3
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/06/04/new-jersey-dad-shows-up-in-court-in-full-nazi-uniform-to-fight-for-right-to-see-children-including-adolf-and-heinrich/


QuoteA New Jersey white supremacist who is trying to convince a judge that he is a good father arrived in court Monday wearing a full Nazi uniform.

Heath Campbell, 40, is the father of four children and is fighting for the right to see his youngest son, a two-year-old boy he named Heinrich Hons.

Heath and his now-estranged wife Deborah Campbell lost custody of their four children amid allegations of domestic violence.

Heath Campbell is a self-proclaimed Nazi but says he has never abused any of his children and said wearing the uniform shouldn't affect his case.

"The world needs to see who I am. I'm not a bad person. It's not what is on the outside, it's what is on the inside," he told the media outside of the courtroom before the court appearance, his swastika neck tattoo visible.

"I'm going to tell the judge, I love my children. I wanna be a father, let me be it," he said.

"Let me prove to the world that I am a good father."

He has not seen his children in two years and the eldest three have been adopted. He named them Adolf Hitler Campbell, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell, and Honzlynn Jeannie Campbell.

Heath Campbell said he hasn't seen Heinrich since he was 16-hours old.

Horrormirth. Horrormirth everywhere.

(http://nationalpostnews.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/nzaidad.jpg?w=620)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on June 04, 2013, 09:26:34 PM
Quote(http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/05/wordcloud-660x441.png)


I'm moderately amused that Naruto is on this word cloud.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 05, 2013, 10:04:13 AM
QuoteJoe Muto has dealt with losing his job, losing his reputation and losing friends. The low point for the former Fox News Channel "mole" came three weeks ago, when he needed to be escorted from a holding cell in handcuffs to use the bathroom.

The ex-producer at Fox is still dealing with his spectacular flameout of April 2012. Muto, who worked on Bill O'Reilly's prime-time show, began writing an anonymous column for the Gawker website about what it was like for a liberal to work at Fox. His bosses blew his cover and fired him within 24 hours.

Muto did get a book deal out of the experience, though, and "An Atheist in the Foxhole" (Dutton) is being released Tuesday.

He also got a criminal record. In an agreement with the Manhattan district attorney, Muto pleaded guilty May 9 to two misdemeanors — attempted unlawful duplication of computer material and attempted criminal possession of computer material. He had copied two Fox outtakes to prove to Gawker that he worked there, and the website posted them. One showed Newt Gingrich's wife primping her husband's hair before an interview. Sean Hannity and Mitt Romney chatted about horses in the other.

The videos were what enabled Fox to identify Muto as the mole; their investigators found that someone with his computer sign-on was the only one to look at them recently in the network's archive.

Muto was sentenced to 10 days of court-ordered community service and 200 hours of private service that he will fulfill by working with a literacy organization in Brooklyn. He was fined $1,000 and ordered to give to charity the $5,000 that Gawker had paid him.

He's already joined a work crew cleaning trash in city parks three times. At one, he compared crimes with fellow workers — one had gotten drunk and stolen a cab for a joyride, another had punched a cop. They couldn't quite understand why Muto was there for making a copy of a Gingrich clip.

"I don't want to give the impression that I'm being railroaded by the system," Muto said. "I did something very stupid and I suppose it's right that I paid for it."

But John Cook, editor-in-chief of Gawker, called the sentence "preposterous" and suggested Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. was trying to curry favor with Fox and its powerful chairman, Roger Ailes. A spokeswoman for Vance's office declined comment. Fox representatives didn't return phone or email requests to talk about Muto.

Muto's short-lived tenure as the Fox "mole" wasn't particularly well thought-out in the first place. After eight years at Fox, his first job out of Notre Dame, Muto had decided to leave. He said Fox had gotten more conservative since President Barack Obama's election, and he was growing more uncomfortable feeling the disconnect with his own politics.

He wanted a job at Gawker and met with its editors, who suggested maybe he could write for them before leaving Fox.

The mole was born. It died before making any shocking revelations; Muto spent most of the only column he wrote prior to detection criticizing a Fox-related website. He bears no ill will toward Gawker, which paid for his defense against felony charges of computer tampering.

"I have enough self-awareness to realize that I pretty much made an ass of myself last year," he said. "It was weird, because I would be able to step back from it and say, 'Wow, this guy is really ruining his life here. What is he doing?' Then I'd be like, 'Oh, wait. That's me!'"

Muto realizes his career in cable news is over. Besides writing his book, he's done some freelance work in reality TV since then. He's found many people don't even remember the incident, which may bode well for future employment, if not book sales.

"An Atheist in the Foxhole" mixes work anecdotes with the story of the uncomfortable hours before he was led out of Fox's office. Muto said he wasn't miserable at Fox, even if he'd roll his eyes at some of the things he saw on the air, and misses some former friends who won't have anything to do with him since his act of disloyalty.

The book is filled with observations on current and former Fox personalities, like former commentator Sarah Palin (usually unprepared), Ann Coulter (very nice off-camera, sharklike when the camera light is on), Sean Hannity (doesn't get along with O'Reilly, and vice versa) and Glenn Beck (book chapter about him is titled "Rhymes with 'Cat Bit Hazy''').

His book isn't a diatribe, and is often funny. He knows there are stories some of his former colleagues won't like, but Muto is hard on himself, too.

One thing he said surprised him about working at Fox was how few of his co-workers bought into the "fair and balanced" idea.

"Even the true believers, the conservative producers, are like, 'Oh, yeah, we're here to dole out red meat to our conservative audience. We're not here to be fair and balanced. We're here to stir up the crazies, basically. We're here to stoke up anger in our conservative fan base and that's how we get ratings,'" he said.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/03/joe-muto-fox-news-mole-book_n_3378020.html

Barely news, I'm just trying to figure out why he though Gawker was a good career move.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 05, 2013, 10:43:00 AM
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-06/04/digital-hit-man

Quote"I call your sister asking about you, and the minute we get off the phone, she's dialling you. I pull your sister's phone records and I'll have your phone number, and that's how I'll find you."

Frank Ahearn calls himself a "digital hit man" -- if your reputation is threatened by something online, he can help.

He made his name in 2010 with his book How To Disappear, which detailed the methods needed to maintain a sense of privacy in an online world that tracks so much of what we do. Ahearn spent 20 years working as a skip tracer -- someone who specialises in tracking down missing people, whether they want to be found or not -- and much of How To Disappear focused on how to stop people like him who might use their skills for nefarious ends like identity theft.

His latest book -- The Digital Hit Man -- goes on the offenive, describing the tools that Ahearn uses to repair reputations once information gets online. Fake identities, fake websites, photo distortion, SEO-rigging -- all legal methods he relies on to help his clients distort what comes up when someone searches for them. While he offers clients the chance to disappear, he's not cheap -- he can charge as much as $35,000 (£23,000) at a time.

Wired.co.uk had the chance to speak with Ahearn about his work. 

Wired.co.uk: Which problems do you solve?
Ahearn: I solve two problems. One is if you are in a situation and you are afraid, or you want to just disappear so nobody can find you. Or if there's information online about you that's a disaster for your life, I can assist you by using deception and digital manipulation.

Who comes to you for help?
It depends. With the disappearing, it ranges from victims of stalkers to wealthy people who are concerned about their digital safety. With digital manipulation, it's wealthy people who are in some "interesting" business situations, or they want to make sure their 15-year-old daughter isn't putting her information on the net. Or it's that stupid thing of getting drunk and driving into a building and you don't want your future clients to read about that. The beauty of the internet is that sometimes secrets of the past are surfacing today.

QuoteSo it's more about deflecting attention?
Right. That's really misdirection. I'm of the philosophy that you can't delete online information. If you don't own the website or blog, there's nothing you can do about it. To give an example, I have a client -- this is pretty harrowing -- his daughter is about six years old. Her mother was violently killed. Her and her mother share the same name, and my client says she's reaching the age where she's surfing the net, and she's going to search for her own name and find out about her mother's violent death. So I created all this content using the mother's name, tricking it out, suppressing it, manipulating it, so that's not the first thing she sees when she types her name in.

I see a growth industry here over then next few years.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on June 05, 2013, 12:18:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 05, 2013, 10:43:00 AM
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-06/04/digital-hit-man

Quote"I call your sister asking about you, and the minute we get off the phone, she's dialling you. I pull your sister's phone records and I'll have your phone number, and that's how I'll find you."

Frank Ahearn calls himself a "digital hit man" -- if your reputation is threatened by something online, he can help.

He made his name in 2010 with his book How To Disappear, which detailed the methods needed to maintain a sense of privacy in an online world that tracks so much of what we do. Ahearn spent 20 years working as a skip tracer -- someone who specialises in tracking down missing people, whether they want to be found or not -- and much of How To Disappear focused on how to stop people like him who might use their skills for nefarious ends like identity theft.

His latest book -- The Digital Hit Man -- goes on the offenive, describing the tools that Ahearn uses to repair reputations once information gets online. Fake identities, fake websites, photo distortion, SEO-rigging -- all legal methods he relies on to help his clients distort what comes up when someone searches for them. While he offers clients the chance to disappear, he's not cheap -- he can charge as much as $35,000 (£23,000) at a time.

Wired.co.uk had the chance to speak with Ahearn about his work. 

Wired.co.uk: Which problems do you solve?
Ahearn: I solve two problems. One is if you are in a situation and you are afraid, or you want to just disappear so nobody can find you. Or if there's information online about you that's a disaster for your life, I can assist you by using deception and digital manipulation.

Who comes to you for help?
It depends. With the disappearing, it ranges from victims of stalkers to wealthy people who are concerned about their digital safety. With digital manipulation, it's wealthy people who are in some "interesting" business situations, or they want to make sure their 15-year-old daughter isn't putting her information on the net. Or it's that stupid thing of getting drunk and driving into a building and you don't want your future clients to read about that. The beauty of the internet is that sometimes secrets of the past are surfacing today.

QuoteSo it's more about deflecting attention?
Right. That's really misdirection. I'm of the philosophy that you can't delete online information. If you don't own the website or blog, there's nothing you can do about it. To give an example, I have a client -- this is pretty harrowing -- his daughter is about six years old. Her mother was violently killed. Her and her mother share the same name, and my client says she's reaching the age where she's surfing the net, and she's going to search for her own name and find out about her mother's violent death. So I created all this content using the mother's name, tricking it out, suppressing it, manipulating it, so that's not the first thing she sees when she types her name in.

I see a growth industry here over then next few years.

Indeedy. Interesting to say the least.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 06, 2013, 09:57:06 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22793424

North Korea calming down for the summer. Expect hijinks to resume..... I'm going for October.

QuoteThe two Koreas appear set to hold talks on a jointly-run industrial zone, weeks after operations were suspended there.

North Korea proposed talks with Seoul in a statement early on Thursday carried by state news agency KCNA.

South Korea's Unification Ministry said it "positively views" the proposal, which follows months of high tension on the peninsula.

The Kaesong industrial zone, just inside North Korea, is a key source of revenue for Pyongyang.

QuoteIn recent weeks, however, tensions appear to have lessened somewhat. Late last month, North Korea sent an envoy to Beijing - seen as having the greatest degree of influence on Pyongyang - for talks, for the first time since its nuclear test.

These two things have no relation to each other.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 06, 2013, 06:05:06 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/us/marijuana-arrests-four-times-as-likely-for-blacks.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

QuoteWASHINGTON — Black Americans were nearly four times as likely than whites to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession in 2010, even though the two groups used the drug at similar rates, according to new federal data.

This disparity had grown steadily from a decade before, and in some states, including Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois, blacks were around eight times as likely to be arrested.

During the same period, public attitudes toward marijuana softened and a number of states decriminalized its use. But about half of all drug arrests in 2011 were on marijuana-related charges, roughly the same portion as in 2010.

...

Drawn from police records from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the report is the most comprehensive review of marijuana arrests by race and by county and is part of a report being released this week (http://www.aclu.org/marijuana) by the American Civil Liberties Union. Much of the data was also independently reviewed for The New York Times by researchers at Stanford University.

"We found that in virtually every county in the country, police have wasted taxpayer money enforcing marijuana laws in a racially biased manner," said Ezekiel Edwards, the director of the A.C.L.U.'s Criminal Law Reform Project and the lead author of the report.

...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 06, 2013, 06:10:21 PM
Quote from: Telarus on June 06, 2013, 06:05:06 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/us/marijuana-arrests-four-times-as-likely-for-blacks.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

QuoteWASHINGTON — Black Americans were nearly four times as likely than whites to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession in 2010, even though the two groups used the drug at similar rates, according to new federal data.

This disparity had grown steadily from a decade before, and in some states, including Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois, blacks were around eight times as likely to be arrested.

During the same period, public attitudes toward marijuana softened and a number of states decriminalized its use. But about half of all drug arrests in 2011 were on marijuana-related charges, roughly the same portion as in 2010.

...

Drawn from police records from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the report is the most comprehensive review of marijuana arrests by race and by county and is part of a report being released this week (http://www.aclu.org/marijuana) by the American Civil Liberties Union. Much of the data was also independently reviewed for The New York Times by researchers at Stanford University.

"We found that in virtually every county in the country, police have wasted taxpayer money enforcing marijuana laws in a racially biased manner," said Ezekiel Edwards, the director of the A.C.L.U.'s Criminal Law Reform Project and the lead author of the report.

...

I am told by a high-level policy maker that we do not arrest people for marijuana.

How can this be?   :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 06, 2013, 06:10:32 PM
Quote from: Telarus on June 06, 2013, 06:05:06 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/us/marijuana-arrests-four-times-as-likely-for-blacks.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

QuoteWASHINGTON — Black Americans were nearly four times as likely than whites to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession in 2010, even though the two groups used the drug at similar rates, according to new federal data.

This disparity had grown steadily from a decade before, and in some states, including Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois, blacks were around eight times as likely to be arrested.

During the same period, public attitudes toward marijuana softened and a number of states decriminalized its use. But about half of all drug arrests in 2011 were on marijuana-related charges, roughly the same portion as in 2010.

...

Drawn from police records from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the report is the most comprehensive review of marijuana arrests by race and by county and is part of a report being released this week (http://www.aclu.org/marijuana) by the American Civil Liberties Union. Much of the data was also independently reviewed for The New York Times by researchers at Stanford University.

"We found that in virtually every county in the country, police have wasted taxpayer money enforcing marijuana laws in a racially biased manner," said Ezekiel Edwards, the director of the A.C.L.U.'s Criminal Law Reform Project and the lead author of the report.

...

Yep. And also vastly more likely to be imprisoned for it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 06, 2013, 06:14:27 PM
QuoteHow can this be?   

(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc322/fennario99/988714_614437708589936_1549393573_n.jpg)

It just didn't get used enough really.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on June 06, 2013, 08:15:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 06, 2013, 06:14:27 PM
QuoteHow can this be?   

(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc322/fennario99/988714_614437708589936_1549393573_n.jpg)

It just didn't get used enough really.

I almost think this should be an emote.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 07, 2013, 12:43:40 AM
Quote from: six to the quixotic on June 06, 2013, 08:15:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 06, 2013, 06:14:27 PM
QuoteHow can this be?   

(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc322/fennario99/988714_614437708589936_1549393573_n.jpg)

It just didn't get used enough really.

This should be an emote.

FIXED.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 07, 2013, 02:13:41 AM
Quote from: stelz on June 07, 2013, 12:43:40 AM
Quote from: six to the quixotic on June 06, 2013, 08:15:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 06, 2013, 06:14:27 PM
QuoteHow can this be?   

(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc322/fennario99/988714_614437708589936_1549393573_n.jpg)

It just didn't get used enough really.

This should be an emote.

FIXED.

No. No it should not. As much of a brainwashed ass as the former RWHN has become, he is still a longstanding member here who once contributed meaningfully, and he may eventually pull his head out of his ass and do so again someday. Making a derogatory emote of his image lumps him in the same category as some of our most beloved/reviled trolls like IANAR, DK, and AKK, and is, in my opinion, unworthy of either the board or of him.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on June 07, 2013, 02:19:03 AM
That is a very pretty man fisting his ass, though.

So that's nice, at least.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 07, 2013, 10:18:19 AM
Resuming your regular schedule of random news:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bs-md-jail-audit-20130606,0,5840807.story

QuoteNo standard structure is in place at the city jail for security checks or for how often they are conducted, the audit said. Many security gates are operated manually and have no electronic controls. Officers have a poor understanding of inmates' civil rights, and holding cells are "uniformly dirty."
It found that graffiti in some cells is so thick that the walls appear muraled, full of overlapping street-art taggings. Some hallway walls have simply been painted black to hide the dirt and graffiti. Hand-written signs and outdated staff memos litter the walls. And toilet paper has been crammed into nearly all the air vents at the central booking facility — a condition that neither auditors nor corrections officials explained.

QuoteThe state also has moved to upgrade the security camera system and replace many that the department found broken at the facility in the wake of the indictment. Binetti said 144 of 231 cameras in the detention center were either completely broken or had some other problem, such as a cracked screen.

Impressive. Most impressive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 07, 2013, 02:26:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 07, 2013, 10:18:19 AM
Resuming your regular schedule of random news:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bs-md-jail-audit-20130606,0,5840807.story

QuoteNo standard structure is in place at the city jail for security checks or for how often they are conducted, the audit said. Many security gates are operated manually and have no electronic controls. Officers have a poor understanding of inmates' civil rights, and holding cells are "uniformly dirty."
It found that graffiti in some cells is so thick that the walls appear muraled, full of overlapping street-art taggings. Some hallway walls have simply been painted black to hide the dirt and graffiti. Hand-written signs and outdated staff memos litter the walls. And toilet paper has been crammed into nearly all the air vents at the central booking facility — a condition that neither auditors nor corrections officials explained.

QuoteThe state also has moved to upgrade the security camera system and replace many that the department found broken at the facility in the wake of the indictment. Binetti said 144 of 231 cameras in the detention center were either completely broken or had some other problem, such as a cracked screen.

Impressive. Most impressive.

This is what a decaying empire looks like.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 08, 2013, 02:16:05 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44192469/ns/health-behavior/t/who-going-church-not-who-you-think-study-finds/

Quote"While religious service attendance has decreased for all white Americans since the early 1970s, the rate of decline has been more than twice as high for less educated, lower and lower-middle class whites compared to more educated and presumably more affluent whites, according to a study presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Las Vegas."

Add this to the information we have about white, class based voting patterns (namely that the white working class tend to vote Democrat outside of the former Confederate states), and a very different picture of the Republican base of support than the "herp derp poor white trash" image comes into focus.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 08, 2013, 02:31:46 PM
Aside from Machete Terror:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22821484

QuoteA student who said on Twitter that people wearing Help for Heroes T-shirts "deserved to be beheaded" was arrested after complaining to police about threatening replies, a court has heard.

Deyka Ayan Hassan, from Harrow, sent the tweet in the aftermath of Drummer Lee Rigby's death in Woolwich, south-east London.

The 21-year-old student admitted sending a malicious electronic message.

She was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work by Hendon magistrates.

Drummer Rigby was wearing the charity's T-shirt when he was attacked on 22 May.

Hassan, an English and politics undergraduate at Kingston University, said she had sent the tweet "as a joke" about the design of the T-shirt.
Some of the replies she received included threats to rape her and kill her by burning down her home, the court heard.

Chairman of the bench, Nigel Orton, told her she could have been jailed for the tweet but magistrates accepted she had not known it was a soldier who had been killed when she sent it.

Between constant shit like this and the new wave to legislate online porn somehow, the UK internet will be on a par with North Korea by 2030.

Also note, rape and death threats still cool. Just don't say anything against the Daily Mail/Rothermere/Tory party funded "Help for Heroes" scam, and RESPECT "our boys". For some reason you're supposed to look at these things with a straight face instead of vomiting in horror.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 08, 2013, 05:19:00 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 08, 2013, 02:16:05 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44192469/ns/health-behavior/t/who-going-church-not-who-you-think-study-finds/

Quote"While religious service attendance has decreased for all white Americans since the early 1970s, the rate of decline has been more than twice as high for less educated, lower and lower-middle class whites compared to more educated and presumably more affluent whites, according to a study presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Las Vegas."

Add this to the information we have about white, class based voting patterns (namely that the white working class tend to vote Democrat outside of the former Confederate states), and a very different picture of the Republican base of support than the "herp derp poor white trash" image comes into focus.

That is VERY interesting. It also makes a lot more sense than the idea that the impoverished masses are bending over left and right to be screwed over.

The picture it paints, though, of a religious Republican middle and upper class, is not promising for the future of the Republican party, as those numbers decline due to their own wealth-consolidating policies.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 08, 2013, 05:26:37 PM
That's what I figure, too.  On both counts, though gerrymandering, vote restrictions and the increase in monetary influence in politics will no doubt tide them over at least temporarily.  And of course, they will retain their stronghold in the South, which has a lot of historical and social (and racial) explanations as to why the white vote differs in that region.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on June 09, 2013, 03:36:17 AM
http://www.globalresearch.ca/108000-private-contractors-in-afghanistan-and-we-have-no-idea-what-theyre-doing/5338211

QuoteSo despite the increasing number of private contractors being used and the hundreds of billions of dollars being spent on them, the Pentagon is not even able to determine what they are doing or whether it is effective.
:x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 10, 2013, 08:32:38 AM
More Drugs and Drugs to ignore.

http://gazette.com/medicinal-marijuana-stops-seizures-brings-hope-to-a-little-black-forest-girl/article/1502070

QuoteAfter years of watching a cruel, incurable genetic disorder called Dravet Syndome rob their daughter of her basic bodily functions and send her into convulsions that caused head injuries and broken teeth, they had reached the end.

"We really thought, this is a horrible existence; she's not going to live much longer." Paige says. "This is not a life for her. This is torture. She is suffering all day. I'm not OK with this. She wasn't even human anymore. She'd lie in my arms drooling, seizing, screaming and crying."

Then, in an act of desperation, or inspiration - or maybe both - Matt called Paige from overseas, where he was working, and suggested a radical approach to Charlotte's treatment.

"We need to try cannabis for Charlotte," he told Paige. "We live in a compassionate state."

Fifteen months later, the little girl with the DNR order is standing in the kitchen of their Black Forest home with her mother getting her Pull-Ups changed, cuddling in the arms of a visitor, playing with toys and strategically pushing the buttons on her "talker," an electronic device that communicates when Charlotte can't.

Her seizures have dropped from 1,200 a month to three, and the ones she has are shorter in duration and less severe. She's off all the other medications with their troubling side effects. And, as one of the youngest medical marijuana patients in Colorado, her dramatic turnaround is starting to draw national attention, with a CNN report on the horizon.

Carry on. Please, I regret posting this already.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 10, 2013, 08:44:51 AM
Breaking:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22838865

QuoteAt least 12 people have been killed in a series of bombings in a market north of the capital, Baghdad, officials say.

Two car bombs went off and a suicide bomber blew themselves up in the predominantly Shia town of Judaida al-Shat in Diyala province.

Dozens of people were wounded in the attacks, reports said.

It is the latest in a series of almost daily attacks across Iraq, raising fears of a return to the worst levels of sectarian violence in years.

Last month was the bloodiest in Iraq since June 2008, with 1,045 Iraqi civilians and security officials killed, according to UN figures.

Just reminding you that Iraq is still fucked up. How's that Moderate Crescent coming along eh?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 10, 2013, 08:54:03 AM
Have we reached the age of the supervillan?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22835154

QuoteSome 23,000 people were forced to leave their homes in the east German city of Magdeburg after a dam burst on the flood-swollen River Elbe.

Although water levels in Magdeburg were reported to be subsiding on Monday, other parts of the state of Saxony-Anhalt remain under threat.

In Hungary, 1,200 people had to leave their homes but in the capital Budapest flood defences appear to have held.

At least 18 people have died in the floods in Central Europe.

Analysts say the damage will cost billions of euros to clean up.

The authorities in Germany are investigating an anonymous letter threatening attacks on several dams.

The motive behind the threats is not known, but the threat is being taken seriously
, says the BBC's Stephen Evans in Berlin.

I doubt it. But stirring up terrorist fear into general disasters and accidents is a nice way to keep people on edge. I mean, there's no way this could be a crazy guy with stationary. Crazy people don't have envelopes.

That said, Germany isn't the most popular of countries with some groups right now. I'd still guess unlikely, but you never know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 10, 2013, 09:00:20 AM
Russian Ballet - Serious Business.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22834125

QuoteThe Bolshoi has announced it will not renew the contract of veteran dancer Nikolai Tsiskaridze, who has been in open conflict with the theatre since an acid attack on its artistic director.

The dancer, who has been at the Bolshoi since 1992, is one of its top talents.

But the 39-year-old sparked conflict when he accused bosses of using the attack on Sergei Filin to conduct a witch hunt against him.

A spokeswoman said the dancer would leave at the end of the month.

"I can confirm that yesterday Tsiskaridze was given notice that his fixed-term contracts will not be renewed. His contract runs out June 30," Katerina Novikova told Rossiya 24 on Saturday.

She refused to give a reason for the decision.

In an NTV television interview on Sunday, Tsiskaridze questioned the theatre's right to let him go.

"To be honest, this is still not clear, because I'm on staff as a ballet artiste," he said.

"When I was taken on, I joined the staff. I didn't sign any paper to be released from this. It's all very confusing."

Quoten his (Tsiskaridze) outspoken interviews, he complained of corruption and called for the theatre's entire management to be sacked and for himself to be put in charge.

It led to a tit-for-tat response from Bolshoi director Anatoly Iksanov, who suggested Tsiskaridze might have played a role in inciting the attack on Filin, which left him with severe burns to his face and fighting to save his sight.

Tsiskaridze has denied having anything to do with the attack and insists the Bolshoi has been trying to drive him out.

Everyone flinging acid in everyone's faces. Photoshop opportunities must be astounding.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 10, 2013, 03:10:10 PM
Hey, Remember this guy?:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/os-george-zimmerman-trial-preview-20130608,0,7386069.story

QuoteSANFORD – When George Zimmerman's murder trial begins Monday, for some people it will be a civil-rights bellwether. For others, it's a chance at absolution for a Neighborhood Watch volunteer who has lived in hiding for more than a year but insists he did nothing wrong. To many it will be a test of the legal system and whether it can bring justice to a grieving family.

The trial will take place at the Seminole County criminal courthouse seven miles from where Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, on Feb. 26, 2012, setting off weeks of civil-rights rallies across the nation and the world.

Officials are prepared for protesters, an overflowing courtroom and weeks of testimony about what happened the night two people, one with a gun, encountered each other behind a row of town houses in a west Sanford neighborhood.

Taking bets on the results. Feel free to shove this into the original thread, I can't recall which one it is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 11, 2013, 01:28:11 PM
http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/06/10/Man-charged-with-DUI-despite-zero-blood-alcohol/4491370865945/?spt=fsb&or=ros

QuoteRetired firefighter Jessie Thornton was pulled over in Surprise, Arizona and arrested for driving under the influence, but a breathalyzer test at the station showed his blood alcohol level was 0.000.

Thornton, 64, says he sleeps during the day and runs errands and works out at night in order to keep to the same schedule as his wife, who is an emergency room nurse, and says his late schedule draws the attention of local police.

"I've been stopped 10 times in Surprise and given four tickets, it's amazing," said Thornton.

"He (the officer) walked up and he said 'I can tell you're driving DUI by looking in your eyes,'" said Thornton. He explained that his eyes were bloodshot because he had just come from LA Fitness where he was swimming.

QuotePolice then called in a drug recognition expert. Thornton says the expert said, "I would never have arrested you, you show no signs of impairment." Police documents show that there were no drugs detected in Thornton's blood upon analysis.

"This is a case of D-W-B, driving while black," said Thornton's attorney Marc Victor. Victor's office has filed a notice of claim against the City of Surprise seeking $500,000.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 11, 2013, 03:13:33 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-22854447

QuoteThe severed head of a deer was left on a self-service supermarket checkout, prompting a police investigation.

The innards of the animal were found in one of the aisles of the Tesco shop in Saffron Walden, Essex, police said.

Officers were called to the shop in Radwinter Road at about 01:20 BST on 4 June.

A spokesman for Essex Police said nobody had been arrested. A spokeswoman for Tesco apologised for "any distress caused".

Tesco said it was unable to state whether the head was left by one person or a group, how many people were in the store at the time or the circumstances in which it was left.

Nor was it able to confirm whether it had CCTV footage of the incident.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 12, 2013, 07:06:56 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 11, 2013, 01:28:11 PM
http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/06/10/Man-charged-with-DUI-despite-zero-blood-alcohol/4491370865945/?spt=fsb&or=ros

QuoteRetired firefighter Jessie Thornton was pulled over in Surprise, Arizona and arrested for driving under the influence, but a breathalyzer test at the station showed his blood alcohol level was 0.000.

Thornton, 64, says he sleeps during the day and runs errands and works out at night in order to keep to the same schedule as his wife, who is an emergency room nurse, and says his late schedule draws the attention of local police.

"I've been stopped 10 times in Surprise and given four tickets, it's amazing," said Thornton.

"He (the officer) walked up and he said 'I can tell you're driving DUI by looking in your eyes,'" said Thornton. He explained that his eyes were bloodshot because he had just come from LA Fitness where he was swimming.

QuotePolice then called in a drug recognition expert. Thornton says the expert said, "I would never have arrested you, you show no signs of impairment." Police documents show that there were no drugs detected in Thornton's blood upon analysis.

"This is a case of D-W-B, driving while black," said Thornton's attorney Marc Victor. Victor's office has filed a notice of claim against the City of Surprise seeking $500,000.

Surprise! You're Black!
Title: Re: OFFICIAL POLITICAL CARTOONS/PIC FREAD.
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 10:58:24 AM
Guns+Guns part 333222313/B

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/guns/toddlers-killed-more-americans-terrorists-did-year

QuoteWhile this analysis focuses on children, another equally accurate headline could read: "U.S. Gun Culture Kills More Americans Than Terrorists Worldwide."

In 2010, 13,186 people died in terrorist attacks worldwide, while 31,672 people were killed with firearms in America alone, reports CNN's Samuel Burke.

Hardly news, more a round up of violence involving kids and guns.

Naturally of course, we now need to ban children.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 12:49:06 PM
Australia keeping it classy:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22852742

QuoteAustralian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has described a menu distributed at an opposition party fundraiser that made crude and derogatory comments about her body as "grossly sexist".

The menu was presented at a dinner for former minister and Liberal National Party election candidate Mal Brough.

It offered up "Julia Gillard Kentucky Fried Quail - Small Breasts, Huge Thighs and a Big Red Box".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 12, 2013, 01:13:39 PM
The Australian Right just simply cannot get over the fact they have a female, social-democratic PM.

And it's making the Liberals look bad overseas.  Francois Hollande, Obama and several other leaders have complimented Gillard on how she handles the constant attacks against her due to her gender.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 03:31:45 PM
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-06/12/meet-israel-palestine

QuoteSeventeen-year-old Amin Manna takes to the stage at the Google Campus. Full of a natural confidence, he's at ease under the microscope of a room full of investors that includes Index Ventures' Saul Klein. Without hesitation, the young Palestinian captures their attention, eloquently explaining what Middle East Education through Technology (better known as Meet), a decade-old organisation that brings together and trains Palestinian and Israeli school children in computer science and entrepreneurship, has meant to him.

"It was the quality of the Meet programme that attracted me," he says. "Three years ago I joined because I thought this was an amazing opportunity to learn. I wasn't there to make friends with Israelis."

"But," he pauses, "even though I came from this cynical point of view, thinking 'these people want to make me like Israelis' -- it still worked."

Excellent article, probably one of the few real efforts to actually make shit better here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 12, 2013, 04:08:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 10, 2013, 08:32:38 AM
More Drugs and Drugs to ignore.

http://gazette.com/medicinal-marijuana-stops-seizures-brings-hope-to-a-little-black-forest-girl/article/1502070

QuoteAfter years of watching a cruel, incurable genetic disorder called Dravet Syndome rob their daughter of her basic bodily functions and send her into convulsions that caused head injuries and broken teeth, they had reached the end.

"We really thought, this is a horrible existence; she's not going to live much longer." Paige says. "This is not a life for her. This is torture. She is suffering all day. I'm not OK with this. She wasn't even human anymore. She'd lie in my arms drooling, seizing, screaming and crying."

Then, in an act of desperation, or inspiration - or maybe both - Matt called Paige from overseas, where he was working, and suggested a radical approach to Charlotte's treatment.

"We need to try cannabis for Charlotte," he told Paige. "We live in a compassionate state."

Fifteen months later, the little girl with the DNR order is standing in the kitchen of their Black Forest home with her mother getting her Pull-Ups changed, cuddling in the arms of a visitor, playing with toys and strategically pushing the buttons on her "talker," an electronic device that communicates when Charlotte can't.

Her seizures have dropped from 1,200 a month to three, and the ones she has are shorter in duration and less severe. She's off all the other medications with their troubling side effects. And, as one of the youngest medical marijuana patients in Colorado, her dramatic turnaround is starting to draw national attention, with a CNN report on the horizon.

Carry on. Please, I regret posting this already.

Wow, I missed this before. That is really amazing, and moving. My friend's kid has severe seizures, and the medication they put him on has wretched side effects. I wonder if cannabis treatment would be effective for him.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 04:13:31 PM
Possibly, but trying to find out means the terrorists win.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 12, 2013, 05:03:07 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 04:13:31 PM
Possibly, but trying to find out means the terrorists win.

:horrormirth:

Luckily, Oregon has medical marijuana. He won't be able to get the low THC stuff they're growing in Colorado due to Federal laws, but he could at least try the regular stuff and I'm sure there are some growers in Oregon raising low-THC varieties.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 09:14:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 12, 2013, 01:13:39 PM
The Australian Right just simply cannot get over the fact they have a female, social-democratic PM.

And it's making the Liberals look bad overseas.  Francois Hollande, Obama and several other leaders have complimented Gillard on how she handles the constant attacks against her due to her gender.

Tone of articles I've seen of late seem to suggest that she's not going to do well at the upcoming elections.

Shit like this makes me think it may be considerably closer, if not outright wrong. I tend to assume any news I read about Australia is already Murdoched twice before I read it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 09:19:03 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 12, 2013, 05:03:07 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 04:13:31 PM
Possibly, but trying to find out means the terrorists win.

:horrormirth:

Luckily, Oregon has medical marijuana. He won't be able to get the low THC stuff they're growing in Colorado due to Federal laws, but he could at least try the regular stuff and I'm sure there are some growers in Oregon raising low-THC varieties.

I recall some link between CBD(?) levels and general alleviation of a list of ills. That may be more relevant for you?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 09:21:48 PM
ah, yes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabidiol

QuoteCannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 85 cannabinoids found in cannabis.[2] It is a major constituent of the plant, second to THC, and represents up to 40% in its extracts.[3] Compared with THC, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive, and is considered to have a wider scope of medical applications than THC,[citation needed] including to epilepsy,[4] multiple sclerosis spasms,[5] anxiety disorders, schizophrenia,[6] nausea, convulsion and inflammation, as well as inhibiting cancer cell growth.[7] CBD may decrease the rate of THC clearance from the body, perhaps by interfering with the metabolism of THC in the liver.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 12, 2013, 09:28:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 09:14:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 12, 2013, 01:13:39 PM
The Australian Right just simply cannot get over the fact they have a female, social-democratic PM.

And it's making the Liberals look bad overseas.  Francois Hollande, Obama and several other leaders have complimented Gillard on how she handles the constant attacks against her due to her gender.

Tone of articles I've seen of late seem to suggest that she's not going to do well at the upcoming elections.

Shit like this makes me think it may be considerably closer, if not outright wrong. I tend to assume any news I read about Australia is already Murdoched twice before I read it.

Well, the economy is going down the shitter.  Mining industry has collapsed due to problems in China, and that was pretty much the only thing keeping the economy afloat.

On the plus side, the cost of living in Australia was reaching ridiculous levels, so this may improve things a bit in regards to pricing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 09:33:47 PM
CHINA :argh!:

Also, will be kind of interesting to see how that plays out. What do you reckon to her chances?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 13, 2013, 01:25:23 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 12, 2013, 09:21:48 PM
ah, yes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabidiol

QuoteCannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 85 cannabinoids found in cannabis.[2] It is a major constituent of the plant, second to THC, and represents up to 40% in its extracts.[3] Compared with THC, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive, and is considered to have a wider scope of medical applications than THC,[citation needed] including to epilepsy,[4] multiple sclerosis spasms,[5] anxiety disorders, schizophrenia,[6] nausea, convulsion and inflammation, as well as inhibiting cancer cell growth.[7] CBD may decrease the rate of THC clearance from the body, perhaps by interfering with the metabolism of THC in the liver.

Yeah, I was talking about the strains that were mentioned in the article, that are low THC/high CBD. But since the ratios tend to have an inverse relationship I didn't really feel the need to spell it out again in my post.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 13, 2013, 07:53:44 AM
Ah, slipped up there. Sorry.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 13, 2013, 10:35:23 AM
http://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/blog/meet-the-aussie-boyband-who-sexually-harass-women-for-lulz-then-put-it-on-youtube

QuoteOne of their favourite things to do is fake wank videos, like the one at the top of this blog. They follow people, mostly women, round public places and pretend to masturbate behind them, just like real sexual harassers would! The only difference is...oh wait, there isn't one. It's about as funny as holding a gun to a child's head, making them cry and shit their pants, and then going LOL, IT'S ONLY A REPLICA. One scene in particular has one of them pretending to MASTURBATE IN FRONT OF A BABY while shouting "Your baby's sexy, don't let it grow up".

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 13, 2013, 05:56:12 PM
Burning Ethylene:  Not dangerous.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/13/18936624-explosion-at-louisiana-chemical-plant-25-people-reported-injured?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 13, 2013, 09:53:17 PM
Man reports ugly hooker to the bizzies (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-22887138)  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 14, 2013, 08:03:40 AM
Goood news:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22895161

QuoteHuman genes may not be patented, but artificially copied DNA can be claimed as intellectual property, the US Supreme Court has ruled unanimously.

The court quashed patents held by a Utah-based firm on two genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer.

The opinion said DNA came from nature and was not eligible for patenting.

The US biotechnology industry had warned any blanket ban on such patents would jeopardise huge investment in gene research and therapies.

"We hold that a naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated," Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in Thursday's opinion.

But his ruling said that synthetic molecules known as complementary DNA can be patented "because it is not naturally occurring".

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on June 14, 2013, 09:06:04 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 14, 2013, 08:03:40 AM
Goood news:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22895161

QuoteHuman genes may not be patented, but artificially copied DNA can be claimed as intellectual property, the US Supreme Court has ruled unanimously.

The court quashed patents held by a Utah-based firm on two genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer.

The opinion said DNA came from nature and was not eligible for patenting.

The US biotechnology industry had warned any blanket ban on such patents would jeopardise huge investment in gene research and therapies.

"We hold that a naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated," Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in Thursday's opinion.

But his ruling said that synthetic molecules known as complementary DNA can be patented "because it is not naturally occurring".
Very cool!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 14, 2013, 04:18:15 PM
Yay, that's rad!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on June 17, 2013, 03:10:36 AM
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/purple-wisconsin/211690051.html (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/purple-wisconsin/211690051.html)  My home state is getting very stupid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on June 18, 2013, 12:25:35 PM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on June 17, 2013, 03:10:36 AM
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/purple-wisconsin/211690051.html (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/purple-wisconsin/211690051.html)  My home state is getting very stupid.
What the fuck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2013, 01:18:00 PM
Another odd article from the BBC. I say odd, I mean poor attempt at propaganda.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22947160
QuoteMore than 400,000 people were caught watching TV without a licence in 2012.
By caught, they mean "were sent a letter"

Quoteit's breaking the law to watch live television without a licence so anybody doing this risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000."

Worth noting that the only evidence ever used to convict anyone of this offence is their direct confession. No other evidence will actually secure a conviction. The "detector vans" seem to be a hoax.
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/10/31/bbc-admits-that-tv-d.html

I've certainly never seen one, nor met anyone who has.

I have seen and met the bargain basement bailiffs that TV licensing employ. From what I witnessed, I think the main qualification was knowing what a TV looked like.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2013, 01:38:40 PM
Oh this is good:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22951654

QuoteLeaders at the G8 summit have agreed to "stamp out" ransom payments to terrorist groups, UK Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.

Up to $70m (£45m) is estimated to have been paid to free Western hostages in the last three years - an average of $2.5m (£1.9m) for each captive.

Downing Street said a "very strong" declaration was expected.

Mr Cameron called on private firms to follow the G8's example and refuse to pay ransoms to kidnappers.

Much of the money handed over is thought to go to terror groups including al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and the Taliban.

QuoteThe announcement comes after the International Maritime Bureau said piracy - including hostage-taking - on the West Coast of Africa, had overtaken the level experienced off Somalia, on Africa's east coast.

But it added that at least 78 people were still being held captive by Somali pirates.

Cain, I'd appreciate your take on this. I'm guessing it's largely bullshit posturing. Part of me thinks that they're trying to set up a no-negotiation stance for when Syria(Or where-ever) goes really bad and there's international hostages of all flavours. It is a recession after all, and £2 million a head gets pricey. A lot quicker and cheaper to mail a condolences card with a compensation cheque. Sounds like fucking terrible news for journalists, among many other professions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 18, 2013, 01:56:50 PM
Usually it's the private firms who pay out anyway, and kidnapped government officials are not normally done for financial reasons in the first place. 

I'd have to look into it more, though - ransom kidnappings are not my forte.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2013, 02:10:10 PM
Military personnel would fall under the government purse though. It's not hard to think of a situation where you've got soldiers as hostages either. Just seemed a little off to me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 18, 2013, 02:14:05 PM
Yeah, but normally if you're going for an easy profit, there are softer targets than soldiers.  In fact, practically anyone is a softer target. 

Usually, you kidnap soldiers for show trials, or for pressure to release prisoners, not as a financial goal.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2013, 02:16:25 PM
This is why I'm not a global threat yet.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22954505

More Phone hacking, Naughty newscorp as usual.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 19, 2013, 01:32:02 PM
Somewhat related:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22965046

QuoteAfghanistan has suspended talks with the US to discuss the nature of US military presence after foreign troops withdraw in 2014.

A spokesman for President Hamid Karzai said the decision was taken over "contradictions" in the US proposal of direct talks with the Taliban.

Mr Karzai also ruled out talking to the Taliban until the peace process was "Afghan-led".

Earlier, four US soldiers died in a Taliban attack at an Afghan air base.

A spokesman for the Taliban said the militants had launched two rockets at Bagram airbase, the largest military base for US troops in Afghanistan.

The attack came just hours after the US announced it would open direct talks with the Taliban at their office in the Qatari capital, Doha.

A condition for the talks was for the Taliban to renounce violence. However, US President Barack Obama did not make a ceasefire part of the preliminary negotiations.

With the timing, I'd almost think this to be a deliberate slight. Everyone must have been briefed on everyone's likely reactions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 19, 2013, 09:29:33 PM
I noted this story just before the above story broke. Coincidence? Nah.

http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/policy-and-strategy/305991-corker-blocks-afghan-war-funds-over-cia-ghost-money-to-karzai-government-

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 19, 2013, 09:33:12 PM
Nice find. Not heard the term "ghost money" before. Seems a long way to say "bribe"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 20, 2013, 12:03:35 PM
While we're waiting for his teeth go go missing and find out that he had taken more substances than Black Sabbath, have this:

(Put down any drinks)
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/national/news/10497663.Publisher_agrees_payout_to_psychic/

QuoteThe publisher of a national newspaper(DAILY MAIL) has agreed to pay "substantial" damages to a psychic after an article suggested she had "perpetrated a scam" on a theatre audience, a High Court judge has been told.

Associated Newspapers had apologised to Sally Morgan - who sued for libel after the article was published in the Daily Mail in September 2011 - and also agreed to pay her legal costs, Mr Justice Tugendhat heard.

At a High Court hearing in London, the judge was told Mrs Morgan was a psychic who had become well-known through appearances on television and in the theatre.

Graham Atkins, for Mrs Morgan, told the court his client was a psychic who had become well-known in the last five years or so.

"She has performed in over 600 shows in more than 100 different theatres or venues to audiences stretching into the hundreds of thousands," Mr Atkins told the judge.

"It was following a theatre performance in September 2011 in Dublin that an article appeared in the Daily Mail which, in the context of a general attack on psychics as being charlatans, accused Mrs Morgan specifically of having used a hidden earpiece during her performance in order to receive instructions from her team which she then repeated on stage as if she had received them from the spirit world."

He added: "The article thereby suggested that Mrs Morgan had deliberately and dishonestly perpetrated a scam on her audience in Dublin."

Yes Folks, UK Courts are taking Psychics being upset seriously. And what's even stranger is that a Judge ruled against the Daily Mail. Even stranger is the ton of other articles claiming exactly the same thing (Hot-reading with earpieces). This should get amusing.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 20, 2013, 10:36:46 PM
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/dow-slumps-over-2-percent-worst-trading-day-year-6C10390725
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 20, 2013, 10:48:28 PM
End of that delicious Fed gravy train.  Aint gonna get your free T-notes no more.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 21, 2013, 10:17:07 AM
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Charges-Half-naked-man-was-high-on-meth-while-driving-with-daughters-212364221.html?unu

QuoteSEATTLE -- The man who was caught allegedly speeding down I-5 crashing into cars with his two daughters in the backseat was not only high on methamphetamine and half-naked, he was wearing a womens blouse and prosthetic breasts, according to charges filed June 17.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 21, 2013, 10:26:37 AM
Did I miss the announcement that made the Anarchists Cookbook a criminal document?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22983354

QuoteAn illegal document known as the Anarchist's Cookbook was also recovered from the computer, according to the prosecution.

I'm only slightly surprised given the state of the UK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 21, 2013, 10:52:22 AM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/20/us-palestinians-resignation-idUSBRE95J0MI20130620

QuotePalestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah has offered his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas just two weeks after taking office, an official in his press office told Reuters on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear whether Abbas would accept the resignation by Hamdallah, an academic and political independent whose cabinet convened for the first time last week.

The official told Reuters Hamdallah made the abrupt, unexpected move because of a "dispute over his powers".

A note on Hamdallah's Facebook page said his decision came after "outside interferences in his powers and duties".

Change you can believe in!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 21, 2013, 12:20:12 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 21, 2013, 10:26:37 AM
Did I miss the announcement that made the Anarchists Cookbook a criminal document?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22983354

QuoteAn illegal document known as the Anarchist's Cookbook was also recovered from the computer, according to the prosecution.

I'm only slightly surprised given the state of the UK.

Back in the LSD Docs Disk's days, when I had it on 3.5 inch floppy it was considered highly illegal. Only reason I never scrubbed it tbh.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 21, 2013, 03:11:10 PM
I never knew this. I'll have to have a look at that.

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-06/20/x-ray-weapon-indictment

QuoteTwo electrical engineers have been arrested and charged in upstate New York for building a portable X-ray gun that they wanted to use on people they saw as anti-Israel.

49-year-old Glendon Scott Crawford and 54-year-old Eric Freight met each other at General Electric, where Crawford worked and Freight was employed as an outside contractor. According to the FBI, the two had approached Jewish organisations in April 2012 asking for funding for the weapon, with an investigation opened into them soon after.

Calling themselves "The Guild", the plan was to buy an industrial X-ray system and install it in a truck. The two men would then build a remote control and use it to fire dangerously high doses of radiation at targets they considered "opponents of Israel" -- including Muslims.

Controversially, by June, the FBI had an undercover source in place helping the pair draw up technical blueprints for the device, and helping them find components like vacuum tubes. The FBI also gave them $1,000 (£647) to build the control device, recording all conversations along the way.

A further bizarre detail involves Crawford apparently asking a high-ranking Ku Klux Klan member in North Carolina for money in October -- and the KKK member informing the FBI of the meeting.

Where to begin?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 03:18:43 PM
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/20/19062348-some-disabled-workers-paid-just-pennies-an-hour-and-its-legal?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 21, 2013, 03:45:31 PM
Those guys who rent themselves out so privileged kids get round Disneyland faster are looking smarter every day.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/20/french-woman-daughter-sit-exam-baccalaureat

QuoteWith the Baccalauréat exam season under way in France amid endless media reports on stress, cheating and unbearable pressure, one mother who seemingly wanted to ensure the best result for her child has been questioned by police after disguising herself as her daughter in order to sit an English exam in her place.

The 52-year-old woman, reportedly dressed in Converse baseball boots, jeans and a lot of makeup, managed to be admitted to an exam hall in a lycée in Paris instead of her 19-year-old daughter.

QuoteAn invigilator who wandered up the rows of desks glancing at the candidates' ID cards noticed the imposter straight away, having seen the daughter sitting a philosophy exam two days before. She notified the head of the exam centre but, not wishing to disturb the other students, did not evict the mother straight away.

Only after she had been writing her exam paper for two hours did plain-clothes police arrive and wait outside the exam hall.

An invigilator gently asked the woman to leave. "Thankfully, she left with no difficulties," a lycée representative told Le Parisien.

"The 20 or so other candidates present didn't notice anything."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 21, 2013, 03:57:08 PM
This article tells you everything you really need to know about human nature:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/06/20/193587906/a-surprising-barrier-to-clean-water-human-nature

QuoteSuccess, though, is a relative term. It turns out that if you test the water in people's homes in villages where the dispensers have been installed, only 40 percent test positive for chlorine.

Some people don't like the taste; some people don't believe in it, "Sometimes you're in a rush, or you're thinking about something else and you just don't do it."

This would be frustrating, says Green-Lowe, if it weren't so familiar.

"I've had malaria five times now, he says. "I have a bed net hanging above my bed, and I don't use it."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 21, 2013, 05:02:33 PM
The FBI and the LAPD are only ever looking out for our best interests, that's, like, their job, right?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2345332/Paranoid-Michael-Hastings-told-WikiLeaks-lawyer-investigated-FBI-hours-deadly-car-crash.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:25:42 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 21, 2013, 03:57:08 PM
This article tells you everything you really need to know about human nature:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/06/20/193587906/a-surprising-barrier-to-clean-water-human-nature

QuoteSuccess, though, is a relative term. It turns out that if you test the water in people's homes in villages where the dispensers have been installed, only 40 percent test positive for chlorine.

Some people don't like the taste; some people don't believe in it, "Sometimes you're in a rush, or you're thinking about something else and you just don't do it."

This would be frustrating, says Green-Lowe, if it weren't so familiar.

"I've had malaria five times now, he says. "I have a bed net hanging above my bed, and I don't use it."

Is anyone here surprised? No? Didn't think so. It's like we WANT to be wiped out. :P
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 21, 2013, 05:27:24 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Woah. I did not see that coming.

Somewhat related

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2437863

Looks like some folks can see which way the wind is blowing...finally.

Also, what CPD said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 21, 2013, 05:29:45 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

I guess it goes back to that redemption thing.

Personally, I don't care how sorry they are, he is. They can rot.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:29:52 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 21, 2013, 05:27:24 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Woah. I did not see that coming.

Somewhat related

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2437863

Looks like some folks can see which way the wind is blowing...finally.

Also, what CPD said.

I agree with Murkowski's take on things completely.

Gay marriage should be legal in all states, but no church should be forced to participate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:30:55 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 21, 2013, 05:29:45 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

I guess it goes back to that redemption thing.

Personally, I don't care how sorry they are, he is. They can rot.

Well, if there's no redemption, then there's that much less incentive for your opponents to change sides or just leave the field.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 21, 2013, 05:32:27 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:29:52 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 21, 2013, 05:27:24 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Woah. I did not see that coming.

Somewhat related

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2437863

Looks like some folks can see which way the wind is blowing...finally.

Also, what CPD said.

I agree with Murkowski's take on things completely.

Gay marriage should be legal in all states, but no church should be forced to participate.

Oh yes, and I'm glad she did it. Now if she could influence things in such a way that gay people can't get fired or denied housing because of their sexuality here in town, maybe they'll have time to get married.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 21, 2013, 05:34:18 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:30:55 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 21, 2013, 05:29:45 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

I guess it goes back to that redemption thing.

Personally, I don't care how sorry they are, he is. They can rot.

Well, if there's no redemption, then there's that much less incentive for your opponents to change sides or just leave the field.

After that thread I have thought about this topic a lot.
But it is incredibly hard for me to have anything but malice toward organizations that have contributed to brainwashing queer kids. And their suicides.

I see what you mean, but it's difficult for me to put into practice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on June 21, 2013, 06:44:20 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 03:18:43 PM
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/20/19062348-some-disabled-workers-paid-just-pennies-an-hour-and-its-legal?lite

This is a tricky one.  Without an incentive companies will not choose to hire disabled workers.  That doesn't mean they should be allowed to pay them as little as they are paying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 21, 2013, 06:48:25 PM
Here's an incentive - if you're found to be discriminating against disabled workers where their disability will not affect the job role, your company will be fined and will be put on a register of discriminatory employers, which will involve periodic checks and further fines for non-compliance.

Well, it's actually a disincentive, but classical economics does not actually distinguish between the two.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 07:05:53 PM
Quote from: Pergamos on June 21, 2013, 06:44:20 PM
This is a tricky one.  Without an incentive companies will not choose to hire disabled workers. 

I keep hearing about "incentives to hire".  Been hearing it since 1980.  I see the incentives, but I don't see the hiring.

What I see is chintzy excuses for wage slavery and peonage.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 07:06:44 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 21, 2013, 06:48:25 PM
Here's an incentive - if you're found to be discriminating against disabled workers where their disability will not affect the job role, your company will be fined and will be put on a register of discriminatory employers, which will involve periodic checks and further fines for non-compliance.

Well, it's actually a disincentive, but classical economics does not actually distinguish between the two.

This.  Fine 'em to death, pour encourager les autres.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 08:41:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

Yeah. That's a good thing. He's got a long way to go, though, if he's going to try and undo the damage he did.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on June 21, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 08:41:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

Yeah. That's a good thing. He's got a long way to go, though, if he's going to try and undo the damage he did.

I don't think he can undo the damage.  That he has made it harder for others to do damage is good though, and he himself is actually one of the damaged, he tried to pray the gay away and failed, there is undoubtedly someone else who convinced him that would work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 08:46:32 PM
Quote from: Pergamos on June 21, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 08:41:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

Yeah. That's a good thing. He's got a long way to go, though, if he's going to try and undo the damage he did.

I don't think he can undo the damage.  That he has made it harder for others to do damage is good though, and he himself is actually one of the damaged, he tried to pray the gay away and failed, there is undoubtedly someone else who convinced him that would work.

I don't think he can either. But he's welcome to give it a go.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 21, 2013, 09:02:41 PM
Hershey Canada fined $4M for chocolate price fixing
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2013/06/21/business-hershey-price-fixing.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: Telarus on June 21, 2013, 09:02:41 PM
Hershey Canada fined $4M for chocolate price fixing
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2013/06/21/business-hershey-price-fixing.html

This makes me sad.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 22, 2013, 12:05:48 AM
Quote from: Pergamos on June 21, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 08:41:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

Yeah. That's a good thing. He's got a long way to go, though, if he's going to try and undo the damage he did.

I don't think he can undo the damage.  That he has made it harder for others to do damage is good though, and he himself is actually one of the damaged, he tried to pray the gay away and failed, there is undoubtedly someone else who convinced him that would work.

Right, then.  Any volunteers to haul him behind the chemical sheds and put a bullet in his neck?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 03:01:00 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 20, 2013, 10:36:46 PM
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/dow-slumps-over-2-percent-worst-trading-day-year-6C10390725

All I want is to finish my education, goddammit. Is that so much to ask, America?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 03:12:12 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

What they're doing is potentially game-changing, because it means that a lot of people who have been anti-gay may reconsider. When they see their leaders change their values, people often follow suit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 03:16:59 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:30:55 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 21, 2013, 05:29:45 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

I guess it goes back to that redemption thing.

Personally, I don't care how sorry they are, he is. They can rot.

Well, if there's no redemption, then there's that much less incentive for your opponents to change sides or just leave the field.

Meh, there will always be people who will hate someone and all their descendants forever because of things their predecessors did. Fortunately, I don't think change is motivated as much by external forgiveness... although Chambers issued an apology, I don't think the apology was motivated by an expectation of forgiveness... as by an internal desire to right wrongs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 22, 2013, 03:18:25 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 22, 2013, 03:12:12 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

What they're doing is potentially game-changing, because it means that a lot of people who have been anti-gay may reconsider. When they see their leaders change their values, people often follow suit.
Don't forget the first follower aspect too. Movement with a leader increases massively as soon as you add even a single follower to the platform, no matter how secondary.

Every fucking bandwagon started not because of crazy guy shouting about something, it was the fuckwit who shouted "He's Right!" who needs a kicking just as much.

Somewhat unrelated, I have no idea why I'm awake at this hour.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 03:18:28 AM
Quote from: Alty on June 21, 2013, 05:34:18 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:30:55 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 21, 2013, 05:29:45 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

I guess it goes back to that redemption thing.

Personally, I don't care how sorry they are, he is. They can rot.

Well, if there's no redemption, then there's that much less incentive for your opponents to change sides or just leave the field.

After that thread I have thought about this topic a lot.
But it is incredibly hard for me to have anything but malice toward organizations that have contributed to brainwashing queer kids. And their suicides.

I see what you mean, but it's difficult for me to put into practice.

So do you think that rather than changing his organization's policy and issuing a public apology, it would have made no difference had he left the policy intact and not apologized?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 03:21:16 AM
Actually kinda wondering if the "he should rot in hell" contingent even actually read the article...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 22, 2013, 04:12:15 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 22, 2013, 03:21:16 AM
Actually kinda wondering if the "he should rot in hell" contingent even actually read the article...

Yeah. I did. It was a moment of bitter, salty angst on my part. I'm okay with having that moment. Do I think he did a good thing? Yeah. Do I hope he keeps on in this direction for making good things? Yeah? Does it make things all better now? No and it doesn't have to. But I'm allowed to be affected by all the harm he did.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 22, 2013, 04:44:57 AM
FIRED. HAR HAR
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/19/paula-deen-racist-comments-n-word-caught-on-video_n_3467287.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 22, 2013, 05:26:33 AM
Quote from: stelz on June 22, 2013, 04:44:57 AM
FIRED. HAR HAR
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/19/paula-deen-racist-comments-n-word-caught-on-video_n_3467287.html

Paula Deen is blowin' it up, controversy wise. Someone sent me a link to her apology earlier and I was like "Yeeeeeah, having black waiters dress up like slaves at a wedding on a plantation was one of those thoughts you probably shouldn't have shared."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 05:46:13 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 22, 2013, 04:12:15 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 22, 2013, 03:21:16 AM
Actually kinda wondering if the "he should rot in hell" contingent even actually read the article...

Yeah. I did. It was a moment of bitter, salty angst on my part. I'm okay with having that moment. Do I think he did a good thing? Yeah. Do I hope he keeps on in this direction for making good things? Yeah? Does it make things all better now? No and it doesn't have to. But I'm allowed to be affected by all the harm he did.

So that means that you read that the organization was founded in 1976, which means that he couldn't have founded it, and that the article stated that over the last year he's caused a lot of controversy for challenging their policies? And you just keep referring to the organization as "him" because, as the most recent president of the board of directors, he is symbolically responsible for all the organization's past sins and should rot in hell on behalf of all his predecessors?

Or...?

I'm just confused by why several people seem to be holding the guy responsible for the positive change personally morally responsible for all the things the organization did before he assumed control of it. Makes me kind of think you might be accidentally falling into scapegoating mode.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 05:48:46 PM
I'm really just asking for a little fucking critical thinking here. Based solely on the information in that very brief article, what I deduced is that Chambers assumed control of a profoundly destructive organization and ultimately not only issued an official apology to the community it's been hurting for decades, but also actually SHUT IT DOWN COMPLETELY.

So, yeah, he is clearly an asshole who should rot in hell.

FFS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 22, 2013, 06:13:30 PM
Yeah, I got carried away when I read Exodus.

Sorry about that, folks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 22, 2013, 06:33:50 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 22, 2013, 06:13:30 PM
Yeah, I got carried away when I read Exodus.

Sorry about that, folks.

No worries

thanks for being a biped about it! :flowers:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 23, 2013, 07:17:41 PM
No where to, baby, nowhere to hide:

http://www.seattlepi.com/national/article/Why-NASA-s-latest-photo-of-Alaska-is-freaking-4612565.php

This is actually sort of an important thing for these asshole humans to understand. There is no escape. Sell all your shit, live by the speed of your feet, arms, and heart, eschew all of the worlds sins. Eat nothing but what you can catch or grow. Live 100's of miles from another filthy human being.

You're still gonna fry.

THEY are still gonna get ya.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 23, 2013, 07:43:09 PM
Yep, we're all gonna die.

Which is why it's VERY IMPORTANT to get as much fossil fuel out of the ground and burn it as quickly as possible. Hurry! We're running out of time!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 23, 2013, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 23, 2013, 07:43:09 PM
Yep, we're all gonna die.

Which is why it's VERY IMPORTANT to get as much fossil fuel out of the ground and burn it as quickly as possible. Hurry! We're running out of time!

*nods sagely*

Do your duty, citizens, leave car running every single moment. It comes down to individual efforts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on June 23, 2013, 11:52:35 PM
What do you all make of this?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324634304578539823614996636.html
OPINIONJune 19, 2013, 7:34 p.m. ET
David Rivkin and Elizabeth Foley: An ObamaCare Board Answerable to No One
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 24, 2013, 12:53:18 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 22, 2013, 05:46:13 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 22, 2013, 04:12:15 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 22, 2013, 03:21:16 AM
Actually kinda wondering if the "he should rot in hell" contingent even actually read the article...

Yeah. I did. It was a moment of bitter, salty angst on my part. I'm okay with having that moment. Do I think he did a good thing? Yeah. Do I hope he keeps on in this direction for making good things? Yeah? Does it make things all better now? No and it doesn't have to. But I'm allowed to be affected by all the harm he did.

So that means that you read that the organization was founded in 1976, which means that he couldn't have founded it, and that the article stated that over the last year he's caused a lot of controversy for challenging their policies? And you just keep referring to the organization as "him" because, as the most recent president of the board of directors, he is symbolically responsible for all the organization's past sins and should rot in hell on behalf of all his predecessors?

Or...?

I'm just confused by why several people seem to be holding the guy responsible for the positive change personally morally responsible for all the things the organization did before he assumed control of it. Makes me kind of think you might be accidentally falling into scapegoating mode.

Well initially I said 'those guys' not just him.  Hold on, I've forgotten most of the conversation. Let me reread.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 24, 2013, 01:03:24 AM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 24, 2013, 12:53:18 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 22, 2013, 05:46:13 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 22, 2013, 04:12:15 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 22, 2013, 03:21:16 AM
Actually kinda wondering if the "he should rot in hell" contingent even actually read the article...

Yeah. I did. It was a moment of bitter, salty angst on my part. I'm okay with having that moment. Do I think he did a good thing? Yeah. Do I hope he keeps on in this direction for making good things? Yeah? Does it make things all better now? No and it doesn't have to. But I'm allowed to be affected by all the harm he did.

So that means that you read that the organization was founded in 1976, which means that he couldn't have founded it, and that the article stated that over the last year he's caused a lot of controversy for challenging their policies? And you just keep referring to the organization as "him" because, as the most recent president of the board of directors, he is symbolically responsible for all the organization's past sins and should rot in hell on behalf of all his predecessors?

Or...?

I'm just confused by why several people seem to be holding the guy responsible for the positive change personally morally responsible for all the things the organization did before he assumed control of it. Makes me kind of think you might be accidentally falling into scapegoating mode.

Well initially I said 'those guys' not just him. Hold on, I've forgotten most of the conversation. Let me reread.

Regarding him, specifically: When I replied to your statement, I was feeling irritated by his apologies to people who blew their money and spent years trying to fix something that isn't broken. How many lives were just thrown in complete disarray . . . again. It doesn't seem like enough. I don't know what 'enough' would be and it frustrates me because there should be something to DO that would make things right. So I guess mostly I was feeling that there should be an easy fix for people who were screwed over and are back at square one.

What he did was right. It was definitely necessary to do. I'm not saying it wasn't. I just feel horrible for all the people who are going to be so lost over all of this.

It shouldn't have ever been a thing, but it was, and now it's over so . . . now what? It's disturbing and scary to be in that place and I've been there more than once. That's what I was reacting to, concerning him specifically. And yeah, it was a reaction, not critical thought or a well-reasoned response. I own that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 24, 2013, 02:52:53 AM
Quote from: Telarus on June 23, 2013, 11:52:35 PM
What do you all make of this?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324634304578539823614996636.html
OPINIONJune 19, 2013, 7:34 p.m. ET
David Rivkin and Elizabeth Foley: An ObamaCare Board Answerable to No One

1. WSJ has been a Murdoch propaganda culvert for the last three years or so
2. The article is a badly-written uncited right-wing opinion piece that uses "talking point" language.

It might be worth researching the Independent Payment Advisory Board, which I did briefly and found several interesting articles such as these: http://thehealthcareblog.com/blog/2013/01/11/the-independent-payment-advisory-board-why-it-is-so-difficult-to-kill-the-death-panel-myth/

http://www.healthbeatblog.com/2013/05/the-independent-payment-advisory-board-and-medicare-spending-new-research-suggests-a-change-in-our-medical-culture/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/05/03/as-health-care-costs-slow-ipabs-launch-is-delayed/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2013, 08:41:31 AM
Nigel's two points are dead on. I'm pretty wary of any discussion like this regarding health services as the language tends to become similar to talking about benefits and welfare. When you're spending trillions on bombs and drones, how is there even a discussion about universal healthcare? Ah, yes. Personal profit.

For your consideration today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23024666

QuoteAn Italian court is expected to rule whether ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi paid for sex with an underage prostitute and abused his office as prime minister.

Prosecutors at the trial in Milan are demanding a six-year sentence and a lifetime ban from public office.

The 76-year-old media tycoon denies all the allegations.

Mr Berlusconi, who is already embroiled in several court cases, was given a four-year sentence for tax fraud in October 2012.

Last chance to place bets on how guilty he is.

QuoteMr Berlusconi is also charged with abusing his power of office after calling a police station to press for the release of Ms Mahroug from custody when she was arrested in Milan in a separate petty theft case.

He has acknowledged the phone-call but says it was made as a favour to former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, whose granddaughter he believed Ms Mahroug to be.

He told a TV programme about the "bunga-bunga" broadcast on one of his Mediaset channels that he had "absolutely never had intercourse with Ruby".

Prosecutors, whom Mr Berlusconi accuses of waging a politicised campaign against him, want him to serve a one-year jail term on the charge of paying for sex with an underage prostitute and five years for abuse of office.

It's an impressive level of corruption that this implies. The Granddaughter lie seems made up on the spot and would indicate Mubarak as being present at least one of these gatherings. It's also interesting to see the Italian view on under-age prostitution.  I wouldn't be surprised if a sympathetic jury just let him off with that charge entirely.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2013, 08:53:14 AM
The UK's been investigating and writing reports on its self a lot of late. The cost?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23011509

Quoteinvestigations prompted by revelations of phone hacking by the media have cost the Metropolitan Police a combined £19.5m so far.

The inquiries into phone hacking, corrupt payments to public officials and computer hacking have 155 officers and staff working on them.

So far 15 people have been charged with phone hacking, 24 for corrupt payments and none for hacking emails.

Meanwhile, the inquiry into sexual abuse by Jimmy Savile has cost £1m.

The figures released to the BBC under a Freedom of Information request show Operation Weeting, which is looking at phone hacking, has 84 people working on it and had cost £12.2m to the end of the financial year 2012-13.

Operation Elveden - into corrupt payments - has 67 staff and a bill of £5.7m. The probe into computer hacking - Operation Tuleta - is staffed by 15 people and has so far cost £1.6m.

I can't help but wonder how much of that £20 Million has gone on "Overtime" or similar. The UK does have a tendency to throw money at a problem to fix it, but not really look at where the cash is going or to who, or on what. Capita, for example still takes a scary chunk of government contracts despite it being a watchword for "Incredibly shitty". Even their own employees call it Crapita. They've grafted pretty much every government department you can mention at some point.

This is only a few investigations, so the total bill for the UK to slap it's self on the wrist again is still unknown.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on June 24, 2013, 09:26:31 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 22, 2013, 12:05:48 AM
Quote from: Pergamos on June 21, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 08:41:04 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on June 21, 2013, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 21, 2013, 05:24:33 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19063292-mixed-reactions-to-exodus-group-leaving-gay-therapy?lite

Those Exodus guys deserve to burn in their own Hell.

Well, this Chambers guy seems to have had a change of heart.  Pissed off all the other "straight therapy" assholes in the process.

Yeah. That's a good thing. He's got a long way to go, though, if he's going to try and undo the damage he did.

I don't think he can undo the damage.  That he has made it harder for others to do damage is good though, and he himself is actually one of the damaged, he tried to pray the gay away and failed, there is undoubtedly someone else who convinced him that would work.

Right, then.  Any volunteers to haul him behind the chemical sheds and put a bullet in his neck?

I don't think I understand this response.  I said he can't undo the damage, but that he is helping to keep more damage from occurring, and that he himself is a victim of the same system that he recently denounced and you read that as advocation for a quick execution?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2013, 01:36:49 PM
Ahem.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/21/woman-dressed-as-giant-vagina-stops-street-attack-on-giant-penis/

QuoteA woman dressed as a giant vagina reportedly saved a man dressed as a giant penis who was being attacked on a street in England.

Quote"He started shouting at me, saying it was disgusting and children could see us," Murray recalled. "I could tell by his body language that he was really angry. I tried to calm him down, I wasn't looking for a fight; but he grabbed my hat, tore it off and chucked it on the pavement."
That's when Joanne Tremarco stepped in dressed as female genitalia to calm the situation and save her friend.

QuoteThe Nomadic Academy of Fools has agreed not to do any more street performances dressed as penises and vaginas.

Video at the link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 24, 2013, 06:04:54 PM
Berlusconi was found guilty:

QuoteItaly's former PM Silvio Berlusconi has been sentenced to seven years in jail and banned from public office for having sex with an underage prostitute.

However, don't get too excited, because:

QuoteThe Milan court ruling is not effective until several appeals have been heard.

Berlusconi does not need to hold public office to continue as head of his political party.  And, as always, the wheels of justice in Italy turn slowly, with frequent stoppages and more than the occasional backslip.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2013, 06:22:54 PM
Well minor progress at least.

I assume actual jail is off the table? The appeals process seems designed to keep you out of it as far as I understand.

Either way, hopefully this is the start of the process to find him under a bridge with bricks in his pockets.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 25, 2013, 11:28:51 AM
An unusual mix:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23027492

QuoteBurmese President Thein Sein has defended a Buddhist monk accused of fomenting a wave of anti-Muslim violence in the country.

US Time magazine currently has Ashin Wirathu on its front cover under the title "The face of Buddhist terror".

Thein Sein said the report undermined efforts to rebuild trust between faiths and that the monk's order was striving for peace and prosperity.

The monk has called Muslims a scourge threatening Burma's Buddhist character.

Helps to remember that Buddhists can be crazy people too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 25, 2013, 02:00:36 PM
Almost worth starting an "Italy Unlimited!"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23044332

Quotehe US has blocked the sale of an $11.5m (£7.4m) Picasso painting at the request of the Italian Government.

The 1909 work Compotier et tasse or "Fruit bowl and cup", had been offered for private sale in New York.

Its owner, Gabriella Amati and her late husband, Angelo Maj have been charged with embezzling $44m (£28.5m) of tax revenues from the city of Naples.

The US Justice department said the work was purchased with money allegedly obtained through criminal activity.

The charges against Ms Amati include avoiding taxes and forging accounting records.

Starting to think corruption is the national hobby in Italy. Getting stories through daily at the moment with with this kind of stuff.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 26, 2013, 10:21:41 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-23059542

QuoteA mosque in Worcestershire has been broken into and graffiti including swastikas sprayed on to the walls.

The damage at the mosque, which is still being built, in Jinnah Road was caused between 0200 BST and 0430 BST. Graffiti was sprayed over walls and at least six windows.

The intruders forced their way through a gate and broke into the main building.

Police have increased patrols in the area and are now guarding the site.

It is not yet known if anything was stolen.

Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said that because of incidents "happening nationally", targeted patrols had been put in place.

Partly an aftermath of the Machete terror incident, and partly business as usual in the UK. This does seem like an unusally bold step though. The area has had issues with racially orientated crime but this is a fair step up from the norm. Will be keeping an eye out to see what action is taken.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 26, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/vietnam-wont-stop-locking-up-its-bloggers

QuoteVietnam is not a good place to be a blogger. At least, it's not a good place to be a blogger if you actually want to write what's on your mind. In the last month or so, three bloggers have been arrested for criticising the communist government, or – as Vietnamese authorities deftly put it – "abusing democratic freedoms" by posting their opinions online. While that charge might seem like a bit of a paradox, their prospects post-arrest aren't looking great; on May the 16th, another blogger – Dinh Nguyen Kha – was sentenced to ten years in jail for "distributing anti-State propaganda" and "deliberately causing injuries".     

Those arrests are just one of the issues that spurred former US congressman Joseph Cao into calling Vietnam, "The worst violator of human rights in Southeast Asia" (and that's including Burma, a country where the Rohingya Muslim minority are being systematically wiped out, allegedly with tacit approval from the government). Other issues worthy of some credit for that title include outlawing political opposition to the one-party state, repressing dissidents, severely restricting freedom of expression and arresting, imprisoning and torturing peaceful activists.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 26, 2013, 02:27:43 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23061391

QuoteKevin Rudd has ousted Prime Minister Julia Gillard as leader of Australia's Labor Party.

He won 57 votes in a leadership ballot of Labor MPs and senators called by Ms Gillard, who received 45 votes.

The change comes ahead of a general election due in September, which polls suggest Labor is set to lose.

After the vote, Ms Gillard confirmed she would stand by a pledge to resign from politics following a loss in the leadership challenge.

"I will not recontest the federal electorate... at the forthcoming election," she said.

Probably a bad thing. She seems to have dealt with a lot of the worst of Politics relatively well, though I doubt she'll be remembered fondly in the immediate future.

Some HA HA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23063255

QuoteA commission of inquiry has been set up by Pope Francis to review the activities of the Vatican bank, following recent scandals.

Earlier this month, he named a trusted cleric to oversee the management of the bank, which is known officially as the Institute for Religious Works.

The institution, one of the world's most secretive banks, has been beset by allegations of money-laundering.

It has 114 employees and $7.1bn (£4.6bn; 5.4bn euros) of assets.

The new commission is tasked with ensuring the bank operates in "harmony" with the mission of the Church.

No doubt this will be worth watching, for what they fail to find as much as what they actually find. Yet another good publicity move from this pope though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 26, 2013, 03:32:13 PM
Did anyone order a shitstorm?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23068454

QuoteThe US Supreme Court has struck down a law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman only, in a landmark ruling.

The court's 5-4 vote said the Defense of Marriage Act, known as Doma, denied equal protection to same-sex couples.

The decision means that legally married gay men and women are entitled to claim the same federal benefits available to opposite-sex married couples.

QuoteThe legal challenge to Doma was brought by New York resident Edith Windsor, 83.

She was handed a tax bill of $363,000 (£236,000) when she inherited the estate of her spouse Thea Speyer - a levy she would not have had to pay if she had been married to a man.

Don't fuck with pensioners.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 28, 2013, 11:13:22 AM
Today in scumbags:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23094320

QuoteA senior Italian cleric has been arrested in connection with an inquiry into the Vatican bank scandal over allegations of corruption and fraud.

Monsignor Nunzio Scarano works in the Vatican's financial administration. A secret service agent and a financial broker have also been arrested.

They are suspected of trying to move 20m euros illegally into Italy.

Pope Francis ordered an unprecedented internal investigation into the bank's affairs in the wake of recent scandals.

Monsignor Scarano has been under investigation by Italian police for a series of suspicious transactions involving the recycling of a series of cheques described as church donations through the Vatican Bank.

Earlier this month, the Pope named a trusted cleric to oversee the management of the bank, which has been beset by allegations of money-laundering.

Officially known as the Institute for the Works of Religion, the bank is one of the world's most secretive. It has 114 employees and $7.1bn (£4.6bn; 5.4bn euros) of assets.

Pope Francis has given the commission carte blanche, bypassing normal secrecy rules, to try to get to the bottom of scandals which have plagued the bank for decades.

Surely much more to come here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 28, 2013, 11:15:45 AM
UK Media shitting the bed again:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23098284

QuoteFive UK phone hacking defendants, including Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, have lost a last ditch legal bid to block their prosecution over alleged phone hacking.

Former News International chief executive Mrs Brooks has pleaded not guilty to phone hacking charges.

Revelations about phone hacking led to the closure of the News of the World in July 2011.

Mrs Brooks, 45, also denies conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

Guilty all round I suspect to be an understatement. Can't wait for all the fair and balanced reporting that will go along with the coverage of the trial.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 28, 2013, 03:01:50 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23093581

QuoteThe government says energy minister Michael Fallon is "fully behind" a National Grid consultation that could see big businesses paid to cut their energy usage in times of shortage.

Last night Mr Fallon appeared to dismiss the proposal in an interview on the BBC's Newsnight programme.

It followed a warning from energy regulator Ofgem that the risk of power cuts has increased in the UK.

Despite that the government has emphasised "the lights won't go out".

The UK's energy policy has been quite insane for years. Private Eye has been regularly noting the reduction in capacity with brown/black outs the inevitable result at some point.

That point now appears to be fairly soon.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 28, 2013, 08:11:24 PM
I cannot tell, is this satire or not?

http://americablog.com/2013/06/the-most-unfortunate-logo-and-slogan-in-the-history-of-american-politics.html

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 08:27:47 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 28, 2013, 08:11:24 PM
I cannot tell, is this satire or not?

http://americablog.com/2013/06/the-most-unfortunate-logo-and-slogan-in-the-history-of-american-politics.html

(http://americablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/frc-on-our-knees-gay-marriage.jpg)

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 08:33:11 PM
STAY CLASSY, TEXAS!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/28/19190519-texas-woman-indicted-for-sending-ricin-letters-to-obama-bloomberg?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 09:25:03 PM
D'AWWWWWW

http://www.today.com/news/bert-ernie-mark-doma-decision-new-yorker-cover-6C10480518#news/bert-ernie-celebrate-doma-decision-new-yorker-cover-6C10480518
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 28, 2013, 09:33:53 PM
Is it just me, or is there something like a Obama Home Stretch that's bringing out the weird?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 28, 2013, 09:52:09 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 08:27:47 PM
Quote from: Alty on June 28, 2013, 08:11:24 PM
I cannot tell, is this satire or not?

http://americablog.com/2013/06/the-most-unfortunate-logo-and-slogan-in-the-history-of-american-politics.html

(http://americablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/frc-on-our-knees-gay-marriage.jpg)

:lulz:

YOINKED  :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 28, 2013, 09:53:54 PM
So, not satire then.

These assholes are for real.

I just, I can't even...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 28, 2013, 10:06:25 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 08:33:11 PM
STAY CLASSY, TEXAS!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/28/19190519-texas-woman-indicted-for-sending-ricin-letters-to-obama-bloomberg?lite
[/quote

That's a variation of the "Texas Face" you mentioned, isn't it?  :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 10:12:17 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 09:25:03 PM
D'AWWWWWW

http://www.today.com/news/bert-ernie-mark-doma-decision-new-yorker-cover-6C10480518#news/bert-ernie-celebrate-doma-decision-new-yorker-cover-6C10480518

It occurs to me to wonder just how long The New Yorker has been waiting to stub that particular cigarette out in the right wing's eye.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 28, 2013, 10:17:47 PM
STUB ANOTHER ONE! IN THE OTHER EYE! DO IT DO IT DO IT...  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 29, 2013, 11:14:56 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 28, 2013, 09:25:03 PM
D'AWWWWWW

http://www.today.com/news/bert-ernie-mark-doma-decision-new-yorker-cover-6C10480518#news/bert-ernie-celebrate-doma-decision-new-yorker-cover-6C10480518

SO CUTE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 12:31:57 AM
Lame.  Why do Bert and Ernie need to be sexualised at all?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 30, 2013, 01:12:38 AM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 12:31:57 AM
Lame.  Why do Bert and Ernie need to be sexualised at all?

A. I don't see them engaging in a sexual activity in this image. "Homosexual" doesn't just mean what you like to do with your genitals, you know. I mean, Teh Gays do have emotions, just like normal people. In fact, recent studies have shown that their DNA is over 99.9% similar to humans!

B. As characters depicted as being people, it can be reasonably inferred that, if they were real, they would have sexual orientations. Of course, they are not people, they are puppets, and anyone with two brain cells banging around in their head knows that Bert and Ernie are not actually gay, and that the image linked above is just a statement about people who have long been abused and discriminated against finally getting some comforting news.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 01:16:07 AM
Right, they aren't people, they are puppets.  So A) it makes no sense and B) it kind of trivializes the event, IMO.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 01:17:34 AM
I mean, seriously, the New Yorker has a chance to make an actual meaningful statement on their cover with respect to this monumental decision, and they stick a couple of muppets on the cover.  It's lame. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 01:19:32 AM
This article which was linked in the previous article nails it:  http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on June 30, 2013, 01:21:42 AM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 01:16:07 AM
Right, they aren't people, they are puppets.  So A) it makes no sense and B) it kind of trivializes the event, IMO.

A) Yes it does, so neener neener, etc.

B) Anything that gets people talking about a thing sort of does the opposite of trivializing it.

Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 01:17:34 AM
I mean, seriously, the New Yorker has a chance to make an actual meaningful statement on their cover with respect to this monumental decision, and they stick a couple of muppets on the cover.  It's lame. 

It's symbolic, and although I also would rather have seen a more meaningful image like an actual gay wedding or happy protesters outside the SCOTUS compound, it isn't my magazine. And gay Bert and Ernie does make a statement, no matter how "lame" you might think it is. Maybe it's aimed at people who aren't necessarily going to be struck by the beauty of a gay wedding or happy protesters or whatever else it could have been on the cover.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 01:24:11 AM
It seems to be aimed at simpletons who need cartoon characters to do their thinking for them. 


Way to go New Yorker!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on June 30, 2013, 02:00:08 AM
:troll:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 30, 2013, 02:08:42 AM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 01:19:32 AM
This article which was linked in the previous article nails it:  http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive

The comments section for that article already say everything I'm thinking right now, so there's really no need for me to type it out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 30, 2013, 02:12:57 AM
Quote from: Alty on June 30, 2013, 02:00:08 AM
:troll:

:lulz: Nailed it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 02:57:21 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on June 30, 2013, 02:08:42 AM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 01:19:32 AM
This article which was linked in the previous article nails it:  http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive (http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive)

The comments section for that article already say everything I'm thinking right now, so there's really no need for me to type it out.


I like this one:




Amanda Harper (https://m.facebook.com/dootsie)
This article fails to point out something that I find REALLY important in this discussion; Sesame Street has actually addressed this issue publicly and made clear that Bert and Ernie are muppets, have no sexuality and are therefore NOT GAY. That's from the source, folks. Even if you want to believe that they're just in the closet, I really feel like characters simply can't be gay icons if their creators insist that it's not true.
There are lots of other characters, lots of actual people, who are definitely, for-sure, actually gay. Why pick two characters who are only thought to be gay based on innuendo?



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 30, 2013, 06:01:19 AM
This is silly. The New Yorker covers always deal with PERCEPTIONS. There is a trope the B&E are gay. That's both the beginning and end of it. No matter what HensonCo says, that cover evokes emotions in a huge swath of people. The cover isn't proofed for accuracy. It's proofed for impact.




And it's adorable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 30, 2013, 06:05:06 AM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 12:31:57 AM
Lame.  Why do Bert and Ernie need to be sexualised at all?

And then RWHN was Enki.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 30, 2013, 09:41:26 AM
This is almost as bad as the time the New Yorker accurately portrayed Barack and Michelle Obama engaging in terrorist fist pumps.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on June 30, 2013, 11:29:46 AM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 01:24:11 AM
It seems to be aimed at simpletons who need cartoon characters to do their thinking for them. 


Way to go New Yorker!

puppets aren't cartoon characters.

It was obvious to me as a child that Bert and Ernie were gay, they're iconic characters and seeing them happy with the decision was touching to me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 12:24:27 PM
But, they aren't gay.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 30, 2013, 06:41:27 PM
While we're being pedantic, there's nothing in the New Yorker cartoon that says they ARE gay. They're just two puppets, still living together after 40 years, watching the DOMA ruling on TV.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on June 30, 2013, 11:32:02 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 30, 2013, 06:41:27 PM
While we're being pedantic, there's nothing in the New Yorker cartoon that says they ARE gay. They're just two puppets, still living together after 40 years, watching the DOMA ruling on TV.

And being happy (a synonym for gay) because justice has finally been done.  Even if Bert and Ernie aren't gay they are definitely supporters of gay rights.  Because they are from Sesame street, and everyone on Sesame street is basically decent.  Even Oscar.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on June 30, 2013, 11:36:52 PM
Meh, I think the intent is pretty clear.  Just seems unnecessary to give asexual kids characters sexuality for political commentary.  It was stupid when Jerry Farwell did it, it's stupid when the New Yorker does it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on June 30, 2013, 11:42:03 PM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 11:36:52 PM
Meh, I think the intent is pretty clear.  Just seems unnecessary to give asexual kids characters sexuality for political commentary.  It was stupid when Jerry Farwell did it, it's stupid when the New Yorker does it.

...Maybe Bert and Ernie are asexuals?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 01, 2013, 12:27:32 AM
Well if you read the statement from Sesame Street, they have asserted that Bert and Ernie do not have sexuality, implied or otherwise.  Others, such as the New Yorker, have decided to sexualize them for political purposes.  It's stupid whether it is a liberal or a conservative that does it. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on July 01, 2013, 12:38:01 AM
I would agree with you, RWHN, if this image was intended for the same audience as Sesame Street has. But presumably, the New Yorker is not a magazine for preschoolers, and their audience is sophisticated to understand the political statement without going all haywire about Bert and Ernie being made out to be gay.

I am assuming you do not subscribe to the New Yorker.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on July 01, 2013, 12:38:13 AM
You don't have to have sexuality to get married.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 01, 2013, 01:02:54 AM
RWHN, your argument seems to be based in the belief that homosexual love is somehow a negative, and that children should be sheltered from it. Because I doubt you'd be so concerned if it was Kermit and Ma Piggy on the cover.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 01, 2013, 01:09:18 AM

No, that is absolutely not the issue, I will reference again this article below which resonates with my issues with this.

Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 01:19:32 AM
This article which was linked in the previous article nails it:  http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive (http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on July 01, 2013, 02:48:56 AM

I don't think its "offensive" nor "detrimental" for the cause that they chose Bert and Ernie to put on the cover, but I also think that they could had used much better suiting images, i ALSO think that it was purposefully engineered to cause controversy, and thus sell more copies; just look at how there's flame wars raging all over the place regarding the image used.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 01, 2013, 04:01:47 AM
Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on July 01, 2013, 01:09:18 AM

No, that is absolutely not the issue, I will reference again this article below which resonates with my issues with this.

Quote from: My Other Username Is A Pseudonym on June 30, 2013, 01:19:32 AM
This article which was linked in the previous article nails it:  http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive (http://flavorwire.com/401071/the-new-yorkers-bert-and-ernie-doma-cover-is-infantilizing-and-offensive)

Yeah, read it. There was no real argument other than "you didn't use real people." In fact, the points YOU were raising weren't the points in the article, which are more pedantic than anything resembling a persuasive argument.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 01, 2013, 04:06:42 AM
Perhaps, but while I think it was a stupid cover, I'm not really going to lose any sleep over it or anything, so I'm not too invested in persuading anyone.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 01, 2013, 04:35:47 AM
Ok, the fuck. This is PRECICELY what people are on you about. You have at least five posts arguing a point in a fairly strong an unilateral manner, and then you turn around and say you don't really care, and dismiss the whole thing.

It's a really good trolling technique, but it makes people, some who either think of you as a friend or may not even know who you are, to wonder why you're trolling them.

Were you aware you are doing this?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on July 01, 2013, 11:14:10 AM
Quote from: The New Yorker(http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/streams/2013/June/130628/6C8068270-tdy-130628-bert-newyorker-1.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg)

That cover bothers me in ways I find hard to describe.

First off, it's perfectly transparent about advertising homosexuality. But, it doesn't even get the characters right.

Second, it implies that (1) Bert and Ernie have sexual orientations, (2) they are homosexuals, (3) they enjoy watching television together, and (4) that they haven't yet purchased a colour TV.

In other words, the person who initially made it completely failed (on many levels) to comprehend the basic ideas of both DOMA and Sesame Street, and yet decided to combine them anyway. Probably, if I posted this rant to him directly, he'd have a hissy fit and complain about how I'm ruining his fun.

I guess what really bothers me is that the world contains people like the one who made that cover and posted it initially without realizing anything was wrong with it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 01, 2013, 02:54:25 PM
http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/twin-sister-of-scientology-leader-miscavige-arrested-for-marijuana/2129224

QuoteUnder the driver's seat Nemeth found a black vinyl bag with nine cigars, or "blunts," containing marijuana.

The woman said she didn't know how it got there. But she slurred her words, belched, smelled of alcohol, and had bloodshot, watery eyes, Nemeth reported. Breath tests showed readings of 0.119 and 0.124, above the 0.08 at which Florida law presumes that someone is unable to safely drive a motor vehicle.

Police charged the driver with misdemeanor marijuana possession, DUI and failure to yield. Nemeth took her to jail.

It probably seemed a routine arrest. But the woman was Denise Gentile, and in her world, this was anything but routine.

Gentile, of Clearwater, is a well-known Scientologist and the twin sister of the church's worldwide leader, David Miscavige.

QuoteThe tenants interviewed by the Times knew nothing about the Gentiles' vaunted status in the church, and weren't aware of Scientology's hatred of drugs.

They said they never saw any antidrug literature. They never heard Denise or Jerry Gentile say drugs are bad.

They said they never heard the Gentiles say the word "Scientology."

That's not how Scientologists are taught to deal with drug users.

They are supposed to "handle'' them — persuade them to stop using — or cut off ties with them.

Denise said so in a sworn statement.

Her comments came during a deposition she gave in the Kyle Brennan wrongful death suit in July 2010. Tampa lawyer Ken Dandar asked for her understanding of the Scientology term "potential trouble source.''

"That is somebody who is connected to somebody else who is antagonistic to that person's well-being,'' Denise said.

Dandar pressed, and Denise explained that a Scientologist has two ways to deal with a trouble source: handle or disconnect.

"If a Scientologist in good standing ... is connected to a'' —

"Drug pusher,'' Denise said, finishing his sentence.

"Drug pusher?" Dandar asked.

"Absolutely disconnect,'' she said.

Next target of the Scientology hate machine selected, not that any actual charges or anything will happen. Just another example of a touch of power and privilege leading to some very bad choices. Frequently. There's probably a point beyond laughing at this, but I doubt it matters much.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 01, 2013, 03:11:14 PM
Quote from: Pæs on July 01, 2013, 11:14:10 AM
Quote from: The New Yorker(http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/streams/2013/June/130628/6C8068270-tdy-130628-bert-newyorker-1.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg)

That cover bothers me in ways I find hard to describe.

First off, it's perfectly transparent about advertising homosexuality. But, it doesn't even get the characters right.

Second, it implies that (1) Bert and Ernie have sexual orientations, (2) they are homosexuals, (3) they enjoy watching television together, and (4) that they haven't yet purchased a colour TV.

In other words, the person who initially made it completely failed (on many levels) to comprehend the basic ideas of both DOMA and Sesame Street, and yet decided to combine them anyway. Probably, if I posted this rant to him directly, he'd have a hissy fit and complain about how I'm ruining his fun.

I guess what really bothers me is that the world contains people like the one who made that cover and posted it initially without realizing anything was wrong with it.

Or the editor has been waiting since the Clinton era to post that as a deliberate slap.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 01, 2013, 03:56:14 PM
Quote from: Pæs on July 01, 2013, 11:14:10 AM
Quote from: The New Yorker(http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/streams/2013/June/130628/6C8068270-tdy-130628-bert-newyorker-1.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg)

That cover bothers me in ways I find hard to describe.

First off, it's perfectly transparent about advertising homosexuality. But, it doesn't even get the characters right.

Second, it implies that (1) Bert and Ernie have sexual orientations, (2) they are homosexuals, (3) they enjoy watching television together, and (4) that they haven't yet purchased a colour TV.

In other words, the person who initially made it completely failed (on many levels) to comprehend the basic ideas of both DOMA and Sesame Street, and yet decided to combine them anyway. Probably, if I posted this rant to him directly, he'd have a hissy fit and complain about how I'm ruining his fun.

I guess what really bothers me is that the world contains people like the one who made that cover and posted it initially without realizing anything was wrong with it.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 01, 2013, 04:12:19 PM
That really is a fantastic bit of trollbait.  So easily adaptable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 01, 2013, 04:42:36 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on July 01, 2013, 04:12:19 PM
That really is a fantastic bit of trollbait.  So easily adaptable.

Pretty sure I'm just using Enki's objection as it originally stood.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 02, 2013, 02:21:20 PM
French Fascism
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23142984
QuoteThe European Parliament has removed the immunity of the French far-right leader and MEP Marine Le Pen, paving the way for her prosecution in France.

French prosecutors opened a case against Ms Le Pen in 2011 after she compared Muslims praying in the streets to the Nazi occupation of France.

Ms Le Pen, leader of the National Front (FN), is accused of incitement to hatred and discrimination.

The vote followed a move by a committee of MEPs to remove her immunity.

The request to do so came from the chief prosecutor's office in Lyon, the city where, in December 2010, Ms Le Pen told FN supporters that the sight of Muslims praying in the street was similar to the Nazi occupation in World War II.

In her speech, broadcast by French media, she said that first France had seen "more and more veils", then "more and more burkas" and "after that came prayers in the streets... I'm sorry, but some people are very fond of talking about the Second World War and about the occupation, so let's talk about occupation, because that is what is happening here... There are no tanks, no soldiers, but it is still an occupation, and it weighs on people".

Makes me think it's not just Greece going to shit fast.

Fighting Russians:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23149431
QuoteRussian media magnate Alexander Lebedev has been convicted of battery after punching a fellow guest on a television show.

Mr Lebedev, who owns two UK newspapers and a big stake in Russia's opposition paper Novaya Gazeta, was sentenced to 150 hours of community service.

He had previously expressed a fear he would be jailed.

He suggested his trial was an act of revenge by President Vladimir Putin for his criticism of the government.

Privilege in action.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 02, 2013, 04:26:13 PM
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-chalk-verdict-20130701,0,1617754.story

QuoteSAN DIEGO -- A jury Monday acquitted a 40-year-old man of all charges connected with writing protest messages in chalk on the sidewalk outside branches of the Bank of America.

The case has exacerbated the already tense relationship between Mayor Bob Filner, who called the case "stupid" and a "waste of money," and City Atty. Jan Goldsmith, who defended it as a legitimate prosecution for graffiti vandalism.

Deliberating for only a few hours, the jury apparently agreed with Filner -- declaring Jeff Olson not guilty on all 13 misdemeanor counts filed by Goldsmith's office.

Beware of chalk wielding terrorists.

Quote"We prosecute vandalism and theft cases regardless of who the perpetrator or victim might be," Goldsmith said. "We don't decide, for example, based upon whether we like or dislike banks. That would be wrong under the law."

HA. HA. HA.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 02, 2013, 04:33:19 PM
Vaginas still controversial:
http://au.artshub.com/au/news-article/news/visual-arts/police-monitor-vagina-exhibition-195868

QuoteComplaints were made to the City of Sydney council regarding a recent exhibition in celebration of the vagina.

101 Vagina was an exhibition held at 107 Projects Gallery in Redfern from 27-30 June 2013. The exhibition displayed black and white front-on standing pose photos of women's vaginas and related stories. The content was taken from Philip Werner's 101 Vagina coffee-table book.

According to Werner, police visited the gallery on four separate occasions to monitor the exhibition and make censorship suggestions.

'The first time they came they apparently weren't acting on a complaint; I don't know why they came, maybe just to check it out. And they had a look around, realised that it wasn't porn, realised that nothing was displayed in the windows, and left again. The second time they came, apparently they responded to a complaint that the artwork could be seen through the windows and they suggested, though not demanded ... that the windows be covered.'

Two subsequent visits were made to suggest a glass door also be covered. The gallery agreed to all requests.

The moral outrage caused by the exhibition was not the organiser's intent. According to Werner the project was about, '... breaking down the taboo around vaginas and around genitalia and sexuality in general, and creating some kind of a counterpoint to the media which is very skewed towards certain body types. ... We're all so different. What that means is that we're also all normal.'

QuoteA further complaint extended to the posters advertising the event. The posters prominently displayed the word vagina and, despite containing no nudity, were deemed offensive.

Seen this in a couple of cases over the years, yet still not had a good explanation at why the term "Vagina" is offensive. It's about as offensive as "penis", "buttocks" or "ear".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 02, 2013, 04:39:20 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 02, 2013, 04:26:13 PM
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-chalk-verdict-20130701,0,1617754.story

QuoteSAN DIEGO -- A jury Monday acquitted a 40-year-old man of all charges connected with writing protest messages in chalk on the sidewalk outside branches of the Bank of America.

The case has exacerbated the already tense relationship between Mayor Bob Filner, who called the case "stupid" and a "waste of money," and City Atty. Jan Goldsmith, who defended it as a legitimate prosecution for graffiti vandalism.

Deliberating for only a few hours, the jury apparently agreed with Filner -- declaring Jeff Olson not guilty on all 13 misdemeanor counts filed by Goldsmith's office.

Beware of chalk wielding terrorists.

Quote"We prosecute vandalism and theft cases regardless of who the perpetrator or victim might be," Goldsmith said. "We don't decide, for example, based upon whether we like or dislike banks. That would be wrong under the law."

HA. HA. HA.

I'm glad about that, because if SIDEWALK CHALK is vandalism, ALL my kids are in big trouble.

Although, I was wanted by the police in connection with a hate crime for a while, for writing "LARD" several dozen times outside of a fat person's apartment.

It was a tragic misunderstanding; I had the wrong apartment number.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 03, 2013, 11:25:02 AM
Italian media takes a kicking:
http://cpj.org/blog/2013/05/with-panorama-jail-sentences-italys-libel-law-under.php

Quote"Incredible," "staggering," "enormous," "out of time"--the expressions of outrage have been flying in Italy since a Milan magistrate sentenced to prison three journalists for the weekly magazine Panorama. On May 24, Andrea Marcenaro and Riccardo Arena were each condemned to a one-year jail term for a 2010 article discussing Palermo magistrate Francesco Messineo's alleged family connections to the mafia. The editor-in-chief of the center-right news magazine, Giorgio Mule, was sentenced to eight months in jail for "having failed to check the article." The three journalists must also pay 20,000 euros (US$26,000) in compensation to the defendant.

"In a modern democracy no one should be imprisoned for what they write," said Dunja Mijatović, representative on freedom of the media for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). "Civil courts are fully competent to redress grievances of people who think their reputations have been damaged. The European Court of Human Rights has substantial case law confirming that imprisonment for libel is disproportionate and damaging to a democratic society," Mijatović added in a message delivered to the new minister of foreign affairs, Emma Bonino, a former EU Commissioner and a strong defender of free speech.

Might explain why the Italian media seems to have a such a positive position on Berlusconi. Aside from him owning huge chunks anyway.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on July 03, 2013, 01:59:38 PM
Just a warning the video is really really disturbing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/police-shoot-dog_n_3530990.html

First they arrest the guy for filming them, then they shoot his dog.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 03, 2013, 07:43:53 PM
http://inplainsight.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/03/19119404-after-jobs-move-out-hunger-takes-root-in-factory-town?lite

It's pretty sad when people are grateful for THIS sort of job:

QuoteAt the end of the day, after 11 hours on her feet, she picks up her kids from daycare and goes home to help them with homework and cook. Because Powell often works through her 10-minute lunch break, dinner is the first big meal of the day.

YAY!  It's 1904 again!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 03, 2013, 09:49:55 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 03, 2013, 07:43:53 PM
http://inplainsight.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/03/19119404-after-jobs-move-out-hunger-takes-root-in-factory-town?lite

It's pretty sad when people are grateful for THIS sort of job:

QuoteAt the end of the day, after 11 hours on her feet, she picks up her kids from daycare and goes home to help them with homework and cook. Because Powell often works through her 10-minute lunch break, dinner is the first big meal of the day.

YAY!  It's 1904 again!

Oh boy! Xmas will be JUST LIKE DICKENS!

Maybe Santa will send us little helpers on the orphan train!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 03, 2013, 11:27:07 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 03, 2013, 07:43:53 PM
http://inplainsight.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/03/19119404-after-jobs-move-out-hunger-takes-root-in-factory-town?lite

It's pretty sad when people are grateful for THIS sort of job:

QuoteAt the end of the day, after 11 hours on her feet, she picks up her kids from daycare and goes home to help them with homework and cook. Because Powell often works through her 10-minute lunch break, dinner is the first big meal of the day.

YAY!  It's 1904 again!

Good job, America. Good fucking job.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 05, 2013, 01:38:23 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.

Oregon has a big problem with a sect that won't take kids to the doctor; it's led to a revision of the law here. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/dale_and_shannon_hickman_of_fo.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 05, 2013, 03:12:00 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 01:38:23 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.

Oregon has a big problem with a sect that won't take kids to the doctor; it's led to a revision of the law here. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/dale_and_shannon_hickman_of_fo.html


QuoteThe Followers are not fundamentally different from a black-robed pagan group that sacrifices a sick child in the dead of night, Regan told the court. In the Followers, "we have a religious group sacrificing children's lives, year after year, decade after decade," he said. "We have to do something."

Pagans don't need the help, thx.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on July 05, 2013, 04:46:58 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 01:38:23 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.

Oregon has a big problem with a sect that won't take kids to the doctor; it's led to a revision of the law here. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/dale_and_shannon_hickman_of_fo.html

I'm glad that this kind of thing is changing.  I'm conflicted on the right to freedom of religion but punishing them when they do what they believe vs. children getting hurt and dying for their stupid religious beliefs, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 05, 2013, 04:51:04 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 05, 2013, 04:46:58 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 01:38:23 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.

Oregon has a big problem with a sect that won't take kids to the doctor; it's led to a revision of the law here. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/dale_and_shannon_hickman_of_fo.html

I'm glad that this kind of thing is changing.  I'm conflicted on the right to freedom of religion but punishing them when they do what they believe vs. children getting hurt and dying for their stupid religious beliefs, though.

It doesn't infringe on their right to their religion, so I have no problem with it. It infringes on their right to impose certain aspects of their religion on people who are not capable of making that choice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 05, 2013, 02:26:49 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 04:51:04 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 05, 2013, 04:46:58 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 01:38:23 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.

Oregon has a big problem with a sect that won't take kids to the doctor; it's led to a revision of the law here. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/dale_and_shannon_hickman_of_fo.html

I'm glad that this kind of thing is changing.  I'm conflicted on the right to freedom of religion but punishing them when they do what they believe vs. children getting hurt and dying for their stupid religious beliefs, though.

It doesn't infringe on their right to their religion, so I have no problem with it. It infringes on their right to impose certain aspects of their religion on people who are not capable of making that choice.

Which is a distinction that passes the 1st amendment sniff test.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on July 05, 2013, 06:05:26 PM
Oh.  Well, good then.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 05, 2013, 06:36:12 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 05, 2013, 02:26:49 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 04:51:04 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 05, 2013, 04:46:58 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 01:38:23 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.

Oregon has a big problem with a sect that won't take kids to the doctor; it's led to a revision of the law here. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/dale_and_shannon_hickman_of_fo.html

I'm glad that this kind of thing is changing.  I'm conflicted on the right to freedom of religion but punishing them when they do what they believe vs. children getting hurt and dying for their stupid religious beliefs, though.

It doesn't infringe on their right to their religion, so I have no problem with it. It infringes on their right to impose certain aspects of their religion on people who are not capable of making that choice.

Which is a distinction that passes the 1st amendment sniff test.

What's interesting to me is how many people argue that they are THEIR children, so they should get to do what THEY want with them.

It tells me an awful lot about how those people view children; not as people, but as possessions.

Curiously, many of those same people are anti-abortion, which I find completely inexplicable. How is the child merely a possession after it's born, but a human being while it's still developing in the womb? Makes no sense.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 05, 2013, 06:45:33 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 06:36:12 PM
What's interesting to me is how many people argue that they are THEIR children, so they should get to do what THEY want with them.

It tells me an awful lot about how those people view children; not as people, but as possessions.

Curiously, many of those same people are anti-abortion, which I find completely inexplicable. How is the child merely a possession after it's born, but a human being while it's still developing in the womb? Makes no sense.

"These children are my congregation.  I can't push my weird views on you, but they are my captive audience."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 05, 2013, 07:19:07 PM
I think now state authorities tend to be (rightly) suspicious of religious organizations and individuals who prevent their children and dependents getting medical treatment.  At the most benign, you have the classic JW-style argument, which should be dismissed for reasons given above.

But when a religious group or individual tries to prevent medical access to their children at all...well, it's sometimes because abuse worse than neglect is going on, and they don't want a medical practitioner to document it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 05, 2013, 07:41:05 PM
Prisons, Pakistan and serious child abuse seems fitting here:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/breastfeeding-behind-bars-on-pakistani-death-row

Quoteast year, Khadija Shah was apprehended under suspicion of carrying a suitcase that contained £3.2 million worth (approximately 63kg) of pure Afghan heroin through Islamabad Airport. The 25-year-old Birmingham resident claimed to have been given the bag by two men, most likely members of a drug smuggling ring who had been complicit in grooming her for months, if not years.

Anti-narcotics officers were notified that she would be carrying the shipment and she was arrested immediately. In Pakistan, the death penalty is applicable to anyone charged with carrying more than 1kg of heroin, entitling Shah to be hanged – the country's preferred method of execution – 63 times over. A moratorium on executions had been put in place by the Pakistan Peoples Party (formerly led by Benazir Bhutto) in 2008, but today that was lifted, opening Shah up to the real possibility of losing her life. However, her trial opened in March and is still some way off reaching a verdict. In the meantime, she's being detained at Pakistan's infamously unhygienic Adiala jail, where she's been held since her arrest.

Enduring these circumstances would be traumatic for anyone, but Khadija's story is exceptionally troubling due to the direct involvement of her small children. At the time of her arrest, Khadija had her five-year-old son Ibrahim and four-year-old daughter Aleesha in tow. She was also six months pregnant at the time and gave birth to her baby daughter Malaika during a one-day respite from prison in October last year.

Aside from the tremendous lapse in judgement,I suspect this is going to be more relevant to the west as the drive to fill prisons continues.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 08, 2013, 02:41:23 AM
I didn't want to dump this in the evo psych thread so I'm putting it here.

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/07/5549696/female-inmates-sterilized-in-california.html


QuoteDoctors under contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation sterilized nearly 150 female inmates from 2006 to 2010 without required state approvals, the Center for Investigative Reporting has found.

QuoteThe allegations echo those made nearly a half-century ago, when forced sterilizations of prisoners, the mentally ill and the poor were commonplace in California. State lawmakers officially banned such practices in 1979.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 08, 2013, 02:56:53 AM
Well, that's disturbing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 08, 2013, 12:27:56 PM
More of the FBI acting crazy:
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/06/wikileaks-mole/

QuoteOn an August workday in 2011, a cherubic 18-year-old Icelandic man named Sigurdur "Siggi" Thordarson walked through the stately doors of the U.S. embassy in Reykjavík, his jacket pocket concealing his calling card: a crumpled photocopy of an Australian passport. The passport photo showed a man with a unruly shock of platinum blonde hair and the name Julian Paul Assange.

Thordarson was long time volunteer for WikiLeaks with direct access to Assange and a key position as an organizer in the group. With his cold war-style embassy walk-in, he became something else: the first known FBI informant inside WikiLeaks. For the next three months, Thordarson served two masters, working for the secret-spilling website and simultaneously spilling its secrets to the U.S. government in exchange, he says, for a total of about $5,000. The FBI flew him internationally four times for debriefings, including one trip to Washington D.C., and on the last meeting obtained from Thordarson eight hard drives packed with chat logs, video and other data from WikiLeaks.

The relationship provides a rare window into the U.S. law enforcement investigation into WikiLeaks, the transparency group newly thrust back into international prominence with its assistance to NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. Thordarson's double-life illustrates the lengths to which the government was willing to go in its pursuit of Julian Assange, approaching WikiLeaks with the tactics honed during the FBI's work against organized crime and computer hacking — or, more darkly, the bureau's Hoover-era infiltration of civil rights groups.

"It's a sign that the FBI views WikiLeaks as a suspected criminal organization rather than a news organization," says Stephen Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists' Project on Government Secrecy. "WikiLeaks was something new, so I think the FBI had to make a choice at some point as to how to evaluate it: Is this The New York Times, or is this something else? And they clearly decided it was something else."

The FBI declined comment.

FBI continues to (attempt to) discredit itself. More at 11.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on July 08, 2013, 02:54:49 PM
Quote from: Cain on July 05, 2013, 07:19:07 PM
I think now state authorities tend to be (rightly) suspicious of religious organizations and individuals who prevent their children and dependents getting medical treatment.  At the most benign, you have the classic JW-style argument, which should be dismissed for reasons given above.

But when a religious group or individual tries to prevent medical access to their children at all...well, it's sometimes because abuse worse than neglect is going on, and they don't want a medical practitioner to document it.

I think this is one reason the JW's have modified their stance to accept blood platelets, white blood cells, etc. they're going for the "Please do everything you can to save my kid, except for the whole blood transfusion" argument, to seem reasonable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 08, 2013, 03:06:15 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 05, 2013, 02:26:49 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 04:51:04 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 05, 2013, 04:46:58 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 05, 2013, 01:38:23 AM
Quote from: Freeky Queen of DERP on July 04, 2013, 03:27:11 AM
http://www.mycenturylink.com/news/read/category/Top%20News/article/ap-court_upholds_parents_convictions_in_pra-ap


QuoteKara, who had been growing weak for several weeks leading up to her death, eventually became too sick to speak, eat, drink or walk. Her parents, Dale and Leilani Neumann, don't belong to any organized religion or church but identify themselves as Pentecostal Christians and believe visiting a doctor is akin to worshipping an idol, the Supreme Court opinion said.

QuoteAfter the girl died, Leilani Neumann told police God would raise Kara from the dead.

Oregon has a big problem with a sect that won't take kids to the doctor; it's led to a revision of the law here. http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/dale_and_shannon_hickman_of_fo.html

I'm glad that this kind of thing is changing.  I'm conflicted on the right to freedom of religion but punishing them when they do what they believe vs. children getting hurt and dying for their stupid religious beliefs, though.

It doesn't infringe on their right to their religion, so I have no problem with it. It infringes on their right to impose certain aspects of their religion on people who are not capable of making that choice.

Which is a distinction that passes the 1st amendment sniff test.

They'll scream about it anyway. "MY RELIGION TELLS ME TO PUSH MY CRAP ON EVERYBODY!!!!! WAH WAH YOU'RE PERSECUTING MEEEEE!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 09, 2013, 02:30:20 AM
http://gawker.com/shit-covered-man-caught-peeping-on-women-from-inside-re-710632810?utm_campaign=socialflow_gawker_facebook&utm_source=gawker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow


Quote52-year-old Kenneth Webster Enlow of Tulsa was reportedly caught after a woman and her 7-year-old daughter spotted him peering up at them from inside the toilet.

"He went in there, climbed down in the septic and was looking up at the people utilizing that facility," Tulsa County Sheriff's Maj. Shannon Clark said in a statement.

Firefighters had to hose down Enlow, who was "covered in human waste," before transporting him to a local hospital for evaluation.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 09, 2013, 02:53:35 AM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 09, 2013, 02:30:20 AM
http://gawker.com/shit-covered-man-caught-peeping-on-women-from-inside-re-710632810?utm_campaign=socialflow_gawker_facebook&utm_source=gawker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow


Quote52-year-old Kenneth Webster Enlow of Tulsa was reportedly caught after a woman and her 7-year-old daughter spotted him peering up at them from inside the toilet.

"He went in there, climbed down in the septic and was looking up at the people utilizing that facility," Tulsa County Sheriff's Maj. Shannon Clark said in a statement.

Firefighters had to hose down Enlow, who was "covered in human waste," before transporting him to a local hospital for evaluation.


Best comment:

(http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18t9v10fv5fmugif/original.gif)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 09, 2013, 05:21:02 AM
Not a news story so much as an essay. But I thought it fit. :D

http://online.sfsu.edu/rone/GEessays/Ingham.htm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 05:41:18 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/08/19361312-federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-some-of-wisconsins-new-abortion-requirements?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 09, 2013, 06:21:39 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 09, 2013, 05:21:02 AM
Not a news story so much as an essay. But I thought it fit. :D

http://online.sfsu.edu/rone/GEessays/Ingham.htm

Interesting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 09, 2013, 06:42:43 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 05:41:18 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/08/19361312-federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-some-of-wisconsins-new-abortion-requirements?lite

Cue right-wing BAWWWWing about states' rights...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 06:45:01 PM
Horrible, horrible.  Half the population is Lucille Ball.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 09, 2013, 06:50:53 PM
You know, I could understand the anti-abortion position a lot more if they also supported free reproductive health care including contraception and prenatal care. But almost universally, they don't, which tells me that it isn't about the well-being of babies, it's about controlling women. Otherwise, they would be picketing for free prenatal care for poor women.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 07:06:04 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 09, 2013, 06:50:53 PM
You know, I could understand the anti-abortion position a lot more if they also supported free reproductive health care including contraception and prenatal care. But almost universally, they don't, which tells me that it isn't about the well-being of babies, it's about controlling women. Otherwise, they would be picketing for free prenatal care for poor women.

Thing is, the inspiration for my new story is basically just taken from the news.   :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 09, 2013, 07:09:54 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 07:06:04 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 09, 2013, 06:50:53 PM
You know, I could understand the anti-abortion position a lot more if they also supported free reproductive health care including contraception and prenatal care. But almost universally, they don't, which tells me that it isn't about the well-being of babies, it's about controlling women. Otherwise, they would be picketing for free prenatal care for poor women.

Thing is, the inspiration for my new story is basically just taken from the news.   :horrormirth:

No response other than  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 07:10:11 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 09, 2013, 07:09:54 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 07:06:04 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 09, 2013, 06:50:53 PM
You know, I could understand the anti-abortion position a lot more if they also supported free reproductive health care including contraception and prenatal care. But almost universally, they don't, which tells me that it isn't about the well-being of babies, it's about controlling women. Otherwise, they would be picketing for free prenatal care for poor women.

Thing is, the inspiration for my new story is basically just taken from the news.   :horrormirth:

No response other than  :horrormirth:

I put more up.  I'm in a mood.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 08:04:45 PM
http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/09/19375875-fbi-nominee-comey-explains-role-in-bush-administration-decisions-on-waterboarding?lite

Yeah, this guy.

"I told them it was bad, and they didn't listen to me.  So I did my best."
\
:bacon:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 08:07:43 PM
Okay, so maybe Occupy wasn't so bad.

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/09/19369154-egypts-women-watch-protests-from-sidelines-amid-fears-of-sexual-violence?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 10:58:22 PM
From the You Can't Handle The Truth Department:

http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/pilots-union-says-probe-asiana-crash-revealed-too-much-too-6C10582948
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on July 10, 2013, 10:04:15 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 09, 2013, 08:07:43 PM
Okay, so maybe Occupy wasn't so bad.

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/09/19369154-egypts-women-watch-protests-from-sidelines-amid-fears-of-sexual-violence?lite

My irony meter just shat fire. So it's not in the same ballpark but that ad, bottom right is at least the same sport from where I'm sitting  :argh!:

(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i312/P3nT4gR4m/srsly_zpsc616e108.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 10, 2013, 12:30:09 PM
No surprises from anyone who's visited Ossett:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-23248503
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/68645000/jpg/_68645022_sign.jpg)
Not had the best of welcomes. Would you believe it.

QuoteA cafe owner has put up a sign telling customers she is black because she is fed up with people walking out when they see the colour of her skin.

The sign on the door of Yeanon Cafe in Ossett, West Yorkshire, reads: "I am a black woman... If you are allergic to black people, don't come in."

Martha-Renée Kolleh said some people "take a look at me and walk out".

Local councillor Tony Richardson said he was "shocked" as he did not believe racism was widespread in the town.

A spokesman for Wakefield Council said it was "obviously concerned" by the issue which it had not been made aware of before."I would urge the business involved to get in touch with us as soon as possible," the spokesman added.

Figures for ethnicity from the 2011 Census show that of Ossett's population of 16,116, 97.5% (15,724) were recorded as white.

No prizes for guessing the skin colour of Tony.

Quote"I am absolutely certain there is not a problem in Ossett. I have met thousands of people in Ossett and they are wonderful people, very diverse," he said.

Really?
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/twitter-storm-football-striker-sacked-after-racist-post-1-5560904

(Dubious link, demonstrates the point:
http://www.knowhere.co.uk/Ossett/West-Yorkshire/Northern-England/info/worstthings
QuoteA downside to the parochial feel of the town is that the people are very conformist. I suppose that it is good that we don't have any trendy nonconformists [I didn't know what Goths were until I was 14 and didn't know that thugs are supposed to wear Burberry and listen to rap music until a few weeks ago, from talking to Southerners]. However, even the young people tend to be very set in their ways and regard anything different from what they're used to as "a bit weird". This becomes uglier when it comes to racism. Considering that Ossett doesn't have many Asian people, it is quite bad that local elections always see around about 1 in 6 voting for the B.N.P. As I went to school in Wakefield, I knew Asian people and they all told me about how Asian families advise each other "Don't live in Cleckheaton and don't live in Ossett!" I took an Asian friend around Ossett on a night once and I had to cut it short, because we were going to end up getting beaten up, the way that I couldn't go anywhere without hard stares and comments. This part of Yorkshire is known for not being too tolerant and Ossett's not as bad as parts of Dewsbury, but it's still very racist. On a different note, I remember teachers at Ossett School who lived in Wakefield commenting on how "clannish" and "closed-minded" they thought that all their pupils were. There may be good points to a parochial town, but there are bad points as well.

Nigel made a point in another thread that it's pretty pointless asking majority about these kind of issues. I'd say this incident illustrates that perfectly.

ETA - The bold. Seems to be correct.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 10, 2013, 02:55:13 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 09, 2013, 02:30:20 AM
http://gawker.com/shit-covered-man-caught-peeping-on-women-from-inside-re-710632810?utm_campaign=socialflow_gawker_facebook&utm_source=gawker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow


Quote52-year-old Kenneth Webster Enlow of Tulsa was reportedly caught after a woman and her 7-year-old daughter spotted him peering up at them from inside the toilet.

"He went in there, climbed down in the septic and was looking up at the people utilizing that facility," Tulsa County Sheriff's Maj. Shannon Clark said in a statement.

Firefighters had to hose down Enlow, who was "covered in human waste," before transporting him to a local hospital for evaluation.


I was wondering how that would even WORK, given the structure of a toilet, but it was a shithouse http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Peeping_Tom_arrested_after_found_in_bathroom_toilet/20130708_296_0_ATulsa513015
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 11, 2013, 09:45:13 AM
Probably relevant to several spheres of interest:
http://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/07/orson-scott-card-boycott/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on July 11, 2013, 02:28:07 PM
I may be missing something but this actually sounds kinda cool. Basically WalMart threatened to not build stores and possibly move other ones if legislators passed a living wage bill and the council said "fuck off*"

*probably not what was actually said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-approves-living-wage-bill-over-wal-mart-ultimatum/2013/07/10/724aab6e-e96f-11e2-a301-ea5a8116d211_story.html?hpid=z1

Quote"The question here is a living wage; it's not whether Wal-Mart comes or stays," said council member Vincent B. Orange (D-At Large), a lead backer of the legislation, who added that the city did not need to kowtow to threats. "We're at a point where we don't need retailers. Retailers need us."

QuoteShould the bill be signed by Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) and pass a congressional review period, retailers with corporate sales of $1 billion or more and operating in spaces 75,000 square feet or larger would be required to pay employees no less than $12.50 an hour. The city's minimum wage is $8.25, a dollar higher than the federal minimum wage.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 11, 2013, 06:23:50 PM
I love how Wal-Mart's all "WAH WE'RE GOING TO LEAVE IF YOU MAKE US PAY A LIVING WAGE"

Fuck off then, Wal-Mart.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 11, 2013, 06:32:02 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 11, 2013, 06:23:50 PM
I love how Wal-Mart's all "WAH WE'RE GOING TO LEAVE IF YOU MAKE US PAY A LIVING WAGE"

Fuck off then, Wal-Mart.

SO LONG, SCREWY!
\
:wave:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 11, 2013, 07:32:58 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 11, 2013, 06:32:02 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 11, 2013, 06:23:50 PM
I love how Wal-Mart's all "WAH WE'RE GOING TO LEAVE IF YOU MAKE US PAY A LIVING WAGE"

Fuck off then, Wal-Mart.

SO LONG, SCREWY!
\
:wave:

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 11, 2013, 07:34:00 PM
You know what I'm waiting for? Remember those "Made in America" stores that existed, what was it, in the 80's?

Eventually, something like that is going to come back.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 12, 2013, 09:05:58 PM
More random than news, still nice:
http://www.wewilldrivethemtotheairport.co.uk/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on July 12, 2013, 09:54:45 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 12, 2013, 09:05:58 PM
More random than news, still nice:
http://www.wewilldrivethemtotheairport.co.uk/
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 12, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22820222/viral-video-the-worlds-scariest-rabbit

QuoteYoutube user Gunnar Boettcher believes he may have found a majestic and magical creature living around his house.

Gunnar Boettcher jokes in his YouTube posting that the rabbit he caught on video feeds off of the dying souls of other rabbits.

After watching the video, many Internet users are saying this may be the world's scariest rabbit.

Gunnar Boettcher believes the creature may have a skin disease called Shope papilloma virus.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 13, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 12, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22820222/viral-video-the-worlds-scariest-rabbit

QuoteYoutube user Gunnar Boettcher believes he may have found a majestic and magical creature living around his house.

Gunnar Boettcher jokes in his YouTube posting that the rabbit he caught on video feeds off of the dying souls of other rabbits.

After watching the video, many Internet users are saying this may be the world's scariest rabbit.

Gunnar Boettcher believes the creature may have a skin disease called Shope papilloma virus.

AUGH THAT'S HORRIFYING!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 06:03:08 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 12, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22820222/viral-video-the-worlds-scariest-rabbit

QuoteYoutube user Gunnar Boettcher believes he may have found a majestic and magical creature living around his house.

Gunnar Boettcher jokes in his YouTube posting that the rabbit he caught on video feeds off of the dying souls of other rabbits.

After watching the video, many Internet users are saying this may be the world's scariest rabbit.

Gunnar Boettcher believes the creature may have a skin disease called Shope papilloma virus.

AUGH THAT'S HORRIFYING!

Yeah. It's pretty scary looking. Parts of the internet are hating on that kid for not catching the rabbit and taking it to a vet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 13, 2013, 06:34:52 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 06:03:08 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 12, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22820222/viral-video-the-worlds-scariest-rabbit

QuoteYoutube user Gunnar Boettcher believes he may have found a majestic and magical creature living around his house.

Gunnar Boettcher jokes in his YouTube posting that the rabbit he caught on video feeds off of the dying souls of other rabbits.

After watching the video, many Internet users are saying this may be the world's scariest rabbit.

Gunnar Boettcher believes the creature may have a skin disease called Shope papilloma virus.

AUGH THAT'S HORRIFYING!

Yeah. It's pretty scary looking. Parts of the internet are hating on that kid for not catching the rabbit and taking it to a vet.

Oh come on, it's a fucking wild rabbit with some kind of weird disease. I wouldn't catch it and take it to a vet, I'd shoot it and give the body to Fish and Game to figure out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 13, 2013, 06:35:34 PM
The internet is saturated with RETARDS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 07:52:54 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 06:34:52 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 06:03:08 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 12, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22820222/viral-video-the-worlds-scariest-rabbit

QuoteYoutube user Gunnar Boettcher believes he may have found a majestic and magical creature living around his house.

Gunnar Boettcher jokes in his YouTube posting that the rabbit he caught on video feeds off of the dying souls of other rabbits.

After watching the video, many Internet users are saying this may be the world's scariest rabbit.

Gunnar Boettcher believes the creature may have a skin disease called Shope papilloma virus.

AUGH THAT'S HORRIFYING!

Yeah. It's pretty scary looking. Parts of the internet are hating on that kid for not catching the rabbit and taking it to a vet.

Oh come on, it's a fucking wild rabbit with some kind of weird disease. I wouldn't catch it and take it to a vet, I'd shoot it and give the body to Fish and Game to figure out.

Yeah. That was my thought as well. But bleeding hearts do like to bleed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 13, 2013, 09:19:24 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 07:52:54 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 06:34:52 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 06:03:08 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 12, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22820222/viral-video-the-worlds-scariest-rabbit

QuoteYoutube user Gunnar Boettcher believes he may have found a majestic and magical creature living around his house.

Gunnar Boettcher jokes in his YouTube posting that the rabbit he caught on video feeds off of the dying souls of other rabbits.

After watching the video, many Internet users are saying this may be the world's scariest rabbit.

Gunnar Boettcher believes the creature may have a skin disease called Shope papilloma virus.

AUGH THAT'S HORRIFYING!

Yeah. It's pretty scary looking. Parts of the internet are hating on that kid for not catching the rabbit and taking it to a vet.

Oh come on, it's a fucking wild rabbit with some kind of weird disease. I wouldn't catch it and take it to a vet, I'd shoot it and give the body to Fish and Game to figure out.

Yeah. That was my thought as well. But bleeding hearts do like to bleed.

Indeed they do. It gives them an opportunity to be righteously indignant and full of moral rage without actually having to take action to demonstrate the virtues they espouse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 09:27:54 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 09:19:24 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 07:52:54 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 06:34:52 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 13, 2013, 06:03:08 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 05:49:08 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 12, 2013, 10:45:39 PM
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22820222/viral-video-the-worlds-scariest-rabbit

QuoteYoutube user Gunnar Boettcher believes he may have found a majestic and magical creature living around his house.

Gunnar Boettcher jokes in his YouTube posting that the rabbit he caught on video feeds off of the dying souls of other rabbits.

After watching the video, many Internet users are saying this may be the world's scariest rabbit.

Gunnar Boettcher believes the creature may have a skin disease called Shope papilloma virus.

AUGH THAT'S HORRIFYING!

Yeah. It's pretty scary looking. Parts of the internet are hating on that kid for not catching the rabbit and taking it to a vet.

Oh come on, it's a fucking wild rabbit with some kind of weird disease. I wouldn't catch it and take it to a vet, I'd shoot it and give the body to Fish and Game to figure out.

Yeah. That was my thought as well. But bleeding hearts do like to bleed.

Indeed they do. It gives them an opportunity to be righteously indignant and full of moral rage without actually having to take action to demonstrate the virtues they espouse.

Which in itself is a weird disease. :P Righteous indignation should be taken seriously and treated early on before it develops into a full-blown case of craniumintherectumitis, which only has limited success in being treated with surgery and high doses of logic.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2013, 02:40:59 PM
Oh FFS Varg:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23327165
QuoteA Norwegian musician with links to mass killer Anders Behring Breivik has been arrested in France on "suspicion he was preparing a major terrorist act".

The French interior ministry said Kristian "Varg" Vikernes constituted "a potential threat to society".

He was arrested in central France after his wife bought four rifles.

Vikernes, described by French officials as a neo-Nazi, had in the past received a copy of a manifesto from Breivik, who killed 77 people in Norway in 2011.

He planted a bomb in central Oslo and went on a shooting spree on the nearby island of Utoeya in July 2011. He was imprisoned for the maximum 21-year term last year.

An official at the Paris Prosecutor Office said Breivik sent a copy of a manifesto setting out his ideology to Vikernes, who is also a convicted murderer.

Did not know about the Breivik link, though it's not a surprise.

Nicely timed though. Frances version of PRISM/GCHQ was getting some shit and outrage recently. I think this will guarantee their budget rises for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on July 16, 2013, 02:47:35 PM
I guess the new Burzum album was a flop then.  Not that any of his music was very good. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2013, 02:58:06 PM
That's the trouble with these Odin worshippers. Can't trust 'em. And the shit music too, obviously.

One day they're telling their mother they will flee, the next arrested for terrorism.

I kind of don't even care if he's actually done anything wrong. I've caught a couple of interviews from him as part of various black metal documentaries and the guy is clearly fucked up in several interesting ways.

Should be a cracking show trial though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2013, 04:35:51 PM
UK's ongoing war against smut continues with a comical twist:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23312579

QuoteI've written before on the dialogue of the deaf between politicians and the internet industry over child internet safety - and now the relationship seems to be getting even worse. A letter sent to the UK's four leading ISPs from the government has made them very cross indeed. So cross that someone in the industry has passed it to me - you can read it in full below.

The letter comes from the Department for Education but it sets out a list of demands from Downing Street, with the stated aim of allowing the prime minister to make an announcement shortly. The companies are asked, among other things, for a commitment to fund an "awareness campaign" for parents. They're not particularly happy about promising cash for what the letter concedes is an "unknown campaign" but it's the next item on the menu which is the source of most of their anger.

This asks them to change the language they are using to describe the net safety filters they will be offering to internet users. Instead of talking of "active choice +", they are urged to use the term default-on. The letter says this can be done "without changing what you're offering".

A person at one ISP told me the request was "staggering - asking us to market active choice as default-on is both misleading and potentially harmful".

The letter in question:

QuoteDear All,

I am emailing to ask for some specific action which the prime minister plans to announce shortly. This follows a meeting yesterday at No 10 yesterday to discuss a range of child internet safety issues including parental controls and filters. The prime minister would like to make some further specific requests of industry and his office have asked us to ask you when you could deliver the following actions.

1. Implementing browser intercept

I understand that Talk Talk will be trialling a "browser intercept" to force existing customers to choose either to proceed with parental controls (pre-ticked), choose their own settings or turn them off completely. The prime minister wants to announce that by the end of the year, every household with a broadband internet connection will have had to make a decision to "opt-out" of installing filters. Will the other three ISPs consider making a commitment to adopting this approach - even before it has been trialled?

2. Age-verification systems/closed-loop

The prime minister expects customers to be required to prove their age/identity before any changes to the filters are made. I understand that you will all be implementing "closed-loop" systems which will notify account holders of any changes that are made to the filters and that you have robust systems in place but please could you all confirm the precise information that is required to enable customer to access, set-up and change their filters?

3. Awareness campaign for parents

I understand that it was agreed at Claire Perry's meeting a few weeks ago that Talk Talk, BT and others would undertake some further research to establish what the focus of the campaign should be. The prime minister would like to be able to announce a collective financial commitment from industry to fund this campaign. I know that it will be challenging for you to commit to an unknown campaign but please can you indicate what sum you will pledge to this work that the PM can announce.

4. Using the phrase "default-on" instead of "active-choice +"

The prime minister believes that there is much more that we can all do to improve how we communicate the current position on parental internet controls and that there is a need for a simplified message to reassure parents and the public more generally. Without changing what you will be offering (ie active-choice +), the prime minister would like to be able to refer to your solutions are "default-on" as people will have to make a choice not to have the filters (by unticking the box). Can you consider how to include this language (or similar) in the screens that begin the set-up process? For example, "this connection includes family-friendly filters as default [or as standard] - if you do not want to install this protection please un-tick the box" (obviously not intended to be drafting). Would you be able to commit to including "default-on" or similar language both in the set-up screen and public messaging?

We are all aware of the really excellent work that you are doing and but there are a number of specific areas that the prime minister thinks need further immediate action. You are likely to receive a further message from colleagues in DCMS and the Home Office regarding tackling illegal images but given the short deadline for this work we thought it better to give you some time to work on these issues in the meantime. I need to report back to No 10 by the end of the week on these points so I would be grateful if you could consider this request as a matter of urgency and respond by midday Friday.

Apologies for the very tight deadline and grateful for your help with this work.

Translation - PM desperate for PR win, wants to give the DM crowd a victory headline. Pls block all pr0n by default and make people ring you to say they want to see boobs or Maddox or anything the government deems inappropriate. Which at this rate, could be nearly anything and everything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Lenin McCarthy on July 16, 2013, 06:30:08 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 16, 2013, 02:40:59 PM
Oh FFS Varg:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23327165
QuoteA Norwegian musician with links to mass killer Anders Behring Breivik has been arrested in France on "suspicion he was preparing a major terrorist act".

The French interior ministry said Kristian "Varg" Vikernes constituted "a potential threat to society".

He was arrested in central France after his wife bought four rifles.

Vikernes, described by French officials as a neo-Nazi, had in the past received a copy of a manifesto from Breivik, who killed 77 people in Norway in 2011.

He planted a bomb in central Oslo and went on a shooting spree on the nearby island of Utoeya in July 2011. He was imprisoned for the maximum 21-year term last year.

An official at the Paris Prosecutor Office said Breivik sent a copy of a manifesto setting out his ideology to Vikernes, who is also a convicted murderer.

Did not know about the Breivik link, though it's not a surprise.

Nicely timed though. Frances version of PRISM/GCHQ was getting some shit and outrage recently. I think this will guarantee their budget rises for the foreseeable future.

Being one of hundreds he mailed the manifesto to is hardly a link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2013, 07:14:08 PM
Varg's got a bit of history with the right wing, so I'm guessing that there's a bit more to that than stated. From what I recall he was pretty prolific in contacting/interacting with various groups while in prison. His beliefs have swung around pretty wildly at times too, so   prior contact seems at least possible.

Don't get me wrong. Varg is a perfectly shitty person on his own without adding Breivik to the mix. I'd say the most interesting thing about the whole thing is the timing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 16, 2013, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 13, 2013, 06:35:34 PM
The internet is saturated with RETARDS.

Wait until the news gets hold of this. Chupacabra Devil Bunnies in 3...2...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 17, 2013, 10:01:36 AM
This is awesome:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/baba-jukwa-zimbabwe-whistleblower

QuoteA taste for whistleblowing, recently reignited by Edward Snowden, has spread down to the bottom of Africa, into the corrupt corners of Zimbabwe. With less than a fortnight to go until the nation attempts to topple Robert Mugabe from a 33-year rule of terror and violence, an anonymous Facebook figure has been creating quite a stir.

Baba Jukwa claims to be a powerful member in Mugabe's political party, ZANU-PF, who is trying to bring the party down from the inside. He has been using Facebook to publish detailed allegations of corruption and violence, including the supposed perpetrators' names and phone numbers and disclosing dishonest election tactics. This is all in an attempt to galvanise the opposition party, MDC, into securing a victory that many believe they are long overdue.

Baba Jukwa labels himself as "a concerned father, fighting nepotism and directly linking the community with their leaders, government, MPs and ministers". Only last month, in an attempt to deliver truth and re-establish Zimbabwe's democratic right to a transparent government, he partnered with WikiLeaks.

Since Baba Jukwa started spilling secrets, the government has brought in ITC experts from China and Israel, and employed an Australia-based hacker/spy to try to identify the self-described saboteur. But Baba Jukwa's identity is still a mystery and his supporters continue to multiply, regardless of the brutal consequences Zimbabweans often face for opposing Mugabe.

Hopefully the start of things getting less shitty in Zimbabwe. Interesting credibility test too:
QuoteBaba Jukwa has also published claims regarding Mugabe's health, announcing that he is dying of prostate cancer and is undergoing regular chemotherapy in Singapore. This reinforces information WikiLeaked a few years ago, which stated Mugabe had been given until the end of 2013 to live.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 17, 2013, 06:38:27 PM
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/aclu-digital-dragnet-ensnares-millions-innocent-drivers-6C10654018
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 17, 2013, 06:53:06 PM
The Satanic Temple Performs Same-Sex Ceremony At Westboro Baptist Church Leaders Family Gravesite

http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/28311/The-Satanic-Temple-Performs-Same-Sex-Ceremony-At-Westboro-Baptist-Church-Leaders-Family-Gravesite?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Thegauntletcom+%28thegauntlet.com%29

"The Satanic Temple now believes that Fred Phelps must believe that his mother is now gay, in the afterlife, due to our Pink Mass... And nobody can challenge our right to our beliefs."




edit: http://www.westboro-baptist.com/  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on July 17, 2013, 10:04:32 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 17, 2013, 06:53:06 PM
The Satanic Temple Performs Same-Sex Ceremony At Westboro Baptist Church Leaders Family Gravesite

http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/28311/The-Satanic-Temple-Performs-Same-Sex-Ceremony-At-Westboro-Baptist-Church-Leaders-Family-Gravesite?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Thegauntletcom+%28thegauntlet.com%29

"The Satanic Temple now believes that Fred Phelps must believe that his mother is now gay, in the afterlife, due to our Pink Mass... And nobody can challenge our right to our beliefs."




edit: http://www.westboro-baptist.com/  :lulz:

"After a Pink Mass, every time a same-sex couple kiss over the grave, the deceased is pleasured in the afterlife."

. . .

. . .

. . .

:lulz: :horrormirth: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 18, 2013, 12:18:54 PM
Vice today:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/is-the-los-zetas-leaders-capture-really-such-a-good-thing

QuoteOn Monday, the leader of the most brutal crime syndicate in Mexico was captured alive. Miguel Angel Treviño Morales, the boss of the notoriously violent Los Zetas drug cartel, was tracked down driving a pick-up truck in the border city of Nuevo Laredo. When Mexican marines apprehended him, reportedly without a shot being fired, he was found to be carrying an array of assault rifles and two million dollars (£1.3 million) in cash.

Miguel – or "Z-40", as he's commonly known – and his organisaton made a name for themselves by ordering the beheading of journalists who spoke out against them, orchestrating prison riots and Miguel personally overseeing the massacre of hundreds of innocent migrants trying to make their way into the US over the Mexican border. The guy is like a highly vicious, Central American George Jung, only with a personal army that would rival that of a small country rather than a Hollywood biopic and an impressive collection of bad turtlenecks.   

So you'd be forgiven for describing the kingpin's arrest as "a major victory in [the] battle against murderous drug cartels". But is his capture really the gargantuan victory that many are claiming it to be? With Z-40 now off the streets, it's the perfect opportunity for the already fragmented divisions within Los Zetas – as well as all of Mexico's other cartels – to take advantage of the break in leadership and forge their own way to the top of the pile.

Cain? Johnny? Seems like a big development. Not in actually reducing crime or anything, just that there's a power gap and these things are rarely bloodless.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 18, 2013, 01:55:54 PM
Historically, Los Zetas have been able to manage their affairs after a leader has been captured quite well.  It's one thing that differentiates them from other organized crime gangs - the hierarchy is such that transitions in power seem to occur with minimal internal strife.

That does, of course, rely on having a sizeable pool of talent to work with, and it's not entirely clear that this is currently the case, though the reverse is also true.  We do know that Morales' brother - "Z-42" - has a senior position in the leadership, and it's quite possible that alleigance will be transferred to him on the basis of familial similarity, continuity of policy etc
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 18, 2013, 07:12:54 PM
AHAHAHAHAHA:
http://norml-uk.org/2013/07/cannabis-is-stronger-than-heroin-really/
(http://norml-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/its-not-just-a-joint-warrington-council.jpg)

QuoteHave you heard?  The crack team of scientists employed by Warrington Council has now declared that modern cannabis is stronger than heroin!  You can throw out your pipes and vaporisers and go find yourself a nice dirty, used needle to start shooting your cannabis with.  No sense wasting high-quality dope like that in a bong.  You want this kind of high-potency shit to go right in the mainline!  Tool me up, baby! - See more at: http://norml-uk.org/2013/07/cannabis-is-stronger-than-heroin-really/#sthash.sgw5nDPP.dpuf

Surely not legit?
http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/10553268.Council_Facebook_page_shut_down_after_cannabis_claims/

Oh my.

Did RWHN Emigrate?

Requesting now that if this gets more than 5 replies a mod either splits it out or nukes it. Please.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2013, 07:34:51 PM
Doo bee doo bee dooooooooooo

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/CPD-Starts-Door-to-Door-Visits-To-Fight-Violence-216148791.html

Link looks fairly bland.

Then you click it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on July 19, 2013, 07:38:22 PM
Jesus.

Do yout suppose that 29% drop in murder is an accurate number?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 19, 2013, 08:09:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2013, 07:34:51 PM
Doo bee doo bee dooooooooooo

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/CPD-Starts-Door-to-Door-Visits-To-Fight-Violence-216148791.html

Link looks fairly bland.

Then you click it.

I...

QuoteA new pilot program in Chicago has police knocking on the doors of would-be criminals, hoping to alert them of stiff penalties for gun crimes and warn them they are being watched.

The "custom notifications" are part of a comprehensive policing strategy aimed at reducing violence and crime by targeting specific groups of individuals allegedly committing a majority of an area's criminal activity.

"Much of the city's violence is perpetrated by a small group of individuals, and we're putting these individuals on notice," Director of Chicago Police News Affairs Adam Collins said in a statement.

Chicago Police began hand-delivering letters from the district commander on Friday to targeted individuals with the "highest propensity for violence."

The letter reminds them of the consequences of crime and "puts them on notice."

"If they commit a crime we will seek the strongest penalties available," Collins said in a statement.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/CPD-Starts-Door-to-Door-Visits-To-Fight-Violence-216148791.html#ixzz2ZWJGsWU7

...how do they determine who is "most likely to commit a crime", I wonder?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2013, 08:13:00 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 19, 2013, 08:09:57 PM
...how do they determine who is "most likely to commit a crime", I wonder?

They check to see if the subject is a "volitional human being".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2013, 08:13:37 PM
Bear in mind that the Austin district of Chicago has long been notorious for corruption and racism in the police force.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 19, 2013, 08:14:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2013, 08:13:00 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 19, 2013, 08:09:57 PM
...how do they determine who is "most likely to commit a crime", I wonder?

They check to see if the subject is a "volitional human being".

That's what I thought.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 19, 2013, 09:19:40 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 19, 2013, 08:09:57 PM
...how do they determine who is "most likely to commit a crime", I wonder?

Precogs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on July 19, 2013, 09:37:42 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2013, 07:34:51 PM
Doo bee doo bee dooooooooooo

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/CPD-Starts-Door-to-Door-Visits-To-Fight-Violence-216148791.html

Link looks fairly bland.

Then you click it.

A link from other Chicago stories:
Quote
More than 2,100 Chicago Public Schools employees could be laid off Friday morning, bringing the total number of pink slips to 3,000 in two months.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/CTU-Nearly-2100-CPS-Teachers-Staff-to-Be-Cut-216088831.html#ixzz2ZWf7TM9h

Maybe they can get jobs knocking on doors of would-be criminals.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 21, 2013, 11:59:36 AM
Russell Brand continues to show he's not just an egomaniacal comedian with an overactive sex drive:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23383451

QuoteThe Sachsgate affair resulted in Brand and the controller of Radio 2 resigning, Ross being suspended from broadcasting for three months and a review being held into the way BBC output was vetted.

Brand told Desert Island Discs presenter Kirsty Young: "Anything that damages something I love, I'm going to feel sorry for.

"And I'm sorry also because the story I tell myself, of myself, is not that I am a man who is rude to people who are in a position of vulnerability - but what's difficult, Kirsty, is there was obviously a pre-existing agenda in privately-owned media to destabilise, attack and diminish the BBC."

He claimed the thousands of people who complained were motivated by an agenda against publicly-funded media.

He said: "Listen, Kirsty, after the show there were two complaints. After it was in the Daily Mail there were subsequently 42,000 complaints."

Brand added: "I'm sure their offence was genuine - it was wrong, and I apologise for that - but how the information is presented is important."

He continued: "The thing I want to address here, the thing that 42,000 people were offended by is offensive. It is offensive if someone calls up an answerphone, does some swearing, hangs up.

"But if, incrementally, that act is led to by a series of innuendos and in-jokes, then it is a different thing. It is still a thing that is wrong, but it's not the thing that they are offended by."

I don't know if they're still doing it, but he and Matt Stoller, the former political advisor to ALAN GRAYSON, had a sort of stand-up comedy/current events TV show that was pretty good. 

Speaking of comedians and awareness:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23389757

QuoteFrankie Boyle says he has not eaten for four days in a bid to highlight the case of Shaker Aamer - the last UK resident being held at Guantanamo Bay.

The Scottish comedian has joined campaigners who are attempting to fast for a combined total of 1,000 hours.

Mr Aamer, from London, has been detained in the military prison for 11 years without being charged or tried.

Since February, 100 of the 166 prisoners still held have been refusing food in protest at their detention.

QuoteThe 47-year-old, whose wife and children still live in south-west London, has been cleared for release.

He told the BBC in May he was losing his mind, health and life in Guantanamo - the military prison used by the United States to detain al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners since 2002.

US authorities said he led a unit of Taliban fighters against Nato troops and had met Osama Bin Laden. But Mr Aamer has always said he was in Afghanistan with his family doing charity work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 22, 2013, 03:14:13 PM
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-edl-bled-all-over-birmingham-on-saturday

Pictures worth multiple words and that:

(http://assets.vice.com/content-images/contentimage/no-slug/f51b1904a0089cf69a826da93dfc274a.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on July 22, 2013, 03:29:19 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 18, 2013, 12:18:54 PM
Vice today:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/is-the-los-zetas-leaders-capture-really-such-a-good-thing

QuoteOn Monday, the leader of the most brutal crime syndicate in Mexico was captured alive. Miguel Angel Treviño Morales, the boss of the notoriously violent Los Zetas drug cartel, was tracked down driving a pick-up truck in the border city of Nuevo Laredo. When Mexican marines apprehended him, reportedly without a shot being fired, he was found to be carrying an array of assault rifles and two million dollars (£1.3 million) in cash.

Miguel – or "Z-40", as he's commonly known – and his organisaton made a name for themselves by ordering the beheading of journalists who spoke out against them, orchestrating prison riots and Miguel personally overseeing the massacre of hundreds of innocent migrants trying to make their way into the US over the Mexican border. The guy is like a highly vicious, Central American George Jung, only with a personal army that would rival that of a small country rather than a Hollywood biopic and an impressive collection of bad turtlenecks.   

So you'd be forgiven for describing the kingpin's arrest as "a major victory in [the] battle against murderous drug cartels". But is his capture really the gargantuan victory that many are claiming it to be? With Z-40 now off the streets, it's the perfect opportunity for the already fragmented divisions within Los Zetas – as well as all of Mexico's other cartels – to take advantage of the break in leadership and forge their own way to the top of the pile.

Cain? Johnny? Seems like a big development. Not in actually reducing crime or anything, just that there's a power gap and these things are rarely bloodless.

A lot of fanfare, but yeah, some are speculating that this might mean a re-merging of Zetas with Gulf or a partnership with Sinaloa, due to the succesor not having that much of a personality clash with the other leaders, but who knows?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on July 22, 2013, 05:01:18 PM
Just got riled up over a news article only to realize it was over a year old.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2012/03/the_anti_protest_bill_signed_by_barack_obama_is_a_quiet_attack_on_free_speech_.html

I made an MSpaint thing and everything....

(http://i39.tinypic.com/29zbxcg.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 23, 2013, 01:32:52 PM
This looks like an unusual level of fucked up. That may just be the Canada aspect though:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-canadian-government-is-withholding-documents-concerning-the-torture-of-native-children

QuoteIn the early 1990s an affiliation of Cochrane, Kapuskasing, and James Bay's OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) detectives were assigned to investigate one of the largest claims of sexual and physical abuse against children in Canadian history. The testimony they amassed by talking to hundreds of survivors of St. Anne's Residential School in Fort Albany Ontario was horrifying. The investigation provided 7,000 pages of stories that wouldn't be out of place in memoirs of concentration camp survivors, or of individuals trapped in a country where ethnic cleansing is a government policy.

The accounts of physical and sexual abuse are brutal and numerous – hetero and homosexual child rape, children being beaten with strops and rudimentary whips, forced ingestion of noxious substances (rotten porridge that children would throw up and then be forced to eat), sexual fondling, forced masturbation... the list goes on and on. But one of the most appalling and debasing examples of the indignity and the abuse suffered by children at St. Anne's is that of being strapped down and tortured in a homemade electric chair – sometimes as a form of punishment – but other times just as a form of amusement for the missionaries, who, while committing these acts, were supposedly the ones "civilising" the "Indians."

Edmund Metatawabin was the chief of the Fort Albany First Nation in the 1990s, and the man who first brought these allegations to the attention of the OPP. Both he and his peers had been strapped down in the electric chair and he recalled the experiences as such: "Small boys used to have their legs flying in front of them... the sight of a child being electrocuted and their legs flying out in front was a funny sight for the missionaries and they'd all be laughing... the cranking of the machine would be longer and harder. Now you're inflicted with real pain. Some of them passed out."

In 1997, the OPP concluded its investigation and seven former employees of St. Anne's were charged and convicted of a variety of assaults. The victims were never compensated, and the 7,000 pages of investigative evidence collected by the OPP was locked away somewhere in Orillia. Now, the victims are seeking compensation, and the federal government – who has subsequently become the defendant in a case involving the sexual abuse and torture of children by an electric chair – is attempting to keep those 7,000 documents from ever seeing the light of day, thus preventing the possibility of any recompense. The government is citing "privacy reasons" for their lack of transparency.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 23, 2013, 02:15:39 PM
Unfortunately, not all that fucked up for Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duplessis_Orphans

QuoteThe Duplessis Orphans (French: les Orphelins de Duplessis) were the victims of a scheme in which several thousand orphaned children were falsely certified as mentally ill by the government of the province of Quebec, Canada, and confined to psychiatric institutions.

QuoteBeginning in the 1940s and continuing into the 1960s, Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis, in cooperation with the Roman Catholic Church which ran the orphanages, developed a scheme to obtain federal funding for thousands of children, most of whom had been "orphaned" through forced separation from their unwed mothers. In some cases the Catholic orphanages were re-labelled as health-care facilities and in other cases the children were shipped from orphanages to existing insane asylums. Years later, long after these institutions were closed, the children who had survived them and become adults began to speak out about the harsh treatment and sexual abuse they endured at the hands of the psychiatrists, Roman Catholic priests, nuns, and administrators.

Canada has very fucked up history where children and the Catholic Church are concerned. 

You wont be surprised to learn that St. Anne's is a Catholic run school.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 23, 2013, 02:23:08 PM
The more you know, Thanks Cain.

I bet this will have a few ramifications for the region:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23417029

QuoteAl-Qaeda has said it carried out two mass jailbreaks in Iraq, which freed hundreds of prisoners including senior leaders of the Islamist militant group.

In an online statement, al-Qaeda said Sunday's attack was the final one in a campaign aimed at freeing inmates and targeting justice system officials.

At least 20 security guards died when gunmen stormed the Abu Ghraib and Taji jails near Baghdad.

Abu Ghraib was used to torture regime opponents during Saddam Hussein's rule.

The prison's infamy increased in 2004 when photographs were published showing detainees being abused by US guards.

On Tuesday, an al-Qaeda affiliate calling itself the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant said it carried out the attacks on the prisons.

Seems pretty bold, unless they had very good intel and a few plants in strategic places.

The target is pretty perfect too. The west can't condemn this completely as they pretty much ensured this would happen. I doubt any locals will be upset to see these places raided either.

Claims of 500 prisoners freed. This is how you do PR.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on July 23, 2013, 02:33:31 PM
Quote from: Cain on July 23, 2013, 02:15:39 PM
Unfortunately, not all that fucked up for Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duplessis_Orphans

QuoteThe Duplessis Orphans (French: les Orphelins de Duplessis) were the victims of a scheme in which several thousand orphaned children were falsely certified as mentally ill by the government of the province of Quebec, Canada, and confined to psychiatric institutions.

QuoteBeginning in the 1940s and continuing into the 1960s, Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis, in cooperation with the Roman Catholic Church which ran the orphanages, developed a scheme to obtain federal funding for thousands of children, most of whom had been "orphaned" through forced separation from their unwed mothers. In some cases the Catholic orphanages were re-labelled as health-care facilities and in other cases the children were shipped from orphanages to existing insane asylums. Years later, long after these institutions were closed, the children who had survived them and become adults began to speak out about the harsh treatment and sexual abuse they endured at the hands of the psychiatrists, Roman Catholic priests, nuns, and administrators.

Canada has very fucked up history where children and the Catholic Church are concerned. 

You wont be surprised to learn that St. Anne's is a Catholic run school.

Automatically assumed as soon as I heard "missionary" and "paedophile "

Something about the catholic sect that goes hand in hand with kiddie fiddling. When I say "something" what I mean is "celibacy"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:36:22 PM
Relearning Vietnam's lesson, ITT.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/25/19658987-i-risked-my-life-for-what-iraq-war-veterans-chilled-by-countrys-slide-into-civil-war?lite

Our new Gods provide.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
DAMMIT!  Stop muddying up my view on things!

http://www.today.com/news/george-h-w-bush-shaving-head-was-right-thing-do-6C10760866
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:42:22 PM
AGAIN!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/26/19663755-canyousurvive-politicians-try-living-on-minimum-wage-but-then-what?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on July 26, 2013, 04:49:51 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
DAMMIT!  Stop muddying up my view on things!

http://www.today.com/news/george-h-w-bush-shaving-head-was-right-thing-do-6C10760866

That is a cool thing to do.

All I can think about is that now is the time to crazy glue the rainbow wig on his head.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on July 26, 2013, 08:27:22 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
DAMMIT!  Stop muddying up my view on things!

http://www.today.com/news/george-h-w-bush-shaving-head-was-right-thing-do-6C10760866

Oh no, George Bush was a human being, flawed in some ways, good in others, much like the flawed but not actually sociopathic CEO's of the companies that are making a mess of the world...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 08:33:16 PM
Very nice, Permagos.  Very nice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 27, 2013, 01:23:47 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
DAMMIT!  Stop muddying up my view on things!

http://www.today.com/news/george-h-w-bush-shaving-head-was-right-thing-do-6C10760866

Herbert Walker was definitely a less shitty President than his son, too. Downright reasonable, by today's standards.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on July 27, 2013, 01:24:22 AM
India's army reportedly spent six months watching "Chinese spy drones" violating its air space, only to find out they were actually Jupiter and Venus.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-23455128

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 27, 2013, 01:27:04 AM
Quote from: Pergamos on July 26, 2013, 08:27:22 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
DAMMIT!  Stop muddying up my view on things!

http://www.today.com/news/george-h-w-bush-shaving-head-was-right-thing-do-6C10760866

Oh no, George Bush was a human being, flawed in some ways, good in others, much like the flawed but not actually sociopathic CEO's of the companies that are making a mess of the world...

Except that a relatively high proportion of those CEOs actually ARE sociopaths. http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2011/06/14/why-some-psychopaths-make-great-ceos/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 27, 2013, 01:35:37 AM
Whenever I see George HW Bush and a child mentioned in the same sentence, I can't help but think of Craig J. Spence (http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2003/02/06/15709461.php) and be subsequently creeped out.

There's no evidence Bush knew...but there were always rumours and innuendo as to his involvement.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on July 27, 2013, 01:42:45 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 27, 2013, 01:27:04 AM
Quote from: Pergamos on July 26, 2013, 08:27:22 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 26, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
DAMMIT!  Stop muddying up my view on things!

http://www.today.com/news/george-h-w-bush-shaving-head-was-right-thing-do-6C10760866

Oh no, George Bush was a human being, flawed in some ways, good in others, much like the flawed but not actually sociopathic CEO's of the companies that are making a mess of the world...

Except that a relatively high proportion of those CEOs actually ARE sociopaths. http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2011/06/14/why-some-psychopaths-make-great-ceos/

My issue with Pergamos' comment is that it seems to imply that if the CEOs were sociopaths, they wouldn't be humans, flawed in some ways, good in others.

IMO, sociopathy gets filed under "flaw this particular human has". Not "qualifies this creature as an inhuman monster."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on July 27, 2013, 04:21:49 AM
True enough.  I'd much rather associate with a conservative than a sociopath though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 29, 2013, 05:08:04 PM
Looks like there's been a pedo ring busted but nobody seems to be naming names. Creepy.
https://www.google.com/search?q=teens+rescued+sex+trade&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&client=firefox-a
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 29, 2013, 05:40:52 PM
Everyone's reading from the same script at the moment, the FBI's press release.

According to the data from the FBI's statement, the majority of the arrests took place in Detroit, Oklahoma City and San Francisco.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 29, 2013, 05:44:07 PM
Thanks for that. Watching to see where this goes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 06:13:35 PM
This whole pedo-thing is starting to freak me out. I mean, I always figured that there were just about as many serial killers as pedos but, if the recent news is anything to go by (yeah right) I'd be forgiven for thinking I'm the odd man out and 97% of the adult population of planet earth are actually balls deep in a preschooler as we speak. I mean WTF??  :eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 29, 2013, 06:17:00 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 06:13:35 PM
This whole pedo-thing is starting to freak me out. I mean, I always figured that there were just about as many serial killers as pedos but, if the recent news is anything to go by (yeah right) I'd be forgiven for thinking I'm the odd man out and 97% of the adult population of planet earth are actually balls deep in a preschooler as we speak. I mean WTF??  :eek:

That's pretty much the exact opinion the media has been trying to create for years. If you're worried it means it's working.

What in particular has set the worry alarm? You've normally got a good handle on shit like this so it seems like an odd reaction from you man.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 29, 2013, 06:24:21 PM
Quote from: stelz on July 29, 2013, 05:08:04 PM
Looks like there's been a pedo ring busted but nobody seems to be naming names. Creepy.
https://www.google.com/search?q=teens+rescued+sex+trade&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&client=firefox-a

I'd suggest the most sickening thing here is the likely level of impact.

100 freed, Great. 150 facing charges, nice going.

Potential scale of the problem?

QuoteAn estimated 240,000 children in the United States are considered at risk of sexual exploitation.

I'd assume that to be a very, very conservative guess. Most true numbers on shit like this tends to be best guesses with a big list of unknown caveats. Quite simply, there seems to be nowhere near enough funding/resources to begin to actually tackle this problem effectively.

A cynical mind would consider that there may be more than a few extremely wealthy people who benefit from this trade. A paranoid mind might think there could be links to government.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on July 29, 2013, 07:34:57 PM
http://gothamist.com/2013/07/27/violinist_arrested_for_playing_viol.php

Good to know cops are going after the real monsters.

QuoteThe officer continued to insist that Christian procure a permit, and Christian continued to insist that no such permit exists. After trying to convince him to leave the station voluntarily, the officer again called his superiors. Christian pointed out specifically, in the rule book, where it says that he's allowed to play.

Strangely, his curiosity about the law seemed to evaporate when he had the chance to have a copy of the rules in his hands. He changed to a new tactic, telling me that the rules could be "overruled" in the case of a safety problem.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 29, 2013, 09:49:19 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/29/19754475-more-than-100-teens-rescued-in-weekend-sex-trafficking-raids-fbi-says?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 29, 2013, 09:59:12 PM
That's what Stella linked to. Beat to the punch unless there's some kind of update?

Also, passing bored Mod, may be worth splitting this out, I'd guess this to have a lot more related to it in the next few days/weeks
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 29, 2013, 09:59:45 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 29, 2013, 09:59:12 PM
That's what Stella linked to. Beat to the punch unless there's some kind of update?

Also, passing bored Mod, may be worth splitting this out, I'd guess this to have a lot more related to it in the next few days/weeks

Beat to the punch.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 10:14:23 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 29, 2013, 06:17:00 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 06:13:35 PM
This whole pedo-thing is starting to freak me out. I mean, I always figured that there were just about as many serial killers as pedos but, if the recent news is anything to go by (yeah right) I'd be forgiven for thinking I'm the odd man out and 97% of the adult population of planet earth are actually balls deep in a preschooler as we speak. I mean WTF??  :eek:

That's pretty much the exact opinion the media has been trying to create for years. If you're worried it means it's working.

What in particular has set the worry alarm? You've normally got a good handle on shit like this so it seems like an odd reaction from you man.

Yeah, man, it was kind of tongue in cheek . Hence the brackets. Child molesting is something that just weirds me out, tho. Murderers and even rapists makes sense to me. Not that I'm an apologist but I think I have a pretty good handle on how it happens. The mechanisms at work in the head meat of the perpetrators makes sense to me but fucking kids? It's just too much of a leap for me. I'm only good with it if its an aberration, like some kind of one in a million basket case. Seems like that isn't the case. The mentality is alien to me. They're not human the way I understand humans. Saddam Hussein, UBL, Hitler, they were all human. Fucked up and twisted versions but I can relate to them. What made them who they are I understand. It doesn't surprise or shock me that people can get that bent. Jimmy Saville, tho ... not my species. Something I don't have a handle on happened there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 29, 2013, 10:18:26 PM
Our culture fetishizes the forbidden. Sex is dirtybadwrong, therefore the more badwrong, the sexier. Most of us draw lines, some of us run with it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 29, 2013, 10:29:07 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 10:14:23 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 29, 2013, 06:17:00 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 06:13:35 PM
This whole pedo-thing is starting to freak me out. I mean, I always figured that there were just about as many serial killers as pedos but, if the recent news is anything to go by (yeah right) I'd be forgiven for thinking I'm the odd man out and 97% of the adult population of planet earth are actually balls deep in a preschooler as we speak. I mean WTF??  :eek:

That's pretty much the exact opinion the media has been trying to create for years. If you're worried it means it's working.

What in particular has set the worry alarm? You've normally got a good handle on shit like this so it seems like an odd reaction from you man.

Yeah, man, it was kind of tongue in cheek . Hence the brackets. Child molesting is something that just weirds me out, tho. Murderers and even rapists makes sense to me. Not that I'm an apologist but I think I have a pretty good handle on how it happens. The mechanisms at work in the head meat of the perpetrators makes sense to me but fucking kids? It's just too much of a leap for me. I'm only good with it if its an aberration, like some kind of one in a million basket case. Seems like that isn't the case. The mentality is alien to me. They're not human the way I understand humans. Saddam Hussein, UBL, Hitler, they were all human. Fucked up and twisted versions but I can relate to them. What made them who they are I understand. It doesn't surprise or shock me that people can get that bent. Jimmy Saville, tho ... not my species. Something I don't have a handle on happened there.

Ah, no worries. Sense of humour failure on my side. It's something that gives me serious "The fuck?!" vibes too, partly a reason I've been trying to read up on this kind of shit more. It's fucking grim, but I don't think "othering" to borrow a term, is a helpful line here.  In this case, Savile and the Belgian stuff Cain put me on to it just seems more important to understand this shit in order to even start getting some kind of grip on it.

Part of the problem seems to be that it does set off a very visceral reaction to even discuss this kind of stuff so it becomes very difficult to have sensible discussions for any length of time.

Strange thought, if most of the cash on the drug war went towards a human trafficking war (Which surely, would almost universally be supported?) I wonder how much of a societal shift we'd see?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 10:35:57 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 29, 2013, 10:18:26 PM
Our culture fetishizes the forbidden. Sex is dirtybadwrong, therefore the more badwrong, the sexier. Most of us draw lines, some of us run with it.

Eureka! Why are you so fucking smart? I get jealous sometimes.  :argh!: Anyway, thanks for that. Makes a lot of sense to me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 29, 2013, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 29, 2013, 10:35:57 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on July 29, 2013, 10:18:26 PM
Our culture fetishizes the forbidden. Sex is dirtybadwrong, therefore the more badwrong, the sexier. Most of us draw lines, some of us run with it.

Eureka! Why are you so fucking smart? I get jealous sometimes.  :argh!: Anyway, thanks for that. Makes a lot of sense to me.

Awwww
(http://blog.wegohealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/bashful1.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 01:57:38 AM
lolwut

http://www.newscorpse.com/ncWP/?p=10238
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 30, 2013, 03:28:53 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 01:57:38 AM
lolwut

http://www.newscorpse.com/ncWP/?p=10238

:lulz: The 4th grade thing makes perfect sense. The right wing has always railed against the "intellectual elite", thinking that they are appealing to the majority of Americans. To a certain point, they were probably correct, but I think they've taken it too far.

It also explains why they want to gut education, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 30, 2013, 03:30:31 AM
WOW I am watching that video right now, it is like watching political TV for 10-year-olds.  :horrormirth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JVflsEE8w2k
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on July 30, 2013, 08:08:19 AM
Quote
No federal limit exists for arsenic in most foods, but the standard for drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb). Keep in mind: That level is twice the 5 ppb that the EPA originally proposed and that New Jersey actually established. Using the 5-ppb standard in our study, we found that a single serving of some rices could give an average adult almost one and a half times the inorganic arsenic he or she would get from a whole day's consumption of water, about 1 liter.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm

Quote
"It is critical to not get ahead of the science," says Michael R. Taylor, FDA's deputy commissioner for foods. "The FDA's ongoing data collection and other assessments will give us a solid scientific basis for determining what steps are needed to reduce exposure to arsenic in rice and rice products."

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm319827.htm

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

Does the FDA make you feel safe?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 30, 2013, 03:17:47 PM
Vice on the UK Employment situation:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/hope-and-despair-at-the-watford-jobfair

QuoteConveniently for those who like to understand things through false dichotomies, and frustratingly for everyone else, the government has come up with a narrative that differentiates between the "strivers" and "shirkers" in British society. "Strivers" are those who struggle to provide for themselves by working like slaves and "shirkers" are those who struggle to provide for themselves because they're too busy wanking on the couch, cackling as they drag the rest of us down into their mire of jobless largesse.

However, this idea is revealed as fallacy when you look at the figures, which show that even if every unemployed person in the country spent their every waking hour looking for a job, they wouldn't be able to find one. There simply aren't enough to go around – there's no hidden well of endless jobs that someone has been sneakily hiding from us. The latest Labour Market Survey showed that while there are nearly half a million vacant positions, there are 2.5 million unemployed who want them. Not to mention the 7 million underemployed making the stats look a bit nicer as they wallow in a personal purgatory.

Despite this, Chancellor George Osborne used his spending review at the end of June to add another 144,000 public sector workers to the unemployment list. He gave those who are already out of work a kicking too, by making them wait a week before claiming benefits rather than the three days they'd been used to. For good measure, jobseekers must now attend the dole office every week rather than fortnightly, which, if we're lucky, will merely be a logistical nightmare.

Of those new jobs that are out there, 75 percent pay peanuts. Feel like complaining? It'll cost you. From now on, if you want to take your beef with your boss to an Employment Tribunal – a service that's been free since the Victorians were employing kids to huff chimney soot all day – you'll have to pay for it up front.

Excellent article covering a lot of the issues surrounding UK unemployment. The employment Tribunal thing is quite disturbing too. Totally missed that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 30, 2013, 03:23:09 PM
http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2013/07/what-todays-introduction-employment-tribunal-fees-really-means

QuoteThe Government's legal aid cuts may have attracted their fair share of criticism, but another reform with potentially huge implications for access to justice quietly kicks in today.

As of this morning, Employment Tribunals - set up to provide a proper, impartial forum for the resolution of disputes between employees and employers - are no longer free to access. If you're unfairly sacked, discriminated against or don't receive wages owed from now on, you'll need to pay an upfront cost or bite your lip.

The Ministry of Justice claims that the £84m (or £74m, depending on which particular Government document you happen to be looking at) cost of running the Employment Tribunals Service is too high. They say it's unfair for taxpayers to foot the bill for workers who choose to "escalate workplace disputes to a tribunal" and argue that "drawn out disputes" can "emotionally damage workers and financially damage businesses".

What this translates to is a fees system compelling claimants (almost always employees or ex-employees) to pay £160 just to begin the process of challenging employers over relatively simple matters like non-payment of wages or statutory redundancy pay.

Should they then want to take the case to a full hearing, they'll need a further £230. If that seems onerous, spare a thought for those challenging unfair dismissal, sexual or racial discrimination in the workplace, or sackings arising from whistle-blowing, who will now have to cough up £250 upfront, with a further £950 due for a day at tribunal.

There's no guarantee either that a claimant will get their fees back, even if they win their case. While the new rules allow tribunals to impose a costs order against a losing party, this is entirely at a judge's discretion, so even if an employee proves that they were, for example, the victim of sexual harassment at work, a good chunk of their compensation awarded could well be swallowed up by fees.

Although the Government's own impact assesment freely concedes that it "cannot rule out... fees may have the effect of deterring some claimants from bringing a claim", it insists that the policy is not designed to reduce claims, only to transfer some of the cost from taxpayers. Responding to criticism that fees might put poor people off seeking redress, the MoJ points to the Civil Fee Remission scheme, whereby low-earners and those in receipt of state benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance can obtain a full or partial waiver of fees for tribunal proceedings.

I wish I was more surprised. UK government has a fairly serious whistle-blowing case at least every 3 months over something quite sensitive. It would be nice if people tried to change shit instead enacting measures against revealing wrongs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 04:24:10 PM
QuoteThey say it's unfair for taxpayers to foot the bill for workers who choose to "escalate workplace disputes to a tribunal" and argue that "drawn out disputes" can "emotionally damage workers and financially damage businesses".

Stop being America.   :lulz:

Why, no, it's not the businesses FUCKING THE EMPLOYEE UP THE ASS, it's the employee deciding to make an issue out of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 05:38:23 PM
Vandalism now "an attack".

:lulz:

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/30/19770054-woman-arrested-over-washington-dc-green-paint-attack?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 05:44:55 PM
HAW HAW!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/30/19771320-guns-in-school-ark-district-arming-more-than-20-teachers-staff?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on July 30, 2013, 06:23:51 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 05:44:55 PM
HAW HAW!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/30/19771320-guns-in-school-ark-district-arming-more-than-20-teachers-staff?lite

:drama1:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on July 30, 2013, 06:58:20 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 30, 2013, 06:23:51 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 05:44:55 PM
HAW HAW!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/30/19771320-guns-in-school-ark-district-arming-more-than-20-teachers-staff?lite

:drama1:

Sometimes I get a little dizzy watching everything circle the drain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 30, 2013, 07:00:23 PM
Caught a documentary on a religious school who preform drills based around an armed intruder. Teaching kids to hide under desks, "Swarm" the shooter and various other "tactics". Several teachers were armed and to be fair had undergone some training.

Would I actually trust any of them with anything more lethal than a spoon? No.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 30, 2013, 07:50:52 PM
Very loosely related:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23503394

QuoteA new superhero, who is set to make her debut on Pakistani television, has provoked a mixed reaction.

The 'Burka Avenger' is a mild-mannered Pakistani teacher with secret martial arts skills.

She uses a flowing black burka to hide her identity as she fights local thugs seeking to shut down the girls' school where she works.

Video at the link.

I doubt the reaction to this is not going to be quiet. By which I mean someone's likely to end up dead before the end of the year.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on August 01, 2013, 03:51:28 AM
Quote from: stelz on July 30, 2013, 06:58:20 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 30, 2013, 06:23:51 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 05:44:55 PM
HAW HAW!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/30/19771320-guns-in-school-ark-district-arming-more-than-20-teachers-staff?lite

:drama1:

Sometimes I get a little dizzy watching everything circle the drain.

Scenario: shooter enters school, shoots.

Teachers get their guns start shooting, miss, shooter takes cover. 

More shooting.

Question:  who will the cops shoot when they eventually arrive?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 01, 2013, 08:09:28 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on August 01, 2013, 03:51:28 AM
Quote from: stelz on July 30, 2013, 06:58:20 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on July 30, 2013, 06:23:51 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 30, 2013, 05:44:55 PM
HAW HAW!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/30/19771320-guns-in-school-ark-district-arming-more-than-20-teachers-staff?lite

:drama1:

Sometimes I get a little dizzy watching everything circle the drain.

Scenario: shooter enters school, shoots.

Teachers get their guns start shooting, miss, shooter takes cover. 

More shooting.

Question:  who will the cops shoot when they eventually arrive?

More probable scenario: Teacher shoots schoolchild, says "I felt threatened".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 01, 2013, 11:15:36 AM
Why not just make kevlar vests part of the school uniform? :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 02, 2013, 09:10:39 AM
From the BBC, right now:

QuoteBREAKING NEWS:Zimbabwe's election was "free and fair" unless proved otherwise, says African Union observer mission head Olusegun Obasanjo

Ahahaha

Straight face and everything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 02, 2013, 09:17:20 AM
Oh it's one of these days of hilarious news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23544129

QuoteItaly's former PM Silvio Berlusconi has broadcast an angry video message after his prison sentence for tax fraud was upheld by the country's highest court.

Berlusconi said he was the innocent victim of "an incredible series of accusations and trials that had nothing to do with reality".

The court also ordered a further judicial review on whether he should be banned from holding public office.

Berlusconi, 76, is unlikely to go to jail because of his age.

He is expected to serve house arrest or carry out community service.

Quote"No-one can understand the veritable violence which has been reserved for me through a series of charges and trials that had no basis in reality," he said.

He described the more that 50 court cases he has faced as "genuine judicial harassment that is unmatched in the civilised world".

Not that there's been any other big verdicts recently or anything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 10:48:41 AM
In the "I can't believe it's Israel" files:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/forty-thousand-bedouin-are-being-kicked-off-their-land-by-israel

QuoteAlthough its name sounds like a way to pay in multiple instalments for a fish dinner, the Prawer Plan is truly some insane, devious shit. The government of Israel, being no stranger to the insane and the devious, has somehow decided that, in 2013, it's OK for a supposedly civilised country to displace 40,000 - 70,000 people based solely on their ethnicity.

The Prawer Plan, the full text of which can be found in English here, is a long-term "development" plan for the Naqab (Negev) desert, the thrust of which is that nearly all the Bedouin living there will be dragged from their rural homes and forcibly placed in cities built by the Israeli government. If that sounds familiar, it's because the South African government did exactly the same thing during the apartheid years. Israel, of course, likes to cry foul whenever the apartheid comparison is invoked, but in this case, they're really inviting it – they're literally relocating people into Bantustans.

Fucking hell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 05, 2013, 03:54:50 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 10:48:41 AM
In the "I can't believe it's Israel" files:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/forty-thousand-bedouin-are-being-kicked-off-their-land-by-israel

QuoteAlthough its name sounds like a way to pay in multiple instalments for a fish dinner, the Prawer Plan is truly some insane, devious shit. The government of Israel, being no stranger to the insane and the devious, has somehow decided that, in 2013, it's OK for a supposedly civilised country to displace 40,000 - 70,000 people based solely on their ethnicity.

The Prawer Plan, the full text of which can be found in English here, is a long-term "development" plan for the Naqab (Negev) desert, the thrust of which is that nearly all the Bedouin living there will be dragged from their rural homes and forcibly placed in cities built by the Israeli government. If that sounds familiar, it's because the South African government did exactly the same thing during the apartheid years. Israel, of course, likes to cry foul whenever the apartheid comparison is invoked, but in this case, they're really inviting it – they're literally relocating people into Bantustans.

Fucking hell.

And the US continues to support Israel, the fucking evil ass motherfucking genocide state  they helped create.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 05, 2013, 04:30:13 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 05, 2013, 03:54:50 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 10:48:41 AM
In the "I can't believe it's Israel" files:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/forty-thousand-bedouin-are-being-kicked-off-their-land-by-israel

QuoteAlthough its name sounds like a way to pay in multiple instalments for a fish dinner, the Prawer Plan is truly some insane, devious shit. The government of Israel, being no stranger to the insane and the devious, has somehow decided that, in 2013, it's OK for a supposedly civilised country to displace 40,000 - 70,000 people based solely on their ethnicity.

The Prawer Plan, the full text of which can be found in English here, is a long-term "development" plan for the Naqab (Negev) desert, the thrust of which is that nearly all the Bedouin living there will be dragged from their rural homes and forcibly placed in cities built by the Israeli government. If that sounds familiar, it's because the South African government did exactly the same thing during the apartheid years. Israel, of course, likes to cry foul whenever the apartheid comparison is invoked, but in this case, they're really inviting it – they're literally relocating people into Bantustans.

Fucking hell.

And the US continues to support Israel, the fucking evil ass motherfucking genocide state  they helped create.

Something something apples not falling far from the tree something Native Americans something.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 05, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.

Good job Israel, you're the new Nazis.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 05, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.

Good job Israel, you're the new Nazis.

cycle of abuse?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 06, 2013, 03:33:05 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 05, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.

Good job Israel, you're the new Nazis.

cycle of abuse?

On a cultural level, I guess that's exactly what it is.

It's fucking sickening.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 04:01:27 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 06, 2013, 03:33:05 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 05, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.

Good job Israel, you're the new Nazis.

cycle of abuse?

On a cultural level, I guess that's exactly what it is.

It's fucking sickening.

I'm thinking some - rub their noses in it - memes might be in order. Quotes from hitler, goering and co. overlayed on pictures of Israeli politico, for instance  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 06, 2013, 05:29:34 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 04:01:27 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 06, 2013, 03:33:05 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 05, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.

Good job Israel, you're the new Nazis.

cycle of abuse?

On a cultural level, I guess that's exactly what it is.

It's fucking sickening.

I'm thinking some - rub their noses in it - memes might be in order. Quotes from hitler, goering and co. overlayed on pictures of Israeli politico, for instance  :evil:

I fucking love this idea!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on August 07, 2013, 12:25:19 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 06, 2013, 05:29:34 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 04:01:27 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 06, 2013, 03:33:05 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 05, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.

Good job Israel, you're the new Nazis.

cycle of abuse?

On a cultural level, I guess that's exactly what it is.

It's fucking sickening.

I'm thinking some - rub their noses in it - memes might be in order. Quotes from hitler, goering and co. overlayed on pictures of Israeli politico, for instance  :evil:

I fucking love this idea!
This idea scares me since israeli guvmint scares me.
Lets do it!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 07, 2013, 03:26:04 PM
Quote from: :regret: on August 07, 2013, 12:25:19 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 06, 2013, 05:29:34 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 04:01:27 PM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 06, 2013, 03:33:05 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 06, 2013, 10:25:34 AM
Quote from: M. Nigel Salt on August 05, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2013, 09:31:55 PM
Alright, I've seen about a dozen really FUCKED UP Israel stories today, and now this:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/israel-is-giving-weapons-to-countries-that-will-accept-african-refugees

QuoteAsylum seekers from the northeast of Africa aren't finding much solace in Israel. After leaving their respective countries in search of a life in which they aren't enslaved or denied fundamental human rights by their own governments, Eritreans, Sudanese and Ethiopians are being rounded up by Israeli police and dumped into crowded detention camps in the desert.

But in case this news has you wondering why Israeli authorities aren't being dragged before an international human rights court (especially in light of other recent revelations), don't worry, they're now planning to sweeten the deal by sending these people, against their will, to any of the several African countries willing to take them. All the countries in question need to do is also take some Israeli weapons and military training that they can use, presumably, to help them kill more Africans.

The law accommodating Israel's latest foray into doing horribly shitty things and getting away with it is one passed by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. It gives police the power to detain migrants suspected of not just serious offences, but even for the most trivial of crimes, like stealing a bicycle or a mobile phone.

The. Fuck.

Good job Israel, you're the new Nazis.

cycle of abuse?

On a cultural level, I guess that's exactly what it is.

It's fucking sickening.

I'm thinking some - rub their noses in it - memes might be in order. Quotes from hitler, goering and co. overlayed on pictures of Israeli politico, for instance  :evil:

I fucking love this idea!
This idea scares me since israeli guvmint scares me.
Lets do it!

Oh yeah, they won't like it. For sure.  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 08, 2013, 06:05:30 PM
Gil Kerlikowske is being moved from ONDCP to Customs:


http://blog.seattlepi.com/marijuana/2013/08/05/gil-kerlikowske-will-exit-drug-czar-post/ (http://blog.seattlepi.com/marijuana/2013/08/05/gil-kerlikowske-will-exit-drug-czar-post/)

Also, you can expect to hear from the Obama administration, namely the Justice Dept, fairly soon on what their posture will be with Colorado and Washington recreational marijuana laws. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 08, 2013, 06:06:47 PM
Quote from: The End on August 06, 2013, 11:02:19 AM
Dance everyone, dance!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 08, 2013, 06:08:24 PM
Quote from: From the LinkAs head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Kerlikowske cannot even talk about legalizing cannabis.  "He is legally precluded from having an enlightened conversation about drug policy,"

That's awesome.  Legally precluded from even discussing it.    :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 08, 2013, 06:11:48 PM
Except he's made clear, public statements that he believes the legalization policies in Colorado and Washington are "extreme", so his opinion is pretty clear.


Which is why they are usheringhim out and will bring a new person in just in time for Holder to announce that the Obama Administration is basically just going to sit on the sidelines with respect to Washington and Colorado.  It will be like the medical marijuana laws.  As long as people are abiding by the state laws they aren't going to do anything. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 08, 2013, 06:13:39 PM
Quote from: The End on August 08, 2013, 06:11:48 PM
Except he's made clear, public statements that he believes the legalization policies in Colorado and Washington are "extreme", so his opinion is pretty clear.

Well, sure.  It would be unlawful for him to say anything different.

I love this shit.

QuoteAs head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Kerlikowske cannot even talk about legalizing cannabis.  "He is legally precluded from having an enlightened conversation about drug policy,"

QuoteAs head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Kerlikowske cannot even talk about legalizing cannabis.  "He is legally precluded from having an enlightened conversation about drug policy,"

QuoteAs head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Kerlikowske cannot even talk about legalizing cannabis.  "He is legally precluded from having an enlightened conversation about drug policy,"

:whack:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 08, 2013, 07:02:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 08, 2013, 06:08:24 PM
Quote from: From the LinkAs head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Kerlikowske cannot even talk about legalizing cannabis.  "He is legally precluded from having an enlightened conversation about drug policy,"

That's awesome.  Legally precluded from even discussing it.    :lulz:

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 09, 2013, 09:58:42 AM
Maybe it's time to rename this site "RWHN's Totalitarian Wankfest" and be done with it. I mean, every second thread in apple talk is fair enough. Apple talk is all about abusing fucking idiots but I always saw Aneristic Illusions as something more serious. Like kinda sane. RWHN is mentally precluded from having an enlightened conversation about pretty much anything we discuss in this section.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 09, 2013, 05:17:46 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 09, 2013, 09:58:42 AM
Maybe it's time to rename this site "RWHN's Totalitarian Wankfest" and be done with it. I mean, every second thread in apple talk is fair enough. Apple talk is all about abusing fucking idiots but I always saw Aneristic Illusions as something more serious. Like kinda sane. RWHN is mentally precluded from having an enlightened conversation about pretty much anything we discuss in this section.

At this point I'm not even sure if he believes the insane bullshit he spouts or if he's just trolling, but I am over 90% leaning toward "he's just trolling". His comments about us just being "pixels on a screen" and "dance" sort of tip his hand. He jumps into threads basically just to disrupt productive conversation and make them about himself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 09, 2013, 06:50:38 PM
I'm an opinionated fellow.  Isn't that kind of the point of these message boards?  They'd be kind of dull if no one talked.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on August 09, 2013, 11:22:34 PM
Trigger warning, disturbing as FUCK http://www.thegailygrind.com/2013/08/06/gay-teenager-kidnapped-and-tortured-by-russian-neo-nazi-group-is-believed-to-have-died-from-his-injuries-video/#.UgVkNpZoc4g.facebook
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on August 11, 2013, 11:29:33 PM
AZ Family's "Leap of Faith" Goes Less Well than Expected (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/08/11/211072485/family-rescued-in-pacific-after-sailing-where-god-led-us?utm_source=NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20130811)

QuoteHannah Gastonguay, 26, and her husband, Sean, 30, were fed up with abortion, homosexuality, taxes and the "state-controlled church" and so "decided to take a leap of faith and see where God led us," she [said]. With them were Sean's father and the couple's two daughters, one 3 years old and the other an infant.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on August 12, 2013, 01:08:02 AM
Quote from: V3X on August 11, 2013, 11:29:33 PM
AZ Family's "Leap of Faith" Goes Less Well than Expected (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/08/11/211072485/family-rescued-in-pacific-after-sailing-where-god-led-us?utm_source=NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20130811)

QuoteHannah Gastonguay, 26, and her husband, Sean, 30, were fed up with abortion, homosexuality, taxes and the "state-controlled church" and so "decided to take a leap of faith and see where God led us," she [said]. With them were Sean's father and the couple's two daughters, one 3 years old and the other an infant.

QuoteGastonguay told the AP that she never thought the family was going to die: "We believed God would see us through."

"We believed God would see us through" as He continues chucking squalls at them.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 12, 2013, 03:06:09 AM
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/0001/11/30/anti-abortion-protesters-force-portland-s-rock-n-r/1406542
[/size]
[/size]Disgusting. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on August 12, 2013, 04:23:01 PM
Congressional Proceedings Tortured using Heinous Torture (http://songdrops.com/pug-licking-screen-clean/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on August 13, 2013, 01:39:43 AM
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2013/08/12/every-important-person-in-bitcoin-just-got-subpoenaed-by-new-yorks-financial-regulator/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 13, 2013, 01:43:50 AM
Who didn't see THIS  coming?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 13, 2013, 02:14:17 AM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 13, 2013, 07:51:59 AM
Quote from: Triple Zero on August 13, 2013, 01:39:43 AM
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2013/08/12/every-important-person-in-bitcoin-just-got-subpoenaed-by-new-yorks-financial-regulator/

Hey Trip, You may also find laughs here:
http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php/topic,34414.0.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 13, 2013, 08:49:22 AM
Wow:
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/08/overthrow-the-generals/

QuoteLt. Col. Daniel L. Davis doesn't have faith in Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno.

Or the rest of the U.S. Army's generals, for that matter.

Writing in the August issues of The Armed Forces Journal ("Purge the generals"), Davis argues that it's high time to sack the Army's senior leaders for what he sees as an institutionalized epidemic of astonishing failures that not only go unreported, but are typically rewarded. All of it, he says, is creating a self-perpetuating culture of abysmal performance that won't go away until the generals do.

"Over that past 20 years, our senior leaders have amassed a record of failure in major organizational, acquisition and strategic efforts," Davis writes. "These failures have been accompanied by the hallmarks of an organization unable and unwilling to fix itself: aggressive resistance to the reporting of problems, suppression of failed test results, public declaration of success where none was justified, and the absence of accountability."

Davis, a seasoned Army colonel who has already earned a reputation for being something of a whistleblower by tracking leadership failures from the field in Afghanistan, describes a system where underserving leaders "received prestigious medals, promotions to higher ranks, and plum follow-on jobs; others retired and went to work for defense contractors, often with companies that had profited from the failed acquisition effort."

Just a few of those failed acquisition efforts total nearly $35 billion dollars.

I do not see a long a prosperous retirement for Davis. A sudden, suspicious and unlikely end would be about right.

Tons more links and good stuff buried in the article.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 13, 2013, 04:39:12 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 13, 2013, 08:49:22 AM
Wow:
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/08/overthrow-the-generals/

QuoteLt. Col. Daniel L. Davis doesn't have faith in Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno.

Or the rest of the U.S. Army's generals, for that matter.

Writing in the August issues of The Armed Forces Journal ("Purge the generals"), Davis argues that it's high time to sack the Army's senior leaders for what he sees as an institutionalized epidemic of astonishing failures that not only go unreported, but are typically rewarded. All of it, he says, is creating a self-perpetuating culture of abysmal performance that won't go away until the generals do.

"Over that past 20 years, our senior leaders have amassed a record of failure in major organizational, acquisition and strategic efforts," Davis writes. "These failures have been accompanied by the hallmarks of an organization unable and unwilling to fix itself: aggressive resistance to the reporting of problems, suppression of failed test results, public declaration of success where none was justified, and the absence of accountability."

Davis, a seasoned Army colonel who has already earned a reputation for being something of a whistleblower by tracking leadership failures from the field in Afghanistan, describes a system where underserving leaders "received prestigious medals, promotions to higher ranks, and plum follow-on jobs; others retired and went to work for defense contractors, often with companies that had profited from the failed acquisition effort."

Just a few of those failed acquisition efforts total nearly $35 billion dollars.

I do not see a long a prosperous retirement for Davis. A sudden, suspicious and unlikely end would be about right.

Tons more links and good stuff buried in the article.

Naw.  We have a way of dealing with mouthy colonels and generals.  Google "Smedley Butler".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 13, 2013, 04:46:27 PM
I just did.

Now I have 3 dozen Wikipedia pages open.

I hope you're fucking HAPPY.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 13, 2013, 04:53:27 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 13, 2013, 04:46:27 PM
I just did.

Now I have 3 dozen Wikipedia pages open.

I hope you're fucking HAPPY.

It's some good reading.  I highly recommend Butler's book, War is a Racket.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 14, 2013, 12:05:21 PM
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/08/12/130812fa_fact_stillman?currentPage=all

Tons and tons of FUCKED UP regarding civil forfitures.

Examples:

QuoteBy the time Boatright and Henderson spoke with Guillory, he was already acquainted with what he refers to as "the Tenaha operation." Several months earlier, he'd received a call from a plump-cheeked twenty-seven-year-old man named James Morrow, who worked at a Tyson plant in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, slicing chicken strips for prepared foods. "He told me a pretty startling story," Guillory recalls. In August, 2007, Tenaha police pulled Morrow over for "driving too close to the white line," and took thirty-nine hundred dollars from him. Morrow told Guillory that he was on his way to get dental work done at a Houston mall. (The arresting officers said that his "stories of travel" were inconsistent, as was his account of how much money he had; they also said they detected the "odor of burned marijuana," although no contraband was found in the car.) Morrow, who is black, was taken to jail, where he pleaded with authorities to call his bank to see proof of his recent cash withdrawal. They declined.

"They impounded my car, and they impounded me, too," Morrow told me, recalling the night he spent in jail. When he finally agreed to sign away his property, he was released on the side of the road with no money, no vehicle, and no phone. "I had to go to Wal-Mart and borrow someone's phone to call my mama," he recounted. "She had to take out a rental car to come pick me up." For weeks, Morrow said he felt "crippled," unsure of what to do. He says that a Tenaha officer told him, "Don't even bother getting a lawyer. The money always stays here."

QuoteThe public records I reviewed support Rulli's assertion that homes in Philadelphia are routinely seized for unproved minor drug crimes, often involving children or grandchildren who don't own the home. "For real-estate forfeitures, it's overwhelmingly African-Americans and Hispanics," Rulli told me. "It has a very disparate race and class impact." He went on to talk about Andy Reid, the former coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose two sons were convicted of drug crimes in 2007 while living at the family's suburban mansion in Villanova. "Do you know what the headline read? It said, 'the home was an "emporium of drugs." ' An emporium of drugs!" The phrase, Rulli explained, came directly from a local judge. "And here's the question: Do you think they seized it?"

Much more in the link, it's quite a long piece but worth a read. Expect to see more of this kind of thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 14, 2013, 12:23:41 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/us/tsa-expands-duties-beyond-airport-security.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

TSA appears to have been freed from the shackles of airports. Violations coming to you soon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/us/tsa-expands-duties-beyond-airport-security.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

QuoteWith little fanfare, the agency best known for airport screenings has vastly expanded its reach to sporting events, music festivals, rodeos, highway weigh stations and train terminals. Not everyone is happy.

T.S.A. and local law enforcement officials say the teams are a critical component of the nation's counterterrorism efforts, but some members of Congress, auditors at the Department of Homeland Security and civil liberties groups are sounding alarms. The teams are also raising hackles among passengers who call them unnecessary and intrusive.

"Our mandate is to provide security and counterterrorism operations for all high-risk transportation targets, not just airports and aviation," said John S. Pistole, the administrator of the agency. "The VIPR teams are a big part of that."

Some in Congress, however, say the T.S.A. has not demonstrated that the teams are effective. Auditors at the Department of Homeland Security are asking questions about whether the teams are properly trained and deployed based on actual security threats.

Civil liberties groups say that the VIPR teams have little to do with the agency's original mission to provide security screenings at airports and that in some cases their actions amount to warrantless searches in violation of constitutional protections.

"The problem with T.S.A. stopping and searching people in public places outside the airport is that there are no real legal standards, or probable cause," said Khaliah Barnes, administrative law counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington. "It's something that is easily abused because the reason that they are conducting the stops is shrouded in secrecy."

T.S.A. officials respond that the random searches are "special needs" or "administrative searches" that are exempt from probable cause because they further the government's need to prevent terrorist attacks.

Terrorists. Terrorists Everywhere.

If they happen to find the odd roach clip or dodgy DVD, then I'm sure that will justify the exercises and expense. After all, drugs and piracy create bombers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 14, 2013, 02:31:46 PM
Aha
AHAHA
AHAHAHAHA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23691146

QuoteA gun instructor in the US state of Ohio has accidentally shot a student in the arm in a class for people seeking permits to carry a concealed firearm.

Terry Dunlap, 73, was demonstrating a .38-calibre pistol when it went off and struck Michael Piemonte, 26.

He and his wife were taking the day-long class in order to carry guns for their own safety, he told local media.

But yes, Violence can only be prevented by moar gunz.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on August 14, 2013, 02:39:58 PM

                       Stand your ground
                                 /
(http://tesolatrennertnyc.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/students20talking20in20class.jpeg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 14, 2013, 05:24:21 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/14/20024025-pentagon-announces-same-sex-spouse-benefits-for-military-couples?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 15, 2013, 02:20:22 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 14, 2013, 12:05:21 PM
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/08/12/130812fa_fact_stillman?currentPage=all

Tons and tons of FUCKED UP regarding civil forfitures.

Examples:

QuoteBy the time Boatright and Henderson spoke with Guillory, he was already acquainted with what he refers to as "the Tenaha operation." Several months earlier, he'd received a call from a plump-cheeked twenty-seven-year-old man named James Morrow, who worked at a Tyson plant in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, slicing chicken strips for prepared foods. "He told me a pretty startling story," Guillory recalls. In August, 2007, Tenaha police pulled Morrow over for "driving too close to the white line," and took thirty-nine hundred dollars from him. Morrow told Guillory that he was on his way to get dental work done at a Houston mall. (The arresting officers said that his "stories of travel" were inconsistent, as was his account of how much money he had; they also said they detected the "odor of burned marijuana," although no contraband was found in the car.) Morrow, who is black, was taken to jail, where he pleaded with authorities to call his bank to see proof of his recent cash withdrawal. They declined.

"They impounded my car, and they impounded me, too," Morrow told me, recalling the night he spent in jail. When he finally agreed to sign away his property, he was released on the side of the road with no money, no vehicle, and no phone. "I had to go to Wal-Mart and borrow someone's phone to call my mama," he recounted. "She had to take out a rental car to come pick me up." For weeks, Morrow said he felt "crippled," unsure of what to do. He says that a Tenaha officer told him, "Don't even bother getting a lawyer. The money always stays here."

QuoteThe public records I reviewed support Rulli's assertion that homes in Philadelphia are routinely seized for unproved minor drug crimes, often involving children or grandchildren who don't own the home. "For real-estate forfeitures, it's overwhelmingly African-Americans and Hispanics," Rulli told me. "It has a very disparate race and class impact." He went on to talk about Andy Reid, the former coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose two sons were convicted of drug crimes in 2007 while living at the family's suburban mansion in Villanova. "Do you know what the headline read? It said, 'the home was an "emporium of drugs." ' An emporium of drugs!" The phrase, Rulli explained, came directly from a local judge. "And here's the question: Do you think they seized it?"

Much more in the link, it's quite a long piece but worth a read. Expect to see more of this kind of thing.

Oh, I'm sure it's just a few bad apples, though, most of the people in drug enforcement are in it for the right reasons, all the statistics and textbooks are wrong, etc. etc.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 15, 2013, 02:21:17 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 14, 2013, 12:23:41 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/us/tsa-expands-duties-beyond-airport-security.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

TSA appears to have been freed from the shackles of airports. Violations coming to you soon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/us/tsa-expands-duties-beyond-airport-security.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

QuoteWith little fanfare, the agency best known for airport screenings has vastly expanded its reach to sporting events, music festivals, rodeos, highway weigh stations and train terminals. Not everyone is happy.

T.S.A. and local law enforcement officials say the teams are a critical component of the nation's counterterrorism efforts, but some members of Congress, auditors at the Department of Homeland Security and civil liberties groups are sounding alarms. The teams are also raising hackles among passengers who call them unnecessary and intrusive.

"Our mandate is to provide security and counterterrorism operations for all high-risk transportation targets, not just airports and aviation," said John S. Pistole, the administrator of the agency. "The VIPR teams are a big part of that."

Some in Congress, however, say the T.S.A. has not demonstrated that the teams are effective. Auditors at the Department of Homeland Security are asking questions about whether the teams are properly trained and deployed based on actual security threats.

Civil liberties groups say that the VIPR teams have little to do with the agency's original mission to provide security screenings at airports and that in some cases their actions amount to warrantless searches in violation of constitutional protections.

"The problem with T.S.A. stopping and searching people in public places outside the airport is that there are no real legal standards, or probable cause," said Khaliah Barnes, administrative law counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington. "It's something that is easily abused because the reason that they are conducting the stops is shrouded in secrecy."

T.S.A. officials respond that the random searches are "special needs" or "administrative searches" that are exempt from probable cause because they further the government's need to prevent terrorist attacks.

Terrorists. Terrorists Everywhere.

If they happen to find the odd roach clip or dodgy DVD, then I'm sure that will justify the exercises and expense. After all, drugs and piracy create bombers.

I look forward to my patriotic anal cavity probes next time I try to enter the mall.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 15, 2013, 02:22:32 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 14, 2013, 05:24:21 PM
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/14/20024025-pentagon-announces-same-sex-spouse-benefits-for-military-couples?lite

At least we're all EQUALLY eligibly to be fucked over by drug enforcement and terrorism prevention.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 15, 2013, 09:19:30 AM
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/08/feds-crack-encrypted-drives/

QuoteFederal authorities have cracked two encrypted drives they say are filled with child pornography, leading to an arrest in an ongoing case that shows the limits of encryption and highlights a novel legal issue in which the government has been trying to force the defendant to decrypt the drives to aid his prosecution.

Investigators arrested Jeffrey Feldman in Wisconsin on Tuesday and accuse him of three counts of receiving and possessing child pornography.

The arrest came months after the authorities told a federal judge they were unable to decrypt the drives and needed the defendant to disclose his passwords — pitting the constitutional right against compelled self-incrimination against the government's need to access data. In June, the authorities urged the court to demand that Feldman fork over his passcodes, saying the suspect could "forget his passwords."

FBI agent Chadwick Elgersma said in court documents filed Tuesday that seven more drives await decryption. It remains unclear whether the judge presiding over the case will order Feldman to decrypt them.

Elgersma said in an arrest affidavit that investigators cracked two Western Digital My Book Essential external hard drives they believe were used with a Dell Inspiron 530 personal desktop running Windows 7. Authorities suspect thousands of files on the drives are child pornography, the agent said.

The authorities did not say what type of encryption Feldman used. But the case illustrates that encryption isn't foolproof and that the authorities are making headway cracking encryption.

More and links within the article. The potential for precedent here is worth noting. Add to that that CP is usually one of the best ways to curry public/judicial favour to get what you want and it starts looking a bit odd. I know nothing really about the case, but it will be interesting to see the amount of actual illegal content found. I'd guess it to be substantially less than a full 7 hard drives but still enough to justify the actions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 15, 2013, 10:00:20 AM
From the "Incredibly cunning disguise" files:
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20130814/NEWS01/308140125/Police-man-flees-on-scooter-cuts-hair-trying-to-trick-police
QuoteAfter he stole a laptop, a wedding ring and a digital camera, the suspect made his getaway — for a time, police say — on a small, red scooter.

The victim was arriving at her West Elm Street home in late July when she saw the man run from her garage. Police say she described him as having long dreadlocks and a St. Louis Cardinals tattoo on his left cheek.

With that description, nearby Springfield police officers believed it must be 23-year-old Joshua B. Ratliff.


(http://cmsimg.news-leader.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DO&Date=20130814&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=308140125&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Police-man-flees-scooter-cuts-hair-trying-trick-police)

Facial and neck tattoos do not help you in your quest to become a modern gentleman thief.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 15, 2013, 10:04:58 AM
Some HAHA:
http://boingboing.net/2013/08/14/cops-accidentally-record-thems.html

QuoteAn anti-rodeo/animal right activist was subjected to a blatantly illegal, harassing traffic stop after he was asked to leave an Oregon rodeo. How do we know it was illegal? Because the cops who stopped him forgot to turn off their own cameras and recorded themselves admitting that the rodeo (which is a major donor to the Malheur County Sheriff's Department) had demanded the traffic stop. The same cops who participated in the stop were previously at the center of a lawsuit that the county settled in which they were alleged to have fabricated evidence, so they've got form for this. Some dialog highlights:

I didn't want to stop the man.

God, we're gonna get sued.

We're gonna be in a world of hurt here.

All because of that rodeo board, you know that right?

Dammit I was still recording!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 15, 2013, 10:12:54 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 15, 2013, 09:19:30 AM
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/08/feds-crack-encrypted-drives/

QuoteFederal authorities have cracked two encrypted drives they say are filled with child pornography, leading to an arrest in an ongoing case that shows the limits of encryption and highlights a novel legal issue in which the government has been trying to force the defendant to decrypt the drives to aid his prosecution.

Investigators arrested Jeffrey Feldman in Wisconsin on Tuesday and accuse him of three counts of receiving and possessing child pornography.

The arrest came months after the authorities told a federal judge they were unable to decrypt the drives and needed the defendant to disclose his passwords — pitting the constitutional right against compelled self-incrimination against the government's need to access data. In June, the authorities urged the court to demand that Feldman fork over his passcodes, saying the suspect could "forget his passwords."

FBI agent Chadwick Elgersma said in court documents filed Tuesday that seven more drives await decryption. It remains unclear whether the judge presiding over the case will order Feldman to decrypt them.

Elgersma said in an arrest affidavit that investigators cracked two Western Digital My Book Essential external hard drives they believe were used with a Dell Inspiron 530 personal desktop running Windows 7. Authorities suspect thousands of files on the drives are child pornography, the agent said.

The authorities did not say what type of encryption Feldman used. But the case illustrates that encryption isn't foolproof and that the authorities are making headway cracking encryption.

More and links within the article. The potential for precedent here is worth noting. Add to that that CP is usually one of the best ways to curry public/judicial favour to get what you want and it starts looking a bit odd. I know nothing really about the case, but it will be interesting to see the amount of actual illegal content found. I'd guess it to be substantially less than a full 7 hard drives but still enough to justify the actions.

There have been a couple of cases along these lines.

Of course the authorities wont say what encryption Feldman used, because they want others to use it as well.

Though in some ways, this is a good thing, as it doesn't set a precedent whereby the accused is legally compelled to give up their password.  There are some legal precedents for such things...but they're murky and not strongly tested.  Because they cracked the encryption on the first one, they can show ownership, intent and established cause for looking at the other six encrypted drives.

Still, it's nevertheless the case that America's drive into a police state has shifted into a higher gear, going by the last page.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 15, 2013, 10:46:31 AM
Appreciated, I was under the impression that this was the first time this had come up.

Lets just keep up the HA HA though:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/us/in-150-shootings-the-fbi-deemed-agents-faultless.html

Quote"The F.B.I. takes very seriously any shooting incidents involving our agents, and as such we have an effective, time-tested process for addressing them internally," a bureau spokesman said.

But if such internal investigations are time-tested, their outcomes are also predictable: from 1993 to early 2011, F.B.I. agents fatally shot about 70 "subjects" and wounded about 80 others — and every one of those episodes was deemed justified, according to interviews and internal F.B.I. records obtained by The New York Times through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

The last two years have followed the same pattern: an F.B.I. spokesman said that since 2011, there had been no findings of improper intentional shootings.

In most of the shootings, the F.B.I.'s internal investigation was the only official inquiry. In the Orlando case, for example, there have been conflicting accounts about basic facts like whether the Chechen man, Ibragim Todashev, attacked an agent with a knife, was unarmed or was brandishing a metal pole. But Orlando homicide detectives are not independently investigating what happened.

"We had nothing to do with it," said Sgt. Jim Young, an Orlando police spokesman. "It's a federal matter, and we're deferring everything to the F.B.I."

Boston Bombings related, Still no closer to finding out what went on here really. When we do, I'm sure we'll find out it was totally justified however. Even when the FBI fuckup and shoot by mistake they miss.

QuoteOccasionally, the F.B.I. does discipline an agent. Out of 289 deliberate shootings covered by the documents, many of which left no one wounded, five were deemed to be "bad shoots," in agents' parlance — encounters that did not comply with the bureau's policy, which allows deadly force if agents fear that their lives or those of fellow agents are in danger. A typical punishment involved adding letters of censure to agents' files. But in none of the five cases did a bullet hit anyone.

Here's something funny too - 5 out of 289 are "Bad shoots". That's 1.7%. The FBI have totally different force continuum protocols (Ie, police have to announce they are police, request you to put gun down twice then shoot. FBI can just shoot. Simplifying but you get the point)

So how can you make a bad shoot when you've got carte Blanche to shoot whenever and whoever you want? Is this implying that they were bad because they missed?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on August 15, 2013, 12:55:34 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 15, 2013, 10:04:58 AM
Some HAHA:
http://boingboing.net/2013/08/14/cops-accidentally-record-thems.html

QuoteAn anti-rodeo/animal right activist was subjected to a blatantly illegal, harassing traffic stop after he was asked to leave an Oregon rodeo. How do we know it was illegal? Because the cops who stopped him forgot to turn off their own cameras and recorded themselves admitting that the rodeo (which is a major donor to the Malheur County Sheriff's Department) had demanded the traffic stop. The same cops who participated in the stop were previously at the center of a lawsuit that the county settled in which they were alleged to have fabricated evidence, so they've got form for this. Some dialog highlights:

I didn't want to stop the man.

God, we're gonna get sued.

We're gonna be in a world of hurt here.

All because of that rodeo board, you know that right?

Dammit I was still recording!

:lulz:  That's priceless.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on August 15, 2013, 08:43:20 PM
That is so beautiful.



So is this:
Quote
This new kit is a military imperative. Taliban ambushes of supply convoys are a major killer. The Pentagon says the cost of refueling forward bases is $400 a gallon.

Har har har.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/10242882/Solar-power-to-trump-shale-helped-by-US-military.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on August 15, 2013, 09:29:26 PM
 :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

this is the best

http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/2013/08/15/chinese-zoo-under-fire-for-disguising-hairy-dog-as-lion


Chinese zoo under fire for disguising hairy dog as lion
(http://www.timeslive.co.za/incoming/2013/08/15/152940381.jpg/ALTERNATES/crop_630x400/152940381.jpg)

QuoteA customer ... wanted to show her son the different sounds animals made – but he pointed out that the animal in the cage labelled 'African lion' was barking.


it's actually depressing because I don't know what news story could possibly fill this one's boots.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 15, 2013, 09:30:30 PM
Oh?  Check out the AZ thread.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 16, 2013, 10:30:33 AM
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-best-of-vladimir-zhirinovsky-russias-craziest-politician

QuoteOne late night in 2002, so wasted he had to be propped up by two lackeys, he gave a riveting speech against the War in Iraq. He counselled Bush on his daddy issues, called America a "second-hand goods store" filled with "cocksuckers, handjobbers, and faggots," and threatened to change the gravitational field of the Earth in order to sink the entire country. 

If you skip to 5:16, you can listen to him call Bush an ignoramus who can't count and say much, much worse things about Condoleezza Rice: "She is a black whore who needs a good cock. Send her here, one of our divisions will make her happy in the barracks one night. She will choke on Russian sperm as it will be leaking out of her ears... until she crawls to the US embassy in Moscow on her knees."

Stay classy Russia. More impressive craziness at the link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 16, 2013, 01:01:19 PM
There's something pretty fucked up here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23721893

QuoteThe case came to court because of undisputed evidence that DE does not have the capacity to decide whether or not to consent to sterilisation, meaning a judge had to make the decision.

In her ruling, Justice King said DE lived with his parents but had a long-standing, loving relationship with his girlfriend PQ, who also has learning disabilities.

The birth of the couple's first child had a "profound" effect on both families, and measures were taken to ensure there was no further pregnancy, including supervision of DE at all times.

The judge said the couple's relationship "nearly broke under the strain, but remarkably weathered the storm".

She said it was now "lawful and in DE's best interests" that he should undergo a vasectomy and all "reasonable and proportionate steps" should be taken to enable the operation to go ahead.

Naturally, there will be layers of nuance that are not going to be talked about in court but this is giving me a shudder. With the UK increasingly taking steps to secret courts, secret evidence and secret trials it would follow to me that secret punishments can't be far behind. With the precedent now set that you can enforce this on those who do not have the capacity to decide if that is what they want, the world just seemed to get a little darker.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on August 16, 2013, 09:42:38 PM
This could just be a marketing gimmick. If so, its working. I'm planning to go eat there tomorrow.

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/08/06/fast-food-joint-pays-workers-12-an-hour-and-lives-to-tell-the-tale/

I'm always leary of posting news that have video from work because I can't see the video. Hopefully its not just 12 minutes of a guy screaming ethnic slurs. I'm just assuming its not.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 16, 2013, 09:54:42 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 16, 2013, 09:42:38 PM
This could just be a marketing gimmick. If so, its working. I'm planning to go eat there tomorrow.

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/08/06/fast-food-joint-pays-workers-12-an-hour-and-lives-to-tell-the-tale/

I'm always leary of posting news that have video from work because I can't see the video. Hopefully its not just 12 minutes of a guy screaming ethnic slurs. I'm just assuming its not.

That's pretty awesome, actually.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on August 17, 2013, 04:44:55 AM
Quote from: TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR GENITALS on August 16, 2013, 09:54:42 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 16, 2013, 09:42:38 PM
This could just be a marketing gimmick. If so, its working. I'm planning to go eat there tomorrow.

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/08/06/fast-food-joint-pays-workers-12-an-hour-and-lives-to-tell-the-tale/

I'm always leary of posting news that have video from work because I can't see the video. Hopefully its not just 12 minutes of a guy screaming ethnic slurs. I'm just assuming its not.

That's pretty awesome, actually.

Sure seems that way. I'm driving right by there tomorrow. I'll let you know how the food is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on August 17, 2013, 05:36:31 PM
 :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

http://wonkette.com/525627/iowa-rep-steve-king-wins-the-morning-with-anti-immigration-rally-for-crowd-of-tens
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 17, 2013, 05:40:29 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 17, 2013, 04:44:55 AM
Quote from: TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR GENITALS on August 16, 2013, 09:54:42 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 16, 2013, 09:42:38 PM
This could just be a marketing gimmick. If so, its working. I'm planning to go eat there tomorrow.

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/08/06/fast-food-joint-pays-workers-12-an-hour-and-lives-to-tell-the-tale/

I'm always leary of posting news that have video from work because I can't see the video. Hopefully its not just 12 minutes of a guy screaming ethnic slurs. I'm just assuming its not.

My bet - Almost the exactly the same as any comparable local place. I bet it'd be almost equal in a blind taste test. It may appear to taste slightly better due to the social justice side of things but I'd put good money on "Meh"

That's pretty awesome, actually.

Sure seems that way. I'm driving right by there tomorrow. I'll let you know how the food is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 17, 2013, 05:48:24 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 17, 2013, 05:40:29 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 17, 2013, 04:44:55 AM
Quote from: TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR GENITALS on August 16, 2013, 09:54:42 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 16, 2013, 09:42:38 PM
This could just be a marketing gimmick. If so, its working. I'm planning to go eat there tomorrow.

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/08/06/fast-food-joint-pays-workers-12-an-hour-and-lives-to-tell-the-tale/

I'm always leary of posting news that have video from work because I can't see the video. Hopefully its not just 12 minutes of a guy screaming ethnic slurs. I'm just assuming its not.

My bet - Almost the exactly the same as any comparable local place. I bet it'd be almost equal in a blind taste test. It may appear to taste slightly better due to the social justice side of things but I'd put good money on "Meh"

That's pretty awesome, actually.

Sure seems that way. I'm driving right by there tomorrow. I'll let you know how the food is.

I am likely to break this fucking laptop by the end of the day.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: McGrupp on August 17, 2013, 09:08:43 PM
I can now personally attest that Moo Cluck Moo is pretty awesome.

It doesn't have a drive thu window and its more like a diner in that regard but you can still get some good food in less than 5 minutes. I had a Moo burger with bacon and a Fat Cow Milkshake. Both were pretty good although you're right, it's about comparable to a local coney island burger or other diner, which is still fairly tastier than McDonalds. (although that's not a high bar)

They also use only nonantibiotic nongrowthhormone milk, beef, and chicken. When possible they buy from local michigan farmers/suppliers. All their soda comes from the Northwoods Soda company based in northern Michigan and uses natural cane. They even bake their own buns each day.

http://www.moocluckmoo.com/#!food/cfbl
QuoteAll Natural Berkshire Bacon:​
Our superior bacon comes from Eden Farms  acorn fed, 100% Berkshire heirloom pork.  Eden Farms is owned by 30 Midwest farm families committed to practicing humane, ecological and sustainable farming practices. Pigs are raised in open, unconfined spaces, fed a 100% vegetarian diet and are never given antibiotics or hormones for growth.

The workers that I spoke with confirmed that they do indeed get started at $12 an hour. It's also not in a very ritzy area. Telegraph road is kinda like 8 mile rd only without so many strip clubs. The food was reasonably priced. They have a limited menu but most things are $3-$6 (actually $3 not this $2.99 BS) They also deliver, although I'm way out of their area.

The owner/manager who was working their explained it to me like this: "People vote with their dollar. If we do the right things we give people something good to vote for and we stay in business and everybody wins."

It seems a little silly to rave about the place like this, but I've tried to find a cynical angle for this place and can't find one. It really does seem pretty awesome. I hope it catches on.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 17, 2013, 09:16:11 PM
That's pretty good to know. I hope this kind of corporate-social responsibility eventually filters up to larger firms. The living wage concept keeps coming up but very few places have the balls to actually do anything about it so it's a win in that regard too.

It's also a pretty smart move as I'd bet the old Ford principles are at play here. Raise workers wages=workers spend more money on your own products through loyalty increasing sales and revenue at source.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 17, 2013, 10:52:37 PM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 17, 2013, 09:08:43 PM
I can now personally attest that Moo Cluck Moo is pretty awesome.

It doesn't have a drive thu window and its more like a diner in that regard but you can still get some good food in less than 5 minutes. I had a Moo burger with bacon and a Fat Cow Milkshake. Both were pretty good although you're right, it's about comparable to a local coney island burger or other diner, which is still fairly tastier than McDonalds. (although that's not a high bar)

They also use only nonantibiotic nongrowthhormone milk, beef, and chicken. When possible they buy from local michigan farmers/suppliers. All their soda comes from the Northwoods Soda company based in northern Michigan and uses natural cane. They even bake their own buns each day.

http://www.moocluckmoo.com/#!food/cfbl
QuoteAll Natural Berkshire Bacon:​
Our superior bacon comes from Eden Farms  acorn fed, 100% Berkshire heirloom pork.  Eden Farms is owned by 30 Midwest farm families committed to practicing humane, ecological and sustainable farming practices. Pigs are raised in open, unconfined spaces, fed a 100% vegetarian diet and are never given antibiotics or hormones for growth.

The workers that I spoke with confirmed that they do indeed get started at $12 an hour. It's also not in a very ritzy area. Telegraph road is kinda like 8 mile rd only without so many strip clubs. The food was reasonably priced. They have a limited menu but most things are $3-$6 (actually $3 not this $2.99 BS) They also deliver, although I'm way out of their area.

The owner/manager who was working their explained it to me like this: "People vote with their dollar. If we do the right things we give people something good to vote for and we stay in business and everybody wins."

It seems a little silly to rave about the place like this, but I've tried to find a cynical angle for this place and can't find one. It really does seem pretty awesome. I hope it catches on.

That is RAD! Super, super rad.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 19, 2013, 12:27:33 AM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 17, 2013, 09:08:43 PM
I can now personally attest that Moo Cluck Moo is pretty awesome.

It doesn't have a drive thu window and its more like a diner in that regard but you can still get some good food in less than 5 minutes. I had a Moo burger with bacon and a Fat Cow Milkshake. Both were pretty good although you're right, it's about comparable to a local coney island burger or other diner, which is still fairly tastier than McDonalds. (although that's not a high bar)

They also use only nonantibiotic nongrowthhormone milk, beef, and chicken. When possible they buy from local michigan farmers/suppliers. All their soda comes from the Northwoods Soda company based in northern Michigan and uses natural cane. They even bake their own buns each day.

http://www.moocluckmoo.com/#!food/cfbl
QuoteAll Natural Berkshire Bacon:​
Our superior bacon comes from Eden Farms  acorn fed, 100% Berkshire heirloom pork.  Eden Farms is owned by 30 Midwest farm families committed to practicing humane, ecological and sustainable farming practices. Pigs are raised in open, unconfined spaces, fed a 100% vegetarian diet and are never given antibiotics or hormones for growth.

The workers that I spoke with confirmed that they do indeed get started at $12 an hour. It's also not in a very ritzy area. Telegraph road is kinda like 8 mile rd only without so many strip clubs. The food was reasonably priced. They have a limited menu but most things are $3-$6 (actually $3 not this $2.99 BS) They also deliver, although I'm way out of their area.

The owner/manager who was working their explained it to me like this: "People vote with their dollar. If we do the right things we give people something good to vote for and we stay in business and everybody wins."

It seems a little silly to rave about the place like this, but I've tried to find a cynical angle for this place and can't find one. It really does seem pretty awesome. I hope it catches on.

It's called doing well by doing right.  And it works.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 19, 2013, 02:15:29 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 19, 2013, 12:27:33 AM
Quote from: McGrupp on August 17, 2013, 09:08:43 PM
I can now personally attest that Moo Cluck Moo is pretty awesome.

It doesn't have a drive thu window and its more like a diner in that regard but you can still get some good food in less than 5 minutes. I had a Moo burger with bacon and a Fat Cow Milkshake. Both were pretty good although you're right, it's about comparable to a local coney island burger or other diner, which is still fairly tastier than McDonalds. (although that's not a high bar)

They also use only nonantibiotic nongrowthhormone milk, beef, and chicken. When possible they buy from local michigan farmers/suppliers. All their soda comes from the Northwoods Soda company based in northern Michigan and uses natural cane. They even bake their own buns each day.

http://www.moocluckmoo.com/#!food/cfbl
QuoteAll Natural Berkshire Bacon:​
Our superior bacon comes from Eden Farms  acorn fed, 100% Berkshire heirloom pork.  Eden Farms is owned by 30 Midwest farm families committed to practicing humane, ecological and sustainable farming practices. Pigs are raised in open, unconfined spaces, fed a 100% vegetarian diet and are never given antibiotics or hormones for growth.

The workers that I spoke with confirmed that they do indeed get started at $12 an hour. It's also not in a very ritzy area. Telegraph road is kinda like 8 mile rd only without so many strip clubs. The food was reasonably priced. They have a limited menu but most things are $3-$6 (actually $3 not this $2.99 BS) They also deliver, although I'm way out of their area.

The owner/manager who was working their explained it to me like this: "People vote with their dollar. If we do the right things we give people something good to vote for and we stay in business and everybody wins."

It seems a little silly to rave about the place like this, but I've tried to find a cynical angle for this place and can't find one. It really does seem pretty awesome. I hope it catches on.

It's called doing well by doing right.  And it works.

I'd like to see more of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Triple Zero on August 19, 2013, 12:46:18 PM
Russian riot police detain eight Pastafarians during 'pasta procession' in Moscow (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/08/18/russian-riot-police-detain-eight-pastafarians-during-pasta-procession-in-moscow/)

... pastafarians still do stuff?? :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 19, 2013, 01:12:20 PM
In Soviet Russia stuff does pastafarians
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on August 19, 2013, 02:14:56 PM
Russia trying to be like the USSR without the big show-off parades and cool hats is just creepy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2013, 04:37:32 PM
Expect VICE to turn to utter shit shortly:
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/content/murdoch-acquires-stake-vice-it-looks-aggressive-push-india-and-europe

QuoteRupert Murdoch has bought a 5 per cent stake in digital media group Vice for a reported $70m.

The deal, expected to be completed today, will be done through Murdoch's 21st Century Fox entertainment division, which decoupled from parent company News Corp and its publishing businesses earlier this year.

Vice began as an underground Canadian music magazine in the 1990s has grown in recent years into an international multi-media company.

In 2012, it generated global revenue of around $175m, according to the Financial Times.

The FT said that Murdoch's investment would help its "aggressive push" into India and help its expansion in Europe, where 21st Century Fox already owns stakes in a number of broadcasters.

Shane Smith, chief executive and co-founder of Vice, told the paper: "I want us to be the next MTV, ESPN and CNN rolled into one – and everyone always rolls their eyes.

"The reality is that MTV was bought by Viacom and CNN went to Time Warner. We have set ourselves up to build a global platform but we have maintained control."

Following the deal, minority shareholders will make up around 25 per cent of the company, but Smith and the other co-founders will continue to have control of the board.

Next up, Ted Turner looking to invest in NSFWCORP.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 19, 2013, 08:00:03 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 19, 2013, 04:37:32 PM
Expect VICE to turn to utter shit shortly:
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/content/murdoch-acquires-stake-vice-it-looks-aggressive-push-india-and-europe

QuoteRupert Murdoch has bought a 5 per cent stake in digital media group Vice for a reported $70m.

The deal, expected to be completed today, will be done through Murdoch's 21st Century Fox entertainment division, which decoupled from parent company News Corp and its publishing businesses earlier this year.

Vice began as an underground Canadian music magazine in the 1990s has grown in recent years into an international multi-media company.

In 2012, it generated global revenue of around $175m, according to the Financial Times.

The FT said that Murdoch's investment would help its "aggressive push" into India and help its expansion in Europe, where 21st Century Fox already owns stakes in a number of broadcasters.

Shane Smith, chief executive and co-founder of Vice, told the paper: "I want us to be the next MTV, ESPN and CNN rolled into one – and everyone always rolls their eyes.

"The reality is that MTV was bought by Viacom and CNN went to Time Warner. We have set ourselves up to build a global platform but we have maintained control."

Following the deal, minority shareholders will make up around 25 per cent of the company, but Smith and the other co-founders will continue to have control of the board.

Next up, Ted Turner looking to invest in NSFWCORP.

Oh god damn it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 19, 2013, 09:57:30 PM
that seriously reeks of piss.  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2013, 10:13:49 PM
What, did you think you would get to keep the NICE THING?

Or is the quiet swoop of the Murdoch media monster adding yet another outlet for crazy bile that sucks?

Personally, the largest knock for me here is that the sold anything at all to Murdoch. They can't make any excuses regarding ignorance and this was a perfect chance to make a very large, public point. Increasing market value way beyond $70 million. Unless the cash is augmented by the promise of favours and airtime. FOX smells something they can sell to the Occupy crowd is what this boils down to.

Basic rule of investment - Look for 3X cash back from what you put in. Disney paid £2.5 billion for star wars. That means they WILL milk it for £7.5 billion. Minimum. That's a lot of plastic figurines to sell to impressionable kids.

Fox just paid 70 million. That means they're looking for 210 million. That's a lot of plastic viewpoints to push to impressionable kids. The rot has already set in as they've not run a story on this themselves yet from what I can see.

Behold, Media, How I hate thee.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on August 19, 2013, 10:29:16 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 19, 2013, 10:13:49 PM
What, did you think you would get to keep the NICE THING?

Or is the quiet swoop of the Murdoch media monster adding yet another outlet for crazy bile that sucks?

Personally, the largest knock for me here is that the sold anything at all to Murdoch. They can't make any excuses regarding ignorance and this was a perfect chance to make a very large, public point. Increasing market value way beyond $70 million. Unless the cash is augmented by the promise of favours and airtime. FOX smells something they can sell to the Occupy crowd is what this boils down to.

Basic rule of investment - Look for 3X cash back from what you put in. Disney paid £2.5 billion for star wars. That means they WILL milk it for £7.5 billion. Minimum. That's a lot of plastic figurines to sell to impressionable kids.

Fox just paid 70 million. That means they're looking for 210 million. That's a lot of plastic viewpoints to push to impressionable kids. The rot has already set in as they've not run a story on this themselves yet from what I can see.

Behold, Media, How I hate thee.

:walken:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 21, 2013, 08:55:33 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/08/16/texas-deputy-sues-woman-for-mental-anguish-after-he-kills-her-son-in-law/

QuoteA Texas deputy has filed a lawsuit against a woman for past and future "mental anguish" after he was called to her house last year on a 911 call and forced to kill her son-in-law, who was allegedly behaving irrationally after using drugs.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Harris County Deputy Brady Pullen is demanding that Camina Figueroa pay him $200,000 because she did not "adequately warn" dispatchers that Kemal Yazar "posed a violent threat to others" when she called 911 to say that he was acting crazy after several days of using bath salts.

The lawsuit notes that "defendant [Figueroa] decided to evacuate the children for safety reasons" before calling police.

Pullen claimed that he was violently attacked by Yazar as soon as he went through the door. The deputy said he was bitten and his nose was broken. Officers used their Tasers on Yazar, and then fired multiple shots with their service weapons, killing him.

However, Corina Padilla, who witnessed the incident, said that her brother-in-law never touched the officers and was backing away with his hands up when they shot him.

"At no moment did Kemal assault the officer," she insisted. "An unarmed man, a family guy, father and husband of three girls was killed. He had no criminal record. He was self-employed in import-export of very expensive rugs from Turkey and Persia."

Results of this lawsuit could cause great fun.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on August 21, 2013, 09:07:31 AM
Dystopian science fiction is used as a template for reality again:
QuoteTHE HAGUE, 11/05/13 - The Dutch police are to have an Unmanned Aerial Services (UAS) unit, Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten has said in a letter to parliament. According to the centre-left D66 opposition party, the Netherlands will be the first country with such a unit, and the privacy of citizens is at risk.

Last year, the police operated 81 flights over the Netherlands with drones, unmanned mini-planes equipped with day and night cameras. The present flights are only the start of the use of drones in the Netherlands, says Opstelten. "In the future, an increase in the number of flights with unmanned planes is expected."

QuoteThe special police unit being set up specifically to steer the unmanned planes in the air is "a world first," according to Schouw.
http://www.nisnews.nl/aam.html (http://www.nisnews.nl/aam.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 21, 2013, 03:21:53 PM
Previously mentioned, still fucking stupid:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23777143

QuoteConvicted criminals in the West Midlands are being paid to work in call centres inside their prisons.

Inmates at HMP Oakwood, near Wolverhampton, and Drake Hall, in Staffordshire, carry out market research for insurance companies.

The Centre for Crime Prevention said the project was "incredibly naive".

But the Ministry of Justice said it was a pilot scheme which may be rolled out further if it is successful, and added the prisoners have risk assessments.

Emphasis mine. Practically every monitored activity in the UK has a risk assessment. Their stated purpose is to recognise and provide control measures for the risk in question. The reason for this is mainly so you can sack whoever signed the risk assessment when something goes wrong. I hope who-ever wrote that one is looking for a new job, they'll need one within 3 months.

QuoteA statement from G4S, which runs HMP Oakwood prison, said: "The call centre at HMP Oakwood is one of many partnerships we run with businesses, and enables prisoners to work towards apprenticeships and industry-recognised qualifications.

"All the prisoners are carefully security checked and interviewed before working in the centre, calls are made remotely by computer, and every conversation is closely monitored by supervisors. No information from the calls is stored and there is no way any personal information can be used for any criminal purposes."

Is there a "cold calling" apprenticeship? If there is that must be one of the most depressing things ever devised. A qualification in how to phone people. That'll make you totally employable outside prison.

Also - Every conversation closely monitored by supervisors. This implies for each monkey making calls you have another monkey listening to the calls they make. So you've got 2 people involved in cold calling one person. Only one of them isnt' calling. Just listening. This sounds totally profitable. Or they spot-check random calls. Meaning it's largely unmonitored.

The layers of stupidity just keep stacking up the more you pull at the logistics. The only way this makes sense is if you're inflicting this on habitual criminals that you expect to re-offend. Even then, it's not that sane.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 21, 2013, 03:34:04 PM
QuoteNo information from the calls is stored

That'll be a first  :eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 21, 2013, 03:36:04 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 21, 2013, 03:34:04 PM
QuoteNo information from the calls is stored

That'll be a first  :eek:

The information from the calls is most certainly not stored in the head of the prisoner, to pass onto any friends who happen to be outside the system and looking for juicy break-in targets.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 21, 2013, 03:38:16 PM
We've been doing that here for decades, by "closely monitored" they mean that the supervisor could listen in but probably isn't. Also by "pay" they mean the company pays CCA for virtually free labor, and CCA pays the prisoners 32 cents an hour.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 21, 2013, 03:54:33 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 21, 2013, 03:36:04 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 21, 2013, 03:34:04 PM
QuoteNo information from the calls is stored

That'll be a first  :eek:

The information from the calls is most certainly not stored in the head of the prisoner, to pass onto any friends who happen to be outside the system and looking for juicy break-in targets.

Unless the prisoner happens to, y'know, ask. It's market research for insurance companies, too. Talk about fucking perfect. "Do you have an alarm system?", "Do you own any pets?", "Do you leave home for days at a time?", "If there was a fire what's the approximate value of your home and contents?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 02:56:35 AM
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Jump, you bastards.  Right out the fucking window.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 03:08:36 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 02:56:35 AM
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Jump, you bastards.  Right out the fucking window.

I wish  those dinky banks had stuck around and the "too big to fail" bullshit had been allowed to fail, instead.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 03:17:13 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 03:08:36 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 02:56:35 AM
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Jump, you bastards.  Right out the fucking window.

I wish  those dinky banks had stuck around and the "too big to fail" bullshit had been allowed to fail, instead.

Thing is, who owns those dinky banks?

They're dumping grounds for bad debts.  They were never intended to survive.

First one on the list, Sunrise Bank of Arizona.

http://banktracker.msnbc.msn.com/banks/arizona/phoenix/sunrise-bank-of-arizona/

Look at WHEN their problems started (on the graph).  AFTER the meltdown.  This was a dump for toxic mortgages.  The too big to fail fuckers (Fidelity, in this case) wind up with a very nice troubled asset ratio, and the FDIC puts the dump into receivership, and guess who makes good on the deposits?

Oh, yeah, that would be you and I.

Notice, however, that debts OWED to the bank have transferred to Fidelity.  They will now be sold to another sucker (or to whomever Fidelity can strongarm).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 03:18:22 AM
Also, if you look down, their real estate holdings were LOOTED in the last 15 months.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 03:33:23 AM
Ohhhh sweet merciful fuck.  :horrormirth: Those manky bastards.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 03:35:25 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 03:33:23 AM
Ohhhh sweet merciful fuck.  :horrormirth: Those manky bastards.

Like the late great Orton Neslo said, they own the ball AND the ballpark.

So there's three options:

1.  Lose.
2.  Find a different game.
3.  Drive around the parking lot while RWHN struts on the pitcher's mound.

Was that last line necessary?  I'll leave that to the philosophers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 03:37:43 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 03:35:25 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 03:33:23 AM
Ohhhh sweet merciful fuck.  :horrormirth: Those manky bastards.

Like the late great Orton Neslo said, they own the ball AND the ballpark.

So there's three options:

1.  Lose.
2.  Find a different game.
3.  Drive around the parking lot while RWHN struts on the pitcher's mound.

Was that last line necessary?  I'll leave that to the philosophers.

:horrormirth:
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 03:42:02 AM
The bastards want my house. They keep threatening to foreclose on me. I owe $209, it's worth $450. Every term, I get a little bit behind, and then catch up with the following term's financial aid. :lol: I have no idea how I'm pulling it off, but we've been playing this game for two years now and I can play it for two more, easy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:10:08 AM
They don't want your house.  They want your mortgage to fail.

Because they have an insurance policy against that happening.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 04:16:10 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:10:08 AM
They don't want your house.  They want your mortgage to fail.

Because they have an insurance policy against that happening.

That's true when the mortgage is upside-down. They use different tactics when the house is worth MORE than the borrower owes. In places where the market is good one racket is foreclosing on homes and then sitting on them as assets for a few years, and then selling them at a profit. It's totally illegal, but who's going to stop them?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 04:17:24 AM
I don't have mortgage insurance, because I own more than 20% equity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:40:42 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:16:10 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:10:08 AM
They don't want your house.  They want your mortgage to fail.

Because they have an insurance policy against that happening.

That's true when the mortgage is upside-down. They use different tactics when the house is worth MORE than the borrower owes. In places where the market is good one racket is foreclosing on homes and then sitting on them as assets for a few years, and then selling them at a profit. It's totally illegal, but who's going to stop them?

In general, though, the aim is to get mortgages to fail.  They only need 7% of the mortgages in a bundle to fail, to collect a nice fat stack of cash.

And in that case?  Nothing will stop them.

IN OTHER NEWS:

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/dhs-employee-behind-racist-website-paid-leave

Proof that people of all races can be just as stupid as each other.

And that you get paid leave when you do that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:44:51 AM
By the way...

http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/banking-financial-institutions/317965-holder-more-wall-street-prosecutions-on-the-way

The CEO of Sunrise is probably fucked.  The board (proxies for Fidelity, most likely) will walk away whistling.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 04:45:35 AM
NUTJOBBERY KNOWS NO COLOR.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:46:12 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:45:35 AM
NUTJOBBERY KNOWS NO COLOR.

PAID LEAVE.

DHS.

I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 04:47:20 AM
In my particular case, they do want my house. But they aren't going to get it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 04:50:55 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:46:12 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:45:35 AM
NUTJOBBERY KNOWS NO COLOR.

PAID LEAVE.

DHS.

I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING.

What's going to be super-awesome is  the field day the racist wingnuts are going to have with this.  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:08:04 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:50:55 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:46:12 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:45:35 AM
NUTJOBBERY KNOWS NO COLOR.

PAID LEAVE.

DHS.

I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING.

What's going to be super-awesome is  the field day the racist wingnuts are going to have with this.  :horrormirth:

They already are, but nobody's listening.

The Zimmerman Train has left the station.  CHOO CHOO!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 05:11:31 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:08:04 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:50:55 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:46:12 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:45:35 AM
NUTJOBBERY KNOWS NO COLOR.

PAID LEAVE.

DHS.

I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING.

What's going to be super-awesome is  the field day the racist wingnuts are going to have with this.  :horrormirth:

They already are, but nobody's listening.

The Zimmerman Train has left the station.  CHOO CHOO!

:lulz: I love that they DID IT HARDER so much that they've driven off everyone they were trying to impress. And they probably STILL don't get it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:37:26 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 05:11:31 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:08:04 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:50:55 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:46:12 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:45:35 AM
NUTJOBBERY KNOWS NO COLOR.

PAID LEAVE.

DHS.

I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING.

What's going to be super-awesome is  the field day the racist wingnuts are going to have with this.  :horrormirth:

They already are, but nobody's listening.

The Zimmerman Train has left the station.  CHOO CHOO!

:lulz: I love that they DID IT HARDER so much that they've driven off everyone they were trying to impress. And they probably STILL don't get it.

Well, I know a guy who believes the Tea Party is still up and coming.

So it's not hard to see how these cavemen think their racism is finally vindicated, and that the nation is swinging their way.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 05:39:25 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:37:26 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 05:11:31 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:08:04 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:50:55 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 04:46:12 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 04:45:35 AM
NUTJOBBERY KNOWS NO COLOR.

PAID LEAVE.

DHS.

I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING.

What's going to be super-awesome is  the field day the racist wingnuts are going to have with this.  :horrormirth:

They already are, but nobody's listening.

The Zimmerman Train has left the station.  CHOO CHOO!

:lulz: I love that they DID IT HARDER so much that they've driven off everyone they were trying to impress. And they probably STILL don't get it.

Well, I know a guy who believes the Tea Party is still up and coming.

So it's not hard to see how these cavemen think their racism is finally vindicated, and that the nation is swinging their way.

It's like they  have a cognitive processing disorder that causes them to misread the looks of disgust and the slowly backing away as something else entirely.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:44:13 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 05:39:25 AM
.
It's like they  have a cognitive processing disorder that causes them to misread the looks of disgust and the slowly backing away as something else entirely.

Oh, that's just a few isolated libtards.  Everyone else will be congratulating them on their bravery shortly.

Sooner or later.

Where is everyone?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 06:01:19 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 24, 2013, 05:44:13 AM
Quote from: FOCUS GROUP RAGEMONKEY OF HATE HATE HATE on August 24, 2013, 05:39:25 AM
.
It's like they  have a cognitive processing disorder that causes them to misread the looks of disgust and the slowly backing away as something else entirely.

Oh, that's just a few isolated libtards.  Everyone else will be congratulating them on their bravery shortly.

Sooner or later.

Where is everyone?

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on August 24, 2013, 06:54:50 AM
http://truth-out.org/video/item/18345-fbi-partners-with-banks-and-blames-mortgage-fraud-on-poor-borrowers (http://truth-out.org/video/item/18345-fbi-partners-with-banks-and-blames-mortgage-fraud-on-poor-borrowers)

QuoteIndeed, if you think about it, mortgage fraud, of course, was always a potential risk, but we've had underwriting standards at banks for 100 years which have kept mortgage fraud to a trivial level, where losses are far less than one half of 1 percent and fraud is rare.

But in the crisis, liars' loans, we know from the Mortgage Bankers Association themselves, their anti-fraud experts and their report in 2006, that the incidence of fraud in liars' loans was 90 percent, and we know that by 2006 roughly 40 percent of all the loans made that year were liars' loans, and we know that it was overwhelmingly lenders who put the lies in liars' loans, and we know that it was almost exclusively lenders who put the lies in appraisals. So these frauds are overwhelmingly coming from the banks, but are being completely ignored, because the FBI is operating in this bizarre Tea Party world in which the banks are wonderful and honest and it's the small people who are the nasty, terrible folks. And as I said, you'd believe it was an April fools story, especially under a president who is African-American and an attorney general who is African-American buying into the Tea Party story that it's largely minorities who caused this entire crisis. It's the bizarrest thing I've found in 35 years of research.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 24, 2013, 09:52:07 AM
Quote from: Net on August 24, 2013, 06:54:50 AM
http://truth-out.org/video/item/18345-fbi-partners-with-banks-and-blames-mortgage-fraud-on-poor-borrowers (http://truth-out.org/video/item/18345-fbi-partners-with-banks-and-blames-mortgage-fraud-on-poor-borrowers)

QuoteIndeed, if you think about it, mortgage fraud, of course, was always a potential risk, but we've had underwriting standards at banks for 100 years which have kept mortgage fraud to a trivial level, where losses are far less than one half of 1 percent and fraud is rare.

But in the crisis, liars' loans, we know from the Mortgage Bankers Association themselves, their anti-fraud experts and their report in 2006, that the incidence of fraud in liars' loans was 90 percent, and we know that by 2006 roughly 40 percent of all the loans made that year were liars' loans, and we know that it was overwhelmingly lenders who put the lies in liars' loans, and we know that it was almost exclusively lenders who put the lies in appraisals. So these frauds are overwhelmingly coming from the banks, but are being completely ignored, because the FBI is operating in this bizarre Tea Party world in which the banks are wonderful and honest and it's the small people who are the nasty, terrible folks. And as I said, you'd believe it was an April fools story, especially under a president who is African-American and an attorney general who is African-American buying into the Tea Party story that it's largely minorities who caused this entire crisis. It's the bizarrest thing I've found in 35 years of research.

The whole fucking world is crazytown.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on August 24, 2013, 05:09:12 PM
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/raped-and-impregnated-14-girl-must-now-share-parental-rights-her-attacker

QuoteA rape victim sued Massachusetts to stop it from subjecting her to "a court-ordered 16-year unwanted relationship with her attacker" by giving him paternity rights over the child born from the rape.

H.T., of Norwood, Mass., sued the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Federal Court.

"The plaintiff, a rape victim in a state criminal matter, became pregnant in 2009 at age 14 as a result of the crime and gave birth to her attacker's child," the lawsuit states.

"The defendant in the state criminal proceeding, age 20 at the time of the impregnation, was convicted of rape in 2011 and was sentenced to 16 years probation. Conditions of probation include an order that he initiate proceedings in family court and comply with that court's orders until the child reaches adulthood. The plaintiff here seeks to enjoin enforcement of so much of the state court's order as violates her federal rights by binding her to an unwanted 16-year legal relationship with her rapist."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 24, 2013, 05:54:13 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 25, 2013, 03:46:58 PM
MOD revealed to have no access to the time:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23814934

QuoteThe Ministry of Defence ran up a £40,000 bill on the speaking clock, despite a ban on staff calling it.

Employees were reportedly banned from dialling 123 to check the time.

They were given a list of websites they could use to get the time free, but calls have continued - costing a total of £40,000 in less than three years.

An MoD spokesman blamed the "inadvertent spending" on a technical fault and said calls to the speaking clock had now stopped.

The final bill for 2012 was £18,804 and £15,162 in 2011, with more than £6,000 already spent this year.

Over the period since the ban was announced, the MoD has made more than 130,000 calls at 30p each.

The fuck. There's a clock slapped on practically every screen or device. When was the last time you ever needed to ring the speaking clock? 1992?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 25, 2013, 03:58:24 PM
Time to open up the betting formally on HS2:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23823484

QuoteShe added: "I'd really like to knock on the head this talk of costs spiralling out of control. That is simply not true."

Ms Munro went on: "The current budget is £42.6bn for the infrastructure and £7.5bn for the rolling stock.

Started below 30bn, current "worst case" numbers place the end bill at around 80bn.

I'm guessing something like 110 will probably be closer to reality. Probably more given the UK's ability to utterly fail to project costs accurately or come remotely close to meeting them. Add in the huge potential for graft, grift, corruption, land deals, "Regeneration" and I wouldn't be that surprised if it hit 150+.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 12:34:11 AM
Just caught this:
http://martinmanley.org/index2.html
Warning - involves suicide. Too tired to look at it now but this seems big at a glance.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 28, 2013, 03:01:24 AM
LAST TRAIN TO CRAZYTOWN!  WOO WOOO!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/27/1234287/-Pat-Robertson-accuses-gays-of-wearing-special-rings-to-intentionally-spread-HIV?detail=facebook
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 28, 2013, 05:32:10 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 28, 2013, 03:01:24 AM
LAST TRAIN TO CRAZYTOWN!  WOO WOOO!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/27/1234287/-Pat-Robertson-accuses-gays-of-wearing-special-rings-to-intentionally-spread-HIV?detail=facebook


:lulz: That guy has GOT to have an unfortunate brain parasite.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 28, 2013, 05:39:36 AM
THEY HAVE THESE GAY AIDS MURDER RINGS NOW, BUT THEY PUT LAWS ON THE BOOKS WHERE YOU CAN'T TALK ABOUT THEM.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on August 28, 2013, 05:44:21 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 12:34:11 AM
Just caught this:
http://martinmanley.org/index2.html
Warning - involves suicide. Too tired to look at it now but this seems big at a glance.

I thought it was intersting, but not so big. He would like to set himself up a legacy based upon It's Okay To Kill Yourself. Which, while I agree, it's also so much none of my business.

But it was nice that he thought it through so as to cause as little harm to others as he felt he could manage.

One thing that struck me is how convinced he was that he was not lonely. Yet he mentions two divorces and talks about the recent financial and social ills of the US as motivators. I dunno, i see the argument that life after 60, for some people, is kind of a slow drag. But dear fuck, I sure as shit hope to still be fairly functional at 60. I have clients that age who are just as happy as clams.

It doesnt seem lile happy people kill themsleves, and i am unconvinced this guy was just right as rain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 28, 2013, 05:45:43 AM
Quote from: Alty on August 28, 2013, 05:44:21 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 12:34:11 AM
Just caught this:
http://martinmanley.org/index2.html
Warning - involves suicide. Too tired to look at it now but this seems big at a glance.

I thought it was intersting, but not so big. He would like to set himself up a legacy based upon It's Okay To Kill Yourself. Which, while I agree, it's also so much none of my business.

But it was nice that he thought it through so as to cause as little harm to others as he felt he could manage.

One thing that struck me is how convinced he was that he was not lonely. Yet he mentions two divorces and talks about the recent financial and social ills of the US as motivators. I dunno, i see the argument that life after 60, for some people, is kind of a slow drag. But dear fuck, I sure as shit hope to still be fairly functional at 60. I have clients that age who are just as happy as clams.

It doesnt seem lile happy people kill themsleves, and i am unconvinced this guy was just right as rain.

Yeah I doubt he was. There seemed to be a great deal of anxiety in his writing about the onset of dementia, which is pretty telling.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on August 28, 2013, 05:46:42 AM
That and the insomnia. That will fuck your shit up bad, and he mentioned he struggled with it badly.

So, yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 08:29:04 AM
Quick look over some more of it and he appears to be at best a bit misguided on several things. At worst it's the culmination of a lifelong undiagnosed depression.

There appears to be more to it with yahoo related fuckery, will have a dig into this because I think there's more here than one guy's suicide note.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 01:54:16 PM
Right, there does seem to be more in regards to digital property, wills and obligations to the dead, I'll write something up later if anyone cares.

Daily HA HA http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23832607
QuoteYoung people should be required to turn out at the first election in which they have the right to vote, the IPPR think tank has said.

The plans, to be set out in a forthcoming report, involve a small fine for young people deciding not to vote at their first election.

They would also offer first-time voters who did not back any political party a "none of the above" option.

This is the best plan I've seen to date to get mass numbers of spoiled ballot papers. If anyone ever forces/d me to vote it's the only reasonable option. It would be interesting to see this go through to watch the resulting headlines about youth hating democracy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on August 28, 2013, 02:10:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 01:54:16 PM
Right, there does seem to be more in regards to digital property, wills and obligations to the dead, I'll write something up later if anyone cares.

Daily HA HA http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23832607
QuoteYoung people should be required to turn out at the first election in which they have the right to vote, the IPPR think tank has said.

The plans, to be set out in a forthcoming report, involve a small fine for young people deciding not to vote at their first election.

They would also offer first-time voters who did not back any political party a "none of the above" option.

This is the best plan I've seen to date to get mass numbers of spoiled ballot papers. If anyone ever forces/d me to vote it's the only reasonable option. It would be interesting to see this go through to watch the resulting headlines about youth hating democracy.
I do like a "none of the above" option.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 28, 2013, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: :regret: on August 28, 2013, 02:10:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 01:54:16 PM
Right, there does seem to be more in regards to digital property, wills and obligations to the dead, I'll write something up later if anyone cares.

Daily HA HA http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23832607
QuoteYoung people should be required to turn out at the first election in which they have the right to vote, the IPPR think tank has said.

The plans, to be set out in a forthcoming report, involve a small fine for young people deciding not to vote at their first election.

They would also offer first-time voters who did not back any political party a "none of the above" option.

This is the best plan I've seen to date to get mass numbers of spoiled ballot papers. If anyone ever forces/d me to vote it's the only reasonable option. It would be interesting to see this go through to watch the resulting headlines about youth hating democracy.
I do like a "none of the above" option.

Especially if it wins by landslide majority.  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 03:24:40 PM
Quote from: :regret: on August 28, 2013, 02:10:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 28, 2013, 01:54:16 PM
Right, there does seem to be more in regards to digital property, wills and obligations to the dead, I'll write something up later if anyone cares.

Daily HA HA http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23832607
QuoteYoung people should be required to turn out at the first election in which they have the right to vote, the IPPR think tank has said.

The plans, to be set out in a forthcoming report, involve a small fine for young people deciding not to vote at their first election.

They would also offer first-time voters who did not back any political party a "none of the above" option.

This is the best plan I've seen to date to get mass numbers of spoiled ballot papers. If anyone ever forces/d me to vote it's the only reasonable option. It would be interesting to see this go through to watch the resulting headlines about youth hating democracy.
I do like a "none of the above" option.

I can say with a degree of confidence that the option for "None of the above" will never make it into UK politics. I'd bet money I don't have on that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 29, 2013, 10:19:01 AM
A good view on the bullshit around Gibraltar of late:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/whats-cooking-on-the-rock

QuoteSince January, senior members of Spain's ruling People's Party have had to bat away allegations that their members benefited directly and illegally from the creation of the housing bubble and its eventual crash. While the case is still in the courts, the party's ex-treasurer has admitted to keeping a separate set of books documenting cash kickbacks paid to cabinet members by construction companies. The government has so far refused to stand down, but it's not unthinkable that an international media outcry could force its hand.

QuoteThis doesn't really suit the interests of the troika of organisations who have leant Spain a shit-ton of money – the IMF, the EC and the ECB – or the balance sheets of Spanish companies such as Telefonica or Banco Santander, who are understandably nervous about the prospect of a third party winning an open general election and tearing up current debt agreements. So what better time for a big story involving warships to invoke some national pride? For a scandal-ridden government of a crisis-hit country, Gibraltar presents the perfect high-profile political news story to turn on whenever it needs to deflect attention from more serious issues.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 29, 2013, 11:02:23 AM
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-battle-of-soton-mine

Spanish miners fend off Police with homemade rocket launchers.

Points for ingenuity and creativity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on August 29, 2013, 03:29:58 PM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/austria/8207015/Austrian-man-convicted-for-yodelling-while-Muslim-neighbours-prayed.html

STOP THE YODELIFICATION OF EUROPE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 29, 2013, 06:53:48 PM
NYPD Secretly Designated Entire Mosques As Terrorism Organizations
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/nypd-spying-mosques_n_3827567.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 29, 2013, 06:56:13 PM
Quote from: Telarus on August 29, 2013, 06:53:48 PM
NYPD Secretly Designated Entire Mosques As Terrorism Organizations
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/nypd-spying-mosques_n_3827567.html

TOTALLY DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 29, 2013, 06:58:43 PM
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Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 06:58:54 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on August 29, 2013, 06:56:13 PM
Quote from: Telarus on August 29, 2013, 06:53:48 PM
NYPD Secretly Designated Entire Mosques As Terrorism Organizations
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/nypd-spying-mosques_n_3827567.html

TOTALLY DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING.

Like I said, we're immune to rage, and therefore we just keep being horrible because we can't remember how to be anything else.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 06:59:21 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 29, 2013, 06:58:43 PM
Yeah.  That was under the NYPD Police Intel/CIA partnership, which I believe had one John Brennan heavily involved.

Good thing the innocent have nothing to fear from US antiterrorism laws.

The innocent have to fear everything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 29, 2013, 07:00:14 PM
Quote from: Telarus on August 29, 2013, 06:53:48 PM
NYPD Secretly Designated Entire Mosques As Terrorism Organizations
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/nypd-spying-mosques_n_3827567.html

SURPRISE!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 29, 2013, 07:00:48 PM
IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR LOLOLOLOL
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 29, 2013, 07:17:19 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 06:58:54 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on August 29, 2013, 06:56:13 PM
Quote from: Telarus on August 29, 2013, 06:53:48 PM
NYPD Secretly Designated Entire Mosques As Terrorism Organizations
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/nypd-spying-mosques_n_3827567.html

TOTALLY DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING.

Like I said, we're immune to rage, and therefore we just keep being horrible because we can't remember how to be anything else.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 06:59:21 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 29, 2013, 06:58:43 PM
Yeah.  That was under the NYPD Police Intel/CIA partnership, which I believe had one John Brennan heavily involved.

Good thing the innocent have nothing to fear from US antiterrorism laws.

The innocent have to fear everything.

I sense a new rant is in the works.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 07:20:14 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on August 29, 2013, 07:17:19 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 06:58:54 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on August 29, 2013, 06:56:13 PM
Quote from: Telarus on August 29, 2013, 06:53:48 PM
NYPD Secretly Designated Entire Mosques As Terrorism Organizations
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/nypd-spying-mosques_n_3827567.html

TOTALLY DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING.

Like I said, we're immune to rage, and therefore we just keep being horrible because we can't remember how to be anything else.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 06:59:21 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 29, 2013, 06:58:43 PM
Yeah.  That was under the NYPD Police Intel/CIA partnership, which I believe had one John Brennan heavily involved.

Good thing the innocent have nothing to fear from US antiterrorism laws.

The innocent have to fear everything.

I sense a new rant is in the works.

Yes, I think so.  I've already said these things, but in the Desk of TGRR, where everything that isn't things exploding gets sort of skipped over.  Not that I blame anyone.  The explody bits are more fun.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on August 29, 2013, 07:43:11 PM
Just as I predicted, the DOJ and the Obama administration are completely pussing out on the Colo/Wash pot legalization laws.


http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/29/20248235-doj-wont-challenge-wash-colo-marijuana-laws?lite (http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/29/20248235-doj-wont-challenge-wash-colo-marijuana-laws?lite)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 29, 2013, 07:44:08 PM
Quote from: NEVER FEAR LOVE! on August 29, 2013, 07:43:11 PM
Just as I predicted, the DOJ and the Obama administration are completely pussing out on the Colo/Wash pot legalization laws.


http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/29/20248235-doj-wont-challenge-wash-colo-marijuana-laws?lite (http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/29/20248235-doj-wont-challenge-wash-colo-marijuana-laws?lite)

:banana:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 30, 2013, 01:00:33 AM
http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/08/wife-of-ted-nugent-arrested-at-dallasfort-worth-international-airport.html/

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 30, 2013, 01:24:53 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 30, 2013, 01:00:33 AM
http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/08/wife-of-ted-nugent-arrested-at-dallasfort-worth-international-airport.html/

:lulz:

Oh yeah, totally an honest mistake! One that anyone could make, really. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten or never knew that I was carrying a gun.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 30, 2013, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on August 30, 2013, 01:24:53 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 30, 2013, 01:00:33 AM
http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/08/wife-of-ted-nugent-arrested-at-dallasfort-worth-international-airport.html/

:lulz:

Oh yeah, totally an honest mistake! One that anyone could make, really. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten or never knew that I was carrying a gun.

QuoteFinn said Nugent had worked late and got up early Thursday for the airport, and either "completely forgot or never knew the weapon was in her bag."

Consider - If she's unsure if she's carrying a weapon in an early AM situation, do you think she'd recall and find it in an emergency situation?

Seems to highlight how useless concealed carry laws are. Or it's just a blatant lie by and idiot.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 30, 2013, 01:29:36 PM
Having absolutely no idea where your handgun is or even whether you have one is all part of responsible gun ownership and concealed-carry training.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 30, 2013, 01:30:49 PM
I mean, I don't know where any of my guns are, that is if I have any, of which I am completely uncertain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 30, 2013, 01:31:27 PM
I was just researching a study on this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 30, 2013, 01:38:08 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on August 30, 2013, 01:30:49 PM
I mean, I don't know where any of my guns are, that is if I have any, of which I am completely uncertain.
:lol:
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on August 30, 2013, 01:31:27 PM
I was just researching a study on this.
:lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on September 01, 2013, 07:09:05 AM
Quote from: NEVER FEAR LOVE! on August 29, 2013, 07:43:11 PM
Just as I predicted, the DOJ and the Obama administration are completely pussing out on the Colo/Wash pot legalization laws.


http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/29/20248235-doj-wont-challenge-wash-colo-marijuana-laws?lite (http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/29/20248235-doj-wont-challenge-wash-colo-marijuana-laws?lite)

Don't give up hope.  He said the same thing about medical and then proceeded to bust up more dispensaries than Bush.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 01, 2013, 07:20:22 AM
http://aattp.org/insane-tea-party-cop-suspended-indefinitely/

Mark Kessler suspended by LIBTARDS.  UNNNNG!  LIIIIIBTARRRRRRDS!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 01, 2013, 02:59:51 PM
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Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 02, 2013, 10:44:14 PM
Some HA HA?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23934721

QuoteThe Conservative party is examining ways to raise the national minimum wage, BBC Newsnight has learned.

Raising minimum wage sounds good, right? What options are being considered then?

QuoteOne option being looked at is offering a National Insurance cut for those companies that pay their minimum wage employees more than that level.

Well that sounds a little like a tax break for companies with a number of employees working above minimum wage.

QuoteAnother option being considered is some kind of "profit threshold" above which a company would be compelled to pay a higher minimum wage, though sources say the policy might be optional for companies below that profit level or size.

Hahaha, no. There's got to be at least a dozen ways to scam that. Cue all/any profit taken out in dividends and £1 salaries. Also cue no company making any profit ever again.

QuoteThe most extreme option is simply that the Low Pay Commission, which sets the level of the national minimum wage, would recommend that the national minimum wage should be higher and that there would be no policy to offset this for businesses.

Although the Commission technically sets the rate, government sources believe a statement by the prime minister that he would like to see an increase which reflects the suppression of wages in recent years would be taken on board by them.

But this option is thought not to be palatable within government.

No shit and no chance. Nice way to never get any bribes "donations" bribes ever again. The chance of that being remotely remembered come election time given the rest of the cuts I would think to be quite low. The political motivation to do so becomes moot.

There is, of course, no chance that this is coming out now to distract from other things.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on September 03, 2013, 07:44:29 AM
QuoteThe Conservative party is examining ways to raise the national minimum wage, BBC Newsnight has learned.

This in itself shows that the UK is not as fucked as the US.  Here the conservatives want to cut or abolish the minimum wage and aren't going to give raising it even lip service.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 03, 2013, 12:09:08 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23938794

QuoteThai authorities will seek to arrest a grandson of Red Bull's billionaire, co-creator Chaleo Yoovidhaya, after he failed to appear at a court hearing.

Vorayuth Yoovidhaya, 28, is alleged to have driven his Ferrari into a police officer and killed him last September.

Mr Vorayuth's lawyers say he had become ill in Singapore, and was unable to return to Thailand in time for the indictment hearing.

"He suddenly fell ill which made it impossible for him to travel back today," said Mr Vorayuth's lawyer Thanit Buakeaw.

Something tells me that a miraculous recovery is not likely any time soon.

QuoteHis indictment has been delayed several times in the past year, and a speeding charge was dropped because of a statute of limitations.

The initial investigation team had to be disbanded after an officer was accused of covering up Mr Vorayuth's involvement.

I would have hoped that a billionaire would have been a little more competent in bribery and corruption. Surely you have people for this when you get to a certain level of wealth.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 03, 2013, 02:52:46 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 03, 2013, 04:03:07 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 01, 2013, 07:20:22 AM
http://aattp.org/insane-tea-party-cop-suspended-indefinitely/

Mark Kessler suspended by LIBTARDS.  UNNNNG!  LIIIIIBTARRRRRRDS!

LIBTARDS DID IT!

The thing that is most interesting to me about Tea Partier antics is that they so steadfastly deny any responsibility for their own actions or recognition that they have behaved inappropriately, instead consistently insisting that any consequences are merely Liberal backlash.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 04:03:07 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 01, 2013, 07:20:22 AM
http://aattp.org/insane-tea-party-cop-suspended-indefinitely/

Mark Kessler suspended by LIBTARDS.  UNNNNG!  LIIIIIBTARRRRRRDS!

LIBTARDS DID IT!

The thing that is most interesting to me about Tea Partier antics is that they so steadfastly deny any responsibility for their own actions or recognition that they have behaved inappropriately, instead consistently insisting that any consequences are merely Liberal backlash.

Well, that's what "personal responsibility" is all about.   :lulz:

FUNNIEST THING:  He was suspended indefinitely because the town's INSURANCE CARRIER said they would haul the town's policy if he remained.

FREE MARKETS ARE LIBBBBBBTAAARRRRRRRRDS!
\
:mullet:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 03, 2013, 05:42:28 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 04:31:17 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 04:03:07 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 01, 2013, 07:20:22 AM
http://aattp.org/insane-tea-party-cop-suspended-indefinitely/

Mark Kessler suspended by LIBTARDS.  UNNNNG!  LIIIIIBTARRRRRRDS!

LIBTARDS DID IT!

The thing that is most interesting to me about Tea Partier antics is that they so steadfastly deny any responsibility for their own actions or recognition that they have behaved inappropriately, instead consistently insisting that any consequences are merely Liberal backlash.

Well, that's what "personal responsibility" is all about.   :lulz:

FUNNIEST THING:  He was suspended indefinitely because the town's INSURANCE CARRIER said they would haul the town's policy if he remained.

FREE MARKETS ARE LIBBBBBBTAAARRRRRRRRDS!
\
:mullet:

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 09:04:46 PM
Victim shaming, ITT:

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/03/20306649-prosecution-vows-to-appeal-30-day-rape-sentence-set-by-montana-judge?lite
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 03, 2013, 09:53:57 PM
Yeah, that story is one that leaves me just wordlessly sick.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 09:54:56 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 09:53:57 PM
Yeah, that story is one that leaves me just wordlessly sick.

Well, when that judge was young enough to procreate, none of that "consent" or "age of consent" stuff was even INVENTED.  You just raided the next cave over and grabbed what wiggled.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 03, 2013, 09:57:44 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 09:54:56 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 09:53:57 PM
Yeah, that story is one that leaves me just wordlessly sick.

Well, when that judge was young enough to procreate, none of that "consent" or "age of consent" stuff was even INVENTED.  You just raided the next cave over and grabbed what wiggled.

And that's the way he likes it.

I can't wait for the rest of that generation to die.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 10:00:02 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 09:57:44 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 09:54:56 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 09:53:57 PM
Yeah, that story is one that leaves me just wordlessly sick.

Well, when that judge was young enough to procreate, none of that "consent" or "age of consent" stuff was even INVENTED.  You just raided the next cave over and grabbed what wiggled.

And that's the way he likes it.

I can't wait for the rest of that generation to die.

Well, they were the ones that JUST MISSED the depression and WWII, and grew up in horrible pastel tract homes with horrible pastel lives.  Mom and Dad expected the little darlings to be like them, because that's what people are like.  But they're NOT like that, they're what you MAKE them when they're kids, and what did this smarmy bastard pick up as "values"?

"SHE WANTED IT.  SHE WAS IN CONTROL.  AT AGE 14."

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 03, 2013, 10:12:13 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 10:00:02 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 09:57:44 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 03, 2013, 09:54:56 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 03, 2013, 09:53:57 PM
Yeah, that story is one that leaves me just wordlessly sick.

Well, when that judge was young enough to procreate, none of that "consent" or "age of consent" stuff was even INVENTED.  You just raided the next cave over and grabbed what wiggled.

And that's the way he likes it.

I can't wait for the rest of that generation to die.

Well, they were the ones that JUST MISSED the depression and WWII, and grew up in horrible pastel tract homes with horrible pastel lives.  Mom and Dad expected the little darlings to be like them, because that's what people are like.  But they're NOT like that, they're what you MAKE them when they're kids, and what did this smarmy bastard pick up as "values"?

"SHE WANTED IT.  SHE WAS IN CONTROL.  AT AGE 14."

BARF.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 04, 2013, 03:55:04 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on September 04, 2013, 09:07:43 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 04, 2013, 03:55:04 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:

:lulz:
HAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on September 04, 2013, 09:32:04 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 04, 2013, 09:40:45 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23954447

QuoteMore than 300,000 attempts were made to access pornographic websites at the Houses of Parliament in the past year, official records suggest.

It is unclear whether MPs, peers or other staff are responsible, House of Commons officials said.

The figures were not all "purposeful requests" and may have been exaggerated by third-party software and websites that reload themselves, they added.

About 5,000 people work on the parliamentary estate.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 04, 2013, 11:23:56 AM
Quote from: Aucoq on September 04, 2013, 09:32:04 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:

:lulz:

(http://s1.b3ta.com/host/creative/79773/1378237501/walkiescorchie.gif)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 04, 2013, 02:27:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 04, 2013, 11:23:56 AM
Quote from: Aucoq on September 04, 2013, 09:32:04 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:

:lulz:

(http://s1.b3ta.com/host/creative/79773/1378237501/walkiescorchie.gif)

My favorite part is that this is the second deathray tower this architect has designed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 02:37:34 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 04, 2013, 02:27:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 04, 2013, 11:23:56 AM
Quote from: Aucoq on September 04, 2013, 09:32:04 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:

:lulz:

(http://s1.b3ta.com/host/creative/79773/1378237501/walkiescorchie.gif)

My favorite part is that this is the second deathray tower this architect has designed.

I know, it's beautiful.

My favorite part is that out of the thousands of people involved with this project, when he said "hey I want a big concave mirrored glass building" nobody just said "oh yeah, like the death ray!" which is the reaction I've seen from the only three people I've talked to this about in real life.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 04, 2013, 02:39:37 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 02:37:34 PM
Quote from: Surprise Happy Endings Whether You Want Them Or Not on September 04, 2013, 02:27:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 04, 2013, 11:23:56 AM
Quote from: Aucoq on September 04, 2013, 09:32:04 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:

:lulz:

(http://s1.b3ta.com/host/creative/79773/1378237501/walkiescorchie.gif)

My favorite part is that this is the second deathray tower this architect has designed.

I know, it's beautiful.

My favorite part is that out of the thousands of people involved with this project, when he said "hey I want a big concave mirrored glass building" nobody just said "oh yeah, like the death ray!" which is the reaction I've seen from the only three people I've talked to this about in real life.

Yeah, that's also pretty beautiful.

NOBODY OBJECTED

BAD DECISION, ENACTED.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on September 04, 2013, 06:44:12 PM
One "accidental" solar death ray is a fluke.

Two means this guy is clearly a Mad Scientist who went into the wrong field.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 04, 2013, 06:47:43 PM
Quote from: Cainad on September 04, 2013, 06:44:12 PM
One "accidental" solar death ray is a fluke.

Two means this guy is clearly a Mad Scientist who went into the wrong field.

I would argue that the fact that he's done it twice is a pretty good indication that he went into exactly the right field.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on September 04, 2013, 08:04:45 PM
He's melting londoners?

Wouldn't be surprised if there's a bit of tartan in that family tree :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 04, 2013, 08:06:53 PM
Be honest, who hasn't wanted to melt someone?

The architecture of the FUTURE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 04, 2013, 08:14:41 PM
THIS is the fucking future I ordered.

THIS RIGHT FUCKING HERE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on September 05, 2013, 07:54:56 AM
BRING THAT GUY TO TEXAS
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 05, 2013, 03:19:21 PM
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/a-morons-guide-to-alan-rusbridger-guardian

The first overt signs of the Murdoch impact on vice.

The article above is basically a piss poor collection of various problems repeatedly highlighted in private eye for several years and little more.

I wonder when you'll see a similar article regarding Brooks, or indeed any NI affiliated sources. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on September 05, 2013, 04:04:32 PM
Taking things TO THE WALL

http://www.jpost.com/International/Kenyan-lawyer-takes-State-of-Israel-Jews-to-Hague-over-Jesus-death-321555
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on September 05, 2013, 04:10:32 PM
Quote"Evidence today is on record in the Bible, and you cannot discredit the Bible," Indidis told the Kenyan Citizen News.

This guy is my new hero! :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on September 05, 2013, 04:13:47 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:


I walked past there last week, but the sun wasn't as cooperative and nothing was on fire. I am disappoint.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on September 05, 2013, 07:22:43 PM
Quote from: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on September 05, 2013, 04:13:47 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:


I walked past there last week, but the sun wasn't as cooperative and nothing was on fire. I am disappoint.

Lesson learned, young Ratatosk - You can't always rely on the architecture. Sometimes you have to just set fire to Londoners yourself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 05, 2013, 07:46:14 PM
Quote from: Waffleman on September 05, 2013, 04:04:32 PM
Taking things TO THE WALL

http://www.jpost.com/International/Kenyan-lawyer-takes-State-of-Israel-Jews-to-Hague-over-Jesus-death-321555

Wow.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on September 06, 2013, 12:24:28 AM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on September 05, 2013, 07:22:43 PM
Quote from: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on September 05, 2013, 04:13:47 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on September 04, 2013, 03:52:42 AM
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092 (http://www.nbcnews.com/science/how-london-skyscraper-can-melt-cars-set-buildings-fire-8C11069092)

Congratulations to the Britspags for constructing Archimedes' death ray and using it on themselves.

:lulz:


I walked past there last week, but the sun wasn't as cooperative and nothing was on fire. I am disappoint.

Lesson learned, young Ratatosk - You can't always rely on the architecture. Sometimes you have to just set fire to Londoners yourself.

:mittens:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 06, 2013, 09:37:13 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23985622

QuoteEgypt's government has decided to press ahead with the legal dissolution of the Muslim Brotherhood, state media report.

A spokesman for the social solidarity ministry said it would revoke the Islamist movement's non-governmental organisation status "within days".

The Brotherhood had failed to respond to allegations of forming militia and illegal activities, he added.

The military authorities have launched a crackdown on the group since ousting President Mohammed Morsi on 3 July.

It's probably time for a middle east/Egypt unlimited thread. This is going to be messy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 09, 2013, 09:55:50 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24011751

QuoteA 107-year-old man was killed in a shootout with police, after he held two people at gunpoint in the US state of Arkansas, authorities said.

Officers were called to a home in the city of Pine Bluff following reports that the man, named as Monroe Isadore, was threatening the two with a gun.

The pair were brought to safety before police tried to arrest the suspect, who was locked inside a bedroom.

Officers shot Isadore when he opened fire on them as they entered the room.

No police were injured in the incident.

No mention if the hostages were OK. The main thing here is that no police were injured in killing a 100+ year old man.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 09, 2013, 11:19:22 AM
Some HAHAHAHARGH:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23969316

QuoteKenyan MPs have approved a motion to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) following an emergency debate.

A bill to this effect is expected to be introduced in the next 30 days, after opposition MPs boycotted the vote.

The ICC has charged President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto with crimes against humanity, which they both deny. Mr Ruto's trial is due to start in The Hague next week.

The ICC said the cases would continue even if Kenya pulled out.

The charges against both Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto stem from violence that broke out after disputed elections in 2007, in which more than 1,000 people were killed and 600,000 forced from their homes.

Can't help but feeling shit is likely to get worse here under future leaders. That's not to say these guys have been doing a good job, more that those in the future will feel even less constrained by international law
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on September 09, 2013, 12:03:39 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 09, 2013, 09:55:50 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24011751

QuoteA 107-year-old man was killed in a shootout with police, after he held two people at gunpoint in the US state of Arkansas, authorities said.

Officers were called to a home in the city of Pine Bluff following reports that the man, named as Monroe Isadore, was threatening the two with a gun.

The pair were brought to safety before police tried to arrest the suspect, who was locked inside a bedroom.

Officers shot Isadore when he opened fire on them as they entered the room.

No police were injured in the incident.

No mention if the hostages were OK. The main thing here is that no police were injured in killing a 100+ year old man.
You missed a bit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 09, 2013, 01:37:55 PM
That's because I don't read things properly first thing in the morning. I'm working on that, but as demonstrated here, I still fuck up.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on September 09, 2013, 06:58:19 PM
Yay! I knew I had some kinda weird dream this morning and reading this thread reminded me. You all are horrible people, putting ideas like death ray buildings in a girl's head like that. :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 10, 2013, 02:53:44 PM
Fits in so many threads, possibly NSFW due to the word "Tits" in the URL.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2013/09/titstare-tech-worlds-latest-brogrammer-joke-techcrunch-disrupt/69171/

QuoteIt's hard to single out the worst part of Titstare, a "joke" app presented Sunday at TechCrunch's Disrupt 2013 startup conference hackathon. Everything about it — the name, the concept, the presentation, the context — is just jaw-droppingly "no." And yet, it just happened on a stage, before an audience that, from the video, sounded at least somewhat receptive to it.

Titstare, from Australians Jethro Batts and David Boulton, was the first presentation of the day. As Boulton explains in the presentation, their product, which was meant as a joke, "is an app where you take photos of yourself, staring at tits."

The HO HO just keeps coming from this one. Expect more over the next few days.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 10, 2013, 05:59:27 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 10, 2013, 02:53:44 PM
Fits in so many threads, possibly NSFW due to the word "Tits" in the URL.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2013/09/titstare-tech-worlds-latest-brogrammer-joke-techcrunch-disrupt/69171/

QuoteIt's hard to single out the worst part of Titstare, a "joke" app presented Sunday at TechCrunch's Disrupt 2013 startup conference hackathon. Everything about it — the name, the concept, the presentation, the context — is just jaw-droppingly "no." And yet, it just happened on a stage, before an audience that, from the video, sounded at least somewhat receptive to it.

Titstare, from Australians Jethro Batts and David Boulton, was the first presentation of the day. As Boulton explains in the presentation, their product, which was meant as a joke, "is an app where you take photos of yourself, staring at tits."

The HO HO just keeps coming from this one. Expect more over the next few days.

Sometimes I wonder if guys like that are even aware that women are sentient.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 10, 2013, 06:01:11 PM
Quote from: Facemeat on September 10, 2013, 05:59:27 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 10, 2013, 02:53:44 PM
Fits in so many threads, possibly NSFW due to the word "Tits" in the URL.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2013/09/titstare-tech-worlds-latest-brogrammer-joke-techcrunch-disrupt/69171/

QuoteIt's hard to single out the worst part of Titstare, a "joke" app presented Sunday at TechCrunch's Disrupt 2013 startup conference hackathon. Everything about it — the name, the concept, the presentation, the context — is just jaw-droppingly "no." And yet, it just happened on a stage, before an audience that, from the video, sounded at least somewhat receptive to it.

Titstare, from Australians Jethro Batts and David Boulton, was the first presentation of the day. As Boulton explains in the presentation, their product, which was meant as a joke, "is an app where you take photos of yourself, staring at tits."

The HO HO just keeps coming from this one. Expect more over the next few days.

Sometimes I wonder if guys like that are even aware that women are sentient.

Backwards.  They are demonstrating that THEY are not sentient.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on September 10, 2013, 06:04:34 PM
If you hate yourself, read the comments on that article.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 10, 2013, 06:08:48 PM
Quote from: Queen Gogira Pennyworth, BSW on September 10, 2013, 06:04:34 PM
If you hate yourself, read the comments on that article.

Sarah Pavis's was BRILLIANT.  She's staring at a pair of tits, apparently.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 10, 2013, 06:41:18 PM
Given who they were sharing the stage with, I have no idea what made them think this was going to be OK in any way.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 10, 2013, 06:43:16 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 10, 2013, 06:08:48 PM
Quote from: Queen Gogira Pennyworth, BSW on September 10, 2013, 06:04:34 PM
If you hate yourself, read the comments on that article.

Sarah Pavis's was BRILLIANT.  She's staring at a pair of tits, apparently.   :lulz:

:lulz: I liked that one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on September 11, 2013, 08:10:20 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/09/richard-dawkins-pedophilia_n_3895514.html Way to go, Dawkins. Way to go.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 11, 2013, 08:16:07 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 11, 2013, 08:16:32 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on September 11, 2013, 08:19:42 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1iSxEtgEGs

icky.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 08:21:29 PM
Apple Unveils Panicked Man With No Ideas (http://www.theonion.com/articles/apple-unveils-panicked-ideafree-man-at-launch-even,33814/?ref=auto)


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 11, 2013, 08:22:36 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 08:24:06 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 08:21:29 PM
Apple Unveils Panicked Man With No Ideas (http://www.theonion.com/articles/apple-unveils-panicked-ideafree-man-at-launch-even,33814/?ref=auto)

ALSO

http://www.theonion.com/articles/word-innovate-said-650000-times-at-sxsw-so-far,31618/

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: EK WAFFLR on September 11, 2013, 08:27:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 11, 2013, 08:22:36 PM
So it is something of a pattern then.  At least the interviewer tried to take him to task (I think, had he not been so shocked, he would have said LOL SAMPLE BASED ON SINGLE ANECDOTE).

http://www.richarddawkins.net/foundation_articles/2012/12/22/physical-versus-mental-child-abuse

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 11, 2013, 08:30:00 PM
Quote from: Waffleman on September 11, 2013, 08:10:20 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/09/richard-dawkins-pedophilia_n_3895514.html Way to go, Dawkins. Way to go.

Ugh, Dawkins. Kai posted this on Facebook yesterday, and I was just, really?

So in addition to being a bigot and a sexist, he's also a pedo defender.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 11, 2013, 08:36:23 PM
Quote from: Waffleman on September 11, 2013, 08:27:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 11, 2013, 08:22:36 PM
So it is something of a pattern then.  At least the interviewer tried to take him to task (I think, had he not been so shocked, he would have said LOL SAMPLE BASED ON SINGLE ANECDOTE).

http://www.richarddawkins.net/foundation_articles/2012/12/22/physical-versus-mental-child-abuse

This is the part which astonishes me:
Quote...I would be interested to hear from psychologists whether there is real evidence bearing on the question.

He is a scientist. He has access to journal databases and knows how to use them. Why on earth would he make statements like this, why would he even write that post, without first looking at what the evidence shows?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 08:38:40 PM
AGING HAS-BEEN D-LIST CELEBRITY JUMPS SHARK.

DETAILS AT 11.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 12, 2013, 09:40:30 AM
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/trusting-aldi-mum-to-decide-our-future-would-be-catastrophic-for-britain

Nice article covering upcoming UK elections by comparing past tropes.

QuoteThere, in aisle number five, trudges the woman every politico is courting. Aldi Mum. Every general election is won by swing voters, and every general election has its own emblematic swing voter. The ones that take off become generational totems. The 1980s had Thatcher's special friend Essex Man: greedily hoovering up council houses and BT shares to become part of the shareholder-homeowner democracy. The 90s had Tony Blair's two pals: Mondeo Man and Worcester Woman: each a family-lovin' politics-indifferent nimby shaking off their working-class roots for the more anodyne middle-class frame of mind in which Tone specialised. By 2001, we had the uncomfortable spectre of Pebbledash People: balsamic and basil twats with posh driveways. And, at the last election, we were introduced to Motorway Man and Holby City Woman: possibly the dullest demographic superheroes in history.

They bolded are worth a look at on wikipedia, pretty much sums up the UK swing voter mindset to a depressing degree.

QuoteNow, all hail Aldi Mum. She is middle class. But struggling. She is the first attempt at personifying Britain's "squeezed middle", and pretty soon all the big parties will want to know her name. This weekend, Ed Miliband's shadow minister for stuff and other stuff, Caroline Flint, gave a speech at a conference in London, at which she outlined just who Aldi Mum is. She's in her forties. Stable life so far. Striver. Upwardly mobile, once upon a time. The usual fodder for vote-switching. Now, though, she's facing the scary prospect of downward mobility. She and her husband work respectable public sector jobs, but neither have had pay rises for five years. All the while, the gas company, the train company and all the rest have been turning the garrotte-wheel on their finances.

As ever, the cashflow problem manifests itself in the family fridge. Whereas once they got their little luxuries from the bouji local delicatessen, nowadays, they're reduced to doing a double-shop: buying their staples at a regular supermarket, then sweeping up a few extra treats – identified by Flint as "prosciutto and prosecco" – from the great German bucket shops, Aldi and Lidl. Though, for obvious reasons, she can't be called Lidl Woman.

I can't help but wonder if this is part of the Murdoch influence. There seems to be little in the article covering the north/south gap and voting tendencies, so it kind of misses the part where they'll be appealing to this demographic in key locations. It's not too hard to work out where they are either.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on September 15, 2013, 06:29:23 PM
No lulz here, that's just fucked.

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/ca-sues-nv-dumping-mental-patients
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 15, 2013, 08:29:23 PM
Quote from: Alty on September 15, 2013, 06:29:23 PM
No lulz here, that's just fucked.

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/ca-sues-nv-dumping-mental-patients

That's horrifying, and absolutely barbaric.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 02:26:36 PM
Long time, no HAHAHAHAAAAAIEEEE:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-24108311

QuoteA Middlesbrough man who pretended to be pop singer Justin Bieber to trick children into sending him sex act videos has been jailed for 14 years.

Robert Hunter, 35, was caught after a girl from Tasmania informed police.

Officers found 800 videos from all over the world - some from boys as young as nine - at his home at Brough Court.

Hunter pleaded guilty to 15 charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and 14 of making indecent photos at Teesside Crown Court.

The court heard Hunter spent years targeting hundreds of girls and boys across the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Serbia, Asia and Canada.

QuoteMr Bennett said: "He was able to persuade some of them that he was the music artist Justin Bieber and he encouraged them to perform sex acts on camera and he recorded many of them."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 16, 2013, 02:54:42 PM
This is why we don't have a philosophy subforum

Discussion of Kant's philosophy in Russia ends in gunfire (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/discussion-of-kants-philosophy-in-russia-ends-in-gunfire/2013/09/16/cf609472-1ebb-11e3-9ad0-96244100e647_story.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 03:55:03 PM
Something's not right here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-24108657

QuoteFive men have been jailed over the theft of 40 anti-tank mines from a Ministry of Defence freight train.

QuoteThe court heard the mines are used to blow up enemy compounds in Afghanistan.

Now I'm no arms expert, but I didn't think a mine was much use against a building. Feel free to explain this to me, the situations I'm imagining to make this work are amusing but likely wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 16, 2013, 04:18:52 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 03:55:03 PM
Something's not right here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-24108657

QuoteFive men have been jailed over the theft of 40 anti-tank mines from a Ministry of Defence freight train.

QuoteThe court heard the mines are used to blow up enemy compounds in Afghanistan.

Now I'm no arms expert, but I didn't think a mine was much use against a building. Feel free to explain this to me, the situations I'm imagining to make this work are amusing but likely wrong.

Mines do okay against buildings.  Depends how you position them, really.  It's just a massive shaped charge.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on September 16, 2013, 04:23:52 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 16, 2013, 02:54:42 PM
This is why we don't have a philosophy subforum

Discussion of Kant's philosophy in Russia ends in gunfire (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/discussion-of-kants-philosophy-in-russia-ends-in-gunfire/2013/09/16/cf609472-1ebb-11e3-9ad0-96244100e647_story.html)

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: AFK on September 16, 2013, 04:29:56 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 16, 2013, 02:54:42 PM
This is why we don't have a philosophy subforum

Discussion of Kant's philosophy in Russia ends in gunfire (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/discussion-of-kants-philosophy-in-russia-ends-in-gunfire/2013/09/16/cf609472-1ebb-11e3-9ad0-96244100e647_story.html)


Are you saying this is why we Kant have nice things?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 04:53:59 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 16, 2013, 04:18:52 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 03:55:03 PM
Something's not right here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-24108657

QuoteFive men have been jailed over the theft of 40 anti-tank mines from a Ministry of Defence freight train.

QuoteThe court heard the mines are used to blow up enemy compounds in Afghanistan.

Now I'm no arms expert, but I didn't think a mine was much use against a building. Feel free to explain this to me, the situations I'm imagining to make this work are amusing but likely wrong.

Mines do okay against buildings.  Depends how you position them, really.  It's just a massive shaped charge.

I think this is confusing me due to my idea that an anti-tank mine would work because a tank (or other suitable weight) went over it. I've not come across mines being used as an appropriate method of demolition.

That said, "Gang steals building destroying bombs" isn't really a suitable BBC headline.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 16, 2013, 06:32:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 04:53:59 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 16, 2013, 04:18:52 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 03:55:03 PM
Something's not right here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-24108657

QuoteFive men have been jailed over the theft of 40 anti-tank mines from a Ministry of Defence freight train.

QuoteThe court heard the mines are used to blow up enemy compounds in Afghanistan.

Now I'm no arms expert, but I didn't think a mine was much use against a building. Feel free to explain this to me, the situations I'm imagining to make this work are amusing but likely wrong.

Mines do okay against buildings.  Depends how you position them, really.  It's just a massive shaped charge.

I think this is confusing me due to my idea that an anti-tank mine would work because a tank (or other suitable weight) went over it. I've not come across mines being used as an appropriate method of demolition.

That said, "Gang steals building destroying bombs" isn't really a suitable BBC headline.

There are multiple different ways of setting off mines, with most mines having one or more triggers designed into them.  Pressure is one way.  A "wand" sticking out of the top is more reliable, because it doesn't require the tank's treads to strike the mine, just that the tank pass over the mine.  The switch for the wand can be activated with some fishing line or string, from any distance you choose.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 06:59:18 PM
As always, info appreciated. Still seems odd that you would use this level of tech for something like compound breaching though. I figured C4 or the relevant military equivalent would have been the better option. Or, you know, just throw drones at the problem.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 16, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 06:59:18 PM
As always, info appreciated. Still seems odd that you would use this level of tech for something like compound breaching though. I figured C4 or the relevant military equivalent would have been the better option. Or, you know, just throw drones at the problem.

C4 - which is our military's principle demolitions compound, blows away from the object, usually, and most of it usually doesn't detonate.

Mines are already in one piece, no rigging or expertise required, and are contained by their case, so that they both consume all of their explosives, and send the explosion in the desired direction.  Also, anti tank mines send a white hot jet of magnesium as the leading edge of the explosion, which makes life really interesting with respect to buildings, and the subsequent condition of the corpses.

Anti personnel mines are designed to mutilate.  In both cases, they are terror weapons, and their primary purpose is to route the enemy away from them, into the area you WANT them in...Which is one of two reasons you always mark a minefield.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 07:33:33 PM
QuoteMines are already in one piece, no rigging or expertise required, and are contained by their case, so that they both consume all of their explosives, and send the explosion in the desired direction.  Also, anti tank mines send a white hot jet of magnesium as the leading edge of the explosion, which makes life really interesting with respect to buildings, and the subsequent condition of the corpses.

I assume utterly unidentifiable would be the norm here? Allows you to claim that everyone was a legit target at least.

My military thinking needs an improvement. I'd do something like mark random areas as minefields and not mark the actual place I put them. I'd rather route my enemy into the mines than away from them. What are they going to do, run into the marked minefield?

I really should do a "Junkie doesn't understand weapons or the military properly thread" someday.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 16, 2013, 07:49:48 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 16, 2013, 07:33:33 PM
QuoteMines are already in one piece, no rigging or expertise required, and are contained by their case, so that they both consume all of their explosives, and send the explosion in the desired direction.  Also, anti tank mines send a white hot jet of magnesium as the leading edge of the explosion, which makes life really interesting with respect to buildings, and the subsequent condition of the corpses.

I assume utterly unidentifiable would be the norm here? Allows you to claim that everyone was a legit target at least.

My military thinking needs an improvement. I'd do something like mark random areas as minefields and not mark the actual place I put them. I'd rather route my enemy into the mines than away from them. What are they going to do, run into the marked minefield?

I really should do a "Junkie doesn't understand weapons or the military properly thread" someday.

Naw.  An antitank mine will sear away everything in the path of the plasma, often leaving the rest of the body completely untouched.

And marking false minefields is in fact a common practice.  Not marking minefields happens, but it's risky, because your own troops will run over the fucking things 6 months later.

Rules of Warfare #8:  Mines are equal opportunity weapons.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067

QuoteA Muslim woman can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Murphy made the ruling at Blackfriars Crown Court in London where the woman is due to stand trial accused of intimidating a witness.

The 22-year-old woman, from Hackney, has refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.

Cue bigotry from all the usual places. For examples, see the top rated comments here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24106142

It's apparently acceptable to discriminate as long as you do it according to your cultural norms, apparently.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2013, 03:26:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067

QuoteA Muslim woman can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Murphy made the ruling at Blackfriars Crown Court in London where the woman is due to stand trial accused of intimidating a witness.

The 22-year-old woman, from Hackney, has refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.

Cue bigotry from all the usual places. For examples, see the top rated comments here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24106142

It's apparently acceptable to discriminate as long as you do it according to your cultural norms, apparently.

If she was testifying against someone, I'd side with the court on this one.

As the defendant, I think she should be able to wear it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 17, 2013, 03:43:19 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 17, 2013, 03:26:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067

QuoteA Muslim woman can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Murphy made the ruling at Blackfriars Crown Court in London where the woman is due to stand trial accused of intimidating a witness.

The 22-year-old woman, from Hackney, has refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.

Cue bigotry from all the usual places. For examples, see the top rated comments here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24106142

It's apparently acceptable to discriminate as long as you do it according to your cultural norms, apparently.

If she was testifying against someone, I'd side with the court on this one.

As the defendant, I think she should be able to wear it.

In my opinion it should be either or none.

I don't know why she isn't simply reassigned to a female judge.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 03:55:08 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 17, 2013, 03:43:19 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 17, 2013, 03:26:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067

QuoteA Muslim woman can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Murphy made the ruling at Blackfriars Crown Court in London where the woman is due to stand trial accused of intimidating a witness.

The 22-year-old woman, from Hackney, has refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.

Cue bigotry from all the usual places. For examples, see the top rated comments here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24106142

It's apparently acceptable to discriminate as long as you do it according to your cultural norms, apparently.

If she was testifying against someone, I'd side with the court on this one.

As the defendant, I think she should be able to wear it.

In my opinion it should be either or none.

I don't know why she isn't simply reassigned to a female judge.

Well if you do this you're allowing criminals to dictate to the Justice system. That could have interesting consequences.

As long as your ID can be verified in emergency situations (I'd class being in court as an emergency, particularly if you're the defendant) then I have trouble finding a problem with people wearing what they want.

That brings up the other question of if this is even the right person on trial to begin with.

What really struck me here was the legitimised outpouring of bigotry. "Go back to where you came from" with a popular stance. It's perfect EDL/BNP/UKIP fodder. Muslims+ can't see their face= don't like it, feel scared/uncomfortable. There's something rather sad about this level of reaction.

It'll be interesting to contrast it to similar french laws.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2013, 04:14:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 17, 2013, 03:43:19 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 17, 2013, 03:26:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067

QuoteA Muslim woman can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Murphy made the ruling at Blackfriars Crown Court in London where the woman is due to stand trial accused of intimidating a witness.

The 22-year-old woman, from Hackney, has refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.

Cue bigotry from all the usual places. For examples, see the top rated comments here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24106142

It's apparently acceptable to discriminate as long as you do it according to your cultural norms, apparently.

If she was testifying against someone, I'd side with the court on this one.

As the defendant, I think she should be able to wear it.

In my opinion it should be either or none.

I don't know why she isn't simply reassigned to a female judge.

Well, you have the right, under common law, to confront your accuser, meaning no face covering.

There's no rule like that for when you're the defendant.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on September 17, 2013, 05:43:25 PM
I'm an asshole, because my solution would be to rule that having a religion that tells you what to do is silly and shouldn't even be considered a serious request in a place for grown-ups.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 05:48:50 PM
Quote from: V3X on September 17, 2013, 05:43:25 PM
I'm an asshole, because my solution would be to rule that having a religion that tells you what to do is silly and shouldn't even be considered a serious request in a place for grown-ups.

I imagine your life expectancy if you gained political office to be around the same as mine would be.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 17, 2013, 05:59:43 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 17, 2013, 04:14:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 17, 2013, 03:43:19 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 17, 2013, 03:26:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067

QuoteA Muslim woman can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Murphy made the ruling at Blackfriars Crown Court in London where the woman is due to stand trial accused of intimidating a witness.

The 22-year-old woman, from Hackney, has refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.

Cue bigotry from all the usual places. For examples, see the top rated comments here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24106142

It's apparently acceptable to discriminate as long as you do it according to your cultural norms, apparently.

If she was testifying against someone, I'd side with the court on this one.

As the defendant, I think she should be able to wear it.

In my opinion it should be either or none.

I don't know why she isn't simply reassigned to a female judge.

Well, you have the right, under common law, to confront your accuser, meaning no face covering.

There's no rule like that for when you're the defendant.

Is that what that law means? Not that they must be identified by name and physically present?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 17, 2013, 06:49:21 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 17, 2013, 05:59:43 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 17, 2013, 04:14:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 17, 2013, 03:43:19 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on September 17, 2013, 03:26:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 17, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067

QuoteA Muslim woman can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Murphy made the ruling at Blackfriars Crown Court in London where the woman is due to stand trial accused of intimidating a witness.

The 22-year-old woman, from Hackney, has refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing.

Cue bigotry from all the usual places. For examples, see the top rated comments here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24106142

It's apparently acceptable to discriminate as long as you do it according to your cultural norms, apparently.

If she was testifying against someone, I'd side with the court on this one.

As the defendant, I think she should be able to wear it.

In my opinion it should be either or none.

I don't know why she isn't simply reassigned to a female judge.

Well, you have the right, under common law, to confront your accuser, meaning no face covering.

There's no rule like that for when you're the defendant.

Is that what that law means? Not that they must be identified by name and physically present?

I think it means both.  I am not a lawyer, though.  I am a Holy Man™.  The two are not mutually exclusive, but that's how you bet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 23, 2013, 08:36:51 AM
Ha.
HA HA.

OH HO HO HO:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24170617

QuoteS lawmakers have narrowly voted to cut food stamp benefits from next year despite a veto threat from the White House and opposition by lobby groups.

The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the bill by 217-200. But it has little chance in the Democratic-held Senate.

The bill would save $39bn (£24bn) over a decade, but affect four million people on the programme.

It comes a day after census data showed 15% of Americans live in poverty.

Invest in your local prison today!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 23, 2013, 08:53:33 AM
UKIP on course to be a political force according to UKIP.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24185796
QuoteUKIP is still on course to be a significant political force in the 2015 general election despite the furore over Godfrey Bloom's comments about women, Nigel Farage has said. He said his party had "fundamentally changed" the national debate on Europe, immigration and education.

QuoteUKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom: "I made a joke and said oh well you're all sluts and everybody laughed including all the women"

This fundamental change seems to be a reversion to 1970's norms.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 23, 2013, 09:00:55 AM
Loan sharks not loan sharks according to loan sharks:
Quote"Our detractors are miscommunicating by calling this industry legal loan sharking. Because it is blurring the edges for people as to what a loan shark actually is," says Caroline Walton, corporate affairs director of Dollar Financial UK, which owns The Money Shop.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24032952
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 24, 2013, 11:17:37 AM
Probably deserving of it's own thread

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24217252

QuoteA British woman is thought to be among militants who killed at least 62 people at a Kenyan shopping centre, the country's foreign minister has said.

Amina Mohamed said the woman had "done this many times before" and "two or three" Americans were also attackers.

QuoteMs Mohamed's comments have fuelled speculation about the possible involvement in the attack of British terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite - the widow of 7 July suicide bomber Jermaine Lindsay.

She is known to be in East Africa and is wanted by Kenyan police over alleged links to a terrorist cell that planned to bomb the country's coast.

Ms Mohamed told the PBS NewsHour programme on Monday: "From the information that we have, two or three Americans [were involved] and I think, so far, I have heard of one Brit... a woman ... and I think she has done this many times before."

The Americans are believed to have been aged about 18 or 19, of Somali or Arab origin and lived in "Minnesota and one other place", she said

Information still coming out, but this feels like there's going to be much more to it. Western Jihadis (For want of a better term right now) seem to be increasingly common in the Middle East. There's potentially troubling implications with this as it implies the fanaticism is developed in western states and then being exported to where they can best fight the good fight. For other examples, see reports of Westerners involved in the Syria fuckup.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 24, 2013, 12:46:09 PM
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/anabel-hernandez-says-the-mexican-government-is-the-worlds-largest-drugs-cartel

QuoteOn the 19th of January, 2001, the head of Mexico's largest drug cartel escaped from his maximum security prison. According to Mexican investigative journalist Anabel Hernandez, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, leader of the Sinaloas cartel, was escorted through the prison in a Mexican government's officials uniform – accompanied by conspiring government officers – and out to a helicopter that flew him to freedom. The official government report claims that El Chapo escaped in a laundry bin.

If what Hernandez found while researching Guzmán's escape is true, it's pretty much the pinnacle of the government corruption that has accommodated and aided Mexico's drug cartels throughout their long and bloody grip over the country.

Hernandez was looking into El Chapo's escape as part of the five-year-long research for her new book Narcoland: The Mexican Drug Lords and their Godfathers, which investigates the Mexican government and business elite's ties to the country's drug cartels. In the book, she claims that ex-president Vicente Fox started the war between Mexico's cartels, and that – since El Chapo's release – the government has continued to conspire with the Sinaloa cartel, allowing the web of corruption that keeps Mexico's cartels thriving to keep on growing. 

I'll be picking that book up ASAP. Sounds like it's a good read. The cartel/government links are already established but more light this the better. really.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on September 24, 2013, 06:43:41 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 24, 2013, 11:17:37 AM
Probably deserving of it's own thread

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24217252

QuoteA British woman is thought to be among militants who killed at least 62 people at a Kenyan shopping centre, the country's foreign minister has said.

Amina Mohamed said the woman had "done this many times before" and "two or three" Americans were also attackers.

QuoteMs Mohamed's comments have fuelled speculation about the possible involvement in the attack of British terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite - the widow of 7 July suicide bomber Jermaine Lindsay.

She is known to be in East Africa and is wanted by Kenyan police over alleged links to a terrorist cell that planned to bomb the country's coast.

Ms Mohamed told the PBS NewsHour programme on Monday: "From the information that we have, two or three Americans [were involved] and I think, so far, I have heard of one Brit... a woman ... and I think she has done this many times before."

The Americans are believed to have been aged about 18 or 19, of Somali or Arab origin and lived in "Minnesota and one other place", she said

Information still coming out, but this feels like there's going to be much more to it. Western Jihadis (For want of a better term right now) seem to be increasingly common in the Middle East. There's potentially troubling implications with this as it implies the fanaticism is developed in western states and then being exported to where they can best fight the good fight. For other examples, see reports of Westerners involved in the Syria fuckup.
I find it fascinating that smudgy British or American Jihadis are never refered to by their nationality.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on September 25, 2013, 05:11:53 AM
 :lulz:

https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/09/23-3

Fuck yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 25, 2013, 07:59:37 AM
Quote from: Alty on September 25, 2013, 05:11:53 AM
:lulz:

https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/09/23-3

Fuck yeah.

Remember when WE used to get pissed?  Yeah, me neither.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 25, 2013, 08:48:53 AM
QuoteThe workers, 80% of whom are women, have demanded a $100 monthly wage for their contributions to the $20-billion industry, and called the factory owners' offer of just a 20% raise "inhuman and humiliating." Their current monthly wage is $38, prompting one protester to say,  "We work to survive but we can't even cover our basic needs."

In the first instance, setting fire to the factories in many cases is probably just speeding up the inevitable. Panorama/BBC article mentioned is quite good if you can get access to it. They took a jaunt round Dhaka recently and found several instances of deliberately misleading time sheets, factory gates being locked "to prevent stealing" and more.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 25, 2013, 05:06:31 PM
Those at the top will constantly strive for more exploitative conditions, and it takes extraordinary measures from those at the bottom to take back their rights. It will continue to be this way until/unless our societies are able to adopt an egalitarian paradigm in the place of one that is fundamentally designed to operate on the disparity between the lower and upper classes.

Think about it: our system inherently requires not only an income gap, but an ever-widening income gap.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 26, 2013, 09:20:07 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24276957

QuoteThe US agency tasked with stopping illegal tobacco trafficking lost track of 420 million cigarettes purchased in undercover operations, justice department auditors have found.

In addition, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made $162m (£100m) selling tobacco undercover, it found.

That money was used to fund undercover operations between 2006-11.

The findings were revealed in an audit of the ATF's use of undercover profits.

In the report released on Wednesday, the justice department Office of the Inspector General (OIG) said it had found "a serious lack of oversight" of "churning investigations".

In those, the ATF uses proceeds from undercover operations to offset expenses incurred in the same operations, rather than depositing the funds in the US treasury.

The ATF received that churning authority in 2004.

Just the latest in US law enforcement bodies using somewhat questionable funding methods.

I wonder how much other shit has disappeared in the churning process. It'd be naive to assume it's just tobacco that was being treated in this manner.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on September 27, 2013, 03:55:59 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 26, 2013, 09:20:07 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24276957

QuoteThe US agency tasked with stopping illegal tobacco trafficking lost track of 420 million cigarettes purchased in undercover operations, justice department auditors have found.

In addition, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made $162m (£100m) selling tobacco undercover, it found.

That money was used to fund undercover operations between 2006-11.

The findings were revealed in an audit of the ATF's use of undercover profits.

In the report released on Wednesday, the justice department Office of the Inspector General (OIG) said it had found "a serious lack of oversight" of "churning investigations".

In those, the ATF uses proceeds from undercover operations to offset expenses incurred in the same operations, rather than depositing the funds in the US treasury.

The ATF received that churning authority in 2004.

Just the latest in US law enforcement bodies using somewhat questionable funding methods.

I wonder how much other shit has disappeared in the churning process. It'd be naive to assume it's just tobacco that was being treated in this manner.

:lol:

I just arrived, ITT, with the same link on my clipboard.

If one of us gets close enough to the other we should grab a beer sometime, Junkenstein.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 27, 2013, 02:06:21 PM
Alty, yes.

Cain, latest on the machete terror thing:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24297429

QuoteTwo men accused of murdering soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, south-east London, have pleaded not guilty.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, from Romford, east London, and Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, south-east London, denied the charges at the Old Bailey.

They are accused of murdering Fusilier Rigby near Woolwich barracks on 22 May.

The men also denied attempting to murder a police officer on that day, as well as planning to murder a police officer on or before that day.

Mr Adebolajo has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, while Mr Adebowale wants to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah.

The men appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh, with Mr Adebowale sitting in front of a prison sign.

Fusilier Rigby's widow, Rebecca Rigby, was in court for the hearing.

A trial date has been provisionally set for 18 November.

Strange happenings it seems.

First I've heard about the wanting to murder police angle. Not sure how to consider that one, but I bet social media logs will come into this somehow. At this point, I'd guess the original desired target was a police officer and Rigby just happened to be an attractive target in the wrong place. At least, I'm guessing that's the narrative that's going to be presented. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on September 27, 2013, 04:22:48 PM
Krokodil hits Arizona!

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/09/flesh-eating-street-drug-from-russia-hits-the-us/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on September 27, 2013, 04:30:07 PM
Quote from: Telarus on September 27, 2013, 04:22:48 PM
Krokodil hits Arizona!

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/09/flesh-eating-street-drug-from-russia-hits-the-us/

FUCK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on September 27, 2013, 04:41:25 PM
Quote from: Cainad (dec.) on September 27, 2013, 04:30:07 PM
Quote from: Telarus on September 27, 2013, 04:22:48 PM
Krokodil hits Arizona!

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/09/flesh-eating-street-drug-from-russia-hits-the-us/

FUCK.


Of course it would come here first. Arizona is the Gateway to the New America.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 27, 2013, 04:42:05 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 27, 2013, 04:44:59 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 27, 2013, 04:48:41 PM
Quote from: Telarus on September 27, 2013, 04:22:48 PM
Krokodil hits Arizona!

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/09/flesh-eating-street-drug-from-russia-hits-the-us/

You know, it's probably perfectly safe in its pure form, if the users know how to dose accurately, use clean needles, and take care of themselves properly. It isn't really fair for the physical harm from secondary effects to be attributed to the drug itself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 27, 2013, 04:51:44 PM
:troll:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 28, 2013, 07:17:53 AM
Quote from: Mean Mister Nigel on September 27, 2013, 04:48:41 PM
Quote from: Telarus on September 27, 2013, 04:22:48 PM
Krokodil hits Arizona!

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/09/flesh-eating-street-drug-from-russia-hits-the-us/

You know, it's probably perfectly safe in its pure form, if the users know how to dose accurately, use clean needles, and take care of themselves properly. It isn't really fair for the physical harm from secondary effects to be attributed to the drug itself.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 28, 2013, 11:08:14 AM
Quote from: Cain on September 27, 2013, 04:44:59 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 27, 2013, 02:06:21 PM
At this point, I'd guess the original desired target was a police officer and Rigby just happened to be an attractive target in the wrong place. At least, I'm guessing that's the narrative that's going to be presented.

To be honest, I've been utterly remiss in following this case.  I mean, sure, it's terrorism, but it's lazy terrorism.  Anyone can knife someone to death and spout inanities.  The Zodiac killer did the whole schtick much better, and didn't get caught (maybe).

I know this is going to sound horrible, but from a professional POV, it's pretty boring.

I can't claim to have followed it very closely, I was kind of assuming it was going to be quite open/shut based on the overwhelming evidence. There might be a bit more going on now, but I can't really fault you for dismissing it. Given the number of other incidents since this of considerably larger scale/impact this was only really unusual due to the nature of the attack and even that seems to be now being diluted with the other police related charges.

Also, if Krokodil has made it to the states, is Sisa far behind?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 28, 2013, 10:26:49 PM
Hey Cain, caught this yet?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24319274

QuoteThe party of Italy's former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says all five of its ministers are resigning from the shaky coalition government.

The development follows weeks of worsening relations between his party and Prime Minister Enrico Letta's centre-left grouping.

Mr Berlusconi had already threatened to withdraw his ministers if he is expelled from the Senate for tax fraud.

The crisis could lead to fresh elections amid economic problems.

Mr Letta flew back from New York on Friday in an attempt to prevent the government from collapsing.

The prime minister said late on Friday that he would quit unless his government won a confidence vote due next week in parliament.

Enrico Letta, 26 September 2013
The Italian prime minister accused Mr Berlusconi of telling a "huge lie"
In a statement, Mr Berlusconi described that ultimatum as "unacceptable".

Toys. Pram. Throwing.

On a semi related note, shit hits fan in Greece, Italy follows shortly after. Good chances for some cross border chicanery here if I'm reading the other threads correctly?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 30, 2013, 10:51:10 AM
Senior UK police chief requests sack:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24320717

QuoteClass A drugs should be decriminalised and drug addicts "treated and cared for not criminalised", according to a senior UK police officer.

Writing in the Observer, Chief Constable Mike Barton of Durham Police said prohibition had put billions of pounds into the hands of criminals.

He called for an open debate on the problems caused by drugs.

The Home Office reiterated its stance and said drugs were illegal because they were dangerous.

QuoteMr Barton compared drugs prohibition to the ban on alcohol in the US in the 1920s which fuelled organised crime.

Mr Barton told the Observer: "Have we not learned the lessons of prohibition in history?"

"The Mob's sinister rise to prominence in the US was pretty much funded through its supply of a prohibited drug, alcohol. That's arguably what we are doing in the UK."

QuoteA Home Office spokesman said: "Drugs are illegal because they are dangerous. They destroy lives and blight communities.

"The UK's approach on drugs remains clear, we must help individuals who are dependent by treatment, while ensuring law enforcement protects society by stopping the supply and tackling the organised crime that is associated with the drugs trade."

I assume he's got another job lined up. This is one of the more amusing ways for a cop to hand in their notice though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on September 30, 2013, 11:57:40 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 30, 2013, 10:51:10 AM
Senior UK police chief requests sack:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24320717

QuoteClass A drugs should be decriminalised and drug addicts "treated and cared for not criminalised", according to a senior UK police officer.

Writing in the Observer, Chief Constable Mike Barton of Durham Police said prohibition had put billions of pounds into the hands of criminals.

He called for an open debate on the problems caused by drugs.

The Home Office reiterated its stance and said drugs were illegal because they were dangerous.

QuoteMr Barton compared drugs prohibition to the ban on alcohol in the US in the 1920s which fuelled organised crime.

Mr Barton told the Observer: "Have we not learned the lessons of prohibition in history?"

"The Mob's sinister rise to prominence in the US was pretty much funded through its supply of a prohibited drug, alcohol. That's arguably what we are doing in the UK."

QuoteA Home Office spokesman said: "Drugs are illegal because they are dangerous. They destroy lives and blight communities.

"The UK's approach on drugs remains clear, we must help individuals who are dependent by treatment, while ensuring law enforcement protects society by stopping the supply and tackling the organised crime that is associated with the drugs trade."

I assume he's got another job lined up. This is one of the more amusing ways for a cop to hand in their notice though.

LOL. What a fucking idiot. Did nobody explain to him how pissed off the emperor gets when you point out the fact that everyone can see his johnson??
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 30, 2013, 08:21:55 PM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on October 01, 2013, 11:53:54 AM
Quote from: Cain on September 30, 2013, 08:21:55 PM
lolz

QuoteThe Swiss army created a scenario in which France had split up into several regional entities, following a political and economic crisis.

One of these fictitious regions, known as Saonia, had decided to invade Switzerland to retrieve stolen money that was apparently held in Swiss banks.

The BBC's correspondent in Switzerland, Imogen Foulkes, says details of the exercise may surprise the French government.

"The fact that this story was dreamt up in the middle of a real tax row between France and Switzerland, over assets placed by wealthy French citizens in Swiss banks, is, the Swiss army insists, complete coincidence," she says.

Just coincidence.  Like this training exercise last year:

Quote"Last year's practice imagined the collapse of the euro, leading to social chaos across Europe and an influx of refugees to Switzerland."
That means that next time we can count it as hostile?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 03, 2013, 01:52:20 AM
http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/206883/boat-filled-with-weed-crashes-into-nude-beach/

"A 20-foot boat filled with 80 pounds of weed capsized at a popular nude beach/surf spot in Santa Cruz, California. Nobody was hurt, because it was totally awesome."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 03, 2013, 02:20:32 AM
Quote from: Telarus on October 03, 2013, 01:52:20 AM
http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/206883/boat-filled-with-weed-crashes-into-nude-beach/

"A 20-foot boat filled with 80 pounds of weed capsized at a popular nude beach/surf spot in Santa Cruz, California. Nobody was hurt, because it was totally awesome."

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 04, 2013, 12:12:09 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-24379841

QuoteA couple have been left "mystified" after an oil painting of an "ugly" woman in a white headscarf was sent to them in the post with no explanation.

The parcel was addressed to Keith Webb at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, and contained the unmarked portrait.

He said his wife Sue felt "threatened" by the image, which arrived on Wednesday without an accompanying note, so they banished it to the garage.

Royal Mail has been unable to tell the couple the identity of the sender.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70249000/jpg/_70249114_70252796.jpg)

Wonderful. More of this kind of thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 04, 2013, 11:28:57 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 04, 2013, 12:12:09 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-24379841

QuoteA couple have been left "mystified" after an oil painting of an "ugly" woman in a white headscarf was sent to them in the post with no explanation.

The parcel was addressed to Keith Webb at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, and contained the unmarked portrait.

He said his wife Sue felt "threatened" by the image, which arrived on Wednesday without an accompanying note, so they banished it to the garage.

Royal Mail has been unable to tell the couple the identity of the sender.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70249000/jpg/_70249114_70252796.jpg)

Wonderful. More of this kind of thing.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 06, 2013, 02:45:21 AM
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/05/holy-trollers-how-to-argue-about-religion-online/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on October 07, 2013, 01:52:13 AM
http://nationalreport.net/obama-uses-money-open-muslim-museum-amid-government-shutdown/  (http://nationalreport.net/obama-uses-money-open-muslim-museum-amid-government-shutdown/)  :lulz:

Apparently Fox reported on this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 07, 2013, 05:42:18 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on October 07, 2013, 01:52:13 AM
http://nationalreport.net/obama-uses-money-open-muslim-museum-amid-government-shutdown/  (http://nationalreport.net/obama-uses-money-open-muslim-museum-amid-government-shutdown/)  :lulz:

Apparently Fox reported on this.

:lulz: Oh Fox. When will you ever learn?

One of the things I like about the current cultural trend is the enormous amount of hard-to-filter satire that's emerging everywhere. People are getting to a point where they are flooded with so much misinformation that it's breaking the sanctioned false information channels.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 07, 2013, 08:47:35 AM
Probably worth a thread of it's own but I just can't stop laughing yet:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24418847

QuoteA new body to tackle some of the UK's most serious crimes has been launched.

Labelled the "British FBI", the National Crime Agency (NCA) will "relentlessly pursue" organised criminals, the home secretary said.

Theresa May told the BBC it would focus on organised, economic and cyber crime, border policing and child protection.

QuoteIts head, Keith Bristow, warned criminals to expect "continuous disruption", including the confiscation of their assets.

QuoteKeith Vaz, the chairman of the influential Home Affairs Select Committee said: "The organisations going into the NCA have a combined budget of £812m, yet the new agency will only have £473.9m next year.

"The Home Office needs to account for where this money has gone."

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 07, 2013, 02:14:53 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 07, 2013, 08:47:35 AM
Probably worth a thread of it's own but I just can't stop laughing yet:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24418847

QuoteA new body to tackle some of the UK's most serious crimes has been launched.

Labelled the "British FBI", the National Crime Agency (NCA) will "relentlessly pursue" organised criminals, the home secretary said.

Theresa May told the BBC it would focus on organised, economic and cyber crime, border policing and child protection.

QuoteIts head, Keith Bristow, warned criminals to expect "continuous disruption", including the confiscation of their assets.

QuoteKeith Vaz, the chairman of the influential Home Affairs Select Committee said: "The organisations going into the NCA have a combined budget of £812m, yet the new agency will only have £473.9m next year.

"The Home Office needs to account for where this money has gone."

Now all you have to do is find a self-loathing cross-dresser that likes to eavesdrop.

Wait.  England.

Carry on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 07, 2013, 04:45:06 PM
The day gets funnier with EDL incompetence:

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/oct/04/edl-leader-stalks-tweets-wrong-person

QuoteAs intimidation tactics by a leader of a far-right group go, it sounds scarily effective: using Twitter to invite yourself round to the home of a leading critic for "a chat" before tweeting photos of the person's block of flats, the front door of their apartment and a letter addressed to them.

However, it would have been somewhat more effective if Tommy Robinson, the leader of the English Defence League, had not gone to the address of someone with a differently-spelled name about 40 miles away from his intended target.

The editor of EDL News, a critical website and Twitter feed which bills itself as "bringing you the news that the English Defence League often won't", has labelled the incident embarrassing and bizarre for Robinson.

Amazing. Just imagine the stream of thoughts that resulted in this being a good idea. Try and do this without laughing. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 07, 2013, 04:46:59 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 07, 2013, 04:45:06 PM
The day gets funnier with EDL incompetence:

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/oct/04/edl-leader-stalks-tweets-wrong-person

QuoteAs intimidation tactics by a leader of a far-right group go, it sounds scarily effective: using Twitter to invite yourself round to the home of a leading critic for "a chat" before tweeting photos of the person's block of flats, the front door of their apartment and a letter addressed to them.

However, it would have been somewhat more effective if Tommy Robinson, the leader of the English Defence League, had not gone to the address of someone with a differently-spelled name about 40 miles away from his intended target.

The editor of EDL News, a critical website and Twitter feed which bills itself as "bringing you the news that the English Defence League often won't", has labelled the incident embarrassing and bizarre for Robinson.

Amazing. Just imagine the stream of thoughts that resulted in this being a good idea. Try and do this without laughing.

QuoteMoon, who lives in London and has helped run the EDL News site since 2010, said he was away watching football but was alerted to the tweets and photos by a friend, and left baffled.

"I didn't understand them," Moon said. "I thought he seemed to be stalking someone but it didn't seem to have anything to do with me." Then came another tweet, showing a man's hand holding a letter addressed to a "Garry Moon" at an address in Reading. This was when the penny dropped.

Moon said: "Robinson had been helped out in the past by someone who tracked down the servers we were using at the time, which were in Reading. I thought, 'He's only gone and found a slightly different name in a phone book and headed to Reading by mistake'."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on October 07, 2013, 06:29:13 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 04, 2013, 12:12:09 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-24379841

QuoteA couple have been left "mystified" after an oil painting of an "ugly" woman in a white headscarf was sent to them in the post with no explanation.

The parcel was addressed to Keith Webb at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, and contained the unmarked portrait.

He said his wife Sue felt "threatened" by the image, which arrived on Wednesday without an accompanying note, so they banished it to the garage.

Royal Mail has been unable to tell the couple the identity of the sender.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70249000/jpg/_70249114_70252796.jpg)

Wonderful. More of this kind of thing.

Its a portrait of his great great grandma sent by an unknown family member. Apparently he's quite embarrassed to have blown off like that about it since he's related to the ugly old crone. His wife is still insisting it stays in the garage though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 07, 2013, 06:30:49 PM
Quote from: MMIX on October 07, 2013, 06:29:13 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 04, 2013, 12:12:09 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-24379841

QuoteA couple have been left "mystified" after an oil painting of an "ugly" woman in a white headscarf was sent to them in the post with no explanation.

The parcel was addressed to Keith Webb at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, and contained the unmarked portrait.

He said his wife Sue felt "threatened" by the image, which arrived on Wednesday without an accompanying note, so they banished it to the garage.

Royal Mail has been unable to tell the couple the identity of the sender.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70249000/jpg/_70249114_70252796.jpg)

Wonderful. More of this kind of thing.

Its a portrait of his great great grandma sent by an unknown family member. Apparently he's quite embarrassed to have blown off like that about it since he's related to the ugly old crone. His wife is still insisting it stays in the garage though.

That thing would have pride of place in my house.  Garage, my ass.  It would hang on the living room wall.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 07, 2013, 07:27:23 PM
http://www.wcyb.com/news/jury-selected-in-first-facebook-murder-trial/-/14590844/22313574/-/kfxafe/-/index.html

HELLO, TENNESSEE!   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 08, 2013, 02:13:09 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 07, 2013, 04:46:59 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 07, 2013, 04:45:06 PM
The day gets funnier with EDL incompetence:

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/oct/04/edl-leader-stalks-tweets-wrong-person

QuoteAs intimidation tactics by a leader of a far-right group go, it sounds scarily effective: using Twitter to invite yourself round to the home of a leading critic for "a chat" before tweeting photos of the person's block of flats, the front door of their apartment and a letter addressed to them.

However, it would have been somewhat more effective if Tommy Robinson, the leader of the English Defence League, had not gone to the address of someone with a differently-spelled name about 40 miles away from his intended target.

The editor of EDL News, a critical website and Twitter feed which bills itself as "bringing you the news that the English Defence League often won't", has labelled the incident embarrassing and bizarre for Robinson.

Amazing. Just imagine the stream of thoughts that resulted in this being a good idea. Try and do this without laughing.

QuoteMoon, who lives in London and has helped run the EDL News site since 2010, said he was away watching football but was alerted to the tweets and photos by a friend, and left baffled.

"I didn't understand them," Moon said. "I thought he seemed to be stalking someone but it didn't seem to have anything to do with me." Then came another tweet, showing a man's hand holding a letter addressed to a "Garry Moon" at an address in Reading. This was when the penny dropped.

Moon said: "Robinson had been helped out in the past by someone who tracked down the servers we were using at the time, which were in Reading. I thought, 'He's only gone and found a slightly different name in a phone book and headed to Reading by mistake'."

And now.....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24442953

QuoteEnglish Defence League leader and founder Tommy Robinson has left the group, saying he has concerns over the "dangers of far-right extremism".

QuoteTheir decision follows discussions with the Quilliam group, which describes itself as a "counter-extremism think tank".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quilliam_(think_tank)

From the "Criticism" section:

QuoteThe organization has also recommended spying on Muslims unsuspected of any crimes, which led Jonathan Githens-Mazer and Robert Lambert to note:
Charles Moore and Dean Godson of Policy Exchange, have explained that this is a re-make of a 1980s Thatcherite counter-subversion strategy in which Husain is cast in the role of Frank Chapple the "moderate" trade union leader who was, they suggest, used to discredit and undermine the "extremist" miner's trade union leader Arthur Scargill. Husain, they argue, can help defeat Altikriti, Bungalwala and their colleagues in the same way

There's something fucked up going on here, will dig into it when I get time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 09, 2013, 10:10:57 AM
Again, something smells here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24454596

QuoteThousands of Islamist extremists in the UK see the British public as a legitimate target for attacks, the director general of MI5 has warned.

Andrew Parker was making his first public speech since taking over as head of the UK Security Service in April.

Al-Qaeda and its affiliates in Pakistan and Yemen present "the most direct and immediate threats to the UK," he said.

Quoten conclusion, Mr Parker said he did not believe the terrorist threat was any worse now than before. But it was "more diffuse, more complicated, more unpredictable".

Translation - Give us more money or you won't be safe from terrorists.

This may just be a bit of ongoing PR/damage control on behalf of GCHQ. Or it may be added justification for continued support of drone strikes in these countries and mass monitoring generally. Either way, the narrative over any GCHQ shenanigans seems to have moved from outrage to acceptance quite nicely. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 09, 2013, 10:44:08 AM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 09, 2013, 10:45:58 AM
UK Racism wagon not OK, but kind of:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24452551

QuoteThe advertising watchdog has banned a Home Office advert telling illegal immigrants to go home, saying it was misleading.

But the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) cleared the campaign of being offensive and irresponsible.

The campaign saw two vans drive around London for a week in July, carrying the message "Go home or face arrest."

The ASA said the posters on the vans referred to inaccurate arrest statistics.

QuoteThe poster displayed a picture of handcuffs and read: "In the UK illegally?... GO HOME OR FACE ARREST."

ASA chief executive Guy Parker told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the campaign was considered unlikely to cause "widespread offence".

But he said the phrase "go home" was "reminiscent of the racist slogan" and "clearly carries baggage".

He added: "It clearly upset some people and I think it might be wise, if the government uses the poster van again, to perhaps think about using a different phrase - like return home."

Which is totally different.

Quote"The ad must not appear again in its current form," said the ASA report.

"We told the Home Office to ensure that in future they held adequate substantiation for their advertising claims and that qualifications were presented clearly."

But it dismissed complaints that the slogan "Go home" had been offensive or irresponsible. It said that, while the phrase had been used in the past to attack immigrants, the Home Office was now using it in a different context.

The report said: "We concluded that the poster was unlikely to incite or exacerbate racial hatred and tensions in multi-cultural communities.

"It was not irresponsible and did not contain anything which was likely to condone or encourage violence or anti-social behaviour."

So it was not irresponsible, did nothing likely to cause offence, yet it must not be used again in its current form.

LOGIC.

There's also the part where it actively did incite racial tensions and gave the EDL/UKIP/BNP/Etc. crowd government approval for their idiocy. But let's not think about that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 09, 2013, 10:53:15 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 09, 2013, 10:44:08 AM
Tommy Robinson's going to found a "new organization" with the spooked up Quillam gang.  Because, you know, Tommy's such a credible person to take a principled stand against extremism.

My thoughts: the far right is splintering and fracturing at an impressive rate.  MI5 and Special Branch have, in the past, had significant control over the far right, which may currently be floundering due to said splintering.  By "repurposing" and mainstreaming a far-right figure, maybe the hope is for a "big-tent" movement to form, once the taint of obvious fascist sentiment is washed away.

Otherwise, the idea is to sell that to Tommy Robinson, and use his departure to fracture the far right even more, spread accusations of infiltration and covert action, and so keep the loonies fighting among themselves.

At the moment.  Theory may change when new data becomes available.

Cain, thanks for that. Beyond "This stinks" I hadn't got much further. It seemed extra odd given the day before he was attempting to stalk someone. To me, that's pretty odd way to act before a political U-turn like this. Then again, Tommy never did strike me as a clever chap. I wonder how long he's been talking/acting under Quilliam direction? I didn't see any mention of how long these talks have been going on. I'd guess it's either going to be quite a while or one very short, pointed meeting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on October 10, 2013, 12:44:32 AM
MAN WHO CANNOT DIE.

http://rt.com/usa/ohio-man-legally-dead-916/

Ok, that was deliberately misleading.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 10, 2013, 07:01:14 AM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on October 10, 2013, 05:26:04 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 10, 2013, 05:36:51 PM
Quote from: Alty on October 10, 2013, 12:44:32 AM
MAN WHO CANNOT DIE.

http://rt.com/usa/ohio-man-legally-dead-916/

Ok, that was deliberately misleading.

:lulz: I have a friend who considered having her ex declared dead, as he basically did the same thing; he's been hiding from the court system for 17 years now.

It would serve him right. Also, I like that judge. "You wanted to disappear from your obligations and fuck your kids over? OK. No backsies."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 14, 2013, 06:46:48 AM
-
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Don Coyote on October 14, 2013, 02:03:20 PM
that's pretty much how I picture a lot the people that unilaterally talk shit amor Obama.  crazy white dude with al the confederate colors.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 16, 2013, 12:18:29 AM
Posting here to read at home (the last story should probably get it's own thread in the appropriate forum):

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/10/14/nsa-reportedly-collecting-millions-personal-online-contact-lists-worldwide/

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/10/15/videos-appear-to-contradict-medal-of-honor-winners-account-of-afghan-battle/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24518203   <- Eating popcorn 'disrupts advertising'
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 16, 2013, 03:24:46 AM
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2013/10/15/new_snowden_documents_the_nsa_is_collecting_millions_of_address_books_and.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 16, 2013, 04:07:14 AM
Quote from: Telarus on October 16, 2013, 03:24:46 AM
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2013/10/15/new_snowden_documents_the_nsa_is_collecting_millions_of_address_books_and.html

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

Oh my GOD, how I love unintended consequences! This is brilliant! Of course it would be Spam that is the last defender of privacy in America. Like herpes, much-loathed and quite inconvenient yet ultimately, fairly harmless and may end up holding the key to the HIV vaccine.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 16, 2013, 04:09:39 AM
Speaking of which http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/news_events/news/2013/09-11-ohsu-vaccine-candidate-a.cfm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 16, 2013, 03:49:29 PM
I'm really hoping someone called this in the "Original Story Ideas" thread. 

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 17, 2013, 12:40:36 AM
Which one, Spam saving privacy or herpes curing AIDS?

Really, both are pretty poetic. :lol:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 17, 2013, 09:04:37 AM
HA HA
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/uneven-enforcement-suspected-nuclear-plants-20578893

QuoteThe number of safety violations at U.S. nuclear power plants varies dramatically from region to region, pointing to inconsistent enforcement in an industry now operating mostly beyond its original 40-year licenses, according to a congressional study awaiting release.

HA HA HA

QuoteThe study also says that the NRC's West region may enforce the rules more aggressively and that common corporate ownership of multiple plants may help bolster maintenance in the Southeast.

However, the reasons aren't fully understood because the NRC has never fully studied them, the report says. Right now, its authors wrote, the "NRC cannot ensure that oversight efforts are objective and consistent.

Quote"I believe the oversight process is totally arbitrary," said Paul Blanch, an engineer who once blew the whistle on problems from within the industry and later returned to work on safety. He also said the NRC isn't providing consistent training to inspectors and regional staff. Blanch was made aware of the GAO findings by the AP.

The report also indicates that some regulators may be missing small problems or giving them short shrift, safety experts said. And they said little violations can pile up and interact with one another to create bigger risks.

"Any time you start tolerating minor problems, you're just setting the stage for major safety problems down the road," said nuclear engineer David Lochbaum of the Union of Concerned Scientists. He once trained NRC staff

So that's just great. BET BET BET on the location of the US version of Chernobyl.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 17, 2013, 04:45:06 PM
The important missing words here are "Child pornography"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24563683

QuoteGloria de Piero, the shadow minister for women and equalities, has accused a news agency of trying to obtain topless pictures of her taken when she was 15.

In a blog post, the Labour MP said the agency claimed to be acting on behalf of a national newspaper and was offering thousands of pounds to people who might have copies of the pictures.

She would find it "humiliating" if they were published, she told the BBC.

She had grown up in poverty and had posed topless for the money, she added.

"It's part of me, it's part of my life, it's part of my story," she told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour.

We live in an era where kids are told that "sexting" could get you child pornography charges. We also live in an era where you can try and find topless photos of a 15 year old and not be considered a paedophile.

If anyone is able to explain to me how trying to obtain these photos (And actively stating you are after photos of a topless child) is not a crime, please do because I can't figure it out at all.

Quote"There are reasons why I thought that they might be a way out for me, but I would respectfully say that I hope they are not published.

"I would find it embarrassing, humiliating."

Not to mention that publishing said photos would violate a number of laws. Resulting in substantial jail terms. For distributing child porn.

I know I'm harping on that a bit, but it seems to be rather a big deal that's being totally overlooked.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 17, 2013, 04:58:27 PM
The nuclear plant issue has been in the making for a long time now. It's such a fucking trainwreck. There's tons of nuclear waste with no permanent home because nobody thought ahead that far, too, and don't be surprised when you read about unreported leaks in temporary storage sites, which I'm sure about because basically ALL the storage at Hanford is leaking and they don't really know what to do with it.

Yay.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on October 17, 2013, 09:49:25 PM
The more things change...

http://www.elpasotimes.com/latestnews/ci_24307860/el-paso-police-release-name-man-who-died?IADID=Search-www.elpasotimes.com-www.elpasotimes.com

Why do I always find things that make other people so sad, but makes me just give this dry
chuckle and the assertion that, no matter what, you can't trust the white devil.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on October 18, 2013, 08:29:58 PM
Boy Scout Leaders kill a "Golbin", may face federal felony charges. (Ook Ook)

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_24335439/boy-scout-leaders-destroy-ancient-formation-utahs-goblin
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 18, 2013, 08:33:03 PM
Quote from: Telarus on October 18, 2013, 08:29:58 PM
Boy Scout Leaders kill a "Golbin", may face federal felony charges. (Ook Ook)

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_24335439/boy-scout-leaders-destroy-ancient-formation-utahs-goblin

Saw that last night.

They should have got underneath it first.  Pigfuckers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 19, 2013, 06:23:06 PM
Quote from: Telarus on October 18, 2013, 08:29:58 PM
Boy Scout Leaders kill a "Golbin", may face federal felony charges. (Ook Ook)

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_24335439/boy-scout-leaders-destroy-ancient-formation-utahs-goblin

What a bunch of fucking morons. "Let's go to this park named for a particular type of really cool formation and knock one over".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on October 21, 2013, 05:38:01 AM
Quote from: Telarus on October 18, 2013, 08:29:58 PM
Boy Scout Leaders kill a "Golbin", may face federal felony charges. (Ook Ook)

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_24335439/boy-scout-leaders-destroy-ancient-formation-utahs-goblin

Ugh.

http://news.yahoo.com/man-toppled-ancient-rock-suing-disability-183757302--abc-news-topstories.html

Quote from: The ArticleHowever Taylor is now facing additional scrutiny after it was revealed that he filed a suit claiming he has he endured "great pain and suffering, disability, impairment, loss of life" stemming from a 2009 car accident, according to ABC News affiliate KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City, Utah.

According to KTVX, Taylor said in the documents he has incurred an estimated $5,000 in medical related expenses.

Alan Macdonald, who is being sued by Taylor because it was his daughter who hit Taylor's car, told KTVX that he was "highly offended" by Taylor's actions.

"Somebody with a bad back who is disabled who can't enjoy life to me doesn't step up and push a rock right off its base," Macdonald said.

Calls to a number listed in Taylor's name and to his attorney were not immediately returned.

The dictionary definition of a scumbag, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 25, 2013, 09:30:29 AM
UK continues to ape the US

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-24666591

QuoteA 3D printer and suspected "homemade" gun components have been seized during police raids in Manchester.

A plastic magazine and trigger, which detectives suspect could be fitted together to make a firearm, were found in Wythenshawe on Thursday.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said forensic experts were assessing whether the parts could make a viable gun.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of making gunpowder and remains in custody.

You may recall the first 3d printed gun fired earlier in the year. I would suspect there's a lot more of these already in circulation than you'd expect.

It's a nice little justification for arming our police force though. Anyone could have a gun now so the police need them to protect themselves from us.  Expect to see a consistent rise in police shootings over the next few years.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 25, 2013, 11:04:29 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/24651576

QuoteThe world's tallest dog has died at the age of seven at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

Giant George weighed more than 17.5 stone (111kg) and was able to reach a height of 7ft 3in (2.2m) standing on his hind legs.

For some reason, the location does not surprise me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 25, 2013, 02:14:02 PM
HAHAHA

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24672344

QuoteThe chief executive at Serco, a security firm at the centre of an overcharging scandal, has resigned.

Outgoing boss Chris Hyman said the best way for the company to move forward "is for me to step back".

Serco is being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) after claims it had overcharged the government by "tens of millions" of pounds for electronic tags for criminals.

The government welcomed the news, describing it as a "positive move".

In July, Justice Secretary Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said an audit had revealed a "significant anomaly in the billing practices" of both Serco and G4S.

Mr Grayling said that since 2005, the companies had in some cases been charging for tagging offenders who were in prison, had left the country or were even dead.

QuoteNo new contracts are being awarded to either of the firms until the audit is completed, the government said in September.

The head of G4S, Richard Morris, stepped down on Thursday.

Business as usual in the UK. A couple of token resignations and promises that "this will never happen again" and award them shiny new contracts to fuck up in new and interesting ways. FFS, UK governments consistently failed to learn these kind of lessons with Capita so expect the final fraud bill to be in excess of £100 Million+ with nothing to show for it and minimal (by which I mean no) recourse.

Edit to correct idiot typo.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 26, 2013, 05:02:53 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 25, 2013, 11:04:29 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/24651576

QuoteThe world's tallest dog has died at the age of seven at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

Giant George weighed more than 17.5 stone (111kg) and was able to reach a height of 7ft 3in (2.2m) standing on his hind legs.

For some reason, the location does not surprise me.

Nothing is right here.  I can't get out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on October 26, 2013, 05:59:55 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on October 26, 2013, 05:02:53 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 25, 2013, 11:04:29 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/24651576

QuoteThe world's tallest dog has died at the age of seven at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

Giant George weighed more than 17.5 stone (111kg) and was able to reach a height of 7ft 3in (2.2m) standing on his hind legs.

For some reason, the location does not surprise me.

Nothing is right here.  I can't get out.

That's a good age for a dog that size. The larger breeds don't usually make it past 8 to 10 and he was bigger than most. And he had his own queen-sized bed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on October 31, 2013, 12:46:40 AM
http://m.washingtonpost.com/politics/usda-plan-to-speed-up-poultry-processing-lines-could-increase-risk-of-bird-abuse/2013/10/29/aeeffe1e-3b2e-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html?utm_medium

:lulz: :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 31, 2013, 12:55:28 AM
Quote from: Alty on October 31, 2013, 12:46:40 AM
http://m.washingtonpost.com/politics/usda-plan-to-speed-up-poultry-processing-lines-could-increase-risk-of-bird-abuse/2013/10/29/aeeffe1e-3b2e-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html?utm_medium

:lulz: :horrormirth:

Fuck the bird abuse.  It's produced salmonella.  Thank you, Foster Farms.  And thank you, gutless and feeble FDA.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on October 31, 2013, 01:03:53 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on October 31, 2013, 12:55:28 AM
Quote from: Alty on October 31, 2013, 12:46:40 AM
http://m.washingtonpost.com/politics/usda-plan-to-speed-up-poultry-processing-lines-could-increase-risk-of-bird-abuse/2013/10/29/aeeffe1e-3b2e-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html?utm_medium

:lulz: :horrormirth:

Fuck the bird abuse.  It's produced salmonella.  Thank you, Foster Farms.  And thank you, gutless and feeble FDA.

Yeah, I just can't get those red, fat, swollen, blood filled birds out of my brain.

Also, lolregulation.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 31, 2013, 01:05:29 AM
Quote from: Alty on October 31, 2013, 01:03:53 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on October 31, 2013, 12:55:28 AM
Quote from: Alty on October 31, 2013, 12:46:40 AM
http://m.washingtonpost.com/politics/usda-plan-to-speed-up-poultry-processing-lines-could-increase-risk-of-bird-abuse/2013/10/29/aeeffe1e-3b2e-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html?utm_medium

:lulz: :horrormirth:

Fuck the bird abuse.  It's produced salmonella.  Thank you, Foster Farms.  And thank you, gutless and feeble FDA.

Yeah, I just can't get those red, fat, swollen, blood filled birds out of my brain.

Also, lolregulation.

I'm kinda cold-hearted about that sort of shit.

Unnecessary cruelty is one thing.  Food is another thing.

In this case, though, they have pushed through "ruthless farming techniques" into "psychotic".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on October 31, 2013, 01:07:23 AM
Oh didn't mean that in a heartstring way, just the visceral gut punch.

Yeah, I can't see any good coming out of this. They say, streamline regulation. I say, CRANK UP THE MACHINE, FOLKS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 31, 2013, 01:09:33 AM
Quote from: Alty on October 31, 2013, 01:07:23 AM
Oh didn't mean that in a heartstring way, just the visceral gut punch.

Yeah, I can't see any good coming out of this. They say, streamline regulation. I say, CRANK UP THE MACHINE, FOLKS.

There's a solution to this.  MY solution.

Every day, the CEO has to eat random chicken bits from the production stream for his lunch.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 01, 2013, 09:16:48 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24762474

QuoteFormer News of the World editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson were having an affair for at least six years from the late 1990s, the phone-hacking trial has heard.

Prosecutor Andrew Edis QC said he was disclosing the affair because it showed how much the pair trusted each other.

"What Mr Coulson knew, Mrs Brooks knew too. What Mrs Brooks knew, Mr Coulson knew too," he said. "That's the point."

Mrs Brooks and Mr Coulson deny charges including conspiracy to phone hack.

Jurors heard their affair, which began around 1998, was discovered by police through a letter saved on a computer belonging to Mrs Brooks.

HA HA HA HA

The further irony is that this level of invasive snooping is happening to all of us, all the fucking time. Just hope you never become interesting enough to talk about.

Anyway, Coulson and Brooks have a long a storied history of being terrible "people" (Common UK rumour is that Brooks is Reptoid) and throwing up any sensationalist shit to get a headline. This couldn't be happening to more deserving people and it'd be nice if the tabloids start to turn on each other. Leveson reforms are imminent so expect claims that publishing this information was an "invasion of privacy" and such soon.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on November 04, 2013, 04:56:26 PM
Michelle Pfeiffer was in a 'Breathanarian Cult' in her 20's.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/04/michelle-pfeiffer-breatharian-cult_n_4211812.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 07, 2013, 10:27:07 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/walking-may-be-worse-for-the-environment-than-driving-2013-11

Check out this heady dose of bullshit.

Those food supply chains are in our best interest. In fact, it reinforces this idea and binds it to the sales of automobiles.



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 07, 2013, 10:41:15 PM
QuoteIt may be counterintuitive, but walking might be worse for the environment than driving.
That's the conclusion Richard B. Mckenzie, a professor of Economics at the Paul Merage School of Business comes to in his blog post on EconLib.

Because of the way food supply chains work, walking a mile — and consequently expending calories that need to be replaced — might actually be more wasteful and polluting than driving a mile.

He takes the example of a 180 pound man who chooses to walk a mile to work instead of driving. Walking a mile will burn 200 calories more than the 2000 calories he burns just to survive. Producing food worth 200 calories takes up to 3000-4000 calories. So a person that drives a high fuel economy car that burns 40 miles per gallon will be using only a half to two-thirds of the energy than the walker uses in replacing the calories he expended on walks.

The heavier you get, the less efficient walking is, as a heavier person would burn more calories from walking a mile. So walking can be 1.5 to 2 times more polluting than driving a high mileage car.



Emphasis not mine.

QuoteBut don't go out and buy yourself a new Hummer just yet. The less mileage your car has, the better walking looks in comparison. Also, if you're eating a mostly vegetarian diet, your energy consumption and pollution through food is minimized.

Dumbasses. The obvious best solution for the environment and health is for everyone to just get food delivered directly to their door minimising any energy output by you to near zero.

What the fuck is this nonsense?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 07, 2013, 10:44:11 PM
Or perhaps a privately owned company providing mass feeding tube infrastructure. Suddenly, work from home programs abound, and no one worries about the environment at all anymore.

Heaven.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 08, 2013, 01:49:03 AM
Quote from: Alty on November 07, 2013, 10:27:07 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/walking-may-be-worse-for-the-environment-than-driving-2013-11

Check out this heady dose of bullshit.

Those food supply chains are in our best interest. In fact, it reinforces this idea and binds it to the sales of automobiles.

OH FFS.

:facepalm:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 08, 2013, 02:40:20 AM
I thought you'd like that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on November 08, 2013, 02:40:55 AM
WTH? Geez....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/third-navy-official-arrested-in-bribery-probe/2013/11/06/467f9e80-4735-11e3-a196-3544a03c2351_story.html
Third Navy official arrested in bribery probe
QuoteFederal prosecutors arrested a third senior Navy official in a widening bribery scandal Wednesday, charging that he delivered classified and other sensitive information to a major defense contractor in exchange for prostitutes, luxury travel and more than $100,000 in cash.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/07/us/cia-is-said-to-pay-att-for-call-data.html?_r=0
C.I.A. Is Said to Pay AT&T for Call Data
QuoteWASHINGTON — The C.I.A. is paying AT&T more than $10 million a year to assist with overseas counterterrorism investigations by exploiting the company's vast database of phone records, which includes Americans' international calls, according to government officials. The cooperation is conducted under a voluntary contract, not under subpoenas or court orders compelling the company to participate, according to the officials. The C.I.A. supplies phone numbers of overseas terrorism suspects, and AT&T searches its database and provides records of calls that may help identify foreign associates, the officials said. The company has a huge archive of data on phone calls, both foreign and domestic, that were handled by its network equipment, not just those of its own customers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 08, 2013, 02:46:14 AM
That last one is just a lollercoaster of duh.

What, the US defines ATT's network as US infrastructure because it cares about the well being of its citizens infrastructure?

:lulz:

Prediction of number of ATT customers who will complain about this in stores: 0
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 08, 2013, 04:05:40 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 07, 2013, 10:41:15 PM
QuoteIt may be counterintuitive, but walking might be worse for the environment than driving.
That's the conclusion Richard B. Mckenzie, a professor of Economics at the Paul Merage School of Business comes to in his blog post on EconLib.

Because of the way food supply chains work, walking a mile — and consequently expending calories that need to be replaced — might actually be more wasteful and polluting than driving a mile.

He takes the example of a 180 pound man who chooses to walk a mile to work instead of driving. Walking a mile will burn 200 calories more than the 2000 calories he burns just to survive. Producing food worth 200 calories takes up to 3000-4000 calories. So a person that drives a high fuel economy car that burns 40 miles per gallon will be using only a half to two-thirds of the energy than the walker uses in replacing the calories he expended on walks.

The heavier you get, the less efficient walking is, as a heavier person would burn more calories from walking a mile. So walking can be 1.5 to 2 times more polluting than driving a high mileage car.



Emphasis not mine.

QuoteBut don't go out and buy yourself a new Hummer just yet. The less mileage your car has, the better walking looks in comparison. Also, if you're eating a mostly vegetarian diet, your energy consumption and pollution through food is minimized.

Dumbasses. The obvious best solution for the environment and health is for everyone to just get food delivered directly to their door minimising any energy output by you to near zero.

What the fuck is this nonsense?

The nonsense assumes that the food for every person is grown individually.  Also, the cost of getting oil out of the ground, transporting it, refining it, transporting it again PLUS the cost of making the car and all the components (plastic, rubber, steel, etc) is far higher than the cost of growing food and then transporting it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 08, 2013, 04:44:10 AM
Quote from: Alty on November 07, 2013, 10:27:07 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/walking-may-be-worse-for-the-environment-than-driving-2013-11

Check out this heady dose of bullshit.

Those food supply chains are in our best interest. In fact, it reinforces this idea and binds it to the sales of automobiles.

From the article:
"The heavier you get, the less efficient walking is, as a heavier person would burn more calories from walking a mile.

WELL WE CERTAINLY CAN'T HAVE THAT!  :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 08, 2013, 05:03:16 AM
I internet a lot, and I'm not alone there, but that shit is the dumbest shit I've ever seen in my entire life, considering the level of detail in that analysis.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 08, 2013, 05:51:12 AM
Quote from: Alty on November 08, 2013, 02:40:20 AM
I thought you'd like that.

It's mind-bogglingly fucking idiotic.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 08, 2013, 06:01:07 AM
I wonder which auto company paid him to write that.

You know, the auto companies are in a bit of a pinch right now, because younger people aren't especially interested in buying cars. Not the way they used to be. Plus, increasing urbanization means that cars are becoming less and less necessary, or even useful.

Paolo Solari would be proud.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 08, 2013, 08:39:00 AM
This is probably worth it's own thread depending on coming developments:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24863120

QuoteThe late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat may have been poisoned with radioactive polonium, according a Swiss forensic report.

Palestinian investigator Tawfik Terawi and Arafat's personal doctor hold a news conference to discuss the Swiss scientists' findings.

All sorts of potentially shady shit here. Polonium may ring some bells as spooks new fangled poison of choice. It's even been used in the UK, allegedly by Russians.

Which makes all of this very interesting to me. Arafat didn't have many friends, but I didn't think his enemies were this stupid.

Israel strongly denies any involvement of course. The Swiss are making no friends here either but they at least seem to be doing the right thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 08, 2013, 08:47:27 AM
UK continues to ape USA. We want our own highly profitable student loans sector too:

QuoteSome universities may eventually charge students from England up to £20,000 a year, a vice-chancellor has told the Times Higher Education magazine.

Tuition fees paid by home students at English institutions are capped at £9,000, overseas students pay more.

The sector may start to see both groups the same way, says Prof Nick Petford, of Northampton University

His comments come as a report argues that universities will need more money to cope as demand for places rises.

The report, published on Thursday by the umbrella group Universities UK (UUK), says that higher fees charged by universities since last year have merely replaced cuts to government funding

QuoteProf Petford argues that some universities "with high brand value will be able to charge £17,000, £18,000 or £20,000 in the future - I am sure of that".

Small steps, but the path is clear. I'd guess that 20K figure to be reached within 6 years, and probably upwards of 30 in a decade or so. There's fucking huge wads of cash to be made out of these people before tying them into jobs that have no hope of repaying the debt before they're around 50.

Good luck getting any students to believe that any political party will actually fight for their interests. Results in non-voting youth who are able to be screwed over even harder.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on November 08, 2013, 02:13:44 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 08, 2013, 05:51:12 AM
Quote from: Alty on November 08, 2013, 02:40:20 AM
I thought you'd like that.

It's mind-bogglingly fucking idiotic.
I came to that conclusion and stopped reading at "professor of Economics".
I'll try again for the lulz.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on November 08, 2013, 06:56:55 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 08, 2013, 06:01:07 AM
I wonder which auto company paid him to write that.

You know, the auto companies are in a bit of a pinch right now, because younger people aren't especially interested in buying cars. Not the way they used to be. Plus, increasing urbanization means that cars are becoming less and less necessary, or even useful.

Paolo Solari would be proud.

I hate having a car, and I have TWO of the bastards. I fantasize more often about my city implementing effective mass transit than about being marooned on an island full of beautiful ladies who have no word for "modesty." If I found a magic lamp my first wish would be for Phoenix to build a subway system that rivals Tokyo, followed by a wish for a free lifetime pass, and then (maybe) for world peace. I hope I live long enough to see this awful automobile culture wither and die for good.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on November 08, 2013, 07:14:34 PM
Every time I hear about people doing without a car the one thing that always comes to mind that I wonder about is how do they shop for groceries?
Devote an entire day just to go to the store and back? Seeing as you can't typically carry more than 4 bags of groceries at a time....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 08, 2013, 08:08:49 PM
Well, for one, I either have a bike trailer/sled get up. Or very large backpacks and the bus. Or walking with a sled/duffle bag. Or a cab.

We also mostly make our own food, so wheat/oats/other bulk items are only purchased so often.

I'd like to have more bulk food delivered. Tea and flour and such.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 08, 2013, 08:13:28 PM
It's way fucking easier with a car.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 08, 2013, 08:54:46 PM
Quote from: V3X on November 08, 2013, 06:56:55 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 08, 2013, 06:01:07 AM
I wonder which auto company paid him to write that.

You know, the auto companies are in a bit of a pinch right now, because younger people aren't especially interested in buying cars. Not the way they used to be. Plus, increasing urbanization means that cars are becoming less and less necessary, or even useful.

Paolo Solari would be proud.

I hate having a car, and I have TWO of the bastards. I fantasize more often about my city implementing effective mass transit than about being marooned on an island full of beautiful ladies who have no word for "modesty." If I found a magic lamp my first wish would be for Phoenix to build a subway system that rivals Tokyo, followed by a wish for a free lifetime pass, and then (maybe) for world peace. I hope I live long enough to see this awful automobile culture wither and die for good.

Yep. There's no infrastucture here - CAINT HAVE THEM COMMUTER RAILS! HOW WE GONNA SELL ERL?

San Antonio is considering putting in a trolley system and people are BITCHING about that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 08, 2013, 10:47:01 PM
Quote from: Sita on November 08, 2013, 07:14:34 PM
Every time I hear about people doing without a car the one thing that always comes to mind that I wonder about is how do they shop for groceries?
Devote an entire day just to go to the store and back? Seeing as you can't typically carry more than 4 bags of groceries at a time....

The store's only six blocks away, I usually just walk and get what I need for the day.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 08, 2013, 10:49:29 PM
Sometimes I want to do major grocery shopping, in which case a car is really handy. But living in the city, the thing is there's a zipcar or a car2go pretty much everywhere and they're only about 50 cents a minute, so if I didn't own a car I'd just use one of those for major shopping trips. Or get groceries delivered which would be cheaper and less of a hassle.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 08, 2013, 10:50:50 PM
Quote from: Alty on November 08, 2013, 08:08:49 PM
Well, for one, I either have a bike trailer/sled get up. Or very large backpacks and the bus. Or walking with a sled/duffle bag. Or a cab.

We also mostly make our own food, so wheat/oats/other bulk items are only purchased so often.

I'd like to have more bulk food delivered. Tea and flour and such.

I get a lot of things delivered. It's just easier that way. But I also do a lot of shopping at the farms, which would be impossible without a car (although I have a good little farm shopping co-op going now, so as long as one of us has a car it's fine).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 09, 2013, 10:34:25 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 08, 2013, 08:39:00 AM
This is probably worth it's own thread depending on coming developments:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24863120

QuoteThe late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat may have been poisoned with radioactive polonium, according a Swiss forensic report.

Palestinian investigator Tawfik Terawi and Arafat's personal doctor hold a news conference to discuss the Swiss scientists' findings.

All sorts of potentially shady shit here. Polonium may ring some bells as spooks new fangled poison of choice. It's even been used in the UK, allegedly by Russians.

Which makes all of this very interesting to me. Arafat didn't have many friends, but I didn't think his enemies were this stupid.

Israel strongly denies any involvement of course. The Swiss are making no friends here either but they at least seem to be doing the right thing.

It makes me wonder if there was an Israeli angle in Litvinkeno's death.  I mean, unless we're positing that Hamas somehow has access to rare radioactive materials, Israel has to be the prime suspect here.

There's a large Russian emigre community in Israel.  Very large, it makes up 20% of the current Israeli population.  Many (50-60%) tend towards the rightwing end of the Israeli spectrum as well, supporting Likud and refusing to allow land concessions to Palestine.

Litvinkeno was involved with Berezovsky, the Russian oligarch who reportedly held dual Israeli citizenship and there is strong circumstantial evidence (http://www.forbes.com/sites/richardbehar/2013/03/24/did-boris-berezovsky-kill-himself-more-compelling-did-he-kill-forbes-editor-paul-klebnikov/) linking him to Chechen rebels.  The Chechen rebels also reportedly (http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/chechnya/) had access to radioactive materials.

I don't have a theory here.  I'm just pointing out some potentially interesting linkages, which have all but been ignored by the British press, in their rush to sound the OMG RUSSIAN NUCLEAR ASSASSINATION alarm.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 09, 2013, 06:04:11 PM
I gotta say Cain, I'm really glad you're back. I was completely clueless about 70% of the above post. And it's fascinating. If you ever want to post a list of gong rates for knowledge, I've got a PayPal account.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 09, 2013, 06:52:42 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 08, 2013, 10:47:01 PM
Quote from: Sita on November 08, 2013, 07:14:34 PM
Every time I hear about people doing without a car the one thing that always comes to mind that I wonder about is how do they shop for groceries?
Devote an entire day just to go to the store and back? Seeing as you can't typically carry more than 4 bags of groceries at a time....

The store's only six blocks away, I usually just walk and get what I need for the day.

This, with some variations.

In Seguin *shudders* the supermarket was across town, I'd bike over there and just buy as much as I could hang from the handlebars. That works out to one of those handbaskets crammed full. I only needed to go every 2-3 days. My side of town was a food desert, but we had a dollar store, so while the only food fit for human consumption was the dried beans, I at least had those in the summer when it was too hot to go across town. Once in awhile I could cadge a ride to the supermarket and get veggies. I never starved. I could get bottled water and food for the dogs there too. You can throw a big bag of dog food across the top bar of an old ten speed and not even have to carry it, just ride home bowlegged.  :lol: And it's a lot easier to carry bottled water four blocks than 20.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 09, 2013, 07:00:34 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 09, 2013, 06:52:42 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 08, 2013, 10:47:01 PM
Quote from: Sita on November 08, 2013, 07:14:34 PM
Every time I hear about people doing without a car the one thing that always comes to mind that I wonder about is how do they shop for groceries?
Devote an entire day just to go to the store and back? Seeing as you can't typically carry more than 4 bags of groceries at a time....

The store's only six blocks away, I usually just walk and get what I need for the day.

This, with some variations.

In Seguin *shudders* the supermarket was across town, I'd bike over there and just buy as much as I could hang from the handlebars. That works out to one of those handbaskets crammed full. I only needed to go every 2-3 days. My side of town was a food desert, but we had a dollar store, so while the only food fit for human consumption was the dried beans, I at least had those in the summer when it was too hot to go across town. Once in awhile I could cadge a ride to the supermarket and get veggies. I never starved. I could get bottled water and food for the dogs there too. You can throw a big bag of dog food across the top bar of an old ten speed and not even have to carry it, just ride home bowlegged.  :lol: And it's a lot easier to carry bottled water four blocks than 20.

I also don't buy much prepackaged processed "snack" type food. For one thing, I can't afford them, and for another, they're bulky. I tend to focus mostly on buying nutrient-dense raw food that I can bulk up with staples once I get it home.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 09, 2013, 07:23:38 PM
Not to mention that processed snack food is unhealthy as fuck, makes people feel like crap and pork out like crazy. If I ate that stuff, I'd never make it to the supermarket.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 09, 2013, 07:31:18 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 09, 2013, 07:23:38 PM
Not to mention that processed snack food is unhealthy as fuck, makes people feel like crap and pork out like crazy. If I ate that stuff, I'd never make it to the supermarket.

God, I know, it isn't even real food. Once in a blue moon I'll buy the kids some tortilla chips or cheesy poofs or something but that's about it.

People ask what my kids snack on, and my answer is I don't give a fuck, they can eat what's in the house and like it. If they want cookies, they learn to bake. Mostly I think that in between meals they eat fruit, carrots, nuts, or random leftovers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on November 09, 2013, 07:45:55 PM
Wow. That American Dream gets brighter as time passes, it seems.

That's horrible.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/08/california-female-prisoner-sterilization
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 09, 2013, 07:53:01 PM
Quote from: Alty on November 09, 2013, 07:45:55 PM
Wow. That American Dream gets brighter as time passes, it seems.

That's horrible.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/08/california-female-prisoner-sterilization

I don't think that's the only place, and I think it's still going on elsewhere. At least, I've heard rumors.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 09, 2013, 10:06:45 PM
"Welcome to the reservation."  :x :x :x
- Russell Means

Another reason to pay attention to what's being done to people in remote areas, that isn't affecting you. Yet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 10, 2013, 02:45:05 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on November 09, 2013, 06:04:11 PM
I gotta say Cain, I'm really glad you're back. I was completely clueless about 70% of the above post. And it's fascinating. If you ever want to post a list of gong rates for knowledge, I've got a PayPal account.

I may take you up on that, depending on how the search for work goes.  I'm hoping to go freelance researcher again, with occasional taxable income, but, well, we'll see.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 10, 2013, 09:27:44 PM
Quote from: Cain on November 09, 2013, 10:34:25 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 08, 2013, 08:39:00 AM
This is probably worth it's own thread depending on coming developments:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24863120

QuoteThe late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat may have been poisoned with radioactive polonium, according a Swiss forensic report.

Palestinian investigator Tawfik Terawi and Arafat's personal doctor hold a news conference to discuss the Swiss scientists' findings.

All sorts of potentially shady shit here. Polonium may ring some bells as spooks new fangled poison of choice. It's even been used in the UK, allegedly by Russians.

Which makes all of this very interesting to me. Arafat didn't have many friends, but I didn't think his enemies were this stupid.

Israel strongly denies any involvement of course. The Swiss are making no friends here either but they at least seem to be doing the right thing.

It makes me wonder if there was an Israeli angle in Litvinkeno's death.  I mean, unless we're positing that Hamas somehow has access to rare radioactive materials, Israel has to be the prime suspect here.

There's a large Russian emigre community in Israel.  Very large, it makes up 20% of the current Israeli population.  Many (50-60%) tend towards the rightwing end of the Israeli spectrum as well, supporting Likud and refusing to allow land concessions to Palestine.

Litvinkeno was involved with Berezovsky, the Russian oligarch who reportedly held dual Israeli citizenship and there is strong circumstantial evidence (http://www.forbes.com/sites/richardbehar/2013/03/24/did-boris-berezovsky-kill-himself-more-compelling-did-he-kill-forbes-editor-paul-klebnikov/) linking him to Chechen rebels.  The Chechen rebels also reportedly (http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/chechnya/) had access to radioactive materials.

I don't have a theory here.  I'm just pointing out some potentially interesting linkages, which have all but been ignored by the British press, in their rush to sound the OMG RUSSIAN NUCLEAR ASSASSINATION alarm.

I wasn't aware there was such a strong Russian presence already in Israel. That's seriously making this all look very plausible and very fucked up. The hardline stance would be kind of typical. Potential access to Polonium through a network of contacts is certainly plausible. Sanctioned officially by the Israeli government? I could go either way. I doubt there's any real evidence of that either way.

Litvinkeno... This is a puzzler. Given the nature of the man and his career, he certainly made enemies of this calibre. If were running with the idea that there could be further links here, I'd suggest seeing what interests Litvinkeno and Arafat had. Did Litvinkeno stand to gain from potential Palestinian concessions? Seems unlikely, and Israel's never really been into the "give" part of negotiations.

Could be nothing, could be another great big "What the fuck is going on with Israel" thing.

Then there's Chechen rebels. Those guys are fucking everywhere since Boston. No idea what the fuck that could mean. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 11, 2013, 11:32:59 PM
Some HA HA?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24896266

QuoteThe influence that a privately educated, middle-class elite have on public life is "shocking", former prime minister Sir John Major has said.

Sir John said the "upper echelons of power" were dominated by those from a similar background.

In a speech to Tory activists reported in the Daily Telegraph he blamed "the collapse in social mobility" on the failures of the last Labour government.

It's a shocker is it John boy? Not to everyone who.... isn't a politician. Lets see how you did in this regard:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_ministry#List_of_Ministers

Question: How many of these people were educated at "independent" (Read, private and expensive) Schools?

Answer: Will not fucking shock or surprise you. I knew a few for sure, and after checking half a dozen at random I began to see a pattern emerging.

Why Major is seeking to claim the stupidest man in UK politics title again is a mystery. Farage currently has that going.

Speaking of Farage and UKIP, I present the UK answer to Santorum:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=farage

QuoteTo masturbate in an angry and confused way using unconventional stimuli.
"Mark's Wife was furious when she caught him having a farage over a picture of Ann Widdecombe".

How very fitting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on November 11, 2013, 11:48:59 PM
Quote from: Alty on November 07, 2013, 10:27:07 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/walking-may-be-worse-for-the-environment-than-driving-2013-11

Check out this heady dose of bullshit.

Those food supply chains are in our best interest. In fact, it reinforces this idea and binds it to the sales of automobiles.

I know I'm slowpoking, but seriously THE SHIT IS THIS SHIT?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on November 12, 2013, 03:06:47 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rPOKm20wP4s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rPOKm20wP4s)  Didn't know where to put this, but thought it was awesome.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 12, 2013, 12:32:23 PM
Largely for my own benefit so I don't forget this later:
http://boingboing.net/2013/11/09/muzzling-canadian-scientists.html

QuoteWhat if there was a non-political research project that involved a collaboration between NASA scientists and Environment Canada scientists? How easy would it be for a journalist to talk to the scientists involved? It turns out it would take only 15 minutes for something to be arranged with NASA. With Environment Canada, however, it would take the activities of 11 media relations people, sending over 50 pages of internal emails, before a list of irrelevant information was finally sent back - all of this long after the deadline had passed. This is what happened to journalist Tom Spears in April 2012

Various links within article, potentially relevant to a wide range of things.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 12, 2013, 10:02:00 PM
Washington Post tells it like it is. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/11/12/richard_cohen_gag_reflext_multiracial_marriage.html)
Quote
People with conventional views must repress a gag reflex when considering the mayor-elect of New York — a white man married to a black woman and with two biracial children.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 12, 2013, 11:52:36 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on November 12, 2013, 10:02:00 PM
Washington Post tells it like it is. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/11/12/richard_cohen_gag_reflext_multiracial_marriage.html)
Quote
People with conventional views must repress a gag reflex when considering the mayor-elect of New York — a white man married to a black woman and with two biracial children.

The author has an interesting view of "conventional".  Like a 1966 view.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 13, 2013, 09:46:15 AM
Ah, Richard Cohen, of course.  If you want a stupid op-ed for the WaPo, he's always available, ready and willing.

And of course this is hardly the first time he has had...racial issues.  Quoth Wikipedia:

QuoteCohen wrote a column in 1986 which argued owners of jewelry stores were right to refuse to allow entry to young black men because of a fear of crime. This column led to the Washington Post having to apologize.[15]

Following the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the shooting of Trayvon Martin in July 2013, Cohen wrote "a controversial column in which he defends George Zimmerman's suspicion of Travyon Martin and calls on politicians to acknowledge that a disproportionate amount of crimes are committed by black males".[15] The column went on to say that Cohen "can understand why Zimmerman was suspicious and why he thought Martin was wearing a uniform we all recognize;" in any case, he also points out that "What I'm trying to deal with is, I'm trying to remove this fear from racism. I don't think it's racism to say, 'this person looks like a menace,'" he explained. "Now, a menace in another part of the country could be a white guy wearing a wife-beater under-shirt. Or, if you're a black guy in the South and you come around the corner and you see a member of the Ku Klux Klan".[15] Towards the end of the column, Cohen calls Trayvon Martin "a young man understandably suspected because he was black".[16]

On November 4, 2013, Cohen wrote a column[17] about the film "12 Years a Slave", in which he evinced personal ignorance of the history of slavery in the U.S. and a negative view of abolitionist writer Harriet Beecher Stowe, writing: "Instead, beginning with school, I got a gauzy version. I learned that slavery was wrong, yes, that it was evil, no doubt, but really, that many blacks were sort of content. Slave owners were mostly nice people — fellow Americans, after all — and the sadistic Simon Legree was the concoction of that demented propagandist, Harriet Beecher Stowe."

Mother Jones (http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/11/richard-cohen-just-the-worst) has a good rundown for those who have not encountered the man's "work" before, which includes Miley Cyrus being repsonsible for rape culture, defending Clarence Thomas' sexist behaviour (while engaging in his own sexist behaviour), defending Roman Polanski and his idea that there is no good reason to outlaw torture.

This is why the terrorists hate you, America.  Not because of your freedoms, but because Richard Cohen is stealing jobs from people with functioning brains.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 13, 2013, 01:30:49 PM
Holy crap.

Sersiously, why does this guy still have a job?  I mean, even Hannity would be all, "Whoa, that's a little much there, Richard."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 13, 2013, 02:45:24 PM
WaPo editorials.  It's under the control of Fred Hiatt:

QuoteDuring this time The Post has also taken traditionally conservative or neoconservative positions on several major issues: economically, it has defended a Republican initiative to allow Social Security personal retirement accounts, and has advocated for several free trade agreements. With respect to foreign policy, it supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, penning by PBS journalist Bill Moyers' count 27 editorials supporting the invasion.[11] On environmental issues, The Post supported the controversial Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline, and Hiatt himself came under fire for refusing to hold Post columnist George F. Will accountable for misrepresenting scientific evidence in a column[12] in which Will attacked the veracity of global warming. The column drew criticism from several other Post columnists, The Post's scientific reporters, and The Post's ombudsman, as well as from environmental scientists and climatologists.[13][14][15]

Several media commentators have expressed the view that The Post's editorial position under Hiatt has moved towards a neoconservative position on foreign policy issues. Human rights attorney Scott Horton in a blog post for Harper's Magazine, writes that Hiatt has presided over a "clear trend" towards neoconservative columnists.[16] Jamison Foser, a senior fellow at the progressive media watchdog group Media Matters for America, has said that The Post's editorial stance under Hiatt is now neoconservative on foreign affairs and is no longer liberal on many domestic issues.[17] News anchor and political commentator Chris Matthews stated on his program Hardball that The Post is "not the liberal newspaper it was", but has become a "neocon newspaper".[18]

All you need is one guy in a position of influence, and he can stuff the editorial pages full of whatever crap he pleases.  That guy is Fred Hiatt.

And the Post's owners wonder why circulation has been steadily dropping during his tenure as editorial editor?  Because he's using it as a hobby horse, to push his own preferred political agenda.  Not that this is out of the norm for the CIA's favourite newspaper, you understand, but the CIA are relatively subtle when compared to the Neocon propaganda machine, and has the virtue of being far more sane besides.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 13, 2013, 04:23:06 PM
Interrupting this cracking character assassination to bring you HA HA

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24927078

QuoteThe death of MI6 spy Gareth Williams, whose body was found in a padlocked sports bag, was probably an accident, police have said.Last year, a coroner said it was likely Mr Williams, 31, from Anglesey, had been unlawfully killed in August 2010.

QuoteIn a statement, they said: "We are naturally disappointed that it is still not possible to state with certainty how Gareth died and the fact that the circumstances of his death are still unknown adds to our grief.

QuoteCoroner Fiona Wilcox concluded that "most of the fundamental questions in relation to how Gareth died remain unanswered".

But she said he was, "on the balance of probabilities", unlawfully killed.

At a briefing on Wednesday, the Met Police announced the conclusion of its three-year investigation into the incident.

QuoteDAC Hewitt acknowledged that the coroner, having studied "all the evidence available at that stage" had made "the logical inference that it was more likely someone else was involved in Gareth's death".

"However, she also recognised that there has been endless speculation but little real evidence and it was her view [that] 'it is unlikely that his death will ever be satisfactorily explained'," he said.

"Now at the end of our investigation, based on the evidence, or where we have been unable to find positive evidence, we believe that it is a more probable conclusion that there was no other person present when Gareth died.

Can you breathe again yet? I'm still gasping.

What this does say though is that IF it was a murder it was probably done by a UK "Ally". I also have to consider with this chaps employment, did he know something he shouldn't? Maybe wanted to tell someone something? In those instances the blame looks to be squarely on the UK and a 3 year investigation is completely worthless. With the family apparently saying "No problems here" the likelihood of this being of UK origins is climbing massively.

Quote"I do not believe that I have had the wool pulled over my eyes. I believe that what we are dealing with is a tragic unexplained death,"

The retraction and correction to this statement will be great. Obviously, he's just been slightly misled by his staff. Like every fucker in his kind of position.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on November 13, 2013, 07:03:06 PM
Just caught this on the news. Dude obviously killed himself, climbed into a holdall, zipped it up and then lobbed it in the bath. Nothing to see here. Move along.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 13, 2013, 07:03:44 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on November 13, 2013, 07:03:06 PM
Just caught this on the news. Dude obviously killed himself, climbed into a holdall, zipped it up and then lobbed it in the bath. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Getting the lock on the outside of the bag was particularly clever.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 13, 2013, 07:07:37 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 12, 2013, 11:52:36 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on November 12, 2013, 10:02:00 PM
Washington Post tells it like it is. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/11/12/richard_cohen_gag_reflext_multiracial_marriage.html)
Quote
People with conventional views must repress a gag reflex when considering the mayor-elect of New York — a white man married to a black woman and with two biracial children.

The author has an interesting view of "conventional".  Like a 1966 view.

Who taught them to SPELL?  :horrormirth:

:teabagger1:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 13, 2013, 07:13:52 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 13, 2013, 07:03:44 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on November 13, 2013, 07:03:06 PM
Just caught this on the news. Dude obviously killed himself, climbed into a holdall, zipped it up and then lobbed it in the bath. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Getting the lock on the outside of the bag was particularly clever.

They've spent 3 years getting experts to tell them how it can be done.

Give me 3 years and I'll convince you I'm YOU.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 13, 2013, 07:18:27 PM
Quote from: Cain on November 13, 2013, 09:46:15 AM
Ah, Richard Cohen, of course.  If you want a stupid op-ed for the WaPo, he's always available, ready and willing.

And of course this is hardly the first time he has had...racial issues.  Quoth Wikipedia:

QuoteCohen wrote a column in 1986 which argued owners of jewelry stores were right to refuse to allow entry to young black men because of a fear of crime. This column led to the Washington Post having to apologize.[15]

Following the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the shooting of Trayvon Martin in July 2013, Cohen wrote "a controversial column in which he defends George Zimmerman's suspicion of Travyon Martin and calls on politicians to acknowledge that a disproportionate amount of crimes are committed by black males".[15] The column went on to say that Cohen "can understand why Zimmerman was suspicious and why he thought Martin was wearing a uniform we all recognize;" in any case, he also points out that "What I'm trying to deal with is, I'm trying to remove this fear from racism. I don't think it's racism to say, 'this person looks like a menace,'" he explained. "Now, a menace in another part of the country could be a white guy wearing a wife-beater under-shirt. Or, if you're a black guy in the South and you come around the corner and you see a member of the Ku Klux Klan".[15] Towards the end of the column, Cohen calls Trayvon Martin "a young man understandably suspected because he was black".[16]

On November 4, 2013, Cohen wrote a column[17] about the film "12 Years a Slave", in which he evinced personal ignorance of the history of slavery in the U.S. and a negative view of abolitionist writer Harriet Beecher Stowe, writing: "Instead, beginning with school, I got a gauzy version. I learned that slavery was wrong, yes, that it was evil, no doubt, but really, that many blacks were sort of content. Slave owners were mostly nice people — fellow Americans, after all — and the sadistic Simon Legree was the concoction of that demented propagandist, Harriet Beecher Stowe."

Mother Jones (http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/11/richard-cohen-just-the-worst) has a good rundown for those who have not encountered the man's "work" before, which includes Miley Cyrus being repsonsible for rape culture, defending Clarence Thomas' sexist behaviour (while engaging in his own sexist behaviour), defending Roman Polanski and his idea that there is no good reason to outlaw torture.

This is why the terrorists hate you, America.  Not because of your freedoms, but because Richard Cohen is stealing jobs from people with functioning brains.

Jesus fuck.

And this idiot's been nominated for a Pulitzer? Might as nominate this gasbag:

:rush:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 14, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24944358

QuotePolice in Toronto say 341 people have been arrested and nearly 400 children rescued in a three-year investigation into a child pornography ring.

At the centre of the inquiry was a Toronto-based firm that allegedly sold DVDs and streamed videos of naked boys in Germany, Romania and Ukraine.

Azov Films marketed the footage as "naturist" and claimed they were legal in Canada and the US.

The films were distributed in 94 countries, police said.

Some 100 arrests were made in Canada and 240 in other countries during the investigation codenamed Project Spade, Toronto police said in a press release.

The head of the company, identified as Canadian Brian Way, 42, has been in custody since his arrest in May 2011, following an undercover operation.

He is charged with 11 different offences including possession of, and import and export, of child pornography.

The Toronto Police Service Child Exploitation Section (TPS) was able to determine the identities of the customers from the Azov Films website.

Seems noteworthy. Main thing here is the exposure of yet another child porn ring. Needless to say, the initial 340 arrests are likely to include some interesting names. Links to even more interesting names are almost inevitable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 15, 2013, 04:08:16 PM
There was a thread a while ago in Apple talk about how fucking scary humans are. I wish I could recall which one it was because this is so fitting:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24953910

QuoteFour villagers in north-east Kenya have chased down and captured two cheetahs which were killing their goats.

The owner of the goats told the BBC that the cheetahs had been picking off his animals one by one, day by day.

The men waited until the hottest part of the day before launching the chase over a distance of four miles (6.4km).

The cheetahs got so tired they could not run any more. The villagers captured them alive and handed them over to the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Impressive. Most impressive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 15, 2013, 04:20:20 PM
DO. NOT. FUCK. WITH. US.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on November 15, 2013, 05:22:21 PM
"Date-able Girls" Know When To SHUT UP

http://gawker.com/motivational-speaker-tells-high-school-kids-dateable-g-1464304493
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 15, 2013, 05:29:00 PM
Quote from: Telarus on November 15, 2013, 05:22:21 PM
"Date-able Girls" Know When To SHUT UP

http://gawker.com/motivational-speaker-tells-high-school-kids-dateable-g-1464304493

WOW.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on November 15, 2013, 08:51:48 PM
Oooh, that story didn't include the kids reactions. Check this out.

http://jezebel.com/smart-texas-high-schoolers-lambast-dickhead-lecturer-on-1464428854
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 15, 2013, 10:55:15 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 15, 2013, 04:08:16 PM
There was a thread a while ago in Apple talk about how fucking scary humans are. I wish I could recall which one it was because this is so fitting:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24953910

QuoteFour villagers in north-east Kenya have chased down and captured two cheetahs which were killing their goats.

The owner of the goats told the BBC that the cheetahs had been picking off his animals one by one, day by day.

The men waited until the hottest part of the day before launching the chase over a distance of four miles (6.4km).

The cheetahs got so tired they could not run any more. The villagers captured them alive and handed them over to the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Impressive. Most impressive.

Oh holy fuck, yes!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 15, 2013, 11:05:41 PM
Quote from: Telarus on November 15, 2013, 08:51:48 PM
Oooh, that story didn't include the kids reactions. Check this out.

http://jezebel.com/smart-texas-high-schoolers-lambast-dickhead-lecturer-on-1464428854

Amazing. http://www.rudateable.com/cool_quizzes.php

What a misogyny-promoting piece of shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 15, 2013, 11:52:14 PM
The kids' responses made me feel good about the future.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 15, 2013, 11:54:11 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on November 15, 2013, 11:52:14 PM
The kids' responses made me feel good about the future.

Remember the 80s?

It's a better world now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 16, 2013, 12:17:27 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 15, 2013, 11:54:11 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on November 15, 2013, 11:52:14 PM
The kids' responses made me feel good about the future.

Remember the 80s?

It's a better world now.

Remember them?

Worst decade of my life.  Pretty great music, though. [/teenager]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 16, 2013, 05:47:49 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on November 16, 2013, 12:17:27 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 15, 2013, 11:54:11 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on November 15, 2013, 11:52:14 PM
The kids' responses made me feel good about the future.

Remember the 80s?

It's a better world now.

Remember them?

Worst decade of my life.  Pretty great music, though. [/teenager]

Yes.  No.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 16, 2013, 06:19:40 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.

True, dat.

Sometimes I forget the lesser evil is still an evil.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 16, 2013, 12:33:54 PM
Kids these days are much better than my peers when I was a kid. Even though they have it quite a bit worse in terms of educational and economic prospects.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 16, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.

I still like a lot of the music that came out in the 80's, like Cyndi Lauper and Peter Gabriel.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on November 16, 2013, 05:46:32 PM
I like that I failed for both genders!  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 16, 2013, 06:39:13 PM
Um, some of the greatest post-punk and college rock albums were made in the 80s.

Guess I'm gonna have to start another music thread.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 18, 2013, 11:49:48 AM
This could fit is so many threads:
http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/some-cops-allowed-to-work-after-drinking/nbsbF/

QuoteLaw enforcement officers in some area communities can strap on a gun and issue tickets for drivers who are more sober than they are, a Journal-News investigation found.
The newspaper reviewed union contracts for local public safety offices, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and found that officers and firefighters are sometimes protected from discipline when they are at work with alcohol in their system.
These rules are often enforced by union contracts.
In Lebanon, where officers and firefighters can work with a .04 blood alcohol level, Police Chief Jeff Mitchell said he's actively pursued more stringent alcohol rules to be written into the city's union contracts.
Mitchell, who's been in charge for nearly two years, said he negotiated his first union contract this past summer. He got the unions to remove a clause that allowed officers to suck on a breath mint before they were tested for alcohol, but couldn't get union representatives to reduce the .04 limit to zero.
"When I came across that, I thought, 'Wow, that's different,' " Mitchell said, adding that breath mints can distort breathalyzer readings.
"Doesn't that sound odd to you that you would have that in a contract with police?"
Mitchell said he's never had to discipline an officer for using alcohol on the job and he believes the alcohol provision was added to the contract decades ago.

Never had to discipline anyone? Nothing to do with the fact you CAN'T discipline anyone. No end of shady shit likely to have occurred here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 18, 2013, 12:07:16 PM
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/42/4259.asp

QuoteIn August, the city put in an order for nine Tasers at a cost of $12,500. Last month it approved purchase of eight Glock simunitions handguns and the purchase of a $12,083 mobile device used to crack the passwords and grab the data from mobile phones while in the field.

"The upgrade will allow police investigators to pull data from the most technically advanced cell phones and tablets," Salisbury Police Major David Meienschein wrote in a September 5 memo. "The Cellebrite UFED Touch is a device that is used to perform data extractions from cell phones, tablets, iPads, GPS and other electronic devices. Investigators have been able to obtain stored and deleted data files to include but not limited to: text messages, photographs, videos and contact lists."

Police asset seizure paying for itself in all kinds of interesting ways. Get pulled over for a traffic ticket, get your personal information violated and stolen for free. No problems here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 18, 2013, 12:08:54 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/16/colo-sex-assault-twin/3615975/

Man tries to use "Evil Twin defence". It may work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 18, 2013, 12:16:52 PM
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-be-working-with-saudi-arabia-on-iran-strike-plan/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Hey Cain, This looks interesting. 2 nuclear powers upset that a 3rd nation may gain nuclear capabilities. Should we expect to see shenanigans inside Iran soon?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 18, 2013, 12:25:53 PM
Hey, Remember Ken Starr?

http://gawker.com/he-took-the-time-to-chat-ken-starr-s-plea-for-a-chil-1464516616

Fuck off Ken.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 19, 2013, 08:45:21 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 18, 2013, 12:16:52 PM
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-be-working-with-saudi-arabia-on-iran-strike-plan/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Hey Cain, This looks interesting. 2 nuclear powers upset that a 3rd nation may gain nuclear capabilities. Should we expect to see shenanigans inside Iran soon?

I still don't see Israel making a move without US approval.  For all their wigging out (http://drezner.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/11/18/israel_is_wigging_out) lately, even an Israeli-French-Saudi alliance doesn't have the necessary wasta to make an Iranian hit look legit.

And to be honest, it's not entirely in Israeli or Saudi interests.  "Iranian hegemonism" is a big pair of words, and mostly meaningless, but if there is no Iran to scaremonger about, then two things happen:

- an increasingly unpopular and isolated Israel lose diplomatic clout with the Sunni Arab dictatorships, and also cannot pull on the heartstrings of American political leaders for diplomatic protection, money and support.  Israeli preferences over the Palestinian question will also likely become less important to US policy-makers, and

- Saudi Arabia is left in the position of protecting the Middle East from liberal democracy.  Which, you know, it is, but by running around claiming its nefarious Shia allies of Tehran, it gets a level of western support that such a project would otherwise not get.

Neither suits them, so they have to keep drumming up the threat, while not actually doing anything. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 10:09:09 AM
Cain, Appreciated as always.

Also, this has parallel construction written all over it

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/11/silk-road/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 01:22:23 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24997876

Accusations flying around about who dun it. Taking all bets.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 02:06:41 PM
The above has absolutely no connection to this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24993269

No connection whatsoever.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 19, 2013, 02:18:26 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 01:22:23 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24997876

Accusations flying around about who dun it. Taking all bets.

I'll take "Sunni extremist outfit virtually no-one has heard of because it's a Saudi intelligence cut-out" for $1.

Because no matter how much I bet, it's a near certain one on the odds.

Worth noting, the AAB in Lebanon are actually known as Ziad al Jarrah Battalion (after the Lebanese 9/11 hijacker).  However, shadowy groups using the name in Lebanon existed prior to the 2009 founding of the group, and BBC analysts have stated it's not so much an organization as a name of convenience.

And the founder of the AAB is also a Saudi citizen...allegedly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 02:43:06 PM
My first instinct was that there's a Saudi angle, so it's always reassuring to not to feel totally crazy. I'll have to look into that group, there's got to be some seriously shady shit associated with it. Moreso than already stated I mean.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 19, 2013, 02:47:53 PM
Well it's definitely Syrian Civil War related...the group demanded that Hezbollah withdraw from the conflict, and that its members be released from prison.

The AAB is taking part in the Syrian conflict...and in contrast to al-Nursa, they're apparently advising no car bombs on crowded streets etc because they don't want to "alienate" the Syrian people.  Sensible advice, but the fundamentalist set consider Assad an apostate, along with his supporters, and the only fit fate for apostates is a sword to the neck.  So it's something of an anomaly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 03:14:41 PM
The spillover angle from Syria is well worth watching, I'd guess. If nothing else it starts sowing seeds for future conflicts. Will once again read more and try and get better ideas here.

This is, well, It's something:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201311140217.html

QuoteDecades after its formation, the Occult-Related Crime Unit (ORCU, founded by Kobus "Donker" Jonker in 1992) continues to waste public resources, misdirect police attention, and stigmatise young people who are by and large more misunderstood than malignant.

Amongst all the crimes that we can speculate police in this unit might have seen, there's one we can be sure of - and it's one that they are complicit in. The crime in question is against common sense and morality, and is vested in the reinforcing of a Christian evangelical "Satanic Panic".

In the context of South Africa's constitutionally-protected freedom of religion, restricting membership of a police unit to only Christians - and dedicating that unit to protecting a Christian version of reality - is itself worthy of special attention as an occult-related crime.

Because a unit can't investigate itself, I'd ask the Minister of Police to consider funding a new Occult-Related-Related Crimes Unit, which I volunteer to lead. Our mission? To be ruthless in pursuing crimes related to simplistic, moralising, and religiously prejudiced views of crime, society at large, and especially the youth.

Even on the very fuzzy definition of "occult" used by ORCU, too few such crimes occur to merit the existence of a dedicated unit. But it is in the definition of these crimes, as well as the background metaphysics and psychology, that ORCU starts to appear just as spooky as the crimes and motivations ORCU exists to combat.

More at the link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 03:28:27 PM
How not to get away with it # 3533:

http://wtkr.com/2013/11/18/court-documents-man-accused-of-murder-had-handwritten-confession-note-in-his-wallet/

Quoteames City County, Va. – NewsChannel 3 combed through court records surrounding the case against Nace Houchin. He's accused of murdering a fellow soldier's wife.
Paperwork from James City County shows Houchin had a handwritten note in his wallet confessing to the murder of Dana Mackay.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 04:27:01 PM
The "You should have seen this shit coming" files:

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/crime/student-attacked-during-school-meeting-about-bullying

QuoteThe official legal complaint states the following: "During the meeting, Avery Brooks was becoming visibly agitated while her behavior was being discussed - shortly thereafter, she got up and went to Imani Batista, and punched her in the head and face approximately seven times; none of the defendants, who were sitting near and next to Avery Brooks, did anything to restrain her prior to or during the attack; defendants had a duty to protect Imani Batista at all times during the meeting, including before the attack and during the attack, by restraining Avery Brooks, as soon as she stood up and approached Imani Batista, rather they sat and viewed Avery Brooks repeatedly punch Imani Batista in her head and face, leaving only her mother to attempt to physically stop the attack."

October was the School District of Philadelphia's Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, during which it held numerous events to expose the issue.

This is quite an impressive failing in the duty to care.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 19, 2013, 04:29:48 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 19, 2013, 04:27:01 PM
The "You should have seen this shit coming" files:

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/crime/student-attacked-during-school-meeting-about-bullying

QuoteThe official legal complaint states the following: "During the meeting, Avery Brooks was becoming visibly agitated while her behavior was being discussed - shortly thereafter, she got up and went to Imani Batista, and punched her in the head and face approximately seven times; none of the defendants, who were sitting near and next to Avery Brooks, did anything to restrain her prior to or during the attack; defendants had a duty to protect Imani Batista at all times during the meeting, including before the attack and during the attack, by restraining Avery Brooks, as soon as she stood up and approached Imani Batista, rather they sat and viewed Avery Brooks repeatedly punch Imani Batista in her head and face, leaving only her mother to attempt to physically stop the attack."

October was the School District of Philadelphia's Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, during which it held numerous events to expose the issue.

This is quite an impressive failing in the duty to care.

Well, it was an anti-bullying meeting.  That should have prevented it on its own merits.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 20, 2013, 05:52:59 AM
WTF http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/19/2966371/hawaii-homeless-smash/

So this lunatic finds shopping carts that belong to businesses in the area and destroys them so homeless people can't use them, rather than returning them to the businesses or leaving them so that the usual shopping-cart-roundup people can take them back to where they belong. And local businesses are OK with this? ANYONE is OK with this?

What a sociopathic dumbfuck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 20, 2013, 10:52:47 AM
Republicans - the party of PROPERTY RIGHTS and stopping the state INTERFERRING IN PEOPLE'S LIVES.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 26, 2013, 02:55:37 PM
Hey Cain, Vice but worth a look:
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/why-are-indian-authorities-ignoring-the-deaths-of-nuclear-scientists

QuoteIndian nuclear scientists haven't had an easy time of it over the past decade. Not only has the scientific community been plagued by "suicides", unexplained deaths and sabotage, but those incidents have gone mostly underreported in the country, diluting public interest and leaving the cases quickly cast off by police.

Last month, two high-ranking engineers – KK Josh and Abhish Shivam – on India's first nuclear-powered submarine were found on railway tracks by workers. They were pulled from the line before a train could crush them, but were already dead. No marks were found on the bodies, so it was clear they hadn't been hit by a moving train, and reports allege they were poisoned elsewhere before being placed on the tracks to make the deaths look either accidental or like a suicide. The media and the Ministry of Defence, however, described the incident as a routine accident and didn't investigate any further.   

This is the latest in a long list of suspicious deaths. When nuclear scientist Lokanathan Mahalingam's body turned up in June of 2009, it was palmed off as a suicide and largely ignored by the Indian media. However, Pakistani outlets – perhaps unsurprisingly, given relations between the two countries – kept the story going, noting how quick authorities were to label the death a suicide considering no note was left.

Five years earlier, in the same forest where Mahalingham's body was eventually discovered, an armed group with sophisticated weaponry allegedly tried to abduct an official from India's Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC). He, however, managed to escape. Another NPC employee, Ravi Mule, had been murdered weeks before, with police failing to "make any headway" into his case and effectively leaving his family to investigate the crime. A couple of years later, in April of 2011, when the body of former scientist Uma Rao was found, authorities ruled the death as suicide, but family members contested the verdict, saying there had been no signs that Rao was suicidal.   
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 26, 2013, 04:30:23 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 16, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.

I still like a lot of the music that came out in the 80's, like Cyndi Lauper and Peter Gabriel.

Cyndi is profoundly AWESOME.
But Madonna became the Huge Big Deal Of The 80's and got inducted in the R&R Hall of Fame, which says a lot about the 80's.

There WAS music made then that I liked, and some that I still listen to. I just hated the 80's. I hated putting crap in my hair to make it stick up, I hated the Reagans, I hated wearing pants up to my ribs, I hated seeing conservative shit in Rolling Stone and hearing it on fucking ROCK stations, FFS, I hated shoulder pads, I hated the "We ALL used to be hippies and now we ALL cut our hair and chase the almighty dollar!" trope, I hated neon orange with lime green and purple ON THE SAME GARMENT, I hated pointy shoes, I hated Huey Lewis and WHAM and Human League and a fuckton of others whose names I have mercifully forgotten, I hated "Thirtysomething", and that talk show host with the big teeth, and that live action Beauty and the Beast TV show, I hated big plastic Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, the whole decade was just 1000 kinds of hideous and brain-washy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 26, 2013, 04:54:59 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 26, 2013, 04:30:23 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 16, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.

I still like a lot of the music that came out in the 80's, like Cyndi Lauper and Peter Gabriel.

Cyndi is profoundly AWESOME.
But Madonna became the Huge Big Deal Of The 80's and got inducted in the R&R Hall of Fame, which says a lot about the 80's.

There WAS music made then that I liked, and some that I still listen to. I just hated the 80's. I hated putting crap in my hair to make it stick up, I hated the Reagans, I hated wearing pants up to my ribs, I hated seeing conservative shit in Rolling Stone and hearing it on fucking ROCK stations, FFS, I hated shoulder pads, I hated the "We ALL used to be hippies and now we ALL cut our hair and chase the almighty dollar!" trope, I hated neon orange with lime green and purple ON THE SAME GARMENT, I hated pointy shoes, I hated Huey Lewis and WHAM and Human League and a fuckton of others whose names I have mercifully forgotten, I hated "Thirtysomething", and that talk show host with the big teeth, and that live action Beauty and the Beast TV show, I hated big plastic Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, the whole decade was just 1000 kinds of hideous and brain-washy.

I just ran around in the woods and did what I wanted. I wore pegged old man pants and oversized men's shirts with the sleeves cut off, or miniskirts with saddle shoes and suspenders. Because fuck it. If you hated it, why do it?

Also, the A-Team and MacGyver and David Letterman were AWESOME.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on November 26, 2013, 05:34:14 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 26, 2013, 04:54:59 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 26, 2013, 04:30:23 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 16, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.

I still like a lot of the music that came out in the 80's, like Cyndi Lauper and Peter Gabriel.

Cyndi is profoundly AWESOME.
But Madonna became the Huge Big Deal Of The 80's and got inducted in the R&R Hall of Fame, which says a lot about the 80's.

There WAS music made then that I liked, and some that I still listen to. I just hated the 80's. I hated putting crap in my hair to make it stick up, I hated the Reagans, I hated wearing pants up to my ribs, I hated seeing conservative shit in Rolling Stone and hearing it on fucking ROCK stations, FFS, I hated shoulder pads, I hated the "We ALL used to be hippies and now we ALL cut our hair and chase the almighty dollar!" trope, I hated neon orange with lime green and purple ON THE SAME GARMENT, I hated pointy shoes, I hated Huey Lewis and WHAM and Human League and a fuckton of others whose names I have mercifully forgotten, I hated "Thirtysomething", and that talk show host with the big teeth, and that live action Beauty and the Beast TV show, I hated big plastic Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, the whole decade was just 1000 kinds of hideous and brain-washy.

I just ran around in the woods and did what I wanted. I wore pegged old man pants and oversized men's shirts with the sleeves cut off, or miniskirts with saddle shoes and suspenders. Because fuck it. If you hated it, why do it?

Also, the A-Team and MacGyver and David Letterman were AWESOME.

So much this! I loved laughing at all those things Stelz mentioned. I loved pushing past the bouncers into clubs full of those twats and turning the dance floor into a mosh pit with the assistance of half a dozen of my equally scruffy and equally shitfaced mates. I loved it because we were 18 and immortal and Saturday night wasn't Saturday night unless we smashed up a bunch of stuff and got arrested!

Nowadays, when I hear Bananarama or Duran Duran, I'm transported right back to that time and that place where we left a pile of bodies blocking the fire exits before they got the better of us, kicked the living shit out of us and left us for dead, bleeding in the gutter and pissing ourselves laughing.

I remember thinking "I don't belong in this decade and I'm going to make it pay for that" Then the 90's rolled along and I thought the exact same thing.

Still waiting...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on November 26, 2013, 09:21:21 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 26, 2013, 04:30:23 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 16, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.

I still like a lot of the music that came out in the 80's, like Cyndi Lauper and Peter Gabriel.

Cyndi is profoundly AWESOME.
But Madonna became the Huge Big Deal Of The 80's and got inducted in the R&R Hall of Fame, which says a lot about the 80's.

There WAS music made then that I liked, and some that I still listen to. I just hated the 80's. I hated putting crap in my hair to make it stick up, I hated the Reagans, I hated wearing pants up to my ribs, I hated seeing conservative shit in Rolling Stone and hearing it on fucking ROCK stations, FFS, I hated shoulder pads, I hated the "We ALL used to be hippies and now we ALL cut our hair and chase the almighty dollar!" trope, I hated neon orange with lime green and purple ON THE SAME GARMENT, I hated pointy shoes, I hated Huey Lewis and WHAM and Human League and a fuckton of others whose names I have mercifully forgotten, I hated "Thirtysomething", and that talk show host with the big teeth, and that live action Beauty and the Beast TV show, I hated big plastic Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, the whole decade was just 1000 kinds of hideous and brain-washy.

I still maintain that purple should hardly ever be used for garments, except, of course, for fools thinking that they deserve it.  They can even wear it with black on Friday, for all I care, fashion is even more passé than superstition. :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 27, 2013, 03:08:24 AM
I look great in purple.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on November 27, 2013, 03:37:29 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on November 26, 2013, 04:54:59 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 26, 2013, 04:30:23 PM
Quote from: Mrs. Nigelson on November 16, 2013, 12:35:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on November 16, 2013, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on November 16, 2013, 06:06:15 AM
The 80's were pre-Nickelback, I'll give them that.
Stella
developing a belated appreciation of Hey Mickey  :x

NOPE.

With the exception of The Talking Heads, the entire decade of the 80s can kiss my diseased and festering arse.

Even Elton John sucked in the 80s.

I still like a lot of the music that came out in the 80's, like Cyndi Lauper and Peter Gabriel.

Cyndi is profoundly AWESOME.
But Madonna became the Huge Big Deal Of The 80's and got inducted in the R&R Hall of Fame, which says a lot about the 80's.

There WAS music made then that I liked, and some that I still listen to. I just hated the 80's. I hated putting crap in my hair to make it stick up, I hated the Reagans, I hated wearing pants up to my ribs, I hated seeing conservative shit in Rolling Stone and hearing it on fucking ROCK stations, FFS, I hated shoulder pads, I hated the "We ALL used to be hippies and now we ALL cut our hair and chase the almighty dollar!" trope, I hated neon orange with lime green and purple ON THE SAME GARMENT, I hated pointy shoes, I hated Huey Lewis and WHAM and Human League and a fuckton of others whose names I have mercifully forgotten, I hated "Thirtysomething", and that talk show host with the big teeth, and that live action Beauty and the Beast TV show, I hated big plastic Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, the whole decade was just 1000 kinds of hideous and brain-washy.

I just ran around in the woods and did what I wanted. I wore pegged old man pants and oversized men's shirts with the sleeves cut off, or miniskirts with saddle shoes and suspenders. Because fuck it. If you hated it, why do it?

Also, the A-Team and MacGyver and David Letterman were AWESOME.

Yeah, I wore 501's because you couldn't even BUY low pants. I tore the shoulder pads out of jackets and if nothing hung right, fuck it. I wore a lot of cut up t-shirts. No woods where I was, though - Houston, mostly. UNNNNNGGGGGGGH.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on November 27, 2013, 04:30:44 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on November 27, 2013, 03:08:24 AM
I look great in purple.
Of course you do, but that is beyond a question of merit or entitlement, and you know that because it's true.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 27, 2013, 05:15:47 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on November 27, 2013, 04:30:44 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on November 27, 2013, 03:08:24 AM
I look great in purple.
Of course you do, but that is beyond a question of merit or entitlement, and you know that because it's true.

What does merit or entitlement have to do with wearing purple? Are you just bein' zany again?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on November 27, 2013, 05:16:42 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on November 27, 2013, 04:30:44 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on November 27, 2013, 03:08:24 AM
I look great in purple.
Of course you do, but that is beyond a question of merit or entitlement, and you know that because it's true.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkkIwO_X4i4
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 27, 2013, 05:34:20 AM
Quote from: Telarus on November 27, 2013, 05:16:42 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on November 27, 2013, 04:30:44 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on November 27, 2013, 03:08:24 AM
I look great in purple.
Of course you do, but that is beyond a question of merit or entitlement, and you know that because it's true.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkkIwO_X4i4

I love Gogol Bordello! And somehow I forgot about that song. They make me slightly uncomfortable, though, because I went to see them with my ex and the singer looks like him. So I'm like, what is this awkward sensation? Why am I sad and aroused?

This is reminding me that I need to hit on the guy who looks like him in my chemistry class.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on November 27, 2013, 07:36:47 AM
Quote from: Telarus on November 27, 2013, 05:16:42 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on November 27, 2013, 04:30:44 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on November 27, 2013, 03:08:24 AM
I look great in purple.
Of course you do, but that is beyond a question of merit or entitlement, and you know that because it's true.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkkIwO_X4i4
:lambs:
:lulz:
http://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=m9xtks7ac#/watch?v=K3SUPPeuRdU (http://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=m9xtks7ac#/watch?v=K3SUPPeuRdU)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: popeluvicasksc on November 27, 2013, 08:21:22 PM
More of this sort of action, please.

http://www.trueactivist.com/meet-indias-gulabi-gang-female-activists-for-change/ (http://www.trueactivist.com/meet-indias-gulabi-gang-female-activists-for-change/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 04, 2013, 10:32:42 AM
Yet another (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25211945) suspected right-wing extremist with a side interest in "abusive images":

QuoteA serving UK soldier has been arrested under the Terrorism Act after a "suspicious device" was found at a house in Salford.

The device, understood to be a nail bomb, was discovered last week.

The soldier, 19, was arrested on Monday by military police in Germany and brought back to Britain to be questioned.

The BBC understands he has been questioned about suspected links to right-wing extremism.

Greater Manchester Police found the suspected nail bomb while executing a warrant in Mellor Street, Patricroft, on Thursday, following a tip-off about images of abuse on a computer.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing abusive images following the raid and police also recovered "several items of literature which could be viewed by some as potentially inflammatory".

This is practically a profile, at this stage.  The amount of far-right terrorists who have been found to also have had images of children in their possession (though it's not clear at this stage that this was specifically children) is surprisingly high.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 04, 2013, 12:02:53 PM
Also, if you want a perfect example of how to manipulate the news in the last week, look no further than Amazon.

After a number of bad UK stories, including the fact Amazon pays no UK taxes at all despite earning £7 billion a year and that Amazon warehouse workers are treated so appallingly that they are at much greater risk of mental illness, all it takes is one story about delivery drones to cause the tech geeks to orgasm at the sight of Jeff Bezos, and for all the bad stories to fall away.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 04, 2013, 12:41:24 PM
This is true.

Despite all the obvious problems and restrictions, we'd rather talk about how to get shiny shit to the doorstep faster than worry about people's actual working conditions and lives.

Somewhat related, everyone's been jumping on the Amazon bandwagon lately.

There's more than a few articles with similar content to this one
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/dec/01/week-amazon-insider-feature-treatment-employees-work

and I believe a book covering the subject in more detail was recently released too.

I'm sure there will be quite a few people promising to never use amazon again after this bout of xmas shopping.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 04, 2013, 12:52:41 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 04, 2013, 10:32:42 AM
Yet another (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25211945) suspected right-wing extremist with a side interest in "abusive images":

QuoteA serving UK soldier has been arrested under the Terrorism Act after a "suspicious device" was found at a house in Salford.

The device, understood to be a nail bomb, was discovered last week.

The soldier, 19, was arrested on Monday by military police in Germany and brought back to Britain to be questioned.

The BBC understands he has been questioned about suspected links to right-wing extremism.

Greater Manchester Police found the suspected nail bomb while executing a warrant in Mellor Street, Patricroft, on Thursday, following a tip-off about images of abuse on a computer.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing abusive images following the raid and police also recovered "several items of literature which could be viewed by some as potentially inflammatory".

This is practically a profile, at this stage.  The amount of far-right terrorists who have been found to also have had images of children in their possession (though it's not clear at this stage that this was specifically children) is surprisingly high.

While it has been left open if it's images of children, I can't say it would be a surprise. Would it be reasonable to speculate that these images may have been planted? It's a good way to have the public/media automatically on-side and justifies shoving a trial through as quickly and quietly as possible. Who's going to want to defend the guy caught with abusive images? Not many. There was also the part about "inflammatory literature". That's pretty vague and could cover all sorts of things. Probably things in all our libraries.

To be clear, I'm not suggesting the guy may be innocent, it's just when you get this kind of thing so frequently it seems worth considering further external factors.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 04, 2013, 01:11:18 PM
Theoretically, it is possible in some cases, yes.

However, it seems to be something inherent in elements of fascist and far-right ideology which make it attractive to pedophiles, or vice-versa.  Paedophilia has been used as a stand-in or motif for fascism by certain film-makers before now, but I suspect the link goes beyond that.

When you have ideologies which valourise the healthy young, antinomianism and transgression, the strong ruling over the weak...well, you can see how that could easily fit alongside a predatory interest in others.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 04, 2013, 01:39:17 PM
Yeah, I was gonna say what Cain just said... Rape/abuse/etc is about power over others, and meshes frighteningly well with some right-wing ideology.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on December 04, 2013, 05:32:57 PM
http://www.inquisitr.com/1038642/cotton-ball-diet-gaining-popularity-worrying-health-officials/

OH NOES! HEALTH OFFICIALS WORRIED OVER YOUTUBE SENSATION LINING YOUR CHILDREN'S INNOCENT STOMACHS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on December 04, 2013, 08:33:48 PM
Quote from: Alty on December 04, 2013, 05:32:57 PM
http://www.inquisitr.com/1038642/cotton-ball-diet-gaining-popularity-worrying-health-officials/

OH NOES! HEALTH OFFICIALS WORRIED OVER YOUTUBE SENSATION LINING YOUR CHILDREN'S INNOCENT STOMACHS.
It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if this was actually a problem. People are stupid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 04, 2013, 08:54:07 PM
Cain/LMNO, Appreciated. Just seems this kind of thing comes up with increasing frequency so I'm going to have to put cash on a genuine miscarriage of justice sooner or later. Bad luck for that guy. Probably not this time, but i'd say it's inevitable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on December 04, 2013, 09:03:47 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 04, 2013, 01:39:17 PM
Yeah, I was gonna say what Cain just said... Rape/abuse/etc is about power over others, and meshes frighteningly well with some right-wing ideology.
And that folds neatly to match his profile with the evidence presented.  It'd be hard to resist just how flush it all fits together... Tight... Too right to be wrong. :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 05, 2013, 12:52:45 AM
What the hell

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25120783

QuoteYoung people are anonymously bullying and trolling themselves online in what some are calling cyber self-harm. Why?

Internet trolling is on the increase, according to recent reports. When people are bombarded with abuse and threats on social networking sites the common assumption is that a stranger is doing it, but it's not always the case.

Some people do it to themselves.

It's known as self-trolling or self-cyberbullying and some charities and social media experts say it is part of another emerging problem, predominantly among young people, they are calling cyber or digital self-harm.

Statistics on prevalence are not easy to come by, with just one known study into the practice so far. The Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Centre (MARC) found that of the 617 students it interviewed, 9% had anonymously cyberbullied themselves.

"I don't think it dawned on anyone that teens would leverage anonymity in this way, it tends to startle anyone I tell about it," says youth culture and technology expert Dr Danah Boyd, one of the first people to highlight cyber self-harm.

I knew people did this, but I didn't realize it was a THING.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 05, 2013, 04:00:34 AM
How does that work?  Create an alt and then insult yourself?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 05, 2013, 04:02:07 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 05, 2013, 04:00:34 AM
How does that work?  Create an alt and then insult yourself?

Exactly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 05, 2013, 04:06:49 AM
And the point is, what?  Have your friends rally around you and bomb the sock puppet?

So it's a move to gain attention and have people show compassion towards you.  Sad, I suppose, but no more unusual than anything else.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on December 05, 2013, 06:12:57 AM
PD has been doing this for years, but we don't even get an honourable mention from Aunty Beeb.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on December 05, 2013, 07:40:52 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 05, 2013, 04:06:49 AM
And the point is, what?  Have your friends rally around you and bomb the sock puppet?

So it's a move to gain attention and have people show compassion towards you.  Sad, I suppose, but no more unusual than anything else.

Attention, till it escalates to a flame war, then it's just publicity, right?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on December 05, 2013, 08:22:39 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 05, 2013, 04:06:49 AM
And the point is, what?  Have your friends rally around you and bomb the sock puppet?

So it's a move to gain attention and have people show compassion towards you.  Sad, I suppose, but no more unusual than anything else.

I could see kids doing it out of sheer boredom.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on December 05, 2013, 09:14:17 AM
In a moment of selfloathing i once sent a hateful mail to my own email address. It was quite hurtful to read because it gave me an outsiders perspective on myself, but an outsider who knew me as well as i did.
It was weird and painful so i didn't repeat it.
I understand the attraction though, yesterday's you has a slightly different view of things than current you does and the difference can be interesting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 05, 2013, 09:17:12 AM
Back when I was a kid, we just called this "attention whoring".

Hell, aini was doing this back here in 2004...though aini was not exactly a model of mental stability.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 09, 2013, 04:46:55 PM
Some HA HA?

Some of you may be familiar with Derek Acorah, TV Psychic of "Mary LOVES DICK" fame:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZCChwZL17A

Well:
http://metro.co.uk/2013/12/09/tv-psychic-derek-acorah-charged-with-careless-driving-following-car-crash-4223220/

QuoteTV medium Derek Acorah – famous for his appearance on Living TV show Most Haunted – has been charged with careless driving.

The 63-year-old media personality was in a car crash on Saturday night in Merseyside.

Acorah was also charged with failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and has been bailed, due to face Sefton magistrates' court on December 30.

His Nissan GT-R sports car collided with a Ford Ka, resulting in two members of the other car suffering 'whiplash' style injuries.

Whiplash is quite common in Southport. Causes include : Walking too fast, standing up too quickly, standing up too long, being made to stand up etc, etc, etc, so what's happening here is a fraudulent fool is now going to get sued by a couple of folk who more than likely have no actual injury.

Smells like justice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 10, 2013, 09:12:06 AM
Non-UK readers may not be familiar with "Comic Relief". It's a fairly simple concept, get famous faces to do amusing things to raise money for charideee. It seems to be on more often in the past years and I've always had a bit of disdain towards it. Whether it was the enforced joy or grief porn, there was always something that just left me very cold about it all.

Some HA HA?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25273024

QuoteMillions of pounds donated to Comic Relief have been invested in shares in tobacco, alcohol and arms firms, BBC Panorama has learned.

It includes £630,000 in shares in arms firm BAE Systems and more than £300,000 in alcohol manufacturer Diageo.

The BBC has also seen evidence which suggests Save the Children censored criticism of energy firms to avoid upsetting corporate partners.

Both charities deny any wrongdoing.

QuoteIt declined to comment on whether any money invested since 2009 is in shares in alcohol, arms, or tobacco companies.

Comic Relief said its approach is within regulatory guidelines.

"We put the money into large managed funds, as many other leading charities and pension funds do," they said.

"On balance, we believe this is the approach that will deliver the greatest benefits to the most vulnerable people."

That is, nearly verbatim, the exact same argument and stance the Church of England took when it's funds in Arms, Tobacco and payday loans came out.

Once again, famous faces screaming for social justice while faceless people invest in the best return. We still keep thinking that the best return has something to do with social justice unfortunately.

But wait, there's more!

QuotePanorama has also seen evidence to suggest that Save the Children censored its criticism of the energy industry to avoid upsetting potential and existing corporate partners.

Its 10 year relationship with British Gas ended in November 2012 having yielded £1.5m.

Dominic Nutt, its former head of news from 2007 to 2009, told the BBC that he was keen to campaign on the issue of rising energy prices when he worked at the charity but was stopped from doing so.

"Every year I would prepare a line on that, to go to the media, to criticise British Gas. Every year, it would be quashed," he said.

"It was a clear, 'We can't do that, because we take money from British Gas...' - that would have come down from on high."

The self censorship here is quite interesting, and possibly part of the deal. By excluding them from a list about rising prices, many will infer that British gas didn't/haven't/won't do exactly the same. Sales phone monkeys will almost certainly use this, they've worked with much less. £150,000/ year to have a well known charity shit on the competition and not mention you. Welcome to the UK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 10, 2013, 12:59:49 PM
I'd be interested in seeing a comparison with how much these investments earned vs the amount of funds put towards charatible acts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 10, 2013, 02:05:23 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 10, 2013, 12:59:49 PM
I'd be interested in seeing a comparison with how much these investments earned vs the amount of funds put towards charatible acts.

While I have no numbers, I'd suggest that the investments are likely to have done extremely well. BAE is a national institution that UK politicians are regularly sent abroad to drum up business for. Diageo has some of the most recognisable drinks under it and has been doing quite well (People drink when depressed/in a recession. Who knew?)

The actual split is somewhat irrelevant to me, I suppose. I guess I just can't take anyone seriously who preaches about saving the children while funding anything at all to companies that regularly ruin lives. As soon as you give any money to people who make landmines you've pretty much destroyed any moral authority you can try to claim.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 10, 2013, 02:07:49 PM
For historical BAE hilarity, there's many examples.

Have this one. It involves Saudi Arabia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Yamamah_arms_deal
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 10, 2013, 02:41:07 PM
http://www.thelocal.se/20131209/teen-to-juvenile-detention
QuoteThe robbery took place in March this year, when the teenage girl and an accomplice used a 30-centimetre-long knife to rob a Max hamburger restaurant in Halmstad, southern Sweden.

The girls had used a smartphone to take pictures of themselves wearing balaclavas and holding the knife right before the robbery, evidence the police later used in apprehending them.

(http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/w468/10325e188bf09041ee6de63cc12a0dfd325eb76e6b747b3baa43ce47af000d5a.jpg)

Welcome to the future. Please remember that future does not mean smart.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 10, 2013, 03:02:03 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 10, 2013, 02:07:49 PM
For historical BAE hilarity, there's many examples.

Have this one. It involves Saudi Arabia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Yamamah_arms_deal

Readers with good memory may remember Prince Bandar. Notice how and where he crops up. Most interesting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 10, 2013, 05:30:55 PM
Mmmm. Very interesting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 12, 2013, 10:45:58 AM
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/arizona-state-police-officer-was-an-illegal-immigrant

QuoteA woman who served as a spokesperson for the Arizona's state police agency resigned this week after reportedly discovering she was living in the U.S. illegally.

Local TV news station KVOA reported on Tuesday that the woman, Carmen Figueroa, who worked as an officer and spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Safety, discovered her immigration status after her brother applied for a visa and underwent an Immigration and Customs Enforcement background check.

Gov. Jan Brewer (R), who oversees the agency, made national headlines in 2010 when she signed a law designed to get local and state police to investigate people who were suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.

KVOA said Figueroa may have used "a fake or forged birth certificate." Figueroa had been with Arizona DPS for 13 years.

Spokesman Bart Graves told KVOA Figueroa believed she was a citizen before being told otherwise.

"We believe the affidavit and information she gave us at the time. And, she was under the impression that she herself was an American citizen," Graves said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 12, 2013, 12:48:41 PM
......

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/365937/you-must-be-sodomized-jonah-goldberg

QuoteNow, at first I thought this was a hoax. But it appears it isn't. Apparently a fellow writing into a Jihadi chat show wants to do "martyrdom operations." The sheikh he talked to says they've got a great new technique to blow up infidels. We hide explosives up your butt. There's just one hitch. You've got to be repeatedly sodomized in order to be able to accommodate the explosive. So, the questioner wants to know if it is permissible for him to be regularly rogered, if doing so makes his posterior more amenable to hiding explosives. The fellow on camera, Shiite cleric Abdallah Al-Khilaf, says that even though sodomy is forbidden if it is necessary for jihad, well, then it is required. Because jihad is the highest obligation.

.....
http://www.memri.org/clip_transcript/en/3496.htm

Quote"My question is whether I am permitted to allow one of the mujahideen access to my anus, if my intentions are honorable, and the purpose is to train for Jihad by widening my anus."

The sheik praised Allah and said: "In principle, sodomy is forbidden. However, Jihad is more important. It is the pinnacle of Islam. If sodomy is the only way to reach this pinnacle of Islam, then there is no harm in it.

"The rule is that necessity makes the forbidden permissible. Something that is required in order to perform a duty becomes a duty in and of itself. No duty takes precedence over Jihad.

"Therefore, you must be sodomized... After you have been sodomized, you must ask Allah for forgiveness.

Yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 12, 2013, 01:08:17 PM
There is good reason to believe this is disinformation

http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/benjamin-doherty/sodomy-jihad-venerable-lgbt-magazine-advocate-spreads-vile-islamophobic-hoax

I had my doubts when the original story about a suicide bomber with a bomb inside him attempted to assassinate the Saudi Interior Minister Naif bin Abd Al-Aziz, so I find this equally dubious.

I strongly suspect the real story is that someone sufficiently connected to get a bomb past the extensive security precautions Saudi princes normally travel with tried to ice Al-Aziz, and the worry is that some fundamentalist somewhere has people inside Saudi security.  Which, given they are recruited for religious fanaticism, is not entirely unlikely.

However, spreading a story that involves sodomy and implicates Shiite Muslims into the bargain...well, that is a propaganda win for the Saudi regime, and its ongoing crusade against Iran.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on December 12, 2013, 01:51:05 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 12, 2013, 12:48:41 PM
"My question is whether I am permitted to allow one of the mujahideen access to my anus, if my intentions are honorable, and the purpose is to train for Jihad by widening my anus."

The sheik praised Allah and said: "In principle, sodomy is forbidden. However, Jihad is more important. It is the pinnacle of Islam. If sodomy is the only way to reach this pinnacle of Islam, then there is no harm in it.

"The rule is that necessity makes the forbidden permissible. Something that is required in order to perform a duty becomes a duty in and of itself. No duty takes precedence over Jihad.

"Therefore, you must be sodomized... After you have been sodomized, you must ask Allah for forgiveness.

I will follow ANY religion that prints that in it's holy book.  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 12, 2013, 02:11:02 PM
QuoteHowever, spreading a story that involves sodomy and implicates Shiite Muslims into the bargain...well, that is a propaganda win for the Saudi regime, and its ongoing crusade against Iran.

Appreciated. I was thinking there was something very odd about this, and that line makes the whole thing make much more sense.

I guess the wider implications of the story serve other agendas (Muslims[in general]=badwronghomos) so there's probably a few wins here for all sorts of unsavoury folk.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on December 12, 2013, 08:54:52 PM
Looks like another fast spin cycle to me, then again, anoptorectome, you know? :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 16, 2013, 09:32:25 PM
http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/16/21911592-climate-change-experts-fraud-was-crime-of-massive-proportion-say-feds?lite

Scammer of the year.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 16, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 16, 2013, 09:32:25 PM
http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/16/21911592-climate-change-experts-fraud-was-crime-of-massive-proportion-say-feds?lite

Scammer of the year.

Whoa, what the hell?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 17, 2013, 01:30:06 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on December 16, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 16, 2013, 09:32:25 PM
http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/16/21911592-climate-change-experts-fraud-was-crime-of-massive-proportion-say-feds?lite

Scammer of the year.

Whoa, what the hell?

Isn't it awesome?  It's like the MWAD crowd got government funding.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 17, 2013, 03:37:18 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 17, 2013, 01:30:06 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on December 16, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 16, 2013, 09:32:25 PM
http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/16/21911592-climate-change-experts-fraud-was-crime-of-massive-proportion-say-feds?lite

Scammer of the year.

Whoa, what the hell?



Isn't it awesome?  It's like the MWAD crowd got government funding.   :lulz:

x2

(http://media.tumblr.com/7750072ca22ea0600dae8959b4c566a1/tumblr_inline_mpd4jadw4a1qz4rgp.gif)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on December 17, 2013, 03:43:13 AM
Well done, that man.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 17, 2013, 08:28:58 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 17, 2013, 01:30:06 AM
Quote from: Radagast's Red Velvet Pancake Puppies on December 16, 2013, 10:27:29 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 16, 2013, 09:32:25 PM
http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/16/21911592-climate-change-experts-fraud-was-crime-of-massive-proportion-say-feds?lite

Scammer of the year.

Whoa, what the hell?

Isn't it awesome?  It's like the MWAD crowd got government funding.   :lulz:

QuoteTo explain his long absences, Beale told agency officials -- including McCarthy -- that he was engaged in intelligence work for the CIA, either at agency headquarters or in Pakistan. At one point he claimed to be urgently needed in Pakistan because the Taliban was torturing his CIA replacement, according to Sullivan.

Can't. Stop. Laughing.

Quote"He's never been to Langley (the CIA's Virginia headquarters)," said Sullivan. "The CIA has no record of him ever walking through the door."

Because they'd totally say if he had. So I'll count this bit in his favour.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 18, 2013, 08:26:02 AM
Ronnie Biggs Dead
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25426914
QuoteBritish criminal Ronnie Biggs, who took part in the 1963 Great Train Robbery, has died aged 84, his spokeswoman has confirmed.

Biggs was part of the gang which escaped with £2.6m from the Glasgow to London mail train on 8 August 1963.

He was given a 30-year sentence but escaped from Wandsworth prison in 1965.

In 2001, he returned to the UK seeking medical help but was sent to prison. He was released on compassionate grounds in 2009 after contracting pneumonia.

Headstone suggestion - "Got away with most of it"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 18, 2013, 08:58:57 AM
BBC blatantly killed him in order to promote their new two part "The Train Robbers" drama.

Why do you think Brucie has been having so much time off lately?  He's their chief enforcer, and needed time to set up the hit properly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 18, 2013, 11:39:22 AM
I just assumed he was getting his story and alibi straight for the inevitable knock from Yewtree.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 18, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
If I recall correctly, he was in The Great Rock n Roll Swindle, was he not?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 18, 2013, 02:13:21 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 18, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
If I recall correctly, he was in The Great Rock n Roll Swindle, was he not?

Yes, Bruce Forsyth played the role of Malcolm McLaren

Quote from: Junkenstein on December 18, 2013, 11:39:22 AM
I just assumed he was getting his story and alibi straight for the inevitable knock from Yewtree.

Brucie always struck me as having more of an eye for the tall, leggy blondes.  I mean, he does insist on having Tess Daly as his co-presenter/standing assistance.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 18, 2013, 03:54:22 PM
Blah blah Rob Ford blah
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25424751

I wouldn't even mention it apart from the video with him "Dancing". Enjoy. If there's a context that makes this appropriate, please feel free not to tell me. I'm assuming his apology was done in interpretive dance and don't want to be wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hooplala on December 18, 2013, 04:59:34 PM
It's called the Danse Macabre, and it's how all Canadian city council meetings end. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 18, 2013, 07:01:17 PM
 :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
http://www.northjersey.com/obituaries/Goldstein_publisher_of_Screw_magazine_dies_in_NY.html



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 19, 2013, 10:39:45 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

I love the test case.  We didn't have a warrant to search, but we found stuff anyway, and on that basis we went and got a warrant.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 20, 2013, 08:14:28 AM
This is going to be great at court. "Presumed innocent until proved guilty however he's here because we have evidence that he's guilty. So sentencing...."

Between this, the pussy riot and bitcoin threads, it's like all my comedy wishes coming true.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 21, 2013, 03:18:20 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 20, 2013, 08:14:28 AM
This is going to be great at court. "Presumed innocent until proved guilty however he's here because we have evidence that he's guilty. So sentencing...."

Between this, the pussy riot and bitcoin threads, it's like all my comedy wishes coming true.

We don't run around wasting our time arresting innocent people.

If you have a problem with that statement, maybe you have something to hide.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on December 21, 2013, 03:30:12 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
...
In Cibolo, said ordinance does not apply to DEA agents, unless otherwise specified, entrapment does not constitute standard operating procedure, in Cibolo...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 21, 2013, 04:45:05 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on December 21, 2013, 03:30:12 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
...
In Cibolo, said ordinance does not apply to DEA agents, unless otherwise specified, entrapment does not constitute standard operating procedure, in Cibolo...

In Cibolo, they don't use them fancy three-syllable words.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 21, 2013, 04:53:43 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:45:05 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on December 21, 2013, 03:30:12 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
...
In Cibolo, said ordinance does not apply to DEA agents, unless otherwise specified, entrapment does not constitute standard operating procedure, in Cibolo...

In Cibolo, they don't use them fancy three-syllable words.

Which is why they pronounce the name of the town "siblow".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 21, 2013, 04:58:51 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 21, 2013, 04:53:43 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:45:05 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on December 21, 2013, 03:30:12 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
...
In Cibolo, said ordinance does not apply to DEA agents, unless otherwise specified, entrapment does not constitute standard operating procedure, in Cibolo...

In Cibolo, they don't use them fancy three-syllable words.

Which is why they pronounce the name of the town "siblow".

Precisely.
They DO use three syllables for the county name, though. "Guada-loop".  :x
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 21, 2013, 05:08:23 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:58:51 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 21, 2013, 04:53:43 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:45:05 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on December 21, 2013, 03:30:12 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
...
In Cibolo, said ordinance does not apply to DEA agents, unless otherwise specified, entrapment does not constitute standard operating procedure, in Cibolo...

In Cibolo, they don't use them fancy three-syllable words.

Which is why they pronounce the name of the town "siblow".

Precisely.
They DO use three syllables for the county name, though. "Guada-loop".  :x

That's pretty high tone.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 21, 2013, 06:26:00 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 21, 2013, 05:08:23 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:58:51 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 21, 2013, 04:53:43 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:45:05 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on December 21, 2013, 03:30:12 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
...
In Cibolo, said ordinance does not apply to DEA agents, unless otherwise specified, entrapment does not constitute standard operating procedure, in Cibolo...

In Cibolo, they don't use them fancy three-syllable words.

Which is why they pronounce the name of the town "siblow".

Precisely.
They DO use three syllables for the county name, though. "Guada-loop".  :x

That's pretty high tone.

I bet they can do gazintas just purty as Jethro.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on December 21, 2013, 07:34:02 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 06:26:00 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 21, 2013, 05:08:23 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:58:51 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 21, 2013, 04:53:43 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 21, 2013, 04:45:05 AM
Quote from: LuciferX on December 21, 2013, 03:30:12 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
...
In Cibolo, said ordinance does not apply to DEA agents, unless otherwise specified, entrapment does not constitute standard operating procedure, in Cibolo...

In Cibolo, they don't use them fancy three-syllable words.

Which is why they pronounce the name of the town "siblow".

Precisely.
They DO use three syllables for the county name, though. "Guada-loop".  :x

That's pretty high tone.

I bet they can do gazintas just purty as Jethro.
Both brass and wood-winds wax fantastic, I hear.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Payne on December 21, 2013, 10:45:24 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 21, 2013, 03:18:20 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 20, 2013, 08:14:28 AM
This is going to be great at court. "Presumed innocent until proved guilty however he's here because we have evidence that he's guilty. So sentencing...."

Between this, the pussy riot and bitcoin threads, it's like all my comedy wishes coming true.

We don't run around wasting our time arresting innocent people.

If you have a problem with that statement, maybe you have something to hide.

This is one of the most chillingly TruthfulTM statements I have ever read.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 22, 2013, 04:15:30 AM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Just saw this.  :eek:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 22, 2013, 04:35:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
http://www.northjersey.com/obituaries/Goldstein_publisher_of_Screw_magazine_dies_in_NY.html

Sooo... grocery store near a school or church can't sell wine or beer? WTF? What happens when a new school or church opens, do all the grocery stores have to stop selling wine and beer?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on December 22, 2013, 05:43:28 AM
 :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:


ALL THAT FREE POWER IS IRRISPONSIBLE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 22, 2013, 06:03:25 AM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on December 22, 2013, 04:35:18 AM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 19, 2013, 09:20:47 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 19, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Texas police can get search warrants based on the 'prediction of a future crime,' judge notes
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/18/texas-police-can-get-search-warrants-based-on-the-prediction-of-a-future-crime-judge-notes/

(Note that the ruling depends on the "independent source doctrine" which we saw pop up with the CIA/DEA shenanigans.)

HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Since when did the Constitution ever apply here? Cibolo just passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol within 300 feet of a church or school. Yee haw.  :x

In other news:
http://www.northjersey.com/obituaries/Goldstein_publisher_of_Screw_magazine_dies_in_NY.html

Sooo... grocery store near a school or church can't sell wine or beer? WTF? What happens when a new school or church opens, do all the grocery stores have to stop selling wine and beer?

That's not specified. They haven't even updated their website, the most recent thing I could find was the election flyer. http://www.cibolotx.gov/Search/Results?searchPhrase=alcohol%20church&page=1&perPage=10

I don't think they've thought it out that far.  :lol:
Title: NSA phone tapping legal
Post by: inode_buddha on December 27, 2013, 05:13:54 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/27/new-york-nsa-phone-surveillance/4219055

"NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Friday found that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of millions of Americans' telephone records is legal and a valuable part of the nation's arsenal to counter the threat of terrorism."
Title: Re: NSA phone tapping legal
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 27, 2013, 05:26:20 PM
Quote from: inode_buddha on December 27, 2013, 05:13:54 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/27/new-york-nsa-phone-surveillance/4219055

"NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Friday found that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of millions of Americans' telephone records is legal and a valuable part of the nation's arsenal to counter the threat of terrorism."

HAHAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 27, 2013, 05:47:38 PM
All those two possible terrorist plots, which had more to do with American citizens financing terrorism overseas, were a vital threat to national security and totally justify re-routing the entire internet traffic through Fort Meade.  No, really.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 27, 2013, 05:55:44 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 27, 2013, 05:47:38 PM
All those two possible terrorist plots, which had more to do with American citizens financing terrorism overseas, were a vital threat to national security and totally justify re-routing the entire internet traffic through Fort Meade.  No, really.

I think we do this sort of shit because we've forgotten how to do anything else.   :lulz:
Title: Re: NSA phone tapping legal
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 27, 2013, 06:29:00 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 27, 2013, 05:26:20 PM
Quote from: inode_buddha on December 27, 2013, 05:13:54 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/27/new-york-nsa-phone-surveillance/4219055

"NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Friday found that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of millions of Americans' telephone records is legal and a valuable part of the nation's arsenal to counter the threat of terrorism."

HAHAHAHAHAHA

It's NECESSARY to spy on Americans!

Nobody remembers what Watergate was about, do they?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Odibex Grallspice on December 27, 2013, 06:43:43 PM
Sure. Watergate was about Liddy eating rats to concur his fear of them.
Title: Re: NSA phone tapping legal
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 27, 2013, 06:44:26 PM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on December 27, 2013, 06:29:00 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 27, 2013, 05:26:20 PM
Quote from: inode_buddha on December 27, 2013, 05:13:54 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/27/new-york-nsa-phone-surveillance/4219055

"NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Friday found that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of millions of Americans' telephone records is legal and a valuable part of the nation's arsenal to counter the threat of terrorism."

HAHAHAHAHAHA

It's NECESSARY to spy on Americans!

Nobody remembers what Watergate was about, do they?

Never heard of the guy.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 27, 2013, 06:45:16 PM
I am amazed at how small America has become.

Hardly widescreen at all, is it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 27, 2013, 06:47:39 PM
Watergate were an indie band, named after the hotel they were staying in when they heard about the Clinton "Penisgate" scandal.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Odibex Grallspice on December 27, 2013, 06:53:06 PM
Is a salad.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 28, 2013, 12:15:53 AM
Quote from: Cain on December 27, 2013, 06:47:39 PM
Watergate were an indie band, named after the hotel they were staying in when they heard about the Clinton "Penisgate" scandal.

I fucking love you, Cain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 28, 2013, 12:59:53 AM
Quote from: Cain on December 27, 2013, 06:47:39 PM
Watergate were an indie band, named after the hotel they were staying in when they heard about the Clinton "Penisgate" scandal.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on December 28, 2013, 02:59:55 AM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on December 28, 2013, 12:59:53 AM
Quote from: Cain on December 27, 2013, 06:47:39 PM
Watergate were an indie band, named after the hotel they were staying in when they heard about the Clinton "Penisgate" scandal.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
It was a destination for said band to play for the G8, in case the "blak bloc" would not show as well.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 28, 2013, 01:19:01 PM
To be serious a moment though, I'm not so sure the Watergate scandal was about spying on the Democratic convention.

Consider the background, first.  Nixon was a paranoid, but that didn't mean he was imagining he had enemies.  His rise to political prominence had been achieved with the help of the Republican "Eastern Establishment", but he resented their power and control, bucking them whenever it was convenient to do so.  For example, his choice of Spiro Agnew as VP left Prescott Bush seething, as there had been a concerted campaign to get George HW Bush on the ticket, backed by Chase Manhattan Bank, Tiffany & Co., J. P. Stevens and Co., Pennzoil, Brown Brothers Harriman and Thomas Dewey, among others.

And then there was Kissinger, an equally contentious figure.  Kissinger's links with the Rockerfellers made him suspect to the coldest of the Cold Warriors, who suspected the Rockerfellers of accomodationism with the Soviet Union and China, and was part of a larger dispute in the Republican Party between the Eastern Establishment "traders" and West Coast "warriors".  Kissinger was, and I know this seems unbelievable given his later career, seen as a "trader".  Nixon's own background made him more comfortable with the warriors, the West Coast establishment he hailed from, but Kissinger was an inspired choice for a man who wanted to bypass the institutional power of the State Department and CIA's key role in making foreign policy decisions. 

Remember, this penchant for secrecy was so alarming to the Pentagon that they organized their own spy-ring (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2002/04/nixon-and-the-chiefs/302473/) in the White House to find out what Nixon was up to.  And...well, you all know what the CIA was like, back then.  How can you imagine they reacted?

Nixon also secretly supported conservative Democratic politicians in their political ambitions, in return for their support (while they would stay out of inter-Republican squabbles), one of whom happened to defeat Bush's bid for being Senator.  And then, when Bush went to Nixon looking for a job in his second administration, in the Treasury, Nixon gave the top job to the Texas Governor, who had backed Bush's opponenent in his Senate race.

So, Nixon was stacking up enemies everywhere.

And then there is Watergate itself.  The people doing the bugging were pros, Cubans with longtime CIA connections.  Yet how they went about it was highly amateurish, to the point that they seemed to want to get caught.  The FBI at first thought they had stumbled onto a CIA investigation - and phoned Richard Helms to convey those suspicions. The risks of any bugging operation would outweight the benefits, too, since most of McGovern's actual campaign planning was going on either on Capitol Hill or in Miami - as Nixon would have known.

In fact, a set-up seems very possible.  McCord left tape horizontally over a lock, so that it could be spotted, as it was, by a security guard when the door was closed.  One of the burglars was carrying a cheque with E. Howard Hunt's signature on it—and Hunt's phone number at the White House.  And Hunt had told them to register at the hotel, and keep their keys on them while carrying out the job.  Hunt is many things, but he is not an amateur.  Why then, does this feel like a bugging operation carried out by someone whose closest experience of crime comes from a comic book, as opposed to a seasoned CIA covert officer with a penchant for assassination?  Hunt was "retired" from the agency, but we all know how that goes.  And Hunt went to great lengths to try and tie Nixon to the Agency, despite, the conflicts between the White House and Langley at the time.

And let us recall, this was the second break-in of the hotel.  The first one was done a month earlier, without a hitch.  And the same crew were responsible for the break-in of the Beverly Hills office of Dr. Lewis Fielding, the psychiatrist of Daniel Ellsberg.  With that break-in, the burglars were disappointed they did not find anything - but for some reason, Hunt considered it a success.  He broke open a bottle of champagne on being told the news of the break-in.  Martinez, one of the burglars and a long-time CIA asset, said he considered what happened there to be a "cover operation" of some kind.

Of course, Nixon did recognise some of the names - he had been the covert action officer for the White House on the preparations for the Bay of Pigs.  And of course, Nixon constantly referred to the "Bay of Pigs thing" in the tapes.  Nixon was obsessed with the activities of the Agency in the early 60s, demanding thousands of records on operations relating to Cuba and similar.  The CIA point-blank refused to give them to him.  Helms was summoned to the White House, who was equally unhelpful. 

Later, Helms would recall that Nixon asked about "the Bay of Pigs and I think about the Diem episode in Vietnam and maybe something about Trujillo in the Dominican Republic".  All attempted CIA assassinations and coups, you'll note.  It's possible Nixon, paranoid, suspicious, was worried that his battle with his various agencies was mirroring Kennedy's...and of course, Nixon knew how that story ended.  Hell, Nixon had been in Dallas on the day of the assassination...invited by the spooked up Pepsi corporation (http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=2wXCvk3UDDsC&pg=PA147&lpg=PA147&dq=pepsi+vietnam+war+laos&source=bl&ots=EIDSOosyPx&sig=g50ZPDzXyAGXjyJxPQuvikEhfl8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=AsO-Uo6FHbHT7Aa81YHwDg&ved=0CFkQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=pepsi%20vietnam%20war%20laos&f=false).  In addition to Pepsi's role in Indochina, Donald Kendall, the head of Pepsi's international operations, was a committed anti-Communist with a penchant for covert operations, and Cuba was the largest supplier of sugar to American corporations, before the revolution.  Kendall had invited Nixon to Dallas on the day Kennedy was assassinated, an assassination that left Nixon shaken, by all accounts.

Kendall appeared to know about the "Bay of Pigs thing" - in a letter from Nixon to him, Nixon said "When I return from Europe I am looking forward to having a chance to get a further fill-in with regard to your experiences on the Bay of Pigs incident."  This was June, 1963.  Years later, in a letter to Charles Colson, Nixon noted: "re idea of getting pol. Commitments— Sugar people are richest & most ruthless before we commit—shld put screws on & get quid pro quo ie Fl[anigan]—always go to Sugar lobby or oil etc. before we give them anything".

Kendall was also close to the Bush family, supporting George's Senate race, and allegedly involved in the overthrow of Allende.

Nixon had also heavily criticized Diem's assassination at the time it had occured.  He wrote a letter stating " "Our heavy-handed complicity in his murder can only have the effect of striking terror in the hearts of leaders of other nations who presumably are our friends."  Kennedy himself may not have authorised the assassination, but Lyndon Johnson knew about it: "We killed him. We all got together and got a god-damn bunch of thugs and assassinated him."

Whatever the "Bay of Pigs thing" was, Helms knew the secret.  When Haldeman confronted him, suggesting that the "Bay of Pigs thing" might be blown, Helms reacted explosively: "Helms gripping the arms of his chair, leaning forward and shouting, "The Bay of Pigs had nothing to do with this. I have no concern about the Bay of Pigs." . . . I was absolutely shocked by Helms' violent reaction. Again I wondered, what was such dynamite in the Bay of Pigs story?"

And then there is Woodward.  He had longstanding ties with the intelligence community, and a lot of political clout - he had been recommended to the Post by Paul Ignatius, who had been Johnson's Navy secretary before becoming the Post's President.  The Post's owners, the Graham family, were also very close to Prescott Bush, and editor Ben Bradlee was himself a Harvard graduate who, like Woodward, had spent time in naval intelligence during World War II.

Woodward's commanding officer in the Navy had been Rear Admiral Robert O. Welander, one of the principal movers and shakers in the Moorer-Radford spy ring.  He had also served as a communications officer under Admiral Moorer himself.  And Woodward had good ties within the CIA.  According to Coulson:

QuoteThe CIA has been unable to determine whether Bob Woodward was employed by the agency. The agency claims to be having difficulty checking personnel files. Thompson says that he believes the delay merely means that they don't want to admit that Woodward was in the agency.

Thompson wrote a lengthy memo to Baker lastweek complaining about the CIA's non-cooperation, the fact that they were supplying material piecemeal and had been very uncooperative. The memo went into the CIA relationship with the press, specifically
Woodward. Senator Baker sent the memo directly to [CIA Director] Colby with a cover note and within a matter of a few hours, Woodward called Baker and was incensed over the memo. It had been immediately leaked to him.

The Post was known for being CIA friendly.  According to Bernstein:

QuoteWhen Newsweek was purchased by the Washington Post Company, publisher Philip L. Graham was informed by Agency officials that the CIA occasionally used the magazine for cover purposes, according to CIA sources. "It was widely known that Phil Graham was somebody you could get help from," said a former deputy director of the Agency. "Frank Wisner dealt with him." Wisner, deputy director of the CIA from 1950 until shortly before his suicide in 1965, was the Agency's premier orchestrator of "black" operations, including many in which journalists were involved. Wisner liked to boast of his "mighty Wurlitzer," a wondrous propaganda instrument he built, and played, with help from the press. Phil Graham was probably Wisner's closest friend.

Interestingly, Hunt also had a background in media disinformation operations.  After the Bay of Pigs, he was shunted off into the CIA's domestic unit, which "dealt largely with the subsidizing and manipulation of news and publishing organizations".

It seems to me that Nixon, while paranoid, wasn't entirely clear on who his friends or his enemies were.  He crossed a lot of powerful people, and thought he could get away with it, but his inner circle was riddled with people looking to string him up (George Bush in particular), and he made the mistake of enquiring too closely into the CIA's "private matters", and the ever-so-sensitive "Bay of Pigs thing".  So Nixon had to go.  Getting a bunch of former CIA guys, who could act under plausible cover of White House orders, to carry out a bunch of illegal actions was certainly more baroque than a bullet to the head...but then, it's so hard to get a reliable lone nutter, and if Presidents keep dropping dead all the time when they cross the CIA, someone might get, y'know, suspicious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 28, 2013, 05:49:03 PM
Wow, that's some very interesting stuff!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 28, 2013, 05:54:01 PM
Thanks.

There's nothing conclusive...I mean, if the ghostly apparition of Richard Nixon were to fess up tomorrow, then, y'know, fair enough.  But I think it's sufficiently fishy that I doubt the full story is exactly as presented. 

Russ Baker (who I got a good amount of this information from) thinks that the Bush family were mostly behind this, angry at Nixon scuppering George's chance at VP.  I personally think it was the CIA, flexing its muscles to make or break yet another President percieved as being too independent in foreign affairs and too soft on Communism.  But there's plenty of motive and opportunity to go around.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 28, 2013, 06:52:43 PM
It fits like a glove. They wouldn't just kill him after JFK (and most likely RFK and MLK).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 28, 2013, 06:58:03 PM
The idea of, in the end, Nixon being actually not guilty (of Watergate, at least) is kind of delicious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on December 28, 2013, 08:05:19 PM
Damn, thanks for sharing that, Cain.

I cant wait to use that info in, uh, debate. Yeah, debate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 28, 2013, 08:08:12 PM
VERY interesting stuff. Thanks Cain!
Title: 13 states raising pay for minimum-wage workers
Post by: inode_buddha on December 30, 2013, 12:22:46 AM
"The trend reflects growing concerns about the disproportionate spread of low-wage jobs in the U.S. economy, creating millions of financially strained workers and putting too little money in consumers' pockets to spur faster economic growth."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/12/29/states-raising-minimum-wage/4221773

Does anyone else remember Ross Perot and his "giant sucking sound" of middle-class jobs leaving the country? IMHO (regarding the USA) the Fascists are winning. Eventually this place will be a giant banana republic of little fiefedoms. With an enormous military cock. And of course the NSA. Remember people, its all legal!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 30, 2013, 04:00:29 PM
I'll just leave this here.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2013/oct/8/poll-potholes-and-cockroaches-more-popular-congres/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Odibex Grallspice on December 30, 2013, 04:40:25 PM
That's a bit sad. *sheds tear*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 30, 2013, 07:50:39 PM
Line up the facepalms:

A poll released today by the Pew Research Center reveals that acceptance of evolution among Republicans has plummeted in recent years, from 54 percent in 2009 to a jarring 43 percent today. The poll also found that a startling 48 percent of Republicans believe that all living things today have existed in their present form since the start of time. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/12/30/republicans_reject_evolution_acceptance_has_plummeted_among_the_gop.html)

We really let people like this attempt to run the country?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 30, 2013, 07:52:48 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 30, 2013, 07:50:39 PM
Line up the facepalms:

A poll released today by the Pew Research Center reveals that acceptance of evolution among Republicans has plummeted in recent years, from 54 percent in 2009 to a jarring 43 percent today. The poll also found that a startling 48 percent of Republicans believe that all living things today have existed in their present form since the start of time. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/12/30/republicans_reject_evolution_acceptance_has_plummeted_among_the_gop.html)

We really let people like this attempt to run the country?

The wonders of a republic, LMNO!

And high time, I say.  You secular-humanist types have had your way long enough.  It's time we got this sin-ridden Gomorrah back on the straight and narrow.  Oliver Cromwell?  That weak sister namby-pamby milquetoast has NOTHING on the reformation I have in mind.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 30, 2013, 07:57:45 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 04:00:29 PM
I'll just leave this here.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2013/oct/8/poll-potholes-and-cockroaches-more-popular-congres/

They forgot "venereal warts", "ass boils" and "rat kings".
But yes.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 30, 2013, 08:01:42 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 07:52:48 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 30, 2013, 07:50:39 PM
Line up the facepalms:

A poll released today by the Pew Research Center reveals that acceptance of evolution among Republicans has plummeted in recent years, from 54 percent in 2009 to a jarring 43 percent today. The poll also found that a startling 48 percent of Republicans believe that all living things today have existed in their present form since the start of time. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/12/30/republicans_reject_evolution_acceptance_has_plummeted_among_the_gop.html)

We really let people like this attempt to run the country?

The wonders of a republic, LMNO!

And high time, I say.  You secular-humanist types have had your way long enough.  It's time we got this sin-ridden Gomorrah back on the straight and narrow.  Oliver Cromwell?  That weak sister namby-pamby milquetoast has NOTHING on the reformation I have in mind.

I liked it better when they were back in the holler passing snakes around in church.

This is fun http://www.yourmorals.org/index.php
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 30, 2013, 08:03:18 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 30, 2013, 08:01:42 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 07:52:48 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 30, 2013, 07:50:39 PM
Line up the facepalms:

A poll released today by the Pew Research Center reveals that acceptance of evolution among Republicans has plummeted in recent years, from 54 percent in 2009 to a jarring 43 percent today. The poll also found that a startling 48 percent of Republicans believe that all living things today have existed in their present form since the start of time. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/12/30/republicans_reject_evolution_acceptance_has_plummeted_among_the_gop.html)

We really let people like this attempt to run the country?

The wonders of a republic, LMNO!

And high time, I say.  You secular-humanist types have had your way long enough.  It's time we got this sin-ridden Gomorrah back on the straight and narrow.  Oliver Cromwell?  That weak sister namby-pamby milquetoast has NOTHING on the reformation I have in mind.

I liked it better when they were back in the holler passing snakes around in church.

This is fun http://www.yourmorals.org/index.php

No, in the coming regime, we will have other uses for poisonous snakes.

Mostly involving a pit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on December 30, 2013, 08:09:57 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 08:03:18 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on December 30, 2013, 08:01:42 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 07:52:48 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 30, 2013, 07:50:39 PM
Line up the facepalms:

A poll released today by the Pew Research Center reveals that acceptance of evolution among Republicans has plummeted in recent years, from 54 percent in 2009 to a jarring 43 percent today. The poll also found that a startling 48 percent of Republicans believe that all living things today have existed in their present form since the start of time. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/12/30/republicans_reject_evolution_acceptance_has_plummeted_among_the_gop.html)

We really let people like this attempt to run the country?

The wonders of a republic, LMNO!

And high time, I say.  You secular-humanist types have had your way long enough.  It's time we got this sin-ridden Gomorrah back on the straight and narrow.  Oliver Cromwell?  That weak sister namby-pamby milquetoast has NOTHING on the reformation I have in mind.

I liked it better when they were back in the holler passing snakes around in church.

This is fun http://www.yourmorals.org/index.php

No, in the coming regime, we will have other uses for poisonous snakes.

Mostly involving a pit.

"HOW'S THAT BILLY JACK LIBRUL SHIT WORKING FOR YOU NOW, COMMIE?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 30, 2013, 08:15:44 PM
Mmmm, gives me that nice(?) cyberpunk taste in the back of my throat.....

Japan's homeless recruited to clean up Fukushima nuclear disaster zone: special report
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/japan-homeless-recruited-clean-fukushima-nuclear-disaster-zone-special-report-article-1.1561307
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 30, 2013, 08:20:23 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 30, 2013, 08:15:44 PM
Mmmm, gives me that nice(?) cyberpunk taste in the back of my throat.....

Japan's homeless recruited to clean up Fukushima nuclear disaster zone: special report
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/japan-homeless-recruited-clean-fukushima-nuclear-disaster-zone-special-report-article-1.1561307

Stalin-y!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 30, 2013, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 04:00:29 PM
I'll just leave this here.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2013/oct/8/poll-potholes-and-cockroaches-more-popular-congres/

8 percent.

Wow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 30, 2013, 08:26:56 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 08:20:23 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 30, 2013, 08:15:44 PM
Mmmm, gives me that nice(?) cyberpunk taste in the back of my throat.....

Japan's homeless recruited to clean up Fukushima nuclear disaster zone: special report
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/japan-homeless-recruited-clean-fukushima-nuclear-disaster-zone-special-report-article-1.1561307

Stalin-y!

Seems the yakuza had infiltrated the layers of sub-contractors, and were paying these guys less-than minimum wage (pocketing the difference, obviously).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 30, 2013, 08:54:50 PM
Given the Yakuza also own the Japanese government, that wouldn't be too hard.

And it's hardly without precedence in Japanese history.  Typically, lower castes were forced into industries associated with dirtiness. uncleanliness and death.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 30, 2013, 09:00:44 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 30, 2013, 07:50:39 PM
Line up the facepalms:

A poll released today by the Pew Research Center reveals that acceptance of evolution among Republicans has plummeted in recent years, from 54 percent in 2009 to a jarring 43 percent today. The poll also found that a startling 48 percent of Republicans believe that all living things today have existed in their present form since the start of time. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/12/30/republicans_reject_evolution_acceptance_has_plummeted_among_the_gop.html)

We really let people like this attempt to run the country?

You may want to pay attention to the scarier statistic there: only 52% of Democrats belive in evolution.

Also, more people believe Jesus is the Son of God than believe the soul survives the death of the body.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 30, 2013, 09:02:35 PM
Quote from: Telarus on December 30, 2013, 08:15:44 PM
Mmmm, gives me that nice(?) cyberpunk taste in the back of my throat.....

Japan's homeless recruited to clean up Fukushima nuclear disaster zone: special report
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/japan-homeless-recruited-clean-fukushima-nuclear-disaster-zone-special-report-article-1.1561307

What the fuck.  :horrormirth:

So, what happens when all these homeless people get sick with leukemia and other cancers?

Never mind, don't answer that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 30, 2013, 10:34:26 PM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on December 30, 2013, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 30, 2013, 04:00:29 PM
I'll just leave this here.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2013/oct/8/poll-potholes-and-cockroaches-more-popular-congres/

8 percent.

Wow.

This is actually a really bad thing.

People have come to despise their form of government, rather than individuals in that government.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 31, 2013, 05:03:18 PM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/31/22122273-guantanamo-bay-detainees-who-were-never-terrorism-suspects-get-new-lives-in-slovakia?lite

QuoteThree Guantanamo Bay detainees have been sent to Slovakia where they are "voluntarily resettling," officials said Tuesday.

Yusef Abbas, 33, Saidullah Khalik, 37, and Hajiakbar Abdul Ghuper, 39, are the final ethnic Uighur Chinese nationals to be transferred out of the facility in Cuba.

The Slovakian government said the men it accepted had "never been suspected nor accused of terrorism," the BBC reported. The country, which is a member of the European Union and NATO, also took in three Guantanamo inmates in 2010.

AND AND AND

QuoteIn Oct. 2008, a federal judge ordered the release of the men, but the decision was stayed  by a federal appeals court after the government intervened. They had been in legal limbo since.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 31, 2013, 05:15:37 PM
Ah yes, the near mythical East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

Of course, if I were a CIA strategist (and had my sense of conscience surgically removed and had no ability to see more than 10 years into the future and had no concept of blowback), I would also get these guys set free and put in some insignificant part of Europe - and then go back a few years later, and see if they could be used to recruit an external network for Islamist extremists targeting China.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 31, 2013, 06:25:17 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 31, 2013, 05:03:18 PM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/31/22122273-guantanamo-bay-detainees-who-were-never-terrorism-suspects-get-new-lives-in-slovakia?lite

QuoteThree Guantanamo Bay detainees have been sent to Slovakia where they are "voluntarily resettling," officials said Tuesday.

Yusef Abbas, 33, Saidullah Khalik, 37, and Hajiakbar Abdul Ghuper, 39, are the final ethnic Uighur Chinese nationals to be transferred out of the facility in Cuba.

The Slovakian government said the men it accepted had "never been suspected nor accused of terrorism," the BBC reported. The country, which is a member of the European Union and NATO, also took in three Guantanamo inmates in 2010.

AND AND AND

QuoteIn Oct. 2008, a federal judge ordered the release of the men, but the decision was stayed  by a federal appeals court after the government intervened. They had been in legal limbo since.

great.

AMERICA!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 31, 2013, 10:15:08 PM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on December 31, 2013, 06:25:17 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on December 31, 2013, 05:03:18 PM
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/31/22122273-guantanamo-bay-detainees-who-were-never-terrorism-suspects-get-new-lives-in-slovakia?lite

QuoteThree Guantanamo Bay detainees have been sent to Slovakia where they are "voluntarily resettling," officials said Tuesday.

Yusef Abbas, 33, Saidullah Khalik, 37, and Hajiakbar Abdul Ghuper, 39, are the final ethnic Uighur Chinese nationals to be transferred out of the facility in Cuba.

The Slovakian government said the men it accepted had "never been suspected nor accused of terrorism," the BBC reported. The country, which is a member of the European Union and NATO, also took in three Guantanamo inmates in 2010.

AND AND AND

QuoteIn Oct. 2008, a federal judge ordered the release of the men, but the decision was stayed  by a federal appeals court after the government intervened. They had been in legal limbo since.

great.

AMERICA!

"We don't suspect them of anything, but they're staying in jail because because."

This shit would gag Cardinal Richelieu.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 01, 2014, 05:00:58 AM
I started to type something or five different times, but I just don't have anything appropriate to the surreal shittiness of this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on January 01, 2014, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: Cain on December 31, 2013, 05:15:37 PM
Ah yes, the near mythical East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

Of course, if I were a CIA strategist (and had my sense of conscience surgically removed and had no ability to see more than 10 years into the future and had no concept of blowback), I would also get these guys set free and put in some insignificant part of Europe - and then go back a few years later, and see if they could be used to recruit an external network for Islamist extremists targeting China.
Methinks that seems rather an overdetermination of requirements :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 01, 2014, 01:17:24 PM
Not in Langley, it's not.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on January 01, 2014, 11:28:41 PM
Oh my, guess it's time to run those assets through a Vegas convention again :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 03, 2014, 11:10:52 AM
Nick Griffin of BNP "fame" bankrupt
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25590155
Quote"Being bankrupt does NOT prevent me being or standing as an MEP. It does free me from financial worries."

He probably should have consolidated his debt into a single easy monthly repayment. Or maybe that's what he did. Either way old idiot eye continues to amuse.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Random Probability on January 03, 2014, 11:52:50 PM
Quote from: LuciferX on January 01, 2014, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: Cain on December 31, 2013, 05:15:37 PM
Ah yes, the near mythical East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

Of course, if I were a CIA strategist (and had my sense of conscience surgically removed and had no ability to see more than 10 years into the future and had no concept of blowback), I would also get these guys set free and put in some insignificant part of Europe - and then go back a few years later, and see if they could be used to recruit an external network for Islamist extremists targeting China.
Methinks that seems rather an overdetermination of requirements :lulz:

Speaking of which, does anybody else remember the big "jail break" that occurred a suspicious amount of time after the Snowden leak?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on January 04, 2014, 06:51:45 AM
Quote from: Random Probability on January 03, 2014, 11:52:50 PM
Quote from: LuciferX on January 01, 2014, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: Cain on December 31, 2013, 05:15:37 PM
Ah yes, the near mythical East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

Of course, if I were a CIA strategist (and had my sense of conscience surgically removed and had no ability to see more than 10 years into the future and had no concept of blowback), I would also get these guys set free and put in some insignificant part of Europe - and then go back a few years later, and see if they could be used to recruit an external network for Islamist extremists targeting China.
Methinks that seems rather an overdetermination of requirements :lulz:

Speaking of which, does anybody else remember the big "jail break" that occurred a suspicious amount of time after the Snowden leak?
QuoteMelancholy and depth are concordant...  that memory is the depth of science
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 04, 2014, 09:10:34 AM
Quote from: Random Probability on January 03, 2014, 11:52:50 PM
Speaking of which, does anybody else remember the big "jail break" that occurred a suspicious amount of time after the Snowden leak?

I do.  My thoughts were recruitment for a bit of fun in Syria...or the Iranian eastern border.  US allies, notably Jordan (and so probably Saudi Arabia) have access to these facilities.

Just by coincidence, Al-Qaeda in Iraq and al-Sharm is now the most powerful Al-Qaeda faction in the world and a new, previously unheard of but suspiciously cohesive Sunni group is attacking military checkpoints in Iranian Baluchistan.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 06, 2014, 09:28:44 AM
Nothing totally suspicious here at all:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25598791

QuoteA world-renowned hacker, who died in San Francisco in July, overdosed on a mix of heroin, cocaine and other drugs, a coroner's report shows.

New Zealand-born Barnaby Jack was found dead in his bed a week before he was scheduled to give a talk at an event.

An autopsy revealed that "acute mixed drug intoxication" led to his death, San Francisco's medical examiner said.

Mr Jack rose to fame after a 2010 demonstration, in which he hacked a cash machine, making it give out money.

The technique was dubbed "Jackpotting".

QuoteMr Jack's death occurred shortly before he was due to demonstrate how heart implants could be hacked at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas.

He had said one technique could kill a man from 30 feet (nine metres) away.

Really hard not to suspect something foul afoot here, particularly given his areas of interest.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on January 07, 2014, 04:21:25 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/ (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 07, 2014, 06:18:11 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on January 07, 2014, 04:21:25 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/ (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/)

You know, I can't even tell what's satire and what's real anymore.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 07, 2014, 06:18:21 AM
Fantastic, they can put him next to Hanuman.
Priapus wouldn't be amiss on a government building, either. Someone should see to that - where are the fucking pagans when they're actually WANTED for something?

In other news http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/pastafarian-sworn-in-wearing-colander-town-council
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 07, 2014, 08:13:53 AM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on January 07, 2014, 06:18:11 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on January 07, 2014, 04:21:25 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/ (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/)

You know, I can't even tell what's satire and what's real anymore.

This is actually a thing. There was a law change by Republicans to enable Christian iconography to be stuck up with no thought to unintended consequences because everyone's Christian in america, right?

If it will raise the cash or actually cause a positive change in the law well, come on, laugh with me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 06:09:02 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/07/impatient-nc-cops-allegedly-shoot-mentally-ill-teen-we-dont-have-time-for-this/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/07/state-investigating-fatal-shooting-mentally-ill-nc-teen-by-officer/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 07, 2014, 06:14:11 PM
Quote from: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 06:09:02 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/07/impatient-nc-cops-allegedly-shoot-mentally-ill-teen-we-dont-have-time-for-this/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/07/state-investigating-fatal-shooting-mentally-ill-nc-teen-by-officer/

Holy fuck, that kid was white! Are they allowed to do that?  :eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 07, 2014, 07:15:17 PM
Quote from: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 06:09:02 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/07/impatient-nc-cops-allegedly-shoot-mentally-ill-teen-we-dont-have-time-for-this/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/07/state-investigating-fatal-shooting-mentally-ill-nc-teen-by-officer/

Not surprising that Fox drops the "no time for this" quip. I hope the two restraining the kid really hate the asshole who shot him because I've got a horrible feeling he'll walk away from this. You'd hope this would be enough to break the blue line. If it isn't then the year's going to set a new bar for police fuckery. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 07:35:27 PM
Yah, I'm going to try to follow this one.


Oh, this is funny:
North Carolina Politician Pens Resignation Letter In Klingon
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/03/north-carolina-klingon_n_4536755.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 07, 2014, 07:52:12 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on January 07, 2014, 06:14:11 PM
Quote from: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 06:09:02 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/07/impatient-nc-cops-allegedly-shoot-mentally-ill-teen-we-dont-have-time-for-this/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/07/state-investigating-fatal-shooting-mentally-ill-nc-teen-by-officer/

Holy fuck, that kid was white! Are they allowed to do that?  :eek:

It's OK, he was a crazy white person. That's becoming a national service.

Kind of curious as to the inside joke and real resignation reasons on the other. More time to work on a write in campaign sounds like bullshit and its a very early jump. Forced out or jumping before pushed?

I'll stick a £5 on there being something sexual in the mix as well because politics.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 07, 2014, 08:05:31 PM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on January 07, 2014, 06:18:11 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on January 07, 2014, 04:21:25 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/ (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/)

You know, I can't even tell what's satire and what's real anymore.

We have reached the Asshat Singularity.  And I for one couldn't be happier.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on January 08, 2014, 04:30:39 AM
Quote from: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 07:35:27 PM
Yah, I'm going to try to follow this one.


Oh, this is funny:
North Carolina Politician Pens Resignation Letter In Klingon
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/03/north-carolina-klingon_n_4536755.html
At least now there's time to focus on improving downhill performance.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 08, 2014, 06:53:20 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on January 07, 2014, 08:05:31 PM
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on January 07, 2014, 06:18:11 AM
Quote from: Mome Papess Trivial on January 07, 2014, 04:21:25 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/ (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/06/satanic-temple-unveils-7-foot-goat-headed-baphomet-statue-for-oklahoma-capitol/)

You know, I can't even tell what's satire and what's real anymore.

We have reached the Asshat Singularity.  And I for one couldn't be happier.

It's a beautiful multiverse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 09, 2014, 04:37:46 PM
Interestingly, Mein Kampf (http://gawker.com/mein-kampf-is-one-of-the-bestselling-political-books-of-1497845535) is one of the biggest-selling ebooks of 2013.

Of course, it's being bought entirely by interested academics and amateur historians, of course.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 09, 2014, 04:42:27 PM
Hitler is hot this quarter.  Buy buy BUY before the market levels out!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 09, 2014, 11:57:42 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 07, 2014, 07:15:17 PM
Quote from: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 06:09:02 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/07/impatient-nc-cops-allegedly-shoot-mentally-ill-teen-we-dont-have-time-for-this/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/07/state-investigating-fatal-shooting-mentally-ill-nc-teen-by-officer/

Not surprising that Fox drops the "no time for this" quip. I hope the two restraining the kid really hate the asshole who shot him because I've got a horrible feeling he'll walk away from this. You'd hope this would be enough to break the blue line. If it isn't then the year's going to set a new bar for police fuckery.

From the FOX article:

QuoteBoth parents said Vidal had just turned 18 years old and weighed about 90 pounds.

QuoteBoth parents said Vidal had just turned 18 years old and weighed about 90 pounds.

QuoteBoth parents said Vidal had just turned 18 years old and weighed about 90 pounds.

But wait:

QuoteOfficers used a stun gun on Vidal and then a shot was fired and Vidal was hit, he added.

OK, they're still FOX. "A shot just happened to be fired and OOPSIE"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 10, 2014, 11:57:40 PM
That is one of the saddest things I have ever read.

I am really disturbed by the lawyer's statement, simply because I bet he's right. I bet they'll find no wrongdoing. And officers will go one with carte blanche to shoot whoever they want, whenever they want.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on January 12, 2014, 12:44:26 AM
Quote from: Telarus on January 07, 2014, 06:09:02 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/07/impatient-nc-cops-allegedly-shoot-mentally-ill-teen-we-dont-have-time-for-this/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/07/state-investigating-fatal-shooting-mentally-ill-nc-teen-by-officer/
I'm going to tweet it when I get home(and can do so).  I will try to keep an eye on it.
Quote from: Nigel's Red Velveteen Skinmeat Snacks on January 10, 2014, 11:57:40 PM
I bet they'll find no wrongdoing. And officers will go one with carte blanche to shoot whoever they want, whenever they want.
:sad: pretty much.
Because, you know, us lunatics are dangerous...
http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/about-us/our-blog/69-no-state/2030-new-study-mentally-ill-are-often-targets-of-violence
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 13, 2014, 12:48:29 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25709371

QuoteThe inventor of the Kalashnikov assault rifle apparently wrote to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church before he died expressing fears he was personally responsible for the people it killed.

Mikhail Kalashnikov, who died last month aged 94, wrote a long emotional letter to Patriarch Kirill in May 2012, church officials say.

He said he was suffering "spiritual pain" over the many deaths it caused.

Kalashnikov had previously refused to accept responsibility for those killed.

QuoteIt's unclear, though, how much of this he wrote himself. Izvestia quotes Kalashnikov's daughter, Elena, as saying she believes a priest helped her father compose the letter

An odd tale. There's benefit here for someone, but I'm not sure who. Putin/Russian Orthodox Church would be the easy and obvious guesses but I can't see any gain for them compared to silence on the subject. He seemed to have made little cash from the design so financial incentive is probably out.

Which leaves me with an old scared man facing the end and not wanting to admit to himself that he may have been directly culpable for countless deaths.

Needless to say, I think the reply from the church would be very interesting indeed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 13, 2014, 12:55:04 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25641247

QuoteParents suspected of child abuse should flee the country rather than face justice in the family courts, one MP has told BBC Panorama.

Liberal Democrat John Hemming, chairman of the Justice for Families campaign group, said parents should "go abroad", if it is legal.

But the courts advisory service, Cafcass, said going abroad did not solve the problem for most parents.

The government said family justice reform was a "critical priority".

In 2012, local authorities made a record 10,218 applications to take children away from parents.

This figure was 11% higher than in 2010-11 and 61.6% higher than in 2007-08, according to Cafcass, which said applications had been rising since the case of Baby P in 2008.

This Panorama will probably be worth watching. I'd suspect many will take him up on his idea of "bugger it - bail" and the resulting kids who end up overseas will have a variety of lives. I sadly bet that many will not end well or last long.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 14, 2014, 09:43:19 AM
Hey, who had mid-january for the Pope to start showing the crazy?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25723422

QuotePope Francis has issued his strongest condemnation yet of abortion, calling it a "horrific" symptom of a "throwaway culture" that placed too little value on human life.

He said it was was "frightful" to think about early pregnancy terminations.

Since his election in March, the pope has not spoken out against abortion as sternly as his predecessors.

He made the comments is his yearly "State of the World" address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican.

"It is horrific even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day," he said in part of the speech that addressed the rights of children around the world.

"Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food and dispensable objects, but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as unnecessary."

QuoteOur correspondent says that the Pope's stance favouring mercy over condemnation has made more conservative Roman Catholics uneasy, but they will welcome his latest remarks.

Just to be clear, Abortion is always bad and favouring condemnation over mercy will make you friends in the catholic church. There's something to be said about how this reflects on our own punishment obsessed cultures, but I might start making some kind of point.

Laugh, Laugh at the funny Pope.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 14, 2014, 10:45:00 AM
For fans of UK infrastucture projects, HS2 continues to go for broke in all possible regards:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25724576

QuoteThe new chairman of HS2 has pledged to deliver the high-speed rail project more cheaply, as he started the job.

Sir David Higgins also told the BBC his priorities were to build the £50bn project more quickly and "get benefits to the north earlier".

There is "no other way" to make a "step-change" to the UK's transport capacity, he told BBC Radio 4 Today.

The real fun will come in after the thing is finished, found to be unprofitable and sold off at a massive loss. It's also fun to note that despite the stated "will cut costs" the number is now at £50 Billion. I'm guessing north of 75 minimum by the time it's all done and dusted.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 14, 2014, 01:41:17 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 14, 2014, 09:43:19 AM
Hey, who had mid-january for the Pope to start showing the crazy?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25723422

QuotePope Francis has issued his strongest condemnation yet of abortion, calling it a "horrific" symptom of a "throwaway culture" that placed too little value on human life.

He said it was was "frightful" to think about early pregnancy terminations.

Since his election in March, the pope has not spoken out against abortion as sternly as his predecessors.

He made the comments is his yearly "State of the World" address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican.

"It is horrific even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day," he said in part of the speech that addressed the rights of children around the world.

"Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food and dispensable objects, but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as unnecessary."

QuoteOur correspondent says that the Pope's stance favouring mercy over condemnation has made more conservative Roman Catholics uneasy, but they will welcome his latest remarks.

Just to be clear, Abortion is always bad and favouring condemnation over mercy will make you friends in the catholic church. There's something to be said about how this reflects on our own punishment obsessed cultures, but I might start making some kind of point.

Laugh, Laugh at the funny Pope.

I don't think he's crazy.  I think he just has strong and opposing (to us) views on this particular subject.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 14, 2014, 02:30:42 PM
Maybe a bad way of phrasing it. I was more thinking that the cracks are starting to show in the nice old man façade. You knew it was coming, but he did a good show of not dealing with it for a while. He's opened his mouth about it now though so further comment is practically mandated.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 14, 2014, 02:38:53 PM
As far as I can tell, it falls in line with current church doctrine.  I don't see the crazy, or the cracks.


Although, it would be interesting to have a conversation with him regarding the studies involving poverty and abortion (http://www.ansirh.org/research/turnaway.php), to see how he reconciles the two.

QuoteAlthough the women who participated in the Turnaway Study were in comparable economic positions when they sought abortions, the woman who were unable to terminate their unwanted pregnancies were more likely to have slipped into poverty just a year later.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 14, 2014, 02:48:32 PM
Well the thing is, that's a conversation that he'll never have now. Any chance of him breaking from standard doctrine has pretty much vanished. I have no idea why, but there seemed to be a bit of optimism about this guy for some reason. I guess it was more noticeable to me as "Here's the new Pope, same as the old Pope". Like the last few posts in the science/tech weekly thread show, this stuff gains more traction practically daily and it's getting to a point where advocating the opposite is probably either done by routine, stupidity or evil.

As I can't prove "evil" (though historical evidence is odd remember) and doubt he's a fool (Managed to convince the others to vote for him) then it leaves me thinking he's saying this shit because this is the kind of shit a pope says.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 15, 2014, 03:42:04 PM
Just so you're aware, the narrative around Chris Christie and the Traffic Problems of Petty Vengeance is falling apart.

Instead, it seems like what occured may have a lot more to do with a certain real-estate deal (http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/christie-faces-speculation-about-aides-real-motives-in-new-jersey-bridge-scandal/2014/01/14/7adacd1a-7d60-11e3-9556-4a4bf7bcbd84_story.html)...

QuoteCouncilman Joseph L. Cervieri Jr. said the mayor discussed the possibility of endorsing Christie late last spring or in the early summer and quickly dismissed it.

"The whole conversation was maybe a two-minute conversation," Cervieri said. That such a minor slight could trigger such a major retaliation months later, as the governor was heading for a landslide victory, is "a possibility — but what is the probability?"

QuoteStill other conjecture swirls around a billion-dollar redevelopment project that is underway at the foot of the George Washington Bridge.

"Part of the marketing is easy access to the George Washington Bridge," Weinberg said.

There's no coherent theory yet...but the possibility has only been bandied around for a few days now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 15, 2014, 03:48:48 PM
What, sort of a "nice traffic pattern you've got there, it'd be a shame if anything happened to it" kind of thing?

The various emails and texts do seem to support petty vengance, but if theyr meeting was really that short, then I'd say that increases the probability that it really was some underlings fucking around and not letting the big man know about it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 15, 2014, 04:20:29 PM
One theory I've heard suggests it was devised to undermine the "easy access" advertising of the real estate developers, to shake them down for money for a Presidential campaign bid.

But that doesn't quite ring right either.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 15, 2014, 07:13:40 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on January 14, 2014, 02:38:53 PM
As far as I can tell, it falls in line with current church doctrine.  I don't see the crazy, or the cracks.


Although, it would be interesting to have a conversation with him regarding the studies involving poverty and abortion (http://www.ansirh.org/research/turnaway.php), to see how he reconciles the two.

QuoteAlthough the women who participated in the Turnaway Study were in comparable economic positions when they sought abortions, the woman who were unable to terminate their unwanted pregnancies were more likely to have slipped into poverty just a year later.

Yep. Actual people who are thrown away > fetuses that are thrown away.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 16, 2014, 02:03:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 14, 2014, 02:48:32 PM
Well the thing is, that's a conversation that he'll never have now. Any chance of him breaking from standard doctrine has pretty much vanished. I have no idea why, but there seemed to be a bit of optimism about this guy for some reason. I guess it was more noticeable to me as "Here's the new Pope, same as the old Pope". Like the last few posts in the science/tech weekly thread show, this stuff gains more traction practically daily and it's getting to a point where advocating the opposite is probably either done by routine, stupidity or evil.

As I can't prove "evil" (though historical evidence is odd remember) and doubt he's a fool (Managed to convince the others to vote for him) then it leaves me thinking he's saying this shit because this is the kind of shit a pope says.

Popes can't just contradict previous popes anytime they please.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 02:57:44 PM
I understand that on one level, but there's still a monkey in my head shouting "WHY NOT".

A Pope that took say, a sensible stance on birth control would be an incredible force for good. Not being able to do so just seems like the institution will always be a force if not for evil then for the continued shittiness.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 16, 2014, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 02:57:44 PM
I understand that on one level, but there's still a monkey in my head shouting "WHY NOT".

A Pope that took say, a sensible stance on birth control would be an incredible force for good. Not being able to do so just seems like the institution will always be a force if not for evil then for the continued shittiness.

Comes down to papal infallibility.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on January 16, 2014, 03:38:01 PM
Like with any head of state, the Pope's power isn't absolute. The Pope is the leader of the RCC, and has quite a bit of power and influence, but is still smaller than the organization he leads. The Church is very capable of removing "heretical" Popes from office, and has done so in the past. The people believe in the Pope and support him (usually) as long as the Pope serves to reinforce their higher belief and faith in the Church as an institution. He can lead the way to change, but he can't just declare it to be so, especially these days when it's more or less considered bad manners to have his vocal opponents beheaded. If his reforms are to have any lasting effect at all, he has to avoid crossing the line between "reformer" and "radical." Like that time some guy in Egypt wiped out all the references to the old gods and forced everyone to become monotheists - soon as he was dead, they erased him from their history.

Everybody wants everything done yesterday, and in the case of the Roman Catholic Church, I agree that it's a few centuries behind schedule when it comes to generally not being a force for shittiness. But let's not forget this is the Roman Catholic Church. These assholes took four centuries to finally apologize to Galileo. Things being what they are, I think Francis has done what he can do at this point -- and he's already in hot water with half of his congregation. Pushing things to far will probably just get the rest of the Catholic establishment to put up with him while blocking his reforms from taking root, and then quickly undoing everything he's done once he's out of office (one way or another). One promising thing to note is that he has been reorganizing many of the top posts among the cardinals, removing some of the most vocal proponents of the Culture War. His overall strategy seems to be one of softening the tone and removing some of the hateful elements of the establishment, paving the way for deeper reforms after he's gone.

Or, he's just an asshat trying to stop the Church hemorrhaging membership by pretending a put a happy face on the whole thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on January 16, 2014, 07:33:46 PM


Quote from: V3X on January 16, 2014, 03:38:01 PMHis overall strategy seems to be one of softening the tone and removing some of the hateful elements of the establishment, paving the way for deeper reforms after he's gone.

I sincerely hope that's what he's after.

Quote from: V3X on January 16, 2014, 03:38:01 PM
He can lead the way to change, but he can't just declare it to be so, especially these days when it's more or less considered bad manners to have his vocal opponents beheaded.

:cry: They always take out the FUN stuff!

*wants to behead vocal opponents*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 16, 2014, 08:33:38 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on January 16, 2014, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 02:57:44 PM
I understand that on one level, but there's still a monkey in my head shouting "WHY NOT".

A Pope that took say, a sensible stance on birth control would be an incredible force for good. Not being able to do so just seems like the institution will always be a force if not for evil then for the continued shittiness.

Comes down to papal infallibility.

"Papal infallibility" sounds a lot like "digging your heels in and screeching".  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 08:41:27 PM
Yes, but the Pope has to do so in Latin.

Because nothing shores up bullshit like a dead language.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on January 16, 2014, 09:01:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 08:41:27 PM
Yes, but the Pope has to do so in Latin.

Because nothing shores up bullshit like a dead language.

I actually liked going to Catholic mass a long time ago, until they started doing it all in English. Completely fucked the mystery and ritual.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:11:29 PM
QuoteHis overall strategy seems to be one of softening the tone and removing some of the hateful elements of the establishment, paving the way for deeper reforms after he's gone.

More seriously, if this is the case, fuck this guy.

Here's why: He's essentially betting on others making gradual incremental changes to some future positive effect. At best the given timescales seem to be in centuries so it's a bit of a long shot. If you're smart enough to think that far ahead, you're smart enough to do shit now to a much more immediate positive effect. We talk about the man as a bit of joke, at least I do, but this is still an incredibly influential figurehead with access to VAST wealth and huge cultural impact on the 3rd world.

Instead, I see yet another old man in a strange hat who only really cares about keeping shit ticking over. A speech is a powerful tool and he makes them like clockwork. I just wish he'd say/visibly,effectively do something that was actually as progressive as this guy apparently is. The more I think on it, this possible plan is fucked from the start as hellfire and brimstone always filled more seats than love and peace.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 16, 2014, 09:13:33 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:11:29 PM
QuoteHis overall strategy seems to be one of softening the tone and removing some of the hateful elements of the establishment, paving the way for deeper reforms after he's gone.

More seriously, if this is the case, fuck this guy.

Here's why: He's essentially betting on others making gradual incremental changes to some future positive effect. At best the given timescales seem to be in centuries so it's a bit of a long shot. If you're smart enough to think that far ahead, you're smart enough to do shit now to a much more immediate positive effect. We talk about the man as a bit of joke, at least I do, but this is still an incredibly influential figurehead with access to VAST wealth and huge cultural impact on the 3rd world.

Instead, I see yet another old man in a strange hat who only really cares about keeping shit ticking over. A speech is a powerful tool and he makes them like clockwork. I just wish he'd say/visibly,effectively do something that was actually as progressive as this guy apparently is. The more I think on it, this possible plan is fucked from the start as hellfire and brimstone always filled more seats than love and peace.

Okay.  So some improvement is as bad as no improvement at all.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:13:54 PM
Quote from: V3X on January 16, 2014, 09:01:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 08:41:27 PM
Yes, but the Pope has to do so in Latin.

Because nothing shores up bullshit like a dead language.

I actually liked going to Catholic mass a long time ago, until they started doing it all in English. Completely fucked the mystery and ritual.

It was one of the reasons I tended to respect Catholic priests more than protestant ones. At least the RC's can get a chant going. COE is the closest existing thing to the living death.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:15:04 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on January 16, 2014, 09:13:33 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:11:29 PM
QuoteHis overall strategy seems to be one of softening the tone and removing some of the hateful elements of the establishment, paving the way for deeper reforms after he's gone.

More seriously, if this is the case, fuck this guy.

Here's why: He's essentially betting on others making gradual incremental changes to some future positive effect. At best the given timescales seem to be in centuries so it's a bit of a long shot. If you're smart enough to think that far ahead, you're smart enough to do shit now to a much more immediate positive effect. We talk about the man as a bit of joke, at least I do, but this is still an incredibly influential figurehead with access to VAST wealth and huge cultural impact on the 3rd world.

Instead, I see yet another old man in a strange hat who only really cares about keeping shit ticking over. A speech is a powerful tool and he makes them like clockwork. I just wish he'd say/visibly,effectively do something that was actually as progressive as this guy apparently is. The more I think on it, this possible plan is fucked from the start as hellfire and brimstone always filled more seats than love and peace.

Okay.  So some improvement is as bad as no improvement at all.

Well no, it's just the apparent some improvement seems to be largely behind the scenes so I can't really assume anything positive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:20:17 PM
QuoteLike that time some guy in Egypt wiped out all the references to the old gods and forced everyone to become monotheists - soon as he was dead, they erased him from their history.

That's another thing, this is no longer a viable fear. Technology has moved on somewhat. He says something in public, particularly something "radical" which can be largely agreed with by 60%+ of the general population, and he changes the entire game.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 16, 2014, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:20:17 PM
QuoteLike that time some guy in Egypt wiped out all the references to the old gods and forced everyone to become monotheists - soon as he was dead, they erased him from their history.

That's another thing, this is no longer a viable fear. Technology has moved on somewhat. He says something in public, particularly something "radical" which can be largely agreed with by 60%+ of the general population, and he changes the entire game.

And gets unseated by the college of cardinals, who then install a conservative.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:51:38 PM
By this point, I figure it's worth a roll of the dice. I'm open to better ideas. And filled with work related bile.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 16, 2014, 09:53:07 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:51:38 PM
By this point, I figure it's worth a roll of the dice. I'm open to better ideas. And filled with work related bile.

So, we give a new pope 4 weeks to completely change the Catholic church, and then toss him out and roll the dice?

Okay.  I'm down with it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 16, 2014, 09:55:32 PM
IT. COULD! WORK!

                                   /
(http://media.screened.com/uploads/0/1144/148249-wilder.jpg)

I've got nothing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on January 16, 2014, 10:06:14 PM
First of all, he probably doesn't believe that gays or women should be 100% equal to straight males in the eyes of the Church. He is a reformer, but that doesn't mean he's secretly a Marxist or a Feminist or even all that keen on equal rights for LGBTs in general. So even if he did have the power to institute immediate, radical changes in Church doctrine (which for the multiple reasons I stated before, he DOESN'T), he wouldn't do it. But he's also clearly acknowledging that the Church is backward and outdated in many of the ways it goes about its business, if not the fundamental doctrines underpinning the faith. So he is giving the Church a much needed housecleaning to get it a little lighter on its feet so it is capable of moving faster on social change issues - which will, over time, allow the Church to amend its standing on some of its more basic doctrinal stances.

Look, I'm not a fan of the RCC in anything except its sense of aesthetics. I wish everyone would quit being Catholic this afternoon. But just because I disagree with the RCC strongly on what I believe to be fairly sturdy moral grounds, doesn't mean that an abrupt change in its direction wouldn't tear the entire organization to pieces - doubtlessly leaving a majority of its followers still headed in the same direction as they were before, only more determined to never ever change. As much as the Church tells its followers what to believe and how to behave, they also tell the Church what it is allowed to teach. That's the nature of a huge organization. It can lead the way to change, but it must do so incrementally and slowly if it wants to maintain legitimacy in the eyes of its members and influence over their opinions. With an institution the size and age of the RCC, yes, time often moves on the scale of centuries, or at least decades. There are still Catholics who are pissed off about Vatican II, for fuck's sake. You're not going to turn that boat on a dime, no matter how much you or anyone else wishes you could.

I also think it's a little disturbing how everyone wants everything to happen right fucking NOW NOW NOW. Thanks, Internet. Would you be blaming Suffragettes for taking half-measures against patriarchy because all they wanted was the vote? Things take time, no matter what it seems like on the evening news. Especially with things as deeply held as human sexual identity, you can't just say "well we all believe X now." You have to move slowly so the masses end up thinking that they've always believed X.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 17, 2014, 10:53:46 AM
While I'm as critical of the Pope's former career as anyone, I've been surprised by how open to criticizing especially financial power he has been.

It's worth noting he is the first Pope Francis, and he is specifically named for St Francis of Assisi.  It's worth looking into his career progression, if you're only up on the "he liked animals" bit.  St. Francis was very unpopular with the Church hierarchy, and was quite lucky not to be burnt as a heretic.

The Pope has to sort out his own house, though.  The corruption of the Vatican Bank is a particular worry, as is the element that meddle with French and Italian politics with a barely disguised glee.  Popes have been killed before...and in living memory, too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 17, 2014, 11:41:31 AM
Quote from: V3X on January 16, 2014, 10:06:14 PM
First of all, he probably doesn't believe that gays or women should be 100% equal to straight males in the eyes of the Church. He is a reformer, but that doesn't mean he's secretly a Marxist or a Feminist or even all that keen on equal rights for LGBTs in general. So even if he did have the power to institute immediate, radical changes in Church doctrine (which for the multiple reasons I stated before, he DOESN'T), he wouldn't do it. But he's also clearly acknowledging that the Church is backward and outdated in many of the ways it goes about its business, if not the fundamental doctrines underpinning the faith. So he is giving the Church a much needed housecleaning to get it a little lighter on its feet so it is capable of moving faster on social change issues - which will, over time, allow the Church to amend its standing on some of its more basic doctrinal stances.

Look, I'm not a fan of the RCC in anything except its sense of aesthetics. I wish everyone would quit being Catholic this afternoon. But just because I disagree with the RCC strongly on what I believe to be fairly sturdy moral grounds, doesn't mean that an abrupt change in its direction wouldn't tear the entire organization to pieces - doubtlessly leaving a majority of its followers still headed in the same direction as they were before, only more determined to never ever change. As much as the Church tells its followers what to believe and how to behave, they also tell the Church what it is allowed to teach. That's the nature of a huge organization. It can lead the way to change, but it must do so incrementally and slowly if it wants to maintain legitimacy in the eyes of its members and influence over their opinions. With an institution the size and age of the RCC, yes, time often moves on the scale of centuries, or at least decades. There are still Catholics who are pissed off about Vatican II, for fuck's sake. You're not going to turn that boat on a dime, no matter how much you or anyone else wishes you could.

I also think it's a little disturbing how everyone wants everything to happen right fucking NOW NOW NOW. Thanks, Internet. Would you be blaming Suffragettes for taking half-measures against patriarchy because all they wanted was the vote? Things take time, no matter what it seems like on the evening news. Especially with things as deeply held as human sexual identity, you can't just say "well we all believe X now." You have to move slowly so the masses end up thinking that they've always believed X.

This! What we're dealing with here is an ocean of dumb and we're what? Hoping it gets smart overnight? These guys are only just beginning to get their heads around concepts like biology, which goes against their entire worldview, btw. Progress will not be anytime soon and incremental steps toward - slightly less retarded - are always going to be better than nothing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on January 18, 2014, 02:11:23 AM
OK, this is different... mass fainting in factories , vietnam and cambodia? Malmnourished garment workers protesting in the only socially acceptable way they have? Dunno, but its definitely interesting...

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/opinion/workers-of-the-world-faint.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on January 18, 2014, 03:17:09 AM
Quote from: inode_buddha on January 18, 2014, 02:11:23 AM
OK, this is different... mass fainting in factories , vietnam and cambodia? Malmnourished garment workers protesting in the only socially acceptable way they have? Dunno, but its definitely interesting...

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/opinion/workers-of-the-world-faint.html

Cool!
*waves dead chicken at article*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on January 18, 2014, 11:12:53 PM
Had not heard anything about this:

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/10/21852934-uruguay-becomes-first-country-to-legalize-marijuana-trade?lite

QuoteUruguay became the first country to legalize the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana on Tuesday, a pioneering social experiment that will be closely watched by other nations debating drug liberalization.
A government-sponsored bill approved by 16-13 votes in the Senate provides for regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at wresting the business from criminals in the small South American nation.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 18, 2014, 11:47:09 PM
Quote from: hylierandom, A.D.D. on January 18, 2014, 11:12:53 PM
Had not heard anything about this:

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/10/21852934-uruguay-becomes-first-country-to-legalize-marijuana-trade?lite

QuoteUruguay became the first country to legalize the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana on Tuesday, a pioneering social experiment that will be closely watched by other nations debating drug liberalization.
A government-sponsored bill approved by 16-13 votes in the Senate provides for regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at wresting the business from criminals in the small South American nation.

It annoys the shit out of me that news articles keep referring to legalization as an "experiment", as if prohibition is the natural default condition and not something we invented in the twentieth century.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 20, 2014, 09:54:51 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25802437

QuoteUKIP has suspended an Oxfordshire councillor after he blamed recent flooding on the government's decision to legalise gay marriage.

In a letter to his local paper, David Silvester said he had warned the PM the legislation would result in "disaster".

He said David Cameron had acted "arrogantly against the Gospel".

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was entitled to his "strong Baptist view of the world", but had defied a request not to do further media interviews.

Mr Farage said: "So we suspended him, quite rightly."

Still got a horrible feeling that this band of fools and cretins will end up being a coalition partner at the next elections.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: inode_buddha on January 21, 2014, 03:34:37 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 20, 2014, 09:54:51 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25802437

QuoteUKIP has suspended an Oxfordshire councillor after he blamed recent flooding on the government's decision to legalise gay marriage.

In a letter to his local paper, David Silvester said he had warned the PM the legislation would result in "disaster".

He said David Cameron had acted "arrogantly against the Gospel".

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was entitled to his "strong Baptist view of the world", but had defied a request not to do further media interviews.

Mr Farage said: "So we suspended him, quite rightly."

Still got a horrible feeling that this band of fools and cretins will end up being a coalition partner at the next elections.

Oh, cool. It was getting so terribly boring to pick on Texas all the time. It loses its novelty after a while, to be tossed aside like the cheap whore that it is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 21, 2014, 03:36:43 AM
Quote from: inode_buddha on January 21, 2014, 03:34:37 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 20, 2014, 09:54:51 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25802437

QuoteUKIP has suspended an Oxfordshire councillor after he blamed recent flooding on the government's decision to legalise gay marriage.

In a letter to his local paper, David Silvester said he had warned the PM the legislation would result in "disaster".

He said David Cameron had acted "arrogantly against the Gospel".

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was entitled to his "strong Baptist view of the world", but had defied a request not to do further media interviews.

Mr Farage said: "So we suspended him, quite rightly."

Still got a horrible feeling that this band of fools and cretins will end up being a coalition partner at the next elections.

Oh, cool. It was getting so terribly boring to pick on Texas all the time. It loses its novelty after a while, to be tossed aside like the cheap whore that it is.

Texas will always http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYa-pFh_sHA

I mean, God bless Texas.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on January 21, 2014, 11:45:04 AM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on January 21, 2014, 03:36:43 AM
Texas will always http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYa-pFh_sHA
I mean, God bless Texas.

...I should brush my teeth more...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on January 22, 2014, 04:56:23 PM
http://newday.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/16/fda-acetaminophen-doses-over-325-mg-might-lead-to-liver-damage/


Oh, you FDA. You MADE the manufacturers put acetaminophen in Vicodin & other opiods ON PURPOSE (it's an "adulterant" that is supposed to "deter addiction"). And then you went "oops, maybe they should put less of that in those drugs".

My friend died of liver failure a few years ago because the first hospital he saw looked at his yellowed, jaundiced skin and went "You're a drunk, go home" instead of being aware of this and asking how much opiates he had been prescribed/taking.

Fuck those people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 22, 2014, 08:08:48 PM
Quote from: Dirty Old Uncle Roger on January 21, 2014, 03:36:43 AM
Quote from: inode_buddha on January 21, 2014, 03:34:37 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on January 20, 2014, 09:54:51 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25802437

QuoteUKIP has suspended an Oxfordshire councillor after he blamed recent flooding on the government's decision to legalise gay marriage.

In a letter to his local paper, David Silvester said he had warned the PM the legislation would result in "disaster".

He said David Cameron had acted "arrogantly against the Gospel".

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was entitled to his "strong Baptist view of the world", but had defied a request not to do further media interviews.

Mr Farage said: "So we suspended him, quite rightly."

Still got a horrible feeling that this band of fools and cretins will end up being a coalition partner at the next elections.

Oh, cool. It was getting so terribly boring to pick on Texas all the time. It loses its novelty after a while, to be tossed aside like the cheap whore that it is.

Texas will always http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYa-pFh_sHA

I mean, God bless Texas.

Amazing, it's ALL THERE.
The WHOLE STATE summed up in ONE video.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 24, 2014, 09:10:09 AM
Remember Tommy Robinson of Ex-EDL fame?

Well:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25862838

QuoteFormer English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been jailed for 18 months for mortgage fraud.

Robinson, 31, from Bedfordshire, who stood down from the EDL last year, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court after pleading guilty last November.

The fraud amounted to £160,000 over a period of six months.

QuoteJudge Andrew Bright QC described him as the "instigator, if not the architect" of some of the frauds.

Passing sentence, the judge told him: "This was an operation which was fraudulent from the outset and involved a significant amount of forward planning."

He described Robinson as a "fixer" who had introduced others to fraudulent mortgage broker Deborah Rothschild.

2014 isn't going badly at all so far.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 24, 2014, 09:21:34 AM
The annual North Korea Sabre rattling has commenced in earnest:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25873269

QuoteNorth Korea has sent an open letter to the South calling for reconciliation and an end to "hostile military acts".

The letter, published in North Korea's state media, comes weeks before South Korea is due to hold joint military drills with the US.

South Korea dismissed the letter as having a "hidden motive"

By "Hidden motive" they seem to mean "insincere threat". Taking bets on what action NK will take to show people what's what. I've got £1 on closing Kaesong again and £5 on the public execution of a foreign citizen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on January 24, 2014, 09:43:08 AM
Quote from: Telarus on January 22, 2014, 04:56:23 PM
http://newday.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/16/fda-acetaminophen-doses-over-325-mg-might-lead-to-liver-damage/


Oh, you FDA. You MADE the manufacturers put acetaminophen in Vicodin & other opiods ON PURPOSE (it's an "adulterant" that is supposed to "deter addiction"). And then you went "oops, maybe they should put less of that in those drugs".

My friend died of liver failure a few years ago because the first hospital he saw looked at his yellowed, jaundiced skin and went "You're a drunk, go home" instead of being aware of this and asking how much opiates he had been prescribed/taking.

Fuck those people.
Indeed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 24, 2014, 02:55:30 PM
Cheap laugh?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25883226

QuoteA member of the flying squad has been injured after he shot himself with his own gun in a police building in Putney, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The officer was injured when his police-issue firearm discharged at about 09:00 GMT on Monday.

Scotland Yard said the officer was on his own when the incident happened and he is now stable in hospital.

It's no wonder people are apparently losing faith in the police and the whole legal/illegal killing thing. It seems that in the absence of a viable target this chap chose himself. Or was dicking around.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on January 24, 2014, 06:41:53 PM
Words fail me:
http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2014/01/24/prisoner-rats-himself-out-with-facebook-selfie-of-cell-grown-cannabis/

QuoteA Polish prisoner has taken one of the most head-desk-bang-bang selfies ever: a picture of himself, taken on a contraband mobile phone smuggled into the prison, showing a lush, equally contraband and definitely illegal cannabis plant he grew from seed in his cell.

(http://sophosnews.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/prisoner-cannabis.jpg?w=640)

So many layers of dumb.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on January 24, 2014, 06:58:58 PM
It's impressive he was able to let the seed germinate in his ass for that long.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 26, 2014, 12:59:06 AM
Quote from: Telarus on January 22, 2014, 04:56:23 PM
http://newday.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/16/fda-acetaminophen-doses-over-325-mg-might-lead-to-liver-damage/


Oh, you FDA. You MADE the manufacturers put acetaminophen in Vicodin & other opiods ON PURPOSE (it's an "adulterant" that is supposed to "deter addiction"). And then you went "oops, maybe they should put less of that in those drugs".

My friend died of liver failure a few years ago because the first hospital he saw looked at his yellowed, jaundiced skin and went "You're a drunk, go home" instead of being aware of this and asking how much opiates he had been prescribed/taking.

Fuck those people.

Yes, it's pretty intensely fucked up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Left on January 26, 2014, 01:39:47 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on January 24, 2014, 06:58:58 PM
It's impressive he was able to let the seed germinate in his ass for that long.
:spittake:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on January 27, 2014, 08:13:02 PM
http://www.dailydot.com/news/iowa-gop-racist-facebook-post/

I like how the owner of the company wholly rejected the notion that the chart was wrong generally.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 28, 2014, 05:01:24 PM
Quote from: Alty on January 27, 2014, 08:13:02 PM
http://www.dailydot.com/news/iowa-gop-racist-facebook-post/

I like how the owner of the company wholly rejected the notion that the chart was wrong generally.

That's because he's not racist, but.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on February 03, 2014, 02:25:51 AM
http://m.vice.com/read/people-are-making-tons-of-money-betting-on-fake-pro-wrestling

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

I mean, if they were betting bitcoins....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 03, 2014, 02:43:38 AM
Quote from: Alty on February 03, 2014, 02:25:51 AM
http://m.vice.com/read/people-are-making-tons-of-money-betting-on-fake-pro-wrestling

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

I mean, if they were betting bitcoins....

WTF!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 08:17:04 AM
Keep laughing. Within 20 years people will bet on soap operas. With payday loans.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on February 03, 2014, 08:29:29 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 08:17:04 AM
Keep laughing. Within 20 years people will bet on soap operas. With payday loans.

:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 01:52:33 PM
Long running HA HA?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25996644

QuoteCanada has stripped former media baron, Conrad Black, of the Order of Canada, its highest honour.

Lord Black was also removed from the Queen's Privy Council for Canada.

He served three years in prison in the US for fraud and obstruction of justice, and was released in 2012.

If you're too young to remember why this is funny:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Black
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 03, 2014, 02:15:45 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 08:17:04 AM
Keep laughing. Within 20 years people will bet on soap operas. With payday loans.

Reality TV shows, but other than that, you're spot on.

Keep it up and you can have my job as Prophet. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 03:19:23 PM
At some point in the last few months I got a dose of future and can't shake it off.

Personally, I blame you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 03, 2014, 03:22:28 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 03:19:23 PM
At some point in the last few months I got a dose of future and can't shake it off.

Personally, I blame you.

I'm on the other side of the Atlantic ocean and there's also this glacier thing in the way, so rather than apologize, I'm just going to do the weasel dance and laugh a lot.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 03:38:13 PM
Amateur. I've not stopped twerking since November.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 03, 2014, 04:08:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 03, 2014, 03:38:13 PM
Amateur. I've not stopped twerking since November.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2014, 11:26:18 AM
It's Tuesday, 11:20 AM and it's the random news thread.

You know what that means, right?

Laughter. Sweet, sweet laughter.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26019668

QuoteA man who served as UKIP's Commonwealth spokesman for a year is the former leader of a kidnapping gang in Pakistan, BBC Newsnight has revealed.

Mujeeb ur Rehman Bhutto's gang were behind a high-profile kidnapping in Karachi in 2004 and he then took a £56,000 ransom payment in Manchester.

In 2005, Bhutto, of Leeds, admitted being the gang's "boss" and was jailed for seven years by a UK court.

UKIP said Bhutto, 35, had "recently" resigned his party membership.

A party spokesman said: "When we recently became aware of possible issues relating to his past and raised the matter with him, he resigned his membership."

QuoteBhutto said he had now joined the Conservative Party, but the Tories said they had rejected his application to become a member.

Because there are no convicted criminals in the Tory party. At all. None.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2014, 11:54:04 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26015532

QuoteThere is nothing inevitable about the weaker academic performance of poorer pupils, says an analysis of Pisa tests by the OECD's Andreas Schleicher.

Mr Schleicher, who runs the tests, says the high results of deprived pupils in some Asian countries shows what poor pupils in the UK could achieve.

The most disadvantaged pupils in Shanghai match the maths test results of wealthy pupils in the UK.

Mr Schleicher says it "debunks the myth that poverty is destiny".

Need to look into this more, but there's something odd here to say the least.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2014, 12:21:18 PM
The Amanda Knox fiasco rolls on. Barely worth discussing, really.

That said:

What's interesting about this article is really the comments. Some people have some very curious ideas about the way justice works in their country.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/amanda-knox-i-will-never-go-willingly-back-to-italy/

QuoteSWEETCAKESMARIA February 1, 2014 6:6AM
@fleetwood1955  Americans are doing what Americans typically do and that is put the criminal justice system on trial. Now all you hear about is that poor innocent girl. Well my sympathy goes out to that poor innocent murdered girl and her family.

Quote@sweetcakesmaria @fleetwood1955 Is that what we do? Use your omniscience to explain why Amanda Knox didn't return immediately to the US or at least get a lawyer if she was guilty?  Give me a motive that is at least up to a B-movie level of plausibility?  Explain how she cleaned every speck of her DNA from the victim's bedroom but left Guede's?  The US justice system is far from perfect particularly in regards to poor defendants but we do start with the supposition that everyone is guilty until proven innocent.  Whatever Italy may say, they do the opposite

Indeed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 04, 2014, 12:22:51 PM
PISA tests use a bullshit methodology, a statistical sampling of a minority of students on a minority of questions, which then generates "plausible values" which are they computed to make the national rankings.

By that standard, I can show that all of Western Europe is populated exclusively by Muslim fanatics and reality show contestants.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2014, 12:25:02 PM
Appreciated. I sensed bullshit but it's always nice to know why.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 04, 2014, 12:29:07 PM
All the evidence points to an extremely strong correlation between parental income and academic ability.  While correlation does not equal causation, I somehow doubt that a child's performance at school affects their parents careers, so I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that parental income affects educational standards.

But wait.

If we accept that, then we have to question the ever popular and trendy notion that education lifts people out of poverty.  Instead, affluence makes people better students.

And if we want people to learn...well, that brings about any number of exceedingly worrying policy prescriptions regarding wealth distribution.  Especially in a world where 85 people own half of everything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on February 05, 2014, 12:13:50 AM
http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/ (http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/)


SWAT raid over credit card fraud.

wtf
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on February 05, 2014, 12:24:05 AM
Quote from: UNREGISTERED SHARPIE USER on February 05, 2014, 12:13:50 AM
http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/ (http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/)


SWAT raid over credit card fraud.

wtf

Twas ever thus.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 05, 2014, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 04, 2014, 11:26:18 AM
It's Tuesday, 11:20 AM and it's the random news thread.

You know what that means, right?

Laughter. Sweet, sweet laughter.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26019668

QuoteA man who served as UKIP's Commonwealth spokesman for a year is the former leader of a kidnapping gang in Pakistan, BBC Newsnight has revealed.

Mujeeb ur Rehman Bhutto's gang were behind a high-profile kidnapping in Karachi in 2004 and he then took a £56,000 ransom payment in Manchester.

In 2005, Bhutto, of Leeds, admitted being the gang's "boss" and was jailed for seven years by a UK court.

UKIP said Bhutto, 35, had "recently" resigned his party membership.

A party spokesman said: "When we recently became aware of possible issues relating to his past and raised the matter with him, he resigned his membership."

QuoteBhutto said he had now joined the Conservative Party, but the Tories said they had rejected his application to become a member.

Because there are no convicted criminals in the Tory party. At all. None.

And, as it turned out, he was a Tory Party activist after leaving jail, and before he joined UKIP.

Oops.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 05, 2014, 08:25:22 AM
Quote from: UNREGISTERED SHARPIE USER on February 05, 2014, 12:13:50 AM
http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/ (http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/)


SWAT raid over credit card fraud.

wtf

I don't mean to be rude, but have you been keeping up with this era? Kids send swat teams to each others houses as practical jokes now. For CC fraud an excessive response would need at least a few corpses.

The justification that "Money can buy guns" has been used more than a few times to justify heavily armed raids on white collar criminals.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 05, 2014, 09:26:08 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26039122
QuoteLibya has destroyed all its chemical arsenal, the country's foreign minister has announced.

Mohamed Abdelaziz said that this included bombs and artillery shells filled with mustard gas.

Taking bets on how long it is until "all" becomes "most". Given the upheaval in the area since the start of the decommissioning process I would not be surprised to see some CW's turn up in unexpected hands at some point in the near future. There is certainly no shortage of potential buyers in the area and it would be an ideal purchase for many.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 05, 2014, 09:40:03 AM
Hey Cain,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26030911

QuoteThe head of Saudi Arabia's religious police - the "mutawa" - has admitted the force contains some extremists, and has promised to remove them.

Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Sheikh was quoted in the Saudi newspaper, Okaz, as saying that he would "eliminate" those he described as "advocates of sedition".

He said calls for jihad were "void".

His comments came after a royal decree on Monday specified jail terms of up to 20 years for Saudis who fight in a conflict abroad.

It also said Saudis who joined, endorsed or gave moral or material aid to "extremist religious and ideological groups, or those classified as terrorist organisations", whether inside or outside the country, faced prison.

QuoteAmong the offences labelled terrorism are any acts directly or indirectly aimed at "disturbing the public order of the state", "destabilising the security of society, or the stability of the state", "endangering its national unity", "revoking the basic law of governance or any of its articles", or "harming the reputation of the state or its standing".

Similar charges were used against almost all Saudi human rights defenders and civil society activists arrested and prosecuted in 2013.

I doubt it's likely, but would you say this would increase the chance of an arab spring like event in SA? Kind of hoping that at some point external support will drop off but I appreciate this is not likely because money.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 05, 2014, 09:57:48 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26041963

QuoteMore than 1,200 people are under investigation for a US military recruitment fraud during the Iraq war, officials say.

Two generals and dozens of colonels are implicated in the alleged scheme, in which referral fees were illegally collected for recruiting soldiers.

The fraud is said to have already cost the US government at least $29m (£17.7m) and may top $100m in total.

Details were revealed by two Army generals at a US Senate hearing.

The National Guard programme - established in 2005 and later expanded to the Army and Army Reserve - paid soldiers, civilians and retirees $2,000 to $7,500 to recruit friends and family, according to congressional documents.

According to investigators, numerous schemes were used to defraud under the programme, which saw the Army pay out more than $300m for 130,000 recruits during the Iraq war.

High school principals and guidance counsellors were said to have accepted money for recruiting students who they knew were already planning to join the US military.

There's something about that friends and family line which just makes me think "Multi-level marketing". I suspect the program was set up by someone with experience in such things too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 05, 2014, 09:59:27 AM
Ha, extremists within the mutawa?  Say it isn't so!  The mutawa was invented to corral the extremists, give 'em an income and something to do and put them on the state payroll.  The alternative was to let them all run around loose, like they did before the Grand Mosque seizure (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Mosque_Seizure#Siege).

Unfortunately, any uprising in Saudi Arabia is likely to come from it's immigrant population - who are mostly Pakistani Sunnis - and their oilfield workers - who are mostly Shia Muslims.

They, uh, don't get along too well.  Mostly as the Pakistani Sunnis insist the Shiites are apostates and tools of Iran.

The latter did try a peaceful protest Arab Spring foco thing back in 2011....unfortunately, it happened on the exact same day as a tsunami hit Japan.  As a consequence, the Saudi security forces moved in, killed a few, deported quite a few more and jailed some others, and the world failed to pay attention.

Saudi Arabia also dumped a significant amount of Islamist troublemakers into the meatgrinder that is the Syrian civil war.  According to news agencies linked to the Syrian regime (so take this with a pinch of salt) this has included your more general murderers, thieves and rapists as well as said troublemakers...though I imagine it must be hard to fight as an insurgent when you lack hands.  Or a head.

More recently, Saudi Arabia expelled a whole bunch of immigrant workers, in addition to cracking down on online criticism of the regime.  But, you know, they said they'll let women drive!  Maybe.  In the future, sometime.  Once the clerics decide it's OK.

So as usual, a gullible press has been wowed by this progressive statement from the House of Saud, and mostly ignored the fact they're still 13th century style religious bigots and feudal lords, with smartphones and machine guns.  Oh, and oil money, of course.

So no, revolution is not on the cards.  The Saudis are taking all the right steps to clamp down on dissent, internally and internationally.  If the Saudis were really worried, we'd also see an uptick in private military companies being hired...lots have offices in Dubai, so it wouldn't stay secret for long, non-disclosure agreements or no.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 05, 2014, 10:29:16 AM
As always, appreciated. I had this flash of optimism that this might have eventually led to something better for the country, eventually.

Very silly of me.

As an aside, I love how mercenaries are called "Private Military companies" these days. Harks back to the golden era when Pirates were Privateers and such. I must look into the history of these things, particularly in the modern age. How they can set up and operate legally has always been something of a mystery to me. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 05, 2014, 10:41:18 AM
Because they don't call themselves "mercenaries".

They're private security companies, offering a number of security solutions to individuals and companies operating in troubled parts of the world.  Safeguarding people and property is their aim, not warmaking.  Sometimes unfortunately these people or property happen to be in warzones, it is true, but this doesn't make them mercenaries, oh no.  They simply have a mandate to protect their employer and secure his property.  They're like security guards, only better.  Better armed, better paid and better trained.  Elite security guards, if you will.

And if that property happens to be an entire country...well, sometimes that just happens to be the case.  Who are we to question local tradition and custom?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 05, 2014, 11:11:07 AM
I think I pissed off a lot of people on my IRL Facebook.

I may have pointed out that the current hysteria being directed at the Environment Agency is entirely unjustified and being run from...certain government departments whose own role deserves more scrutiny, along with at least one vainglorious, know-nothing MP (his letter to the Environment Secretary has not, as far as I know, been made public.  But I've read it, and it exposes a deep ignorance about anything to do with the EA or floods at all).

I may have also mentioned that ire should be directed at a Treasury that has underfunded maintenance of existing flood defences for years.  I also may have said that the people on the Somerset Downs bought houses at bargain prices on a below sea-level floodplain, pay no extra taxes to pay for the upkeep on the defenses they rely on, and so are freeloading off the taxpayer.

Truth is never popular, but it's a great sorting mechanism for finding idiots on my overly large friend list.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 05, 2014, 11:41:39 AM
That wouldn't be a letter by a certain education minister by any chance?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 05, 2014, 11:46:06 AM
Hah, sadly no.  Though it's not hard to expose his ignorance on any given topic. 

This is a non-Ministerial MP representing a constituency in the south west of the UK.  I can't really say any more without exposing their identity and my source in the process.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on February 06, 2014, 04:28:43 AM
Interesting...

Well, then, to change the subject.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/05/oregon-dem-destroys-top-drug-official-who-cant-say-if-weeds-less-addictive-than-meth/

QuoteAn Oregon Democrat literally threw up his hands in frustration Tuesday after failing to get a direct answer to his question about marijuana's dangers from the deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
...
"I'd respectfully suggest that you and the department take a step back if you're concerned that somehow people think marijuana is benign, part of the reason is that drug professionals can't communicate in ways the rest of America does," the congressman said.

Holyshit, that sounds familiar  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on February 06, 2014, 04:59:42 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 05, 2014, 08:25:22 AM
Quote from: UNREGISTERED SHARPIE USER on February 05, 2014, 12:13:50 AM
http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/ (http://whotv.com/2014/02/03/raid-filmed-ankeny-police-traumatize-family/)


SWAT raid over credit card fraud.

wtf

I don't mean to be rude, but have you been keeping up with this era? Kids send swat teams to each others houses as practical jokes now. For CC fraud an excessive response would need at least a few corpses.

The justification that "Money can buy guns" has been used more than a few times to justify heavily armed raids on white collar criminals.

I'd say it's because I'm Iowa that I was surprised, but it happens here a bit.  I dunno. 

Guess maybe I should be more wtf-y that it isn't news any more?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 06, 2014, 08:39:04 AM
To be fair I tend to lump "american police behaviour" into a single category with little distinction for the state said behaviour occurred in. My reasoning is that if one state can get away with it, others can too or easily change the relevant law to enable it. If Iowa PD's are generally pretty good then I'm probably out of line.

That said, a google of "Iowa SWAT Raid" doesn't just drag up this tale. There's this little gem:
http://siouxcityjournal.com/blogs/crime_watch/crime-watch-video-scenes-from-tuesday-s-officer-involved-shooting/article_f4e3b5d8-7011-5a2c-9b48-8400111c0edb.html
Quote(SIOUX CITY, IA) 29-year-old Felix William Navarrete is dead after police say a member of the SWAT team shot him as he was climbing out of a 2nd story window.

QuoteAccording to police, Navarrete had a gun on him and was attempting to escape out of a 2nd floor window. Snipers from the SWAT team were set up next door, that's when one of them shot Navarrete.

He was taken to Mercy Medical Center where he later died.

Police say the man that was shot on S. Helen was also the suspect they were looking for in relation to the shooting that happened at West 27th street on Saturday. Strangely enough the same house was a crime scene back in November when two people were shot and killed.

Police say the people involved in these shootings are from the same group.

There were also two small children in the apartment along with several women. All of them were out of the apartment at the time of the shooting and the kids are with their parents.

The Chief isn't releasing the name of the officer who shot Navarrete. He is on administrative leave for several reasons, one to make sure he is well enough to come back to work and of course to make sure the shooting was justified.

There's a few questions to be asked and answered there. I'd guess like most officer involved shootings there will be no actual consequences.

Arizona still seems to be winning this year so far:
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24596175/2014/01/30/amateur-video-shows-violent-arrest-of-suspect-involved-in-swat-call

QuoteMesa Police recaptured a suspect who slipped from their custody the day before and when he was captured again, someone caught it on camera and that video has a lot of people talking.

It began when a suspect barricaded himself inside a Mesa business Wednesday. Police and SWAT teams later got him to surrender, but it didn't end there. The suspect was able to walk out of a hospital and get away before Mesa officers later caught up with him at a Phoenix intersection.
   
It's the force used to apprehend him - that is raising a few eyebrows, and it was all caught on tape.

QuoteMesa Police say this all started a day earlier when the suspect tried to cash a stolen check then ran into an empty building to elude police. He then barricaded himself inside and held police and the SWAT team at bay.

He was eventually arrested without any major incident, then taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries. But Mesa Police say the man somehow walked out of the hospital unnoticed and eventually made his way to Phoenix, where Mesa Police caught up with him Thursday morning.

"This guy is screaming, they just banged his head against the ground, elbowed him a couple times" said Fairchild.

The man behind the camera says he saw both the suspects arms behind his back, before police began punching him. The video then cuts to a shot of the suspects bloodied face. Mesa Police have not released any details about the moments leading up to this arrest nor have they released the suspects name.

Mesa Police say they're aware that this video is out there, but say it's too soon to comment on it. Police say they haven't had a chance to review the video or the reports about the incident

I'm sure the beating was totally unrelated to the "escape" and subsequent embarrassment/bollocking.

If anyone missed it, I'd say this thread is the current benchmark:
http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php/topic,35746.msg1310127.html#msg1310127
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 06, 2014, 02:46:13 PM
Pakistan in talks with taliban:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26065385

QuoteThe first formal meeting between the Pakistan government and a Taliban-nominated team has been held at an undisclosed location, officials say.

The session, which has now ended, was aimed at charting a "roadmap" for peace talks to end a decade-long insurgency.

The government side entered the talks "wholeheartedly", the interior ministry told the BBC.

Militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been waging an insurgency inside Pakistan since 2007.

QuoteThe Taliban, who want to see Sharia (Islamic law) imposed throughout Pakistan, have refrained from naming representatives within their own ranks. They instead nominated pro-Taliban religious figures to represent their views.

The three-man TTP team comprised Maulana Sami ul-Haq, known as the "Father of the Taliban"; the chief cleric of Islamabad's Red Mosque, Maulana Abdul Aziz; and the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami party, Ibrahim Khan.

Negotiations with terrorist apparently acceptable as long as you only talk to "representatives" and not the actual terrorists. I'm be digging into those names later for fun, I'd guess there's a tale or two here. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 11, 2014, 09:34:36 AM
This has the potential for hours of horror:
http://beta.slashdot.org/story/197921

Quote"Earlier this week, news reports leaked that the NYPD is evaluating whether to give its officers Google Glass for investigations and patrols. Google, which is sensitive to accusations that it works hand-in-hand with governments or law-enforcement agencies to monitor civilians, suggested that the NYPD must have purchased the units on its own initiative, rather than partner with the company.

While everyone's been shitting themselves about the implications of everyone else wearing Google Glass, the above will almost certainly occur. Facial recognition software will make arresting wrong-doers from crowds much more simple and constant filming will be vital to get any protesting dissidents on file.
http://slashdot.org/topic/bi/is-giving-the-nypd-google-glass-a-good-idea/
QuoteGoogle Glass surveillance could also violate the Wiretap Act (and, by extension, its underlying Fourth Amendment framework), which tightly controls how state and federal agencies can intercept audio signals; while federal law only requires that one party consent to taping, some states require the agreement of everybody involved in the conversation.
"If the officer is recording a communication he has in public with someone, there's probably no wiretap problem since there's at least the consent of one party and no expectation of privacy," Hanni M. Fakhoury, a staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, wrote in an email to Slashdot the last time this issue of law enforcement and Google Glass came up. "But if he's recording peripheral communications between two separate individuals, than there's potential wiretap liability depending on the circumstances."
But at the same time, wearing Google Glass could also compel cops (and other law-enforcement personnel) to be on their best behavior at all times, particularly when it comes to use of force. The prospect of instantly available video detailing every aspect of an officer's shift could prove a powerful incentive to behave in a courteous and professional manner. But that's a very broad assumption; the reality—if cops really do start wearing Google Glass and other video-equipped electronics in large numbers—will likely end up determined by lots and lots of lawsuits and court-actions, many of them stemming from real-world incidents.

I'm really not sold on this idea that the best counter to surveillance is watch all the things and people all the fucking time because then no one will do anything wrong. It's bullshit. Crimes will still be committed, of the petty and horrible varieties. Surveillance in and of itself is not a deterrent. That's why crime still exists after CCTV and neighbourhood watch schemes were invented. What this kind of monitoring does enable is a swifter determination of guilt. This should strike you as a very dangerous thing. At best it enables another prison pipeline. At worst, highly draconican restrictions are practically inevitable to stop the flow of lawsuits to police departments.

On a totally cynical level, I would expect major criminal trials involving this tech to experience sudden mysterious breakages with a total loss of all data. And that guy totally fell down the stairs your honour.   
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on February 12, 2014, 06:09:04 AM
Everyone hear about the suicide bomb "instructor" who blew up his class with an armed roadside IED? Ok then, here's the followup joke:

http://nehandaradio.com/2014/02/09/prophet-drowns-during-cleansing-ceremony-family-blame-mermaids/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2014, 09:30:07 AM
I love the denial there.

Latest UK education idea:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-26140607

QuoteShadow education secretary Tristram Hunt is to call for character, creativity and resilience to be taught in England's schools.

In a speech in London later, he is expected to say there is "growing evidence that character can be taught".

He believes the qualities are "vitally important in preparing young people for the economy of the future".

QuoteHe will argue that character and resilience are vital components of a rounded education and good preparation for a career, and that instilling them in young people "should not be left to chance".

Quote"What is clear is that this is about more than bolting on some music lessons or sports clubs to the school day.
...
Mr Hunt wants teacher training colleges to include the teaching of resilience and character in their courses, and for schools to "use the curriculum freedoms at their disposal to embed character education and resilience across their curricula".

At no point does he even try to define what character actually is.  The best answer I've got is "The ability to take a total shafting and still say thank you and ask for more". Every task that I've ever been set (or set upon someone) when described as "Character building" means "Tedious busywork, fuck you".

It's a little worrying because it's making schools even more obviously pre-work environments where learning is secondary to being able to accomplish rote tasks.

Prediction - Schools will eventually add in character building classes teaching the woes of sweatshop environments leading to resugence of manufacturing in the UK totally by accident. Failing schools will become "Work academies" which are actually just sweatshops with mandatory attendance until 18 (or more likely 21 by that point).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 12, 2014, 10:18:29 AM
Tristam Hunt.  Claiming character can be taught.

TRISTAM HUNT?

He's about the person with the least personality, character or individuality in the entire Parliament.  If you took a composite picture of every MP and a composite position based on the voting record of Parliament, you'd get his face and his voting record.  He represents Stoke, for God's sake, and he's still deadly boring.  His University thesis was about civic thought in 19th century Britain.  He's interested in seeking "overseas investment" for his constituency.

I mean, shit, say what you like about Michael Gove*, but the dude has personality.

*Really, say what you like.  I don't give a toss about the feckless, war-mongering, Cult of Churchill In His Aspect as the Crusher of Teutons member, education-deficient twat.  But you can't deny he's at least got some character.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 12, 2014, 12:05:37 PM
This is a valid point. "Evil idiot vampire" may not be a good personality but at least he's got one. Hunt, on the other hand is notable for this bit of news and fuck all else.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 14, 2014, 01:23:11 PM
Cheap HA HA?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26192373

QuoteFormer Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan has been questioned by police over phone hacking, the BBC understands.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a 48-year-old journalist was interviewed under caution on 6 December.

The journalist, understood to be Mr Morgan, was questioned as part of Operation Golding, the investigation into illegal interception of voicemail messages at Mirror Group Newspapers.

Mr Morgan is now best known as a talk show host in both the UK and the US.

He was editor of the Daily Mirror from 1995 to 2004, when he was sacked after the newspaper conceded that photographs of British soldiers abusing an Iraqi were fake.

Shock. Horror. Never expected such things etc, etc.



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 17, 2014, 09:14:49 AM
So interesting things have been bubbling in Venezuela for a while:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26220184

QuoteVenezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is expelling three US consular officials, accusing them of meeting students involved in anti-government protests.

The country has seen growing political tension and rallies, with three protesters dying in clashes last week.

An arrest warrant has been issued for opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has pledged to lead a march in the capital Caracas on Tuesday.

The US has expressed concern about arrests of opposition protesters.

Mr Maduro did not name the US officials being expelled, when he made the announcement in a national TV broadcast, but said the foreign ministry would give details later.

"It's a group of US functionaries who are in the universities. We've been watching them having meetings in the private universities for two months. They work in visas," the president said.

"Venezuela doesn't take orders from anyone!" he added.

Needless to say, the whole thing is a clusterfuck with no one exactly looking good here. The only question is who's going to look the worst when it's done. That's still up in the air.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 17, 2014, 10:11:18 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26220304

QuoteA year-long UN inquiry into rights abuses in North Korea is due to be published, and is expected to urge punishment for systematic violations by the state.

Good luck with that. No, really. What are you going to fucking do exactly? Invade? Economic sanctions?

QuoteJared Genser, an international human rights lawyer who has campaigned to stop crimes against humanity in North Korea, said the findings were both ground-breaking and unremarkable.

"They're ground-breaking in that it's the first time that the United Nations as an institution has found that crimes against humanity are being committed against the people of North Korea," he said.

"Of course, it puts a huge burden on the United Nations to then take the next set of steps.

"But of course it's also unremarkable in the sense that those of us who have worked on North Korea human rights for many, many years are aware of the sheer weight of evidence coming out of North Korea over decades now... And so the real question now is, what next?"

Taking all bets but the house favourite is "Nothing".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 17, 2014, 10:27:02 AM
Australian immigration policy is a little unusual:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26167899
QuoteThe previous Labor government decided to re-establish offshore processing camps on Nauru and Manus Island in 2012, after ending the policy - known as the Pacific Solution - in 2008.

It also said that people found to be refugees would be settled in Papua New Guinea, not Australia, a policy the current Liberal-National government has agreed to uphold.

I have a horrible suspicion that if the UK could get away with something similar it would. If one of the channel islands ever loses it's tax exempt status it wouldn't surprise me to see it turned into a similar arrangement.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 17, 2014, 10:31:08 AM
Satanic panic bullshit abounds:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26219461

QuoteA Pennsylvania woman jointly charged with murder with her husband has claimed she has killed at least 22 other people.

Nineteen-year-old Miranda Barbour made the claims in an interview with a newspaper while in prison.

Miranda and Elytte Barbour are currently charged with killing Troy LaFerrara after meeting him online.

As well as admitting that murder, she also claimed a six-year killing spree around the US.

She claimed it was part of an involvement in a satanic cult, that began in Alaska when she was 13, before moving to North Carolina.

I wonder if any other cult members will actually turn up this time. I'm not holding my breath.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on February 18, 2014, 05:14:25 PM
What was the term used, "Pivot the Pacific"?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/02/17/us-military-exercises-in-asia-meant-to-send-signal-to-china-say-experts/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on February 25, 2014, 05:03:12 AM
Ok, this, if true, is some fucked up shit.

Ape used as sex slave.
http://m.vice.com/read/yo1-v14n10
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on February 25, 2014, 05:10:08 AM
:nope:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2014, 11:28:02 AM
Quote from: Alty on February 25, 2014, 05:03:12 AM
Ok, this, if true, is some fucked up shit.

Ape used as sex slave.
http://m.vice.com/read/yo1-v14n10

QuoteDid the clients realize that they were in fact getting an orangutan?

Oh yeah, they would come in especially for it. You could choose a human if you preferred, but it was a novelty for many of the men to have sex with an orangutan.

QuoteHow did you get her away from there?

It took us over a year to rescue her, because every time we went in with forest police and local officers we would be overpowered by the villagers, who simply would not give her up. They would threaten us with guns and knives with poison on them. In the end it took 35 policemen armed with AK-47s and other weaponry going in there and demanding that they hand over Pony. It was filmed by a local television crew and in the background of the film when we are unchaining Pony you can hear the madam crying hysterically, screaming, "They are taking my baby, you can't do this!" There is no law enforcement in Indonesia so these people didn't face any sentence or anything for what they had done.

Well that's a nice dose of fucked up to kick off today.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 12:45:30 PM
Quote from: Alty on February 25, 2014, 05:03:12 AM
Ok, this, if true, is some fucked up shit.

Ape used as sex slave.
http://m.vice.com/read/yo1-v14n10

I love that tiny little shred of battle weary optimism. The faint echo of a glimmer of hope that humanity might be somehow redeemable  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on February 25, 2014, 06:03:41 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 12:45:30 PM
Quote from: Alty on February 25, 2014, 05:03:12 AM
Ok, this, if true, is some fucked up shit.

Ape used as sex slave.
http://m.vice.com/read/yo1-v14n10

I love that tiny little shred of battle weary optimism. The faint echo of a glimmer of hope that humanity might be somehow redeemable  :lulz:

Yeah, I was thinking of a certain conversation RE humanity's propensity for diversity when I posted this and thought, "Thanks, assbags, here I am trying to make a good case for why you aren't all scum, and you have to shave an orangutan for sex work. Thanks. Fuckers."

:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 25, 2014, 06:08:04 PM
If it's any consolation, it made me do my special laugh. All day.

ETA - Also responsible for causing me to accuse various people of being the kind of people who would bugger a monkey just for the novelty. Most of the allegations I believe to be accurate. They're fucking feral round these parts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on February 25, 2014, 06:23:10 PM
It makes a great point to bring up to anarchists.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 25, 2014, 06:36:20 PM
Quote from: Alty on February 25, 2014, 06:23:10 PM
It makes a great point to bring up to anarchists.

"If you abolish the State, you all end up as a bunch of monkey-fuckers."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 06:38:10 PM
One man's anarcho-utopia is another man's orangagangbang
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on February 25, 2014, 06:41:22 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on February 25, 2014, 06:36:20 PM
Quote from: Alty on February 25, 2014, 06:23:10 PM
It makes a great point to bring up to anarchists.

"If you abolish the State, you all end up as a bunch of monkey-fuckers."

:spittake:

There's tea all over mah keyboard.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on February 25, 2014, 07:34:14 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 06:38:10 PM
One man's anarcho-utopia is another man's orangagangbang
You have been waiting years to use that one, haven't you.

Anyway, I never said Anarchy was going to be good for people, I just think they deserve to get it. Anarchy=Justice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 07:41:24 PM
Quote from: :regret: on February 25, 2014, 07:34:14 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 06:38:10 PM
One man's anarcho-utopia is another man's orangagangbang
You have been waiting years to use that one, haven't you.

Anyway, I never said Anarchy was going to be good for people, I just think they deserve to get it. Anarchy=Justice.

Nope = thought of it just before I posted. My brain does shit like this. I can't stop it. I CAN'T FUCKING STOP IT!!

there's a fucking tune, too, like the theme to a kids tv show or a cereal commercial or something. Kill me  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2014, 08:16:18 PM
Quote from: :regret: on February 25, 2014, 07:34:14 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 06:38:10 PM
One man's anarcho-utopia is another man's orangagangbang
You have been waiting years to use that one, haven't you.

Anyway, I never said Anarchy was going to be good for people, I just think they deserve to get it. Anarchy=Justice.

:mittens:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 26, 2014, 01:41:28 AM
Quote from: Alty on February 25, 2014, 06:03:41 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on February 25, 2014, 12:45:30 PM
Quote from: Alty on February 25, 2014, 05:03:12 AM
Ok, this, if true, is some fucked up shit.

Ape used as sex slave.
http://m.vice.com/read/yo1-v14n10

I love that tiny little shred of battle weary optimism. The faint echo of a glimmer of hope that humanity might be somehow redeemable  :lulz:

Yeah, I was thinking of a certain conversation RE humanity's propensity for diversity when I posted this and thought, "Thanks, assbags, here I am trying to make a good case for why you aren't all scum, and you have to shave an orangutan for sex work. Thanks. Fuckers."

:horrormirth:

The malleability of human nature means that humans can go in the exact opposite direction from "good". I think that's a really important thing to be aware of. It also means that people who think of themselves as basically good can do absolutely horrific things under certain circumstances.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 26, 2014, 12:12:15 PM
Sometimes, people will even beat each other with fish.

Seriously.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-26345264

QuotePolice in England are searching for an Irish teenager who is said to have slapped a shop worker across the face with a large fish.

QuoteCCTV images of a teenage boy and girl have been released by Lancashire Constabulary after the worker was slapped across the face with a bream.

QuoteLancashire Constabulary described the incident as "completely unacceptable".

In a statement, the police said the 52-year-old victim was working behind the fish counter when a young woman approached to ask about different fish.

"Without warning, the woman has picked up a large bream from the fish stall and slapped the worker across the face before running out of the store," said the statement from Lancashire Constabulary.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on February 26, 2014, 05:57:43 PM
Is life imitating Monty Python or IRC?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 26, 2014, 06:51:35 PM
Both.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 27, 2014, 08:16:36 AM
Hey Cain,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26352545

Potentially one to watch

QuoteAn Indian soldier has shot dead five of his colleagues before killing himself in Indian-administered Kashmir, military officials say.

The incident took place on Wednesday night at a military camp about 20km (12 miles) north of the city of Srinagar.

An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the incident, officials said.

Minimal details as of yet but shady shit is almost assured. It's Kashmir.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 27, 2014, 09:52:26 AM
Yeah.  Probably PTSD at having to do horrendous shit like torture and execute people all day long.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 28, 2014, 09:27:28 AM
Today brings many gifts:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26365085

QuoteAn MI5 agent pretending to have Gestapo links secretly controlled a vast network of UK-based Nazi sympathisers, newly-released files reveal.

The agent, known by the alias Jack King, infiltrated a group of pro-German activists in south-east England in a previously unknown wartime operation.

His undercover work led to the identification of hundreds of people willing to pass secrets to the enemy.

Files in the National Archives describe King as a "genius" at his work.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 28, 2014, 03:08:13 PM
King sounds like Maxwell Knight, or a protege of his.

Knight had broadly fascist sympathies, but he was a patriot first and foremost.  He ran the British Union of Fascists intelligence wing while moonlight for MI5, and organised a couple of daring break-ins of Communist Party offices.  He would've had the links and credibility to set up something like this, and he was well connected among London's criminal class.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on February 28, 2014, 10:29:32 PM
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/9777879/Sex-worker-gets-25-000-over-harassment
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 01, 2014, 03:23:52 AM
Quote from: Pæs on February 28, 2014, 10:29:32 PM
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/9777879/Sex-worker-gets-25-000-over-harassment

That's a heartening sign of progress... the law actually treating prostitutes like human beings with rights and autonomy rather than just fucktoys with no right to exercise their own volition is a refreshing change.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on March 01, 2014, 05:16:04 AM
Quote from: Nigel on March 01, 2014, 03:23:52 AM
Quote from: Pæs on February 28, 2014, 10:29:32 PM
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/9777879/Sex-worker-gets-25-000-over-harassment

That's a heartening sign of progress... the law actually treating prostitutes like human beings with rights and autonomy rather than just fucktoys with no right to exercise their own volition is a refreshing change.
Right. And a nice reminder to those in the industry pre-legalisation that with their employees now recognised by law, they have to act like any other employer.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on March 02, 2014, 07:13:50 PM
Online Reputation Clocaa n' Dagger:
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/02/24/jtrig-manipulation/ (https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/02/24/jtrig-manipulation/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 03, 2014, 10:32:57 AM
Very odd.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-republicans-lost-their-mind-democrats-lost-their-soul-and-washington-lost-its-appeal/2014/02/28/2ef5429c-9d89-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html?tid=pm_pop

QuoteIt's an odd sensation, leaving the town I'd lived in for most of my 70 years, ending my 50-year career at The Washington Post, turning my back on the political circus that enthralled me for so long. But a more honest answer would have been this: I don't miss Washington, and I don't expect that to change anytime soon.

Why? Because for me, the fun has drained out of the game. So has the substance. I used to get excited about the big issues we covered — civil rights, women's liberation, the fate of the country's great cities, the end of the Cold War. I loved the politicians who brought those issues to life, from Everett McKinley Dirksen and Howard Baker (Dirksen's son-in-law, curiously) to Russell B. Long and Edmund Muskie, from Bob Dole to George Mitchell — all people who knew and cared a great deal about governing. Watching them at work was exhilarating. Watching their successors, today's senators and representatives, is just depressing.

I have never, ever, found anyone who would refer to Bob Dole as "Exhilarating". "Excruciating" maybe.

Either way, you've got to take it as a pretty damning indictment when the shadow of Bob Dole is held up to be better than you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 03, 2014, 10:39:48 AM
http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-topeka-20140225,0,5976472.story#axzz2utYa5fRp

QuoteWolf, a radiologist, is a Tea Party candidate hoping to dislodge Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) from his senate seat. Among his claims to fame is that he's a distant relative of President Obama. Thanks to Carpenter, he's now famous for something else: posting horrific X-ray images of gunshot victims on his Facebook page, accompanied by jocular repartee. Next to a posting of an image of a person decapitated by gunfire, for example, Wolf wrote: "What kind of gun blows somebody's head completely off? I've got to get one of those."


QuoteCarpenter's article about Wolf's behavior is here. In this accompanying eight-minute video you can watch Carpenter confront Wolf with the images and home in for his explanation.
This is how a real journalist goes about his job. It's the most professional, effective interview of a politician we've witnessed in our decades in the business. No histrionics, but brutal in its impact. It should be screened for every journalism class in the country, as well as every newsroom and not a few writers' rooms in Hollywood. (Are you listening, "House of Cards"?)
Pay special attention to how Carpenter hauls Wolf back to the subject at hand when the candidate tries to distract him with baloney.

Stunning lack of sense but nice to see actual journalism at work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 03, 2014, 04:39:53 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 03, 2014, 10:39:48 AM
http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-topeka-20140225,0,5976472.story#axzz2utYa5fRp

QuoteWolf, a radiologist, is a Tea Party candidate hoping to dislodge Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) from his senate seat. Among his claims to fame is that he's a distant relative of President Obama. Thanks to Carpenter, he's now famous for something else: posting horrific X-ray images of gunshot victims on his Facebook page, accompanied by jocular repartee. Next to a posting of an image of a person decapitated by gunfire, for example, Wolf wrote: "What kind of gun blows somebody's head completely off? I've got to get one of those."


QuoteCarpenter's article about Wolf's behavior is here. In this accompanying eight-minute video you can watch Carpenter confront Wolf with the images and home in for his explanation.
This is how a real journalist goes about his job. It's the most professional, effective interview of a politician we've witnessed in our decades in the business. No histrionics, but brutal in its impact. It should be screened for every journalism class in the country, as well as every newsroom and not a few writers' rooms in Hollywood. (Are you listening, "House of Cards"?)
Pay special attention to how Carpenter hauls Wolf back to the subject at hand when the candidate tries to distract him with baloney.

Stunning lack of sense but nice to see actual journalism at work.

That was a nice piece of journalism. Hopefully, that guy's political aspirations are over.

Interesting little window into the mind of a Tea Partier, though, don't you think? These people really don't give a shit about anyone but themselves.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 03, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
Not verified, but interesting if true

http://prorevnews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/how-americans-views-vary-from-leaders.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on March 04, 2014, 09:19:08 AM
Let your Consent be our Responsibility:
  Convenient Care Management helps you meet all Terms and Conditions. 
    Restrictions may apply.   
       Void not pro-dis-inhibited without written reply.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 04, 2014, 09:41:52 AM
Quote from: Cain on March 03, 2014, 04:57:12 PM
Not verified, but interesting if true

http://prorevnews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/how-americans-views-vary-from-leaders.html

There's two subjects in that list particularly notable by it's absence. Crime and guns.

I've a suspicion that the facts and polls here have been carefully cherry picked and seem to be pushing a certain ideology. Abortion isn't in the mix there either. This too:

Quote64 percent believe job creation should be the top priority. Only 33 percent said deficit reduction
55% want too big to fail banks to fail

This whole concept of job creators is settling into the political landscape now. Just like how Austerity became a new norm, protection and beneficial laws for "Job creators" are being pushed here. Do I need to state who this would benefit in reality? Because it's not anyone working at said jobs.

and 55% probably don't understand the personal consequences of letting said banks fail. I doubt any old northern rock customers feel that the best thing for it was going bang.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 04, 2014, 09:50:30 AM
It actually probably would have been.

Deposits up to 80k are backed by central government.  In the event of a bank collapse, you get up to that amount back.  Do you know many people with 80k in a personal bank account?

Instead, we expensively propped up the bank and sent a message to other banks that, should they gamble recklessly and lose, the state will rush in to help.  We also fired over 2000 bank employees, and had to pay legal fees when hedge funds invested in the bank challenged the legality of the takeover.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 04, 2014, 10:13:30 AM
Fair point, for most customers it may have worked out better. The consequence however is that the rest of the sector would shit itself due to this. I doubt that would encourage fair and accountable practices. I'd suggest it would make them much more likely to conceal any fuckups at all costs.

Extend that further and allow all the banks that needed assistance to fail. The end scenario I see here would be something like a cartel at best. By which I mean even more so than how they currently operate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on March 04, 2014, 11:26:42 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 04, 2014, 10:13:30 AM
Fair point, for most customers it may have worked out better. The consequence however is that the rest of the sector would shit itself due to this. I doubt that would encourage fair and accountable practices. I'd suggest it would make them much more likely to conceal any fuckups at all costs.

Extend that further and allow all the banks that needed assistance to fail. The end scenario I see here would be something like a cartel at best. By which I mean even more so than how they currently operate.
Are you seriously saying stealing should be rewarded because otherwise they will steal more? That only works for those people that steal to support a drug habit. Not the same situation at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on March 04, 2014, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: :regret: on March 04, 2014, 11:26:42 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 04, 2014, 10:13:30 AM
Fair point, for most customers it may have worked out better. The consequence however is that the rest of the sector would shit itself due to this. I doubt that would encourage fair and accountable practices. I'd suggest it would make them much more likely to conceal any fuckups at all costs.

Extend that further and allow all the banks that needed assistance to fail. The end scenario I see here would be something like a cartel at best. By which I mean even more so than how they currently operate.
Are you seriously saying stealing should be rewarded because otherwise they will steal more? That only works for those people that steal to support a drug habit. Not the same situation at all.
Which is why said habit is only abusive when demonstrated in a manner that is either conspicioisly self-limiting, or incompletely moderate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on March 04, 2014, 01:12:59 PM
Quote from: LuciferX on March 04, 2014, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: :regret: on March 04, 2014, 11:26:42 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 04, 2014, 10:13:30 AM
Fair point, for most customers it may have worked out better. The consequence however is that the rest of the sector would shit itself due to this. I doubt that would encourage fair and accountable practices. I'd suggest it would make them much more likely to conceal any fuckups at all costs.

Extend that further and allow all the banks that needed assistance to fail. The end scenario I see here would be something like a cartel at best. By which I mean even more so than how they currently operate.
Are you seriously saying stealing should be rewarded because otherwise they will steal more? That only works for those people that steal to support a drug habit. Not the same situation at all.
Which is why said habit is only abusive when demonstrated in a manner that is either conspicioisly self-limiting, or incompletely moderate.
I just realised i logic failed in that sentence. Even junkies don't get rewarded for stealing, they get the reward regardless of their stealing habits.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 04, 2014, 02:34:16 PM
No, I was more implying that they will steal regardless so the best options likely to be presented are just ways to moderate the overall rate of theft.

How well do you think the world will work with one big bank? I'm guessing very, very well. For a few folk. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on March 05, 2014, 12:29:26 AM
I think that instead of adjudicating some degree of punitive damages, their culpability would be best served by an authentic dose of repentance, in it original sense of metanoia.  I'm just an incurable idealist  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on March 05, 2014, 01:11:32 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 04, 2014, 02:34:16 PM
No, I was more implying that they will steal regardless so the best options likely to be presented are just ways to moderate the overall rate of theft.

How well do you think the world will work with one big bank? I'm guessing very, very well. For a few folk.
Almost there, let's try it without banks for a while. We don't really need them to keep money functional. A fiat currency is maintained by the faith people have in it. So all you need is a crowdfunded marketing department that has as only goal making their currency look good. The technical details of distributing and storing money can be handled by much smaller organisations.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2014, 01:35:01 PM
How would these various entities be functionally different from a bank? I mean, there's extra bureaucracy and shit that can go wrong, multiple additional areas of security weakness etc, etc.

A currency system without some kind of controlled banking structure really doesn't seem viable to me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 05, 2014, 01:40:21 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 05, 2014, 01:35:01 PM
How would these various entities be functionally different from a bank? I mean, there's extra bureaucracy and shit that can go wrong, multiple additional areas of security weakness etc, etc.

A currency system without some kind of controlled banking structure really doesn't seem viable to me.

Our current system: QED :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 05, 2014, 01:45:20 PM
Indeed, but replacing it with something worse just strikes me as a bad idea. Proposing a system that can be exploited in the exact same ways will surely just lead to someone, well, exploiting it in the exact same ways.

I would.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 05, 2014, 01:58:58 PM
Troof!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2014, 01:59:12 PM
Easy solution:

All banks can have help from the central government, on the condition that their commercial and investment arms are split up, and the bank itself is broken into smaller regional and commercial operations to prevent it posing a systemic risk to the economy again, and legislation is passed to prevent super-mergers.

Half the problem is bank size. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 05, 2014, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 05, 2014, 01:59:12 PM
Easy solution:

All banks can have help from the central government, on the condition that their commercial and investment arms are split up, and the bank itself is broken into smaller regional and commercial operations to prevent it posing a systemic risk to the economy again, and legislation is passed to prevent super-mergers.

Half the problem is bank size. 

Didn't the banks already veto/find a workaround hack for this very legislation?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2014, 02:02:02 PM
Probably, yes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 05, 2014, 02:35:17 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 05, 2014, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 05, 2014, 01:59:12 PM
Easy solution:

All banks can have help from the central government, on the condition that their commercial and investment arms are split up, and the bank itself is broken into smaller regional and commercial operations to prevent it posing a systemic risk to the economy again, and legislation is passed to prevent super-mergers.

Half the problem is bank size. 

Didn't the banks already veto/find a workaround hack for this very legislation?

The "workaround/hack" was basically lobbying to have the laws changed.

So you get the next layer of complexity, in that the rules now have to be strictly monitored by legislators, so now you need honest politicians.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 05, 2014, 02:47:38 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 05, 2014, 02:35:17 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 05, 2014, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 05, 2014, 01:59:12 PM
Easy solution:

All banks can have help from the central government, on the condition that their commercial and investment arms are split up, and the bank itself is broken into smaller regional and commercial operations to prevent it posing a systemic risk to the economy again, and legislation is passed to prevent super-mergers.

Half the problem is bank size. 

Didn't the banks already veto/find a workaround hack for this very legislation?

The "workaround/hack" was basically lobbying to have the laws changed.

So you get the next layer of complexity, in that the rules now have to be strictly monitored by legislators, so now you need honest politicians.

That's what I meant by "veto", they paid the government to go fuck themselves. Lobbying looks, on the surface, like they aren't  paying the government to change the law but that subterfuge is the whole purpose of lobbying. The sales wing of government legislation services Ltd.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 05, 2014, 06:12:42 PM
I remember the UK spags talking about previous investigations... is this related:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/03/04/aide-to-uk-david-cameron-arrested-by-police-investigating-possible-child-porn/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2014, 06:57:43 PM
No, but it should be.

As far as I can tell, Cameron's aide was discovered downloading child porn on his work computer.  His job?  Overseeing the implementation of a filtering system to block child porn online.  Cameron and the Downing Street team did the right thing, turned him in and handed over the computer for evidence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on March 05, 2014, 07:06:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 05, 2014, 06:57:43 PM
No, but it should be.

As far as I can tell, Cameron's aide was discovered downloading child porn on his work computer.  His job?  Overseeing the implementation of a filtering system to block child porn online.  Cameron and the Downing Street team did the right thing, turned him in and handed over the computer for evidence.

I imagine he has  a pretty good arguement for it being a test of the filtering system
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 05, 2014, 07:08:52 PM
Doesn't matter.  Under UK law, possession of child porn is always a criminal offence, regardless of intent.

Which makes for an amusing argument re: the GCHQ Yahoo Cams dragnet.  The chances are someone underage was on Yahoo Cams, and that someone on GCHQ was watching the show.  Of course, that's different, because apparently, Hunting Mostly Imaginary Terrorists really is a get out of jail free card.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 06, 2014, 08:27:24 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-26453576

The word consistently missing from this article, in any fashion, is "Terrorism".

QuoteLegoland is to close temporarily in light of safety and security concerns.

The theme park in Windsor, Berkshire, will shut this weekend following the cancellation of a private fun day organised by the Muslim Research and Development Foundation.

The resort received threats from far right organisations and the event, due to be held on Sunday, was cancelled following discussions with police.

Legoland said the safety of its guests and staff was its "priority".

Thames Valley Police says it is investigating offensive messages sent in connection with the event.

Legoland was forced to shut down its Facebook page due to a number of abusive posts. It also received threats through phone calls and emails.

Seriously. This has got to be one of the most blatant "Terrorists aren't white" examples I've seen from the BBC for a while. Given the nature of UK laws and the fact that most of this appears documented on Facebook and such, you would think quite a few arrests and jailings will be made. I'm not holding my breath.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on March 06, 2014, 05:05:22 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 05, 2014, 01:59:12 PM
Easy solution:

All banks can have help from the central government, on the condition that their commercial and investment arms are split up, and the bank itself is broken into smaller regional and commercial operations to prevent it posing a systemic risk to the economy again, and legislation is passed to prevent super-mergers.

Half the problem is bank size.
That would fix most of it.
It is hard to think of arguments stronger than the ones the banks use, i.e. 'here is a lot of money, leave us alone'
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on March 06, 2014, 10:28:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 05, 2014, 01:59:12 PM
Easy solution:

All banks can have help from the central government, on the condition that their commercial and investment arms are split up, and the bank itself is broken into smaller regional and commercial operations to prevent it posing a systemic risk to the economy again, and legislation is passed to prevent super-mergers.

Half the problem is bank size.
And the rest is manipulated and leveraged by morbidly low and lecherous reserve requirements, even if only less than half the legal age of consent previously worked just fine as an accepted minimum for lending practices,  when sex is not concerned.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on March 09, 2014, 01:23:23 AM
http://www.bartcop.com/ (http://www.bartcop.com/) Bartcop died.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 09, 2014, 04:07:51 PM
Quote from: UNREGISTERED SHARPIE USER on March 09, 2014, 01:23:23 AM
http://www.bartcop.com/ (http://www.bartcop.com/) Bartcop died.

:sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 09, 2014, 05:52:21 PM
Initial verdict on the Malaysian plane crash?

Suspicious.

Two stolen passports were found to be on the plane.  While there are a non-negligible amount of fake and stolen passports in that part of the world, whoever used them to book tickets for the flight:

a) booked them consecutively, and
b) booked the flights to Beijing and then onto Amsterdam the day before the flight.

You can already fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam, so why the unnecessary 10 hour layover in Beijing International?  I'm sure it's a very nice airport, but it's not that good.

Either way, something stinks.  Remember, Malaysia was the site of the "2000 Al-Qaeda conference" where 9/11 was planned in detail.  Malaysia also had active cells for Jemaah Islamiyah, the Al-Qaeda linked SE Asian Islamist movement, though that has taken a beating since 2007 or so.  Nevertheless, cells are still active in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 10, 2014, 12:16:36 PM
If it was planned, wouldn't some group have claimed responsibility by now?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 10, 2014, 12:23:05 PM
You'd think so, it is a fairly major attack after all.  But not always.

The sarin attacks in Tokyo and the original WTC bombing were never claimed, IIRC, and some researchers have posited that a lack of claims is a hallmark of the "new terrorism" (a notoriously abused phrase) and of religiously motivated terrorists in general.  After all, God knows you did it.

It also helps ramp up the FUD factor, and it's possible the only planners were the two on the plane, and they didn't make plans for announcing the attack/expected authorities to ID them sooner (sometimes a letter of repsonsibility can be left at an apartment or similar), that the attack was claimed but the authorities are keeping quiet in hope of tracking, say, IP data from the site it was announced on, that there were multiple claims and police are following up on all of them or that it's policy that any credible looking threats are not released to the press until the cause of the crash can be positively identified.

I mean, the Malaysian security forces hardly covered themselves in glory by letting people on passports that were reported stolen get onto the plane in the first place.  The KGB or NSA they aint.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 10, 2014, 12:26:42 PM
Any evidence of a Xanatos-level political assassination?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 10, 2014, 12:31:06 PM
If it was Xanatos-level then there wouldn't be any evidence.

But to be serious for a moment, I don't think so.  Malaysian Air are a second-tier carrier.  Don't get me wrong, they're pretty good, but they're not Qantas or SIA.  Not something an important person used to the more comfortable things in life would use.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 10, 2014, 12:46:40 PM
I'm also waiting for someone on Twitter to shout at me for calling people who immediately assumed, or went to great lengths to float the suggestion that this was Uighur terrorism are idiots or disingenous security contractor shills.

No bites so far, sadly :(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 10, 2014, 12:50:33 PM
While I do note the above suspicious things, I'm going to ascribe a higher probability to an accidental than intentional crash.  Call it a gut feeling.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 10, 2014, 12:53:42 PM
Crash is still more probable, yes.  However, a confluence of oddities like that do certainly raise the chance of terrorism from its negligible baseline rate of occurence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 10, 2014, 01:04:19 PM
But it could be that the people with the fake passports, et al, were merely en route to something else.  A nefarious something else, but not connected with the crash itself.

Wait, or was that what you've been saying, and I'm being dense?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 10, 2014, 01:07:46 PM
That is also a possibility.  However, I don't assign that as a high probability explanation for that behaviour, as you wouldn't add unnecessary security checks by taking a route through China, and certainly not via Beijing, where checks are much more stringent if your aim was, for example, drug smuggling or similar.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 10, 2014, 01:10:40 PM
Hm.  Good point.  More data needed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on March 11, 2014, 12:49:42 AM
Two people from my company were on that flight.  That's all the info the internal site gave.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2014, 01:29:18 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 10, 2014, 12:50:33 PM
While I do note the above suspicious things, I'm going to ascribe a higher probability to an accidental than intentional crash.  Call it a gut feeling.

I'm gonna go with this for the moment.  Plane crashes are rare, but it only takes poor maintenance, bad weather, or just a stupid mistake.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 11, 2014, 11:33:58 AM
Looks like the new story is the stolen passports were from Iranians trying to migrate to Germany.


Probability of a cover story, or truth? 

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 11, 2014, 11:40:30 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2014, 01:29:18 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 10, 2014, 12:50:33 PM
While I do note the above suspicious things, I'm going to ascribe a higher probability to an accidental than intentional crash.  Call it a gut feeling.

I'm gonna go with this for the moment.  Plane crashes are rare, but it only takes poor maintenance, bad weather, or just a stupid mistake.

I'm currently leaning in this direction too. Plane crashes are relatively rare and crashes due to terrorism rarer still despite some very public examples. It's a good one for the media because you have the shock of X hundred dead in one go which always sells copy. The fact that no-one seems to have claimed responsibility would suggest to me that it's a dull but fatal fuckup.

And Iranian migrating to Germany? They seemed to have been taking the long route.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on March 11, 2014, 01:07:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 11, 2014, 11:40:30 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2014, 01:29:18 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 10, 2014, 12:50:33 PM
While I do note the above suspicious things, I'm going to ascribe a higher probability to an accidental than intentional crash.  Call it a gut feeling.

I'm gonna go with this for the moment.  Plane crashes are rare, but it only takes poor maintenance, bad weather, or just a stupid mistake.

I'm currently leaning in this direction too. Plane crashes are relatively rare and crashes due to terrorism rarer still despite some very public examples. It's a good one for the media because you have the shock of X hundred dead in one go which always sells copy. The fact that no-one seems to have claimed responsibility would suggest to me that it's a dull but fatal fuckup.

And Iranian migrating to Germany? They seemed to have been taking the long route.
I've heard that all the phones still work on that plane but nobody is picking up.
Indirect travel sounds smart when you are emigrating without permission and plan to apply for asylum.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 11, 2014, 01:09:14 PM
Lots of Iranians do want to work in Germany, it's true.

However, the Germans tend to like people who have useful skills (or lots of money), can speak German and no criminal record.  I mean, one of them was 18, so youthful idiocy can never be entirely ruled out, but the other one was 29 and definitely should've known better.  They managed to get to Doha and then Kuala Lumpur with Iranian passports just fine.....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2014, 01:20:55 PM
Quote from: :regret: on March 11, 2014, 01:07:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 11, 2014, 11:40:30 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2014, 01:29:18 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 10, 2014, 12:50:33 PM
While I do note the above suspicious things, I'm going to ascribe a higher probability to an accidental than intentional crash.  Call it a gut feeling.

I'm gonna go with this for the moment.  Plane crashes are rare, but it only takes poor maintenance, bad weather, or just a stupid mistake.

I'm currently leaning in this direction too. Plane crashes are relatively rare and crashes due to terrorism rarer still despite some very public examples. It's a good one for the media because you have the shock of X hundred dead in one go which always sells copy. The fact that no-one seems to have claimed responsibility would suggest to me that it's a dull but fatal fuckup.

And Iranian migrating to Germany? They seemed to have been taking the long route.
I've heard that all the phones still work on that plane but nobody is picking up.
Indirect travel sounds smart when you are emigrating without permission and plan to apply for asylum.

We dropped a cell phone in a HCl slurry tank once.  It registered as "on" for two days.

If the plane crashed and didn't burn up entirely, the cellphones would be on until they ran out of juice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 11, 2014, 02:07:43 PM
Quote from: :regret: on March 11, 2014, 01:07:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 11, 2014, 11:40:30 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2014, 01:29:18 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 10, 2014, 12:50:33 PM
While I do note the above suspicious things, I'm going to ascribe a higher probability to an accidental than intentional crash.  Call it a gut feeling.

I'm gonna go with this for the moment.  Plane crashes are rare, but it only takes poor maintenance, bad weather, or just a stupid mistake.

I'm currently leaning in this direction too. Plane crashes are relatively rare and crashes due to terrorism rarer still despite some very public examples. It's a good one for the media because you have the shock of X hundred dead in one go which always sells copy. The fact that no-one seems to have claimed responsibility would suggest to me that it's a dull but fatal fuckup.

And Iranian migrating to Germany? They seemed to have been taking the long route.
I've heard that all the phones still work on that plane but nobody is picking up.
Indirect travel sounds smart when you are emigrating without permission and plan to apply for asylum.

Indirect travel sounds smart but in reality it raises a lot of eyebrows at customs checkpoints. Particularly when there's no real connection between destinations. It's a fairly reliable indicator of smuggling however. Asylum seekers tend to be much more direct in their travelling to their country of choice. For most in that situation, the main problem is getting there in the first place.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 12, 2014, 08:46:19 AM
http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-120314.html

QuoteThe search for the missing Malaysia Airlines' Boeing 777-200 has now become almost as bizarre as the disappearance of the aircraft itself with authorities now saying it may not only have reversed course, but flew 500 kilometers back across the Malaysian peninsula.

In a stunning turn of events, the Malaysian Air Force claimed Flight 370, carrying 239 passengers and crew, was last detected on radar crossing the northern end of the Malacca Strait at 2.40 am, more than an hour after it lost contact over the South China Sea.

But with the Indonesians and civilian radar operators unable to confirm the new radar track and air force chief Rodzali Daud saying he had been misquoted, it still left open the question why the pilot could not send a distress signal or otherwise communicate he was in trouble?

It was the air force which raised the possibility of a turn-back in the first place. That was later given fresh impetus by the decision to switch part of the international search effort from the South China Sea to the western coast of Malaysia and the peninsular itself.

With so many people speaking at cross-purposes, Malaysia's handling of the crisis is coming under increasing scrutiny. Critics believe it is now time for Kuala Lumpur to pool all available resources and involve foreign governments in more than just the search.

One thing seems clear: only when the wreckage is found will experts be able to determine how an aircraft with an unsurpassed safety record could vanish in clear skies long after reaching cruising altitude at 35,000 feet on its six-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

But, in the absence of a Mayday and any real clarity about its flight path, investigators are working on a gamut of theories ranging from catastrophic electrical or structural failure to pilot suicide, a hijack - or a mid-air explosion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 12, 2014, 11:31:03 AM
(http://memecrunch.com/meme/5AF/aliens-meme/image.png)




Had to be done.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on March 12, 2014, 01:04:47 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 12, 2014, 11:31:03 AM
(http://memecrunch.com/meme/5AF/aliens-meme/image.png)




Had to be done.
Hell, it is getting to be equally likely as half of the other explanations.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 01:11:48 PM
No.

Nigel.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 12, 2014, 01:36:57 PM
"The airplane has been found, but it's got an enormous dildo rammed right through it."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 02:30:42 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 12, 2014, 01:36:57 PM
"The airplane has been found, but it's got an enormous dildo rammed right through it."

NO

NO

DA PLANE EES DA DILDO

[/metalocalypse]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 02:59:48 PM
Quote from: Scilon Agent on March 12, 2014, 02:48:34 PM
The Marcabian Fleet has no comment on the disappearance of any recent Aircraft. However, our Minister for Subjugation and Earthling Propaganda would like to express his deepest condolences to the families of those lost.

And IF a Marcabian DC-10 DID accidentally collide with that plane well that's just tough titty and you'll just have to deal with it.

DEAR ALIEN SWINE:

Please focus your sensors on the area known as "Arlington Cemetery".  You will notice that the headstones spell out "There's plenty more where THESE came from".  We breed like rabbits.  We make intoxicants out of rotten food, on purpose.  We can survive traumatic amputation and continue to fight for hours or days.  Violence is programmed into our brain stems.  We are the trailer park of the galaxy, and we've crammed 7.23 billion of us on this planet, and provided no adult supervision.  We are persistance predators, much like Jason Vorhees.

So this is your first, last, and only warning:  Fuck Off.  Or we will fucking EAT you the moment you land.

Yours truly,
The only honest man on Terra.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2014, 03:12:26 PM
I din't do it

Why everybody gotta always look at me when this shit happens.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:15:48 PM
Quote from: Nobody understands birds on March 12, 2014, 03:12:26 PM
I din't do it

Why everybody gotta always look at me when this shit happens.

DEAR DARK EMPRESS:

With all due respect, while we MAY have been born at night, it wasn't LAST night.  This is not our first rodeo.  No.  We remember what happened to Indianapolis.

Love & Loyalty,
Your adoring subjects
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:22:19 PM
Quote from: Scilon Agent on March 12, 2014, 03:16:23 PM
Ha! Terrans never cease to amuse. The facts of the matter are that this planet is a dumping ground for the refuse of our Empire. All of the artists, criminals, rebels, scientists, philosophers and comedians are banished to your planet so that the rest of the Marcab Confederacy can live peaceful and orderly lives without disruption.

Dear Communist Alien Freaks:

Despite your rather classy allusion to a noted science fiction artist, we are not impressed.   We are aware of your occasional dumping of dissidents on our planet.  You may notice that said dumping seems to coincide with "McDonalds" bringing back "The McRib". 

What you fail to understand is that we are primates.  That alone should clue you in...As one of our wisest heirophants once said, "GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK".  And we have laid the groundwork for space travel, which is kind of like having Komodo dragons figure doorknobs out.  We make devices that shoot slugs of lead at 1300 fps, and then let anyone and their psychotic gramma buy one.  We inhale carcinogens because we like it.

We will kill you in your sleep and eat you.  There is no malice behind this...It's just how the Hell Planet formed us.  We'll be seeing you real soon.  Leave a light on for us.

Love & Kisses,
The Hairless Apes on Sol III.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 12, 2014, 03:24:13 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:15:48 PM
Quote from: Nobody understands birds on March 12, 2014, 03:12:26 PM
I din't do it

Why everybody gotta always look at me when this shit happens.

DEAR DARK EMPRESS:

With all due respect, while we MAY have been born at night, it wasn't LAST night.  This is not our first rodeo.  No.  We remember what happened to Indianapolis.

Love & Loyalty,
Your adoring subjects

:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:34:06 PM
Quote from: Scilon Agent on March 12, 2014, 03:26:41 PM
You... you think you people CAME from Terra?! Oh that is rich who told you that bunk? Look around you Terran you are the very definition of an invasive species. You so obviously are not in balance with your biosphere it's beyond ridiculous.

To put it simply, life here began out there. You got turned around and we beleted fucking everything and generations later you actually tell each other that your grandparents were rocks. The Marcab Confederacy is full of people with five fingers and five toes, two eyes and an olfactory hole.

Dear Wretched Alien Goombahs:

We don't CARE where we came from.  We just want to hit things.  To give you an indication of how our society formed (or how it developed after you left), consider the following:

1.  Our atmosphere is radioactive as hell.  This is because we ended one of our parties with fission bombs.  ON OUR OWN PLANET.  Then we spend the next 30 years setting them off as "tests" (read, BOOM "hee hee hee heeeee").

2.  We allow the Welsh to not only exist, but BREED.  Even we don't know why we do this.

3.  All civilizations send their freaks out into the wilderness.  The freaks that survive grow strong, and sing different songs than the parent culture.  Then they come back and fucking said parent culture sideways.

4.  Since you so thoughtfully concealed your presence, we invented Gods.  These Gods tell us to do all manner of awful shit to each other, to the neighbors, and...Well, to you.  Much as Europe invented the monstrosity that is the United States, you have managed to fuck yourself.  It turns out that you aren't much better at long range planning than we are.

So, again, consider this fair warning, and a warning that you do not deserve:  Fuck Off, go far, far away, and erase your records of this place.  Except for the leaving artists here.  The unwashed masses get mad if they don't get their McRib.

Yours Truly,
The Weaponized Ape.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:48:42 PM
Well, this went from a chance for some funny satire into some weird one-upmanship role playing assbaggery.

Funny over, leaving thread.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 12, 2014, 04:04:17 PM
Nice job breaking it, hero.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 04:09:34 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 12, 2014, 04:04:17 PM
Nice job breaking it, hero.

I can't stand it.

:facepalm:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 12, 2014, 06:49:32 PM
That was excellent for a while there, tho. Not all riffs can turn out like the Nessie thread.

Quote from: Scilon Agent on March 12, 2014, 04:06:06 PM
And in other news, Botanists fnord now believe that Mexicans created the Voynich Manuscript, or at least that the mysterious tome fnord was created based on flora in the region.

Neat!

http://www.dailygrail.com/stream/2014/1/Voynich-Manuscript-reveals-secrets-botanists

Apparently not, as this guys has "successfully" decoded some of the plants and one of the star formations: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/21/words-voynich-manuscript-decoded-video_n_4830680.html

Then again, maybe not: http://www.ciphermysteries.com/2014/02/21/stephen-bax-voynich-manuscript

:evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: Telarus on March 12, 2014, 06:49:32 PM
That was excellent for a while there, tho. Not all riffs can turn out like the Nessie thread.

It wasn't bad.  It certainly wasn't the worst.  The worst was the time I started hollering at Richter for the low-quality women he was shipping out this way (which turned out to be inflatable dolls, dogs with lipstick on, etc), and then some noob named StormcrowUK came on and shat pinealism all over the thread.  It didn't even survive a half page.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on March 12, 2014, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:22:19 PM
Quote from: Scilon Agent on March 12, 2014, 03:16:23 PM
Ha! Terrans never cease to amuse. The facts of the matter are that this planet is a dumping ground for the refuse of our Empire. All of the artists, criminals, rebels, scientists, philosophers and comedians are banished to your planet so that the rest of the Marcab Confederacy can live peaceful and orderly lives without disruption.

Dear Communist Alien Freaks:

Despite your rather classy allusion to a noted science fiction artist, we are not impressed.   We are aware of your occasional dumping of dissidents on our planet.  You may notice that said dumping seems to coincide with "McDonalds" bringing back "The McRib". 

What you fail to understand is that we are primates.  That alone should clue you in...As one of our wisest heirophants once said, "GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK".  And we have laid the groundwork for space travel, which is kind of like having Komodo dragons figure doorknobs out.  We make devices that shoot slugs of lead at 1300 fps, and then let anyone and their psychotic gramma buy one.  We inhale carcinogens because we like it.

We will kill you in your sleep and eat you.  There is no malice behind this...It's just how the Hell Planet formed us.  We'll be seeing you real soon.  Leave a light on for us.

Love & Kisses,
The Hairless Apes on Sol III.

Thread was worth it for this sentence alone. I'd have endured a 200 page drug thread for less than that quote!  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 12, 2014, 10:40:04 PM
There were some great on liners here.

Calling Fred Durst one of our eminent... Shit. Was it poets or philosophers?  Whatever. GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK as a motto of the human species is brilliant.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 11:47:44 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on March 12, 2014, 10:40:04 PM
There were some great on liners here.

Calling Fred Durst one of our eminent... Shit. Was it poets or philosophers?  Whatever. GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK as a motto of the human species is brilliant.

I don't give a fuck what anyone says, the delivery of that line in Breaking Shit made the 90s for me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 11:48:23 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 12, 2014, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:22:19 PM
Quote from: Scilon Agent on March 12, 2014, 03:16:23 PM
Ha! Terrans never cease to amuse. The facts of the matter are that this planet is a dumping ground for the refuse of our Empire. All of the artists, criminals, rebels, scientists, philosophers and comedians are banished to your planet so that the rest of the Marcab Confederacy can live peaceful and orderly lives without disruption.

Dear Communist Alien Freaks:

Despite your rather classy allusion to a noted science fiction artist, we are not impressed.   We are aware of your occasional dumping of dissidents on our planet.  You may notice that said dumping seems to coincide with "McDonalds" bringing back "The McRib". 

What you fail to understand is that we are primates.  That alone should clue you in...As one of our wisest heirophants once said, "GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK".  And we have laid the groundwork for space travel, which is kind of like having Komodo dragons figure doorknobs out.  We make devices that shoot slugs of lead at 1300 fps, and then let anyone and their psychotic gramma buy one.  We inhale carcinogens because we like it.

We will kill you in your sleep and eat you.  There is no malice behind this...It's just how the Hell Planet formed us.  We'll be seeing you real soon.  Leave a light on for us.

Love & Kisses,
The Hairless Apes on Sol III.

Thread was worth it for this sentence alone. I'd have endured a 200 page drug thread for less than that quote!  :lulz:

:lulz:

Thanks.  The spirit moved me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on March 13, 2014, 03:49:07 AM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on March 12, 2014, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 12, 2014, 03:22:19 PM
Quote from: Scilon Agent on March 12, 2014, 03:16:23 PM
Ha! Terrans never cease to amuse. The facts of the matter are that this planet is a dumping ground for the refuse of our Empire. All of the artists, criminals, rebels, scientists, philosophers and comedians are banished to your planet so that the rest of the Marcab Confederacy can live peaceful and orderly lives without disruption.

Dear Communist Alien Freaks:

Despite your rather classy allusion to a noted science fiction artist, we are not impressed.   We are aware of your occasional dumping of dissidents on our planet.  You may notice that said dumping seems to coincide with "McDonalds" bringing back "The McRib". 

What you fail to understand is that we are primates.  That alone should clue you in...As one of our wisest heirophants once said, "GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK".  And we have laid the groundwork for space travel, which is kind of like having Komodo dragons figure doorknobs out.  We make devices that shoot slugs of lead at 1300 fps, and then let anyone and their psychotic gramma buy one.  We inhale carcinogens because we like it.

We will kill you in your sleep and eat you.  There is no malice behind this...It's just how the Hell Planet formed us.  We'll be seeing you real soon.  Leave a light on for us.

Love & Kisses,
The Hairless Apes on Sol III.

Thread was worth it for this sentence alone. I'd have endured a 200 page drug thread for less than that quote!  :lulz:

Same here.  That line killed me.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 15, 2014, 07:21:37 PM
Damn, this plane story got weird in the last 24 hours.  Highlights:

- One transponder-like device turned off early in flight, just on the edge of the Malaysian land border.  Another turned off over the water.
- Mayalsian military believe the plane turned around and flew back over the Malaysian landmass and into the Straits of Malacca
- Satellite evidence (comms/transmissions, not photos) shows the plane being in the air for at least 4 hours after this.

This sounds like a hijacking.  The Malaysian authorities certainly seem to be hinting at that, without outright stating it.  But if so...why no demands, after a week?  Did it crash before the hijackers could make demands?  And if not a hijacking, then what could induce someone on the plane to turn off those transponders and fly in the direction they did?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 15, 2014, 08:53:52 PM
Quote from: Cain on March 15, 2014, 07:21:37 PM
Damn, this plane story got weird in the last 24 hours.  Highlights:

- One transponder-like device turned off early in flight, just on the edge of the Malaysian land border.  Another turned off over the water.
- Mayalsian military believe the plane turned around and flew back over the Malaysian landmass and into the Straits of Malacca
- Satellite evidence (comms/transmissions, not photos) shows the plane being in the air for at least 4 hours after this.

This sounds like a hijacking.  The Malaysian authorities certainly seem to be hinting at that, without outright stating it.  But if so...why no demands, after a week?  Did it crash before the hijackers could make demands?  And if not a hijacking, then what could induce someone on the plane to turn off those transponders and fly in the direction they did?

It is really, really creeps-inducing weird.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 15, 2014, 09:05:50 PM
It is.  Even if this is resolved, it could end up being considered - if only temporarily - one of the greatest aviation mysteries ever.

In fact, it's already starting to remind me of an airborne version of the Dylatov Pass Incident.

There's also this oddness:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/world/asia/malaysia-military-radar.html?pagewanted=all

QuoteInvestigators have also examined data transmitted from the plane's Rolls-Royce engines that showed it descended 40,000 feet in the span of a minute, according to a senior American official briefed on the investigation. But investigators do not believe the readings are accurate because the aircraft would most likely have taken longer to fall such a distance.

"A lot of stock cannot be put in the altitude data" sent from the engines, one official said. "A lot of this doesn't make sense."

You can say that again.

And there is this as well:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/14/us-malaysia-airlines-radar-exclusive-idUSBREA2D0DG20140314

QuoteTwo sources said an unidentified aircraft that investigators believe was Flight MH370 was following a route between navigational waypoints when it was last plotted on military radar off the country's northwest coast.

This indicates that it was either being flown by the pilots or someone with knowledge of those waypoints, the sources said.

The pilot seems on the level.  Remarkably so, in fact.  Unless something comes up to contradict this, he looks like a seasoned professional, competent in his job and experienced enough to deal with most emergencies.  Nevertheless, Malaysian authorities raided his home, and that of his co-pilot - no doubt working on the theory that coercion played a role in the plane's odd route.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 15, 2014, 09:18:37 PM
Whoa, craziness. Thanks for re-porting this Cain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 20, 2014, 10:06:04 PM
Quote from: Telarus on October 18, 2013, 08:29:58 PM
Boy Scout Leaders kill a "Golbin", may face federal felony charges. (Ook Ook)

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_24335439/boy-scout-leaders-destroy-ancient-formation-utahs-goblin

NOPE. Misdemeanors.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Utah-men-avoid-jail-time-in-ancient-rock-toppling-5328858.php
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 21, 2014, 03:47:21 PM
Pennsylvania Attorney General Kane Threatens to Sue People If They Continue Accurately Reporting That She Dropped Prosecutions of Democrats Caught Taking Bribes
[Headline from ace.mu.nu, but links to original sources]

http://articles.philly.com/2014-03-17/news/48269239_1_investigation-kane-ali
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/state/20140321_Kane_hires_Sprague_to_review__sting__probe_-_and_perhaps_sue.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 27, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/teen-wins-70000-settlement-after-school-searches-through-her-facebook

QuoteThe Minnesota teenager who was forced to tell school officials her Facebook password was awarded $70,000 in damages.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on March 27, 2014, 08:27:48 PM
Quote from: Telarus on March 27, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/teen-wins-70000-settlement-after-school-searches-through-her-facebook

QuoteThe Minnesota teenager who was forced to tell school officials her Facebook password was awarded $70,000 in damages.
I wasn't too rebellious as a kid, but that damn sure would've made me so.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 04, 2014, 09:29:22 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/04/02/az-democrat-accuses-gay-state-senator-of-dishonesty-and-demands-he-act-more-gay/

QuoteIn a move that stunned many in the Arizona state Senate, Democratic Sen. Olivia Cajero Bedford called for a vote to remove openly gay state Sen. Steve Gallardo (D) from his post as Senate minority whip on Tuesday.

According to Queerty.com, Cajero Bedford accused Gallardo — who came out as gay last month — of questionable ethics, saying that he is an arriviste who only came out as gay to curry political favor and call attention to himself. She also said to the Arizona Capitol Times that Gallardo should not remain in a leadership position while he runs for U.S. Congress.

Her motion to unseat him as whip failed on an 8-to-3 vote.

"She said that I should be more gay and she questioned my integrity. She said she was glad I came out (of the closet), but that I should be more gay," Gallardo told the Times. "I'm more offended that she questioned my integrity."

With regards to her comments about his orientation and personal comportment, Gallardo said that "what the hell that has to do with anything, I don't know."

Oh, Arizona.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 07, 2014, 11:20:08 AM
Well, it's been nice knowing you, Michael Hayden.  Your balls are going to make an awesome trophy in Feinstein's Senatorial office:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/04/06/hayden-feinstein-too-emotional-about-cia-interrogation-techniques/?hpid=z3

QuoteFormer CIA and National Security Agency director Michael Hayden suggested Sunday that Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) might have compromised the objectivity of a report on CIA interrogation techniques because she personally wants to change them.

On "Fox News Sunday," Hayden cited comments Feinstein made last month in which she said declassifying the report would "ensure that an un-American, brutal program of detention and interrogation will never again be considered or permitted."

Hayden suggested Feinstein feels too strongly about the issue on an "emotional" level.

"That sentence -- that motivation for the report -- may show deep, emotional feeling on the part of the senator, but I don't think it leads you to an objective report," Hayden said.

I mean, shit.  Why not just say she's being hysterical.

And, FTR, Feinstein didn't give a shit about torture until it turned out the CIA had been hacking her office's computers.  There's only one motivating emotion here and it's "revenge".  Pure and simple. 

She'll eat Hayden alive, without even pausing to chew. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 07, 2014, 12:48:07 PM
This actually made it onto NPR this morning.  You kind of want to feel sorry for the guy, but then again... Nah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2014, 11:40:15 AM
QuoteMr Johnson, who writes a weekly column for the Daily Telegraph, told the Today programme: "I don't know the facts of the case in great detail but it seems to me she is being hounded quite a lot.

"I suppose my natural sympathy goes out to people being in a hounded situation, how about that? There she is. She's being hounded."

He also said it was "frankly irrelevant" to try to assess the extent to which coverage of the case had politically damaged Prime Minister David Cameron.

The independent parliamentary commissioner for standards, whose job it was to investigate Mrs Miller's expenses, found that she had overclaimed by £45,000.

Although the Commons standards committee, which is the ultimate arbiter, disagreed and decided that she had overclaimed by £5,800, it also criticised her "attitude" to the inquiry, accusing her of supplying the commissioner with "incomplete documentation and fragmentary information".

I really hope at some point this expenses bullshit will get called what it actually is - Fucking Fraud. Seriously, if I claimed £40K+ In bullshit expenses I'd be sacked from anywhere and probably face criminal charges. Of course, it's stupid to expect your government to have more strict rules and regulations than say, every company I've ever fucking worked for.

The other disturbing thing here is Boris. People like Boris. Really like him. To the point where I'm starting to have real concerns if he decides he wants an actual cabinet position or gods forbid higher. It's not that I think he'd be worse at the job(s) than any of the current or previous holders, it's just that enough people think he's some sort of comedy god that all kinds of fucking horrific policies would get passed without any problem. In short, the article may be about Miller, but watch the fuck out for that wanker. He's not as stupid as he portrays himself to be. And his PR department have a lot of clout. The whole broom thing is still playing well despite the fact he didn't actually even use it once.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2014, 11:53:06 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-26937700

Some of you may recall this chap. Continuing examples of idiocy abound:
QuoteConvicted canoe death fraudster John Darwin has repaid just £122 of a £679,000 proceeds of crime order, a court has heard.

Darwin, 63, of Seaton Carew, Teesside, faked his own death in 2002 so his then-wife Anne could claim £500,000.

He served three years of a six-year jail term for insurance fraud.

Teesside Crown Court heard he may now have to use a recently matured pension to repay the cash he cheated out of insurance companies.

The father-of two appeared in court after police began fresh proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A judge had previously ordered he should repay £679,073, but the court was told divorced Darwin, who is claiming benefits, has only been able to hand back £122.

The Crown has now applied for him to repay more, as a pension has matured. A hearing to decide the matter will be held in May.

Personally I think he should have the proverbial book at him for violations of the cardinal rule - Do not get caught.

Seriously, I'd rate that Panama photo as one of the top examples of stupidity of the century so far.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 08, 2014, 11:54:43 AM
Given the way the PM is burning through allies and the current disposition of the backbench ("crazy former colonels who believe the solution to everything is a good old-fashioned thrashing"), the probability of Boris Johnson being returned to Cabinet is rapidly approaching 1.

Probably wont happen before the election, but IF the Tories win (unlikely), he'll almost certainly be recalled once his tenure as mayor is up. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2014, 01:28:56 PM
While I'd also consider a tory win unlikely, I've got a horrible feeling that their chances would improve remarkably if people thought they were voting for him. Even around these parts there's an alarming number of people who consider him some kind of living legend.

Yes, the modern UK folks. Where bumbling, apparently good natured idiocy is a vote winner every fucking time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 08, 2014, 02:21:59 PM
Thing is, no government has ever been re-elected with a greater majority than it originally got in with.  Even with a new leader, which I don't see happening unless the Tories lose the election and then Dave is ousted in the traditional, cannibalistic manner we've come to expect and love.  Before then, it's too unsure a proposition, and with Osbourne on side, Cameron is secure until then.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 08, 2014, 03:15:59 PM
I hope you're right. In fact, I'm sure you are, it's just a very uncomfortable thought I keep having. It's like a Labour/UKIP coaltition, it's not likely but even the possibility of it is enough to boggle the mind.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 09, 2014, 07:13:59 AM
Hey Cain,

http://thecolemanexperience.wordpress.com/2013/07/09/barry-george-jill-dando-jimmy-savile-bbc-paedophiles-cliff-richard-alan-farthing-nick-ross-and-britains-dirty-secrets/

Of all people, my boss just sent me this asking if there's some sort of consipracy going on.

I'm very tempted to respond with: (WARNING - THIS LINK NOT SAFE FOR SANITY. SERIOUSLY. NOT JOKING.)
https://wikispooks.com/ISGP/dutroux/Belgian_X_dossiers_of_the_Dutroux_affair.htm

and ask what he thinks. Because seriously, if he wants to talk about this kind of shit at work I'm going to have to take it to the wall.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 09, 2014, 07:39:14 AM
Those are some serious allegations.  I'm not going to believe them merely on the say-so of an anonymous blog, of course, and there are some giant leaps in the causality they outline, but it's not entirely unthinkable.

And yeah, if your boss wants to go down that route, might as well give him something with some meat to it. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 09, 2014, 07:52:02 AM
Oh quite. Half of his sources are, well, him. So that's a little problematic.

Like Icke though, there's moments of plausibility and clarity so they're probably going to be convinced every line they've written is true before long. Probably a good one to watch for future insane allegations about babies on speed or whatever.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 09, 2014, 07:56:08 AM
Yeah, I just skimmed it, then went back over.  It's pretty poor supposition and speculation.  There may be something to it, but I wouldn't believe it unless someone (Exaro News?) actually filled in the rather large gaps between the people named with evidence.

Also, there are comments on that blog talking about satanic pedophile cults.  And as you know from the X Dossiers, there was a curious incident involving an allegation of such things designed to throw the investigation into chaos. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 09, 2014, 08:02:16 AM
Missed the comments, after the first couple of "Spot on!" I assumed it was sockpuppets and echo chamber all the way down.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 09, 2014, 08:07:21 AM
Well that's a good suspicion, it is a conspiracy blog.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 10, 2014, 08:05:34 AM
Remember when X-flu was around and Tamiflu was the answer to everyone's woes?

QuoteHundreds of millions of pounds may have been wasted on a drug for flu that works no better than paracetamol, a landmark analysis has said.

The UK has spent £473m on Tamiflu, which is stockpiled by governments globally to prepare for flu pandemics,

The Cochrane Collaboration claimed the drug did not prevent the spread of flu or reduce dangerous complications, and only slightly helped symptoms.

The manufacturers Roche and other experts say the analysis is flawed.


The antiviral drug Tamiflu was stockpiled from 2006 in the UK when some agencies were predicting that a pandemic of bird flu could kill up to 750,000 people in Britain. Similar decisions were made in other countries.

Hidden data
The drug was widely prescribed during the swine flu outbreak in 2009.

Drug companies do not publish all their research data. This report is the result of a colossal fight for the previously hidden data into the effectiveness and side-effects of Tamiflu.

It concluded that the drug reduced the persistence of flu symptoms from seven days to 6.3 days in adults and to 5.8 days in children. But the report's authors said drugs such as paracetamol could have a similar impact.

On claims that the drug prevented complications such as pneumonia developing, Cochrane suggested the trials were so poor there was "no visible effect".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26954482
Surprise, it's actually not. Not a problem though. We'll be picking another animal shortly, claiming some kind of related disease and we'll be right back into shoving all the money at pharmaceutical companies.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 10, 2014, 12:36:00 PM
The sooner pharma is open sourced the sooner - fuck the pharma industry  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on April 10, 2014, 09:37:43 PM
3D PRINT YOUR MEDICINES.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 10, 2014, 09:55:38 PM
Quote from: Pæs on April 10, 2014, 09:37:43 PM
3D PRINT YOUR MEDICINES.

PAY FOR YOUR MEDICINES WITH GLAXOSMITHKOIN.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 11, 2014, 12:12:08 AM
HA HA HA

http://news.yahoo.com/senator-seeks-ban-on-maps-showing-crimea-as-part-of-russia-162828023.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on April 11, 2014, 03:35:05 AM
http://www.thewrap.com/tosh-0-producer-mistakenly-shot-killed-los-angeles-sheriff-deputy
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pæs on April 11, 2014, 03:39:47 AM
Interesting that you can be charged for murder if the police shoot one of your victims.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2014, 08:24:54 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26985223

QuoteNirvana "were singular and loud and melodic and deeply original," said Michael Stipe

Article is trash and worthless, just wanted to remind you all that this is yet another reason why Michael Stipe is a dick.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2014, 08:41:12 AM
Problems that can be solved with a single magnet # 55332:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-26979187

QuoteDorset Police officers have said it would be "unlawful" to delete intimate photos of a young abuse victim from a paedophile's laptop.

The man was jailed in 2013 for nine years after admitting a string of sex offences, including assaulting a child under the age of 13.

He has now formally requested a laptop and a mobile telephone are handed back.

Liberty, which represents the victim's family, said photos of her in swimwear and leotards were still on his PC.

Dorset Police said they could not delete the pictures as they were not legally classified as indecent or prohibited.

As a result, the sex offender, who is in his 50s but cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim, will have access to a large number of personal photos of the girl when he is released from jail.

Quote

Naturally this will explode because pedophiles but I really can't help but think that this entire problem could be solved with a strategic magnet while the law catches up to the realities of the world. I've no doubt that this will be remedied fairly swiftly but quite how it's been missed in the wake of all the Savile scandals is odd. I would have thought that someone would have noticed the potential for this situation to arise before now, and it surely must have.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 11, 2014, 09:17:09 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26986408

QuoteConservative MP Peter Bone is under investigation for expenses claims relating to the upkeep of his second home, the parliamentary commissioner for standards has said.

The claims are understood to have been made between 2005 and 2009.

MP for Wellingborough told the Times he had "done nothing wrong", adding that it was "not unusual for MPs to have their expenses challenged".

A spokeswoman for the commissioner declined to comment further.

One UK minister sacked/resigned/whatever, on to the next one. This chap is wanting for redeeming features so it won't be a struggle for the papers to give him a kicking. I'm guessing 3 weeks, give or take a couple of days. Knives still being sharpened not yet in use.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 11, 2014, 10:00:58 PM
Hrm, on the laptop issue: In the US, I believe, those photos would technically be the property of the girl (who's likeness was captured). So, they can return the hard-drive to him, but yank the pictures off and give them to her.


And now for something completely different:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561055/Couple-face-having-Colorado-cabin-confiscated-SNOWMOBILE-row.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 12, 2014, 03:27:30 AM
Quote from: Telarus on April 11, 2014, 10:00:58 PM
Hrm, on the laptop issue: In the US, I believe, those photos would technically be the property of the girl (who's likeness was captured). So, they can return the hard-drive to him, but yank the pictures off and give them to her.


And now for something completely different:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561055/Couple-face-having-Colorado-cabin-confiscated-SNOWMOBILE-row.html

In the US they are legally the property of the person who took the photographs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 12, 2014, 08:48:39 PM
I stand corrected. :)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 12, 2014, 08:50:06 PM
Dorset Police officers, giving a shit about legality?  Well, this is new and unexpected.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on April 12, 2014, 09:01:06 PM
I think, given the circumstances, it is then permissible to say it was the magnet that took the photographs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 14, 2014, 07:05:33 AM
Glaxosmithkline bribery surprises no-one:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26970873
QuoteK drug company GlaxoSmithKline is facing a criminal investigation in Poland for allegedly bribing doctors, BBC Panorama has discovered.

Eleven doctors and a GSK regional manager have been charged over alleged corruption between 2010 and 2012.

A former sales rep said doctors were paid to promote GSK's asthma drug Seretide.

The company said one employee had been disciplined and it was co-operating with investigations.

If the allegations are proved, GSK may have violated both the UK Bribery Act and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. It is illegal for companies based in either country to bribe government employees abroad.

If they had, in fact, used my newly patented (I've got a bit of a4 with a very crude drawing) Glaxosmithcoin they would have avoided many forthcoming legal woes. Next up, Monsanto whistling and trying to look inconspicuous.

Monsanto Reps, you may want to invest in Monsantoken. I'll do you a deal if you call me today.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 14, 2014, 09:29:19 AM
Hmm:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27007764

QuoteThe MP for Ribble Valley said his £130,000 legal bill had taken up his entire life savings, adding: "Every penny is gone."

The case also cost him the £30,000-a-year extra salary he had received as deputy speaker.

People who were "dragged through the courts through no fault of their own" and then found not guilty should "get their legal fees back from the CPS budget", Mr Evans said.

"Maybe that will make them focus on whether a case is worth pursuing."


Defendants acquitted in England and Wales can apply for their legal costs to be reimbursed from "central funds" - the taxpayer rather than the CPS - up to the amount of legal aid that would have been provided.

Mr Evans also hit out at the police, saying he had been "shocked" by their "zealotry" in pursuing the investigation.

And he questioned the way prosecutors handled high-profile sex offence cases that dated back many years - also criticising the use of "bundling" - where police build a case against an accused using a number of weaker allegations.

"We need to consider the issue of a statute of limitations and look at how other countries deal with this," he added.

It will be most interesting to see who backs the call for a statute of limitations, particularly towards sexually orientated crimes. I, for one, would have to consider any politician willing to back such a thing in the wake of the Savile fallout with a great deal of suspicion. There's been more than a few people in UK government come unstuck because of their previous behaviours and this seems like a very deliberate attempt to prevent further allegations and issues.

For more detail on people who will probably support this, see the "Brit spags... Jim fixed it" thread for a running list.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 14, 2014, 09:49:42 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26998208

QuotePeople who hide their money overseas to avoid paying tax face bigger fines and could be jailed more easily under government plans to fight tax evasion.

To prosecute at present, tax officials must prove a person holding income offshore has intended to evade tax.

But under a new criminal standard officials would only have to show money was taxable and undeclared.

Chancellor George Osborne said the changes would mean there was "no safe haven" for those evading tax.

Through the entire article the whole focus appears to be on people and individuals with no real mention of corporate financial planning schemes and systems. There appears to still be no dispute that Vodaphone, Amazon, Google, etc, etc, owe substantial sums of an order of magnitude larger than anything an individual may be liable for.

QuoteAt present, offshore tax evaders can be fined twice the amount they owe, and can face criminal prosecution and a possible prison sentence.

The government will look at options to increase these penalties, as well as the possibility of financial rewards for whistleblowers who "help uncover" untaxed offshore assets.

Well, Private Eye can provide a long, long list of individuals and should surely be one of the first in line to collect a whistle blowing reward. It's strange that every time this story appears it's written in such a way as to indicate that we don't know exactly who these people and companies are and exactly what they're doing. The exact opposite is the case most times. 


As an aside, did you know that most UK government buildings are owned off-shore? You'd have thought that they were owned by the UK government or similar but no. Off-shore landlords and rent duly paid. But that's obviously not any kind of tax dodge or anything either.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 14, 2014, 10:32:59 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27018751

QuoteDozens of people have been killed in two blasts that rocked a crowded bus station on the outskirts of Nigeria's capital, Abuja, officials say.

The blast happened as commuters were about to board buses and taxis to go to work in central Abuja, the BBC's Haruna Tangaza reports.

Eyewitnesses say there are dead bodies scattered around the area.

This may have been another attack by the Islamist militant group known as Boko Haram, correspondents say.

Eyewitness Badamsi Nyanya told the BBC he had seen 40 bodies being evacuated; other eyewitnesses say they saw rescue workers and police gathering body parts.

The blast ripped a hole four feet deep (1.2 metre) in the ground of Nyanya Motor Park, some 16km (10 miles) from the city centre, and destroyed more than 30 vehicles, causing secondary explosions as their fuel tanks ignited and burned, the Associated Press news agency reports.

QuoteThis year, Boko Haram's fighters have killed more than 1,500 civilians in three states in north-east Nigeria, says the BBC's Will Ross in Lagos

Considering it's only April, that's a rather impressive toll.

What's even more impressive is how little you actually hear about Boko Haram. They tick all the classic boxes (Non-white, Islamic, scary foreign language) for an icon of modern fear and hate. Given the level of disruption that they tend to bring to oil production in the areas thy operate in, I would have thought that there would have been some corporate pressure for interventions.

Unless operating in Africa without oversight is actually still very profitable even with terrorists causing all kinds of mayhem. No, that couldn't be it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 14, 2014, 11:11:13 AM
Blatant Electioneering #55522454587/Arsehole:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26986002

QuoteIn a rare comment on his religious beliefs, the prime minister stressed the importance of teaching children about the religious aspects of Easter.

He told BBC Radio Norfolk he wanted Nancy, Arthur and Florence to understand that the festival was more than just "chocolate eggs".

There's pandering, and there's pandering. And then there's this whole line of bullshit about how MP's never discuss religion unless an election is due and suddenly everyone really likes Jesus.

But I'm sure it's all totally sincere and not a cheap vote grab. After all, Jesus had some kind of compassion for the poor and needy according to some book. He must be talking about that other Jesus who beat up cripples and turned water to piss. It's the only way to explain half of the choices the coalition government has made to date.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 15, 2014, 07:14:41 AM
Things that are totally shocking and unexpected, part 228789/G1 -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-27030660

QuoteMr Farage said the "outrageous, ridiculous and absurd" allegation was part of "a campaign... to nobble me".

Office expenditure
The Times said Mr Farage received £15,500 a year to run his constituency office in Bognor Regis - but that the office had been provided rent-free by UKIP supporters.

A former office manager claimed that the premises cost only about £3,000 a year to run

QuoteMr Farage told the BBC the money was an allowance, not an expense, adding: "I can spend the money on whatever I choose to in support of my work as an MEP."
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/74240000/jpg/_74240759_74240524.jpg)

So Murdoch via the proxy of the Times has begun his own smear campaign in earnest. This shouldn't be too much of a struggle as the man is an entirely deplorable creature. I'm sure other UK media will join in in their own time, probably quite swiftly. There's a strong incentive for the media to only have to deal(read: bribe) with only one or/of two parties. When you get other players it can get very expensive and inevitably a few of them will turn out to be total clowns.

For those of you not familiar with UKIP and why I detest them, their two main policies can probably best be summed up as "NO!" and "ARGH!". I'm not even joking and I've probably gone into more detail there than they have in all of their "literature".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 15, 2014, 09:57:22 AM
No surprises here if you've ever had the misfortune to pass through Swindon:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-27034445
QuoteSwindon's mayor has resigned after making derogatory remarks about disabled people during a meeting.

Conservative Nick Martin was found guilty of breaching the members' code of conduct after Labour complained about comments he made last year.

Labour councillors said they heard him say: "Are we still letting Mongols have sex with each other?"
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/74244000/jpg/_74244278_74173872.jpg)

There's just something about the UK voter that makes them pick the most inept and loathsome for positions of power and responsibility.

I think we've had terrible politicians for so long, we've actually forgotten that you may want them to do something in the public interest occasionally. In other news I'm considering a run for local government with a slogan along the lines of "I'll rob you blind". I reckon I've got a chance.   
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 16, 2014, 12:38:42 PM
HO HO HO
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/15/us-italy-berlusconi-idUSBREA3E0K620140415

QuoteA court on Tuesday ordered former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to serve a tax fraud sentence by doing community service with the elderly, in a ruling that restricts his movements but not his political activity.

The court ruled that Berlusconi, one of Italy's richest men, must spend four hours a week in a Catholic old people's home on the outskirts of Milan for a year. The home's director said the media tycoon would keep residents company and take them to Mass.

As far as this chap goes, this is probably the closest thing to "Punishment" you'll actually see. I'm expecting further scandal out of this too because Berlusconi. "Bunga Bunga party in retirement home" doesn't seem to be in the realms of implausible headlines.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 16, 2014, 01:25:59 PM
I've got 3/1 odds of it happening in the first month.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 16, 2014, 01:27:50 PM
I'll take that bet.

I'll also give you great odds on him getting caught using a body double to fuck it off entirely.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2014, 08:51:05 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-27106445

QuoteA man accused of robbery and assault was shot and killed in a Salt Lake City court after he lunged at a witness giving evidence.

Siale Angilau, 25, died in hospital after being shot several times by a US marshal in front of the jury at the new federal courthouse.

The fallout from this should be interesting to say the least.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 22, 2014, 09:16:55 AM
If you're obsessively reading my posts, you may recall I'm something of a fan of Jerry Sadowitz. New show apparently starts with an appeal to help out with this:
http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/doherty-bouncer-tells-of-last-moments-before-actors-death-7268270.html

Needless to say, shifty shit afoot in spades. Given that he called the Savile antics about 25 years ago, it'll give me a large degree of satisfaction when that useless little crackhead doherty is caught. Given how blatant his various deeds have been to this point it's another highlight of how the media and police interact to protect certain folk. It's stories like this that Max Clifford keeps out the papers in exchange for bra shots of J-list celebrities.

http://www.justiceformark.com/

If you want to have a further look. The already available evidence is pretty stunning including but not limited to - open admission of various drug use and a statement from one guy who said he literally pushed him over the edge.

QuoteSix people, three men and three women who were at the party, claimed Mark caused an annoyance. Doherty's minder at the time, Johnny Headlock, said the singer asked him to get rid of Mark. They evicted him – Roundhill had punched him several times and set fire to his hat with lighter fuel before doing so. But 10 minutes afterwards, Mark returned. A minute later he fell to his death. CCTV footage shows Doherty and a female friend, followed by Headlock, running away, swerving Mark's body as they do so.

And as much as I hate to use them:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-499568/Police-open-probe-balcony-death-actor-Pete-Doherty-party.html

Decent article as far as the mail goes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 27, 2014, 09:35:30 PM
Daily UKIP "totally not a racist you're misinterpreting me"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-27176803

QuoteA UKIP candidate has defended tweets in which he said comedian Lenny Henry should emigrate to a "black country" and compared Islam to the Third Reich.

William Henwood, who is standing in a council election, said he did not think the messages were offensive.

QuoteMr Henwood told BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: "I think if black people come to this country and don't like mixing with white people why are they here? If he (Henry) wants a lot of blacks around go and live in a black country."

QuoteOn another occasion Mr Henwood tweeted: "Islam reminds me of the 3rd Reich Strength through violence against the citizens."

This shows one of the main reasons I fucking hate UKIP and their ilk - They're fucking DUMB. If you're going to pull this kind of shit, don't try it on Lenny Henry, the public and well loved face of comic relief and such. That can't possibly end badly at all. It's not like he's been pretty high profile in this regard for, I don't know, about 20 FUCKING YEARS.

The main concern here is they seem to be doubling down on the blatant racism. That's going to make the vote count quite interesting and probably worrying if the UK is going anywhere in the same direction as Europe in general.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 28, 2014, 07:41:40 AM
Not to mention Lenny Henry was, you know, married to a white woman.

Much black-racist.  Very segregation.  Return to bongo-bongoland.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 28, 2014, 08:30:39 AM
Oh indeed. The man's obviously some kind of extremist.

The latest UKIP idiocy has them being defended by the Hamiltions (Of all people) over a row regarding a stolen slogan from the BNP (of all people). Never has politics looked so much like children fighting over a shit covered stick.

Probably suited to many threads:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27144637

QuoteFormula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has avoided a potential £1.2bn tax bill as a result of a secret deal with HMRC.

The deal involved a payment of just £10m, according to legal transcripts obtained by BBC Panorama.

Revenue & Customs spent nine years investigating the Ecclestone family's tax affairs before offering to settle in return for the payment from the family trusts in 2008.

Mr Ecclestone said he paid more than £50m in tax last year.

Mr Ecclestone, the chief executive of Formula 1, is currently on trial in Germany facing corruption charges. It is alleged he was behind a £26m bribe paid to a bank official.

Prosecutors allege the bribe was paid to ensure that Mr Ecclestone retained control of the sport.

Ecclestone admits paying former banker, Gerhard Gribkowsky, but says he was effectively the victim of blackmail as he was worried the banker would tell the tax authorities he had set up an offshore family trust.

No surprises for anyone, anywhere. Taking bets on the outcome though as that's sure to be fucking hilarious. I'm sure it will in no way highlight the difference in treatment that the wealthy get compared to, well, everyone else in the legal system. There is also the fact that we're dealing with Germany here so who knows what the fuck might happen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 28, 2014, 09:03:17 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27186339

QuoteA judge at a mass trial in Egypt has recommended the death penalty for 683 people - including the Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie.

The defendants faced charges over an attack on a police station in Minya in 2013 in which a policeman was killed.

The judge also reversed 492 death sentences out of 529 passed in March, commuting most to life in prison.

The cases and speed of the hearings have drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and the UN.

The trials took just hours each and the the court prevented defence lawyers from presenting their case, according to Human Right Watch.

Shit continues in Egypt. This won't end well.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 28, 2014, 04:57:10 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 28, 2014, 09:03:17 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27186339

QuoteA judge at a mass trial in Egypt has recommended the death penalty for 683 people - including the Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie.

The defendants faced charges over an attack on a police station in Minya in 2013 in which a policeman was killed.

The judge also reversed 492 death sentences out of 529 passed in March, commuting most to life in prison.

The cases and speed of the hearings have drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and the UN.

The trials took just hours each and the the court prevented defence lawyers from presenting their case, according to Human Right Watch.

Shit continues in Egypt. This won't end well.

What's funny is, that - right there, without alteration - is what 47% of the United States wants for ITSELF.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 28, 2014, 05:03:35 PM
Horseshit.

There's no fucking way 47% would be happy with:
QuoteThe judge also reversed 492 death sentences out of 529 passed in March, commuting most to life in prison.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 28, 2014, 05:05:45 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 28, 2014, 05:03:35 PM
Horseshit.

There's no fucking way 47% would be happy with:
QuoteThe judge also reversed 492 death sentences out of 529 passed in March, commuting most to life in prison.

Right, missed that bit.  I was talking about the "no defense" thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 29, 2014, 07:01:04 PM
Cain, is it just me, or is the Saudi Princess managing to get that video (calling for "revolution") out of the palace a BIG DEAL?

http://www.newsmax.com/thewire/princess-sahar-uprising-saudi-arabia/2014/04/29/id/568330/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 29, 2014, 07:26:36 PM
It's a pretty big deal, yeah.

I mean, that Iranian TV is also airing it is just the icing on the cake.  Despite how bad things are in Iran, it can legitimately claim to be far more open, democratic and respectful of human rights than Saudi Arabia, and to watch them poke Riyadh with this video must be utterly galling for them.

Of course, Saudi Arabian tv and internet are heavily censored, so this wont ever see the light of day in Saudi Arabia.  But it definitely puts lie to the whole "we're slowly modernising the country and improving women's rights" bullshit the palace has been putting out for the past few years, after people realised they're one-step away from the Taliban on the issue of women's rights.

And if princesses are being treated this way, just imagine how the rest of the country is.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on April 29, 2014, 08:23:18 PM
Yah, my roommate and I were pretty shocked it got out. The Iranian point of irony is quite good, thanks for pointing that out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 08:39:13 AM
Just caught the above, will look into that later on. Most interesting.

About as unrelated as you can be from that however:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-27210992

QuoteThe residents of a town on Canada's Newfoundland island fear a blue whale carcass that washed up on its boardwalk last week could explode at any time.

The 25m (81ft) whale on Trout River's rocky beach is one of several believed to have died in heavy ice weeks ago.

Town Clerk Emily Butler says the body is bloated with methane gas caused by decomposition and will soon reek, regardless of whether it explodes.

QuoteLast year a sperm whale carcass that washed up on the Faroe Islands exploded as a biologist attempted to dissect it.

I can't decide whether it's a great or terrible epitaph - "Killed by exploding whale"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 08:51:37 AM
This smells. Not sure what of, but it's nothing pleasant:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27203371

QuoteOther edits made by government machines included:

Continue reading the main story
How edits were uncovered

Liverpool Echo front page
Wikipedia allows any web user to make changes to its pages, but this leaves a trace through the user's internet protocol (IP) address
Changes are monitored by Wikipedia, but internet trolls have been known to post insulting material, which is usually swiftly removed
Liverpool Echo reporter Oliver Duggan discovered that insults posted on the website's Hillsborough Disaster page had been made using computers within the government's internal intranet
He confirmed this after referring to a list of 34 IP addresses used by the government released by former minister Angela Eagle in 2008
The BBC analysed two of the addresses - 195.92.40.49 and 62.25.106.209 - to find the edits contained in this article
In the entry for the London bombings, links to websites detailing popular conspiracy theories were added.
The article for former prime minister Tony Blair was deleted in its entirety and replaced with the words "he should be assassinated".
Homophobic insults were added to the entry for newspaper columnist Richard Littlejohn.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who has worked for the government on healthy eating initiatives, also had homophobic insults added to his page.

QuoteGovernment machines were also used to vandalise, or "troll", on several pages, including:

In the entry about indie band The Libertines: "[T]he more astute critics correctly identify the band as scum", and added a remark about lead singer Pete Doherty's drug use.
Comments about footballer Wayne Rooney that said he was "currently knocking off 'queen chav' Coleen McGlochlin".
The deletion of the entire post for Irish politician Christopher Byrne, replacing it with simply "is a sexy beast".
Changing the entry for BBC presenter Peter Levy to list "Adolf Hitler" as an ex-partner.

There appears to be little rhyme or reason to this and my first reaction was "bored work experience kid". Considering it's been ongoing since 2008 that seems unlikely. It seems reasonable to assume it's more than one person (Why attack Tony Blair and not Cherie?) which could make this most amusing indeed.

Taking bets, will some "social media managers" take the blame or will an actual UK politicians turn out to be responsible? SPIN THE WHEEL.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 30, 2014, 09:02:27 AM
HIMEOBS - We're in your governments, fucking up yuor wikis  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 30, 2014, 02:17:35 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 08:39:13 AM
Just caught the above, will look into that later on. Most interesting.

About as unrelated as you can be from that however:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-27210992

QuoteThe residents of a town on Canada's Newfoundland island fear a blue whale carcass that washed up on its boardwalk last week could explode at any time.

The 25m (81ft) whale on Trout River's rocky beach is one of several believed to have died in heavy ice weeks ago.

Town Clerk Emily Butler says the body is bloated with methane gas caused by decomposition and will soon reek, regardless of whether it explodes.

QuoteLast year a sperm whale carcass that washed up on the Faroe Islands exploded as a biologist attempted to dissect it.

I can't decide whether it's a great or terrible epitaph - "Killed by exploding whale"

Oregon did this shit years ago. Everything else has been a cheap copy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 02:37:22 PM
Was that the dynamite incident? Because that was humanity at it's finest there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 30, 2014, 02:57:59 PM
That's my state for you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 30, 2014, 03:00:50 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 02:37:22 PM
Was that the dynamite incident? Because that was humanity at it's finest there.

That's humanity at its second-finest, but yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 03:05:53 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 30, 2014, 03:00:50 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 02:37:22 PM
Was that the dynamite incident? Because that was humanity at it's finest there.

That's humanity at its second-finest, but yeah.

I'll bite, what beats it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on April 30, 2014, 03:29:53 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 03:05:53 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on April 30, 2014, 03:00:50 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on April 30, 2014, 02:37:22 PM
Was that the dynamite incident? Because that was humanity at it's finest there.

That's humanity at its second-finest, but yeah.

I'll bite, what beats it?

http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/police-beat/inmate-faces-new-indictment-in-chemical-attack-nw-of-tucson/article_0e06c2b4-8fae-567b-9c79-c35f04875df7.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2014, 07:26:13 AM
Totally worth it for $200. Realistically, quite lucky that it wasn't considerably worse.

This:
QuoteThe indictment stems from an incident in August 2009 where chlorine tablets mixed with other chemicals were set on fire outside the home of Myles and Karen Levine.

just shows you what any particularly motivated loon can do when inclined. Which makes the whole terrorism thing even funnier in some regards. You can inflict more damage from a trip to Tesco or Wall Mart than you probably could from the nearest army base.

They would sell you it all in spades, no questions asked and it would be quantities easily capable of doing significant damage. 

Other news:
UK crime "falls 15%"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27138921
Yet apparently the police don't record "a fifth" (I call that 20%. You know, to keep the numbers in headlines consistent) of crime
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27226110
So what I suspect here is that no-one knows how much crime is actually going on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2014, 07:29:49 AM
Hey Cain:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27232731
QuoteSinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has been arrested by Northern Ireland police in connection with the 1972 murder of Jean McConville.

He presented himself to police on Wednesday evening and was arrested.

Speaking before his arrest, Mr Adams said he was "innocent of any part" in the murder.

Mrs McConville, a 37-year-old widow and mother-of-10, was abducted from her flat in the Divis area of west Belfast and shot by the IRA.

Got to be worth watching here. Intrigue abounds.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 01, 2014, 07:51:55 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 01, 2014, 07:26:13 AM
Totally worth it for $200. Realistically, quite lucky that it wasn't considerably worse.

This:
QuoteThe indictment stems from an incident in August 2009 where chlorine tablets mixed with other chemicals were set on fire outside the home of Myles and Karen Levine.

just shows you what any particularly motivated loon can do when inclined. Which makes the whole terrorism thing even funnier in some regards. You can inflict more damage from a trip to Tesco or Wall Mart than you probably could from the nearest army base.

They would sell you it all in spades, no questions asked and it would be quantities easily capable of doing significant damage. 

Other news:
UK crime "falls 15%"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27138921
Yet apparently the police don't record "a fifth" (I call that 20%. You know, to keep the numbers in headlines consistent) of crime
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27226110
So what I suspect here is that no-one knows how much crime is actually going on.

If the police are aware of it, it isn't crime. It's idiots  :wink:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2014, 08:11:38 AM
That's probably a better way to read the stories.

"Idiocy in the UK drops by 15%"

"Police fail to report 20% of stupid things"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 01, 2014, 10:18:12 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-27225422

Paxman quitting newsnight. Can't blame the man, but it's a shame as there's very few that interview people properly nowadays. Link above is basically a "best bits", misses out some good ones but you'll get the idea if you've never heard of him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwlsd8RAoqI
(Amusement starts around 1:45)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q96elyZaxq8
(EDL Interview. Stunning)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 06, 2014, 09:25:20 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27283383

QuoteNigerian Islamist militant group Boko Haram has threatened to "sell" the hundreds of schoolgirls it abducted three weeks ago.

Militant leader Abubakar Shekau sent a video obtained by the AFP news agency, in which he said for the first time that his group had taken the girls.

About 230 girls are still believed to be missing, prompting widespread criticism of the Nigerian government.

Fucking hell. Missed this completely. Guess hundreds of kids being abducted isn't really an issue at all unless they're white.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 06, 2014, 09:29:03 AM
It's been neglected by a lot of the media.

Except Nick Cohen, who has been using it as a bludgeon to attack everyone he sees as too accomodating of Islamist radicals ("everyone else") and people who mocked him about the Iraq War ("everyone").

Because referring to a kidnapping as an abduction rather than slavery shows covert support for the House of Saud.  Or something.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 06, 2014, 12:26:53 PM
It's been on NPR for over a week, IIRC.  And I think some of the other large US outlets have covered it.  Not with "Missing Jetliner" type energy, but it's being reported on.

What's interesting is everyone posting on facebook about "why isn't this being covered?" and linking to, you know, a news site covering it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 06, 2014, 02:05:40 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 06, 2014, 12:26:53 PM
It's been on NPR for over a week, IIRC.  And I think some of the other large US outlets have covered it.  Not with "Missing Jetliner" type energy, but it's being reported on.

What's interesting is everyone posting on facebook about "why isn't this being covered?" and linking to, you know, a news site covering it.

What's really amazing is that Facebook is basically a generator for the sort of half-ass outrage that makes poor people vote republican.  It's like having The Mirror, only the whole world is writing for it, trying to outdo each other.

Some asshole once said that if you put a million monkeys in front of typewriters, they'd eventually type Shakespeare.

That asshole was wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 06, 2014, 07:21:41 PM
Oh. Well.

Still, seems like a pretty big fucking deal and Boko Haram have been escalating shit for a while. I'm guessing with people looking at Russia/Ukraine/Syria they figured they could ramp shit up a notch and not really have to worry too much.

Guess they were right. I'm sure terrorists with a successful track record are going to be keen to pack it in and calm down.

That aside, there's an absolute fuckton of things here that just scream bad news further down the line. This shit happened 3 weeks ago and I've only seen that link today. That surprises me quite a bit and I may be focusing on it more as a result but the whole Boko Haram/Nigeria/Oil situation could turn really nasty, really quickly. It's been bubbling for a while and this does seem like a significant step up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2014, 08:15:37 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27304228

QuoteA government policy that bans books being sent to prisoners in England and Wales may face a legal challenge.

The Ministry of Justice will receive a claim from a female prisoner serving a life sentence, saying she has been left "in despair" by the ban.

The book ban is part a scheme which came into force in November and limits what prisoners can receive in parcels.

But the MoJ says the three-month window for appealing against a new policy has closed so the challenge is too late.

QuoteIn March, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling defended the policy through an open letter to poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy who led protests against the ban.

Ms Duffy had said the ban hurt the "soul of the country". But the justice secretary insisted it kept prisons free of drugs.

In the letter, Mr Grayling added that he had only specifically made a decision about "the availability of books in prisons" once, and that was to allow the novel Fifty Shades of Grey to be circulated in female prisons, in a bid to encourage reading.

So out of the two decisions this man has taken involving literature and prisons, one involved pushing a mass market bodice ripper and the other is NO BECAUSE DRUGS.

There's something particularly spiteful about removing books from prisoners. Kind of makes the whole reform, education and rehabilitation side of things look like a bit of a joke. Then again, I guess it was always supposed to be.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 07, 2014, 08:19:37 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 07, 2014, 08:15:37 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27304228

QuoteA government policy that bans books being sent to prisoners in England and Wales may face a legal challenge.

The Ministry of Justice will receive a claim from a female prisoner serving a life sentence, saying she has been left "in despair" by the ban.

The book ban is part a scheme which came into force in November and limits what prisoners can receive in parcels.

But the MoJ says the three-month window for appealing against a new policy has closed so the challenge is too late.

QuoteIn March, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling defended the policy through an open letter to poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy who led protests against the ban.

Ms Duffy had said the ban hurt the "soul of the country". But the justice secretary insisted it kept prisons free of drugs.

In the letter, Mr Grayling added that he had only specifically made a decision about "the availability of books in prisons" once, and that was to allow the novel Fifty Shades of Grey to be circulated in female prisons, in a bid to encourage reading.

So out of the two decisions this man has taken involving literature and prisons, one involved pushing a mass market bodice ripper and the other is NO BECAUSE DRUGS.

There's something particularly spiteful about removing books from prisoners. Kind of makes the whole reform, education and rehabilitation side of things look like a bit of a joke. Then again, I guess it was always supposed to be.
Right.  Just don't give them the tools to understand their situation, and that ignorance will prevent them from formulating an escape.
Title: 50 Shades of Grayling
Post by: Cain on May 07, 2014, 08:29:01 AM
I love that bit about "earning money" to buy books.

Average prisoner wages in the UK are £4 a week.  For those with jobs.  TV rent is £1 a week.  Those with jobs can afford to buy a book, assuming an average paperback price of £5.99, once every two weeks.  And that will be one of those shitty WHS Smith top 20 books.  Those without jobs get £2.50 a week.  Taking away the TV rent, they can afford a book every month.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 07, 2014, 09:01:26 AM
Everything costs something may be an entry to understanding consequence, however the source is still not addressed .
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2014, 09:06:52 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 07, 2014, 08:29:01 AM
I love that bit about "earning money" to buy books.

Average prisoner wages in the UK are £4 a week.  For those with jobs.  TV rent is £1 a week.  Those with jobs can afford to buy a book, assuming an average paperback price of £5.99, once every two weeks.  And that will be one of those shitty WHS Smith top 20 books.  Those without jobs get £2.50 a week.  Taking away the TV rent, they can afford a book every month.



Needless to say, this also assumes that the prisoner purchases literally nothing else such as tobacco, toiletries or anything else that could be viewed as a luxury item. I get the distinct impression the intent here is to make it impossible to acquire books. Perhaps too many of the wrong kind of books were found in various prisons. The drugs angle I simply don't buy. For a start, it's much easier to find a dissatisfied guard and incentvise them. Or get someone to throw shit over the wall.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 07, 2014, 09:12:26 AM
We arm the harm.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 07, 2014, 09:16:08 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 07, 2014, 09:06:52 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 07, 2014, 08:29:01 AM
I love that bit about "earning money" to buy books.

Average prisoner wages in the UK are £4 a week.  For those with jobs.  TV rent is £1 a week.  Those with jobs can afford to buy a book, assuming an average paperback price of £5.99, once every two weeks.  And that will be one of those shitty WHS Smith top 20 books.  Those without jobs get £2.50 a week.  Taking away the TV rent, they can afford a book every month.



Needless to say, this also assumes that the prisoner purchases literally nothing else such as tobacco, toiletries or anything else that could be viewed as a luxury item. I get the distinct impression the intent here is to make it impossible to acquire books. Perhaps too many of the wrong kind of books were found in various prisons. The drugs angle I simply don't buy. For a start, it's much easier to find a dissatisfied guard and incentvise them. Or get someone to throw shit over the wall.

Of course.

That said, once they've read a page, they can use it as toilet paper or rolling paper for a ciggie.  The Bible has very good paper for that sort of thing...so I'm told.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 07, 2014, 09:27:23 AM
No, it burns too quickly and tastes fucking terrible. I'm told.

Edit to fix idiot mistake.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 07, 2014, 09:40:46 AM
That really depends on the alternatives.  Think about how thin that paper is... Eh-heh.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 08, 2014, 11:20:11 AM
Strangely plausible files #777291B -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-27321235
QuoteRadical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri secretly worked for MI5, his lawyers have told his US terror trial.

The defence claimed the Egyptian-born preacher, who was giving evidence for the first time in his trial in New York, had been tasked to "keep the streets of London safe".

Abu Hamza denies 11 terrorism charges.

He answered "never" when asked if he had assisted the kidnapping of western tourists in Yemen in 1998 and set up a jihadist training camp in Oregon.

Abu Hamza was jailed in the UK for inciting murder and racial hatred with his sermons at a north London mosque, before being extradited to the US nearly two years ago.

He said he had never helped al-Qaeda or other militant groups.

I doubt any members of MI5 will be kind enough to confirm that this is indeed the case but it seems a very silly defence to raise unless you can show some proof.

QuoteThe defence wants to introduce as evidence documents from Scotland Yard, which it claims demonstrate how the preacher co-operated with police to calm tensions and to help release hostages.

But the judge has ruled the evidence inadmissible.

So there's shady shit afoot, but I'll be damned if I know exactly what.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 08, 2014, 11:32:22 AM
This has been known, if denied, for a while now.

Abu Hamza has allegedly had links with the intelligence services in the UK since the Bosnian conflict.  London was a chief stopping off point for mujahideen looking to get in on the action in southern Europe, and the intelligence services - keen to protect the special relationship with America, which was under strain due to UK government inaction in the former Yugoslavia - were more than happy to assist.

Afterwards, Hamza was a useful way of keeping an eye on the more mouthy UK based militant Islamic set.  Many suspect the subsequent rendition to America was due to some kind of falling out with one of the branches of the secret state.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 08, 2014, 12:00:51 PM
This is the EVIL BABY EATING JIHADIST MONSTER, as portrayed in the Daily Mail, right?

Always kinda wondered what was actually going on there
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 08, 2014, 12:21:05 PM
Much the same deal for Abu Qatada, too.

We were letting all kinds of Islamists set up shop in London in the early 90s, and had all kinds of underhand dealings with them.  I suspect we, along with the CIA, were planning extensive operations in the former Soviet Union using Muslim proxies, and that plan went in the shitter post 9/11, though elements of it keep being resurrected.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 08, 2014, 02:45:33 PM
When you say "went in the shitter" you mean "blew up in their face", right?  :horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 12, 2014, 08:57:43 PM
Sorry, did someone say something about shitters blowing up in people's faces?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ukip-free-speech-row-police-tell-blogger-to-take-down-legitimate-facts-taken-from-official-eurosceptic-party-policy-9358196.html

HO HO HO?

QuoteOfficers reportedly asked Green party member Michael Abberton to "take down" tweets in which he attempted to verify the truth behind a number of claims made in an anti-Ukip poster – despite police admitting that no offence had been committed.

Writing on his blog, Mr Abberton explained that he hadn't even been the one to create the original list of 10 "great reasons to vote Ukip" – which included "making it legal for a man to rape or assault his wife" and "speeding up privatisation of the NHS".

Yet the blogger said two Cambridge Police officers visited his home on Saturday afternoon to tell him that, while he had not committed any crimes and no police action would be taken, a complaint had been made "by a certain political party".

Writing on his website, Axe of Reason, Mr Abberton said he was advised to delete the posts on Twitter.

He said: "They asked me to 'take it down' but I said I couldn't do that as it had already been retweeted and appropriated, copied, many times and I no longer had any control of it.

"I'd like to be absolutely clear - the police officers were extremely professional and polite and I couldn't fault their behaviour in any way.

"But it wasn't until after they left that I questioned why they had visited me in the first place.

"Why would a political party, so close to an election, seek to stop people finding out what their policies are or their past voting record? And is it not a matter for concern that a political party would seek to silence dissent and debate in such a manner?"

HO HO HO!

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9358145.ece/alternates/w620/ukip-free-speech.jpg)

Never mind any of that! Look at this fella! He ain't from round here, he's from over there!

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2014, 12:46:27 PM
They just keep getting dumber:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ukip-calls-for-police-to-arrest-protesters-who-call-us-fascists-ahead-of-showdown-with-antifascist-groups-in-brighton-9362483.html

QuoteA senior Ukip MEP candidate has called for police to arrest protesters who call its members 'fascists', ahead of a showdown with activists in Brighton this evening.

The rest of the article is hardly required, you know what you're dealing with here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 14, 2014, 01:19:18 PM
QuoteShe said: "I have no problem with free speech but talk of fascism and Nazism to the third-biggest mainstream party in Britain is disgraceful.

Yeah.  I mean, I don't like Nick Clegg either, but calling him a Nazi is a bit ridiculous.

On a serious point, I'm trying to give a fuck about this.  I really am.  But this is, apparently, the politics we demanded.  Anyone who looks at Farage's freak show and concludes "that's the kind of people I want to have control of our nuclear arsenal" is clearly too wound up with spite over something, whether it be gay marriage or the EU or that we still have a barely functioning social network that nothing is going to bring them around.

I mean, my mockery cannot even begin to approach the mockery of willingly associating with UKIP brings.  So why bother?  And it's not like if, like much of the commentariat, if I "condemn a little less and understand a little more", which I understand to mean not calling UKIP a racist party, despite all the obvious evidence, and give them sloppy blowjobs in the national press will bring them around to any form of reason.

I might have spoken with a UKIP supporter recently.  Unlike him, I didnt have a bunch of pre-arranged talking points of bollocks to cajole the masses with, but I did have direct experience of some of the shit he was talking about.  Any attempts to tell him that actually he was wrong were either met with angry rebuttals, strawmen or putting words in my mouth.  This doesn't seem to be much different from how UKIP standing officials debate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2014, 01:40:22 PM
My only concern with UKIP is that they're doing a half decent job of acting like how people expect politicians here to act. They look wrong, they say stupid and offensive things at random and that's EXACTLY how we expect our politicians to be here.

The various upcoming elections will be quite interesting due to them at least. Clegg will be looking at a massacre and probable all time low, labour obvious gains but possibly not enough. That leaves UKIP as a very ugly dealmaker, potentially. If they target the right areas with low turnouts, which they appear to have been doing.

Really, all I want is someone half reasonable who doesn't appear cloned from lard for a politician. Maybe in a couple of generations you fucks will stop electing shiny cretins. Or perhaps make it some kind of legal obligation to adhere to manifestos when taking power. They might then be worth the paper they're printed on in that event. At the least the writers would actually have to take them remotely seriously.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 14, 2014, 02:04:52 PM
Yes, the Tories have been grooming them to take over from the Lib Dems since about...well, 2011 was when I first noticed, so probably from the moment the coalition deal was agreed upon.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 14, 2014, 02:18:15 PM
"You can't play this time but next time...."

I wonder, which notable political donors became UKIP donors around 2011? Still yet another reason to suspect a potential Labour/Ukip coalition too.

A stooge is always a handy tool in any con game.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: BadBeast on May 16, 2014, 11:02:50 AM
UKIP's casually racist attitude towards wogs, nig-nogs, homogays and people from "Bongo Bongo land"  :aaa: might seem dangerously progressive at first glance, but I don't think this should put the electorate off from voting a UKIP Government into power next election. Their non-committal "leaked" ideas about the immigration, social engineering, and foriegn policy they intend to implement in a post-electoral UKIP Britain, are even less likely to happen than David Cameroons promise to have a referendum on EU Membership (Just as soon as he gets his feet under the table at #10) no later than last year sometime. Cameron is as slippery as 3 eels in a bucket of snot, and he's almost as smart too.

Still, the one thing we DO know about the Tories, is that they're the only European Political Party in the past 200 years, that consistently forge ahead with implementing no-nonsense "Zero Tolerance" policies for racism, hate-speech, or bigotry of ANY kind. And now they have made our once, institutionally racist Police Force into a modern, multi-culturally aware, gender sensitive equal opportunities employer, they can begin to enforce the actual LAW, (IKR?) using our new"Fluffy, but Firmly non-partisan Police Force that is ALREADY the envy of the free thinking World. (Just as soon as "Call me David" is safely ensconced again in #10 as Chanceller. I mean, Fuhrer. I mean Capo erm, Heil, Caesar!  :oops:. . . well, you get the idea.

Their word is their bond, and lying is anathema to every principle they stand for. Thing is, it's the covert principles they all raced to grease up and bend over for, while they buried their snouts in the trough that have always been the problem in the past but they have assured ALL the select comittees they selected, to give us a better illusion of accountibility on this question of their honesty that they've turned the corner, and are well started on the roadmap to ending racism.

So that all seems to be in order then.  :roll:

Farange's promises to send the "tens of thousands" of Romanian immigrants set to flood the UK this year will sadly have to be put on hold, due to the fact that there have been 4000 LESS Romanian immigrants than there were before those huge "floodgates" were opened. He's now claiming that Cameron engineered this just to make him and his Party look stupid. Next, he'll be demanding the previous extrapolated numbers of people must be to be flown into the UK immediately, so we can point at them all, sneer, then fly them all straight back to Rome, or wherever the fuck it is they came from.

And if the E.D.L are the unspoken Brownshirts to Farage's 'Tard Reich, then I don't think we need to worry about them coming up the stairs in the night for us. Just publish a bogus FB Page, giving them bogus directions to, for instance, the wet end of Brighton Pier instead of Tottenham's Broadwater Farm, and they'll probably march right off the end of it. It might stink the beach up for a while at low tide, but fuck them, the whole E.D.F / U.K.I.P "covert" Coalition smell of shit anyway. (Even without Robbo at the helm) Even so, they would have to be fuckin' quick off the mark to be any worse than the shameful and repeatedly proven track records for lying, cheating, stealing, top level corruption, (and subsequent cover-ups) and then not giving a fuck, (even when caught red handed) that have consistently been blatantly committed by  A/ "New"Labour Government. And B/ Every single Tory Government. And lately, every Tory Opposition Party too. (In fact, during Blair's administration, the Tories were so crap at their job, The Daily Mail were actually given the job of official opposition Party)

So this year, My vote is going the same way as it always has done. Like, nowhere at all. I'm STILL refusing to participate in any form of Democratic process whatsoever. Not entirely from some misguided political sense of protest though, (I'm not THAT fucking stupid) there's perhaps a teensy bit of pathological laziness involved too..... (Let no-one say I'm blind to my own glaringly obvious and occisional character defects)  :|
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 19, 2014, 03:46:12 PM
Today, I bring you TEN TONS OF SHIT.

Various grades.

1 - http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/this-is-a-hot-one
QuoteBut now things have gotten really dark and weird (yes, we're on a very relative scale here.) A pro-McDaniel blogger, Clayton Thomas Kelly, was just arrested for breaking into the nursing home where Cochran's wife lives, videotaping her and then posting the video. Remember, this is an elderly woman who I'm told is in a fairly advanced vegetative state. So in addition to being a serious felony it is just ugly and awful in human terms.

So Kelly got arrested and obviously it's an embarrassment for the McDaniel campaign since he's a supporter, appears to have had some level of contact with the campaign if not necessarily a relationship and seems to have been trying to advance (in a colossally weird and immoral way) the same wife/aide something something something story the McDaniel campaign has been pushing with the reporters.

Lots going on, little of it good.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-27465295
QuoteA killer who absconded while on day release is still on the run after failing to return to jail.

It is the third time Arnold Pickering, 44, from Greater Manchester, has gone on the run. He failed to return to Kennet Prison in Liverpool on Saturday.

Another "XXX has ESCAPED from prison" tale. The frequency of these is somewhat intruiging. A paranoid mind might think that relatively notorious criminals are being given fairly little oversight in a bid to drive a change in various prison regulations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10123478

QuoteScientists at a US university say they have developed a technique to hack into Indian electronic voting machines.

After connecting a home-made device to a machine, University of Michigan researchers were able to change results by sending text messages from a mobile.

Indian election officials say their machines are foolproof, and that it would be very difficult even to get hold of a machine to tamper with it.

Quote"Before the elections take place, the machine is set in the presence of the candidates and their representatives. These people are allowed to put their seal on the machine, and nobody can open the machine without breaking the seals."

The researchers said the paper and wax seals could be easily faked.

Given the general levels of corruption in India, this bears watching. I'd put money I don't have on something strange going on with these machines sooner or later. Sooner, if it turns out they're also used elsewhere.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on May 19, 2014, 07:04:11 PM
Interesting....


In other interesting political news: http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/this-card-being-sent-to-mississippi-voters-is-amazing
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 19, 2014, 07:09:32 PM
Holy crap.  That's amazing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 20, 2014, 12:49:13 PM
" If information doesn't square with someone's prior beliefs, he discards the beliefs if they're weak and discards the information if the beliefs are strong."
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/mariakonnikova/2014/05/why-do-people-persist-in-believing-things-that-just-arent-true.html?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 20, 2014, 01:08:57 PM
Interesting, thanks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 20, 2014, 06:42:26 PM
Quote from: Tiddleywomp Cockletit on May 20, 2014, 12:49:13 PM
" If information doesn't square with someone's prior beliefs, he discards the beliefs if they're weak and discards the information if the beliefs are strong."
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/mariakonnikova/2014/05/why-do-people-persist-in-believing-things-that-just-arent-true.html?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email

That was absolutely fascinating! There have been smaller, less comprehensive studies on this effect, but this:

QuoteNormally, self-affirmation is reserved for instances in which identity is threatened in direct ways: race, gender, age, weight, and the like. Here, Nyhan decided to apply it in an unrelated context: Could recalling a time when you felt good about yourself make you more broad-minded about highly politicized issues, like the Iraq surge or global warming? As it turns out, it would. On all issues, attitudes became more accurate with self-affirmation, and remained just as inaccurate without. That effect held even when no additional information was presented—that is, when people were simply asked the same questions twice, before and after the self-affirmation.

...really caught my interest. Thanks!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 21, 2014, 10:31:01 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/05/20/heres-some-wasteful-big-government-spending-why-isnt-fox-news-outraged/?wpsrc=AG0003336

QuoteDo you remember the $16 muffin? It was big news in 2011, coming from an inspector general's report on Justice Department overspending at conferences. There were front-page articles in newspapers, but the real heat came from conservative media, particularly Fox News, which blasted the government for spending so much for muffins. It turned out that there was no $16 muffin, though there may have been overpriced hotel breakfasts.
That story contained everything Fox wanted its viewers to believe about government employees fleecing taxpayers.
Now here's another similar story from today you won't be hearing about on Fox, or perhaps anywhere else. It appeared on page A11 of today's Post:
Northrop Grumman improperly charged the U.S. government more than $100 million in "questionable" costs on a contract, according to a Defense Department inspector general's report.
The report found that from October 2007 through March 2013, the major defense contractor "did not properly charge labor rates" for a counter-narcoterrorism contract, and that the Army agency in charge of the contract did not ensure that the people performing the work had the necessary qualifications. The agency also did not review invoices for millions of dollars of overtime, the report said.
The IG found $21.7 million in "potentially excessive payments" for overtime, including one employee who billed $176,900 for 1,208 hours in a 12-day period. That caught investigators' attention, since the employee was billing for more than 100 hours a day.

$100 million could buy you an awful lot of muffins. Back when the muffin story broke, I wrote a post about it and did a Google News search, which produced 443 articles about the muffins in the prior 24 hours. How many stories do you think there have been in the last 24 hours about Northrop Grumman's $100 million overcharge (I suppose we might even call it "fraud") of the American taxpayer? A dozen? A hundred? Nope. Just one — the one in the Post. Nobody else seems to find it interesting.
So what does this tell us? First, conservatives have a media apparatus that they can use to force certain stories into mainstream awareness when they find those that tell a tale they want people to hear. It doesn't always work — for instance, their efforts to get everyone to care about the New Black Panthers have not borne fruit — but it works often enough.
Second, if there's a vivid detail, even one that turns out to be untrue (like the $16 muffin), then all journalists are much more likely to find it compelling and do stories about it. You'd think that the story of the guy who managed to bill for 100 hours of work per day would be pretty compelling. Guess not.
Third, people seem to get angrier about bad behavior from government employees than from contractors, even though contractors at a place like Northrup Grumman are government employees in all but name (according to Northrop's 2013 annual report, $21.3 billion of its $24.7 billion in sales came from U.S. government contracts). I'd give folks like Fox some credit for that, since they've worked so hard to convince everyone that "government bureaucrats" are both slothful and sinister, working every day to crush Americans' freedom when they aren't taking 3-hour lunches.
And fourth, the actual magnitude of the waste of taxpayer money is all but irrelevant to whether this kind of story gains traction. You know about the muffins, but do you remember that in Iraq, the Defense Department lost — literally just lost, with no idea where it went — a staggering $6.6 billion in cash? We're talking pallets full of $100 bills, sent over there to make it rain on the various factions whose support we were trying to buy. Just disappeared. That should have been an earth-shaking scandal, but few people ever heard about it.

How's the USA doing on the corruption index nowadays? I'm guessing quite well on paper but the reality seems a little different. Hardly the first tale of this kind and it'll be interesting to see if this gets any traction at all. I can't imagine either side will want to use it in election propaganda.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 21, 2014, 10:56:20 AM
Surely prison pipleline related :
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/05/20/fbi_rules_prohibit_hiring_marijuana_users_but_many_desirable_cybercrime.html

QuoteThis week at the White Collar Crime Institute, an annual New York City Bar Association conference, Comey said that cybersecurity is an important priority for the FBI, but that the agency may need to re-evaluate its hiring stance when it comes to marijuana use. Currently anyone who has used pot in the three years before applying to an FBI job is automatically disqualified from consideration.

"I have to hire a great work force to compete with those cyber criminals and some of those kids want to smoke weed on the way to the interview," Comey said, according to the Wall Street Journal. A conference attendee brought up a friend who hadn't applied for an FBI job because of pot use. Comey replied, "He should go ahead and apply."

It would certainly be handy for various people to have a list of known (or highly likely as proven by SHUT UP) smokers who could be raided on demand to make up crime figures. You'd have to seven shade of insane to actually trust that this won't end up in arrests and deal making all over the show. "No prison for you.... if you work for us."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 21, 2014, 11:00:24 AM
http://nationalreport.net/obama-announces-plans-third-term-presidential-run/

Look at the comments section. Just look at it. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 21, 2014, 11:28:34 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 21, 2014, 10:56:20 AM
Surely prison pipleline related :
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/05/20/fbi_rules_prohibit_hiring_marijuana_users_but_many_desirable_cybercrime.html

QuoteThis week at the White Collar Crime Institute, an annual New York City Bar Association conference, Comey said that cybersecurity is an important priority for the FBI, but that the agency may need to re-evaluate its hiring stance when it comes to marijuana use. Currently anyone who has used pot in the three years before applying to an FBI job is automatically disqualified from consideration.

"I have to hire a great work force to compete with those cyber criminals and some of those kids want to smoke weed on the way to the interview," Comey said, according to the Wall Street Journal. A conference attendee brought up a friend who hadn't applied for an FBI job because of pot use. Comey replied, "He should go ahead and apply."

It would certainly be handy for various people to have a list of known (or highly likely as proven by SHUT UP) smokers who could be raided on demand to make up crime figures. You'd have to seven shade of insane to actually trust that this won't end up in arrests and deal making all over the show. "No prison for you.... if you work for us."
It'd be one of those weird, trick questions.  On the application there would be something to the order of "... have you in the last four years...". Trying to be a "agent" and such, they'd chexk your answer against references, and that's the only liability for that question, detective  :wink:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 23, 2014, 02:35:21 PM
This is odd:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-27540945
QuotePolice fail to seize terror inmate Munir Farooqi's home

QuoteMunir Farooqi was given four life sentences in 2011 after he tried to recruit two undercover police officers for jihad in Afghanistan.

His trial heard he used the family home for meetings to radicalise recruits.

But a judge at Manchester Crown Court said seizing the home would harm Farooqi's family.

The house is estimated to be worth about £200,000 and is registered in the name of Farooqi's wife and daughter.

Greater Manchester Police wanted to seize the property under a clause of the Terrorism Act 2000.

QuoteOn Friday, Deputy High Court Judge Richard Henriques agreed.

He said he was satisfied Farooqi had control of the house at time of his offences, but that his family did not know of his terrorist activities.

He said seizing the home would adversely affect the family, rendering six innocent adults and two children homeless.

The judge also ruled that Farooqi, of Longsight, Manchester, must pay £500,000 towards the costs of his trial.

It is understood any cash recovered would go to the Treasury, not Greater Manchester Police.

So the Police are apparently pushing for asset seizures now, doubtless after seeing how lucrative it's been in the USA.

It seems that the "right" decision has been made in this instance but I doubt it bodes well for anyone arrested without extensive assets and family to wave around in court. I've got to find it a little strange how the home can be used for the claimed purposes yet everyone was entirely unaware of such activities.

That resulted in couple of searches leading to this:
http://www.islam21c.com/politics/savethefamilyhome-interview-with-the-daughter-of-munir-farooqi/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 23, 2014, 03:02:14 PM
Welp. http://wikileaks.org/WikiLeaks-statement-on-the-mass.html

Even Greenwald  was like "Okay we should probably keep that one buttoned up, releasing that info will get people killed"

assange goes "LOL NO"


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 23, 2014, 03:03:58 PM
Wikleaks vs Journalists, battleground twitter https://twitter.com/wikileaks/status/468451149495148544
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 27, 2014, 02:34:17 PM
Does anyone know if Republicans are trying to attack Obama over the accidental* exposure of the Kabul CIA Station Chief this weekend?

I could do with a laugh, and that would provide oh so many. 

*I have no idea if this was accidental or "accidental".  Let's just recall that the military in Afghanistan and the CIA in general are a hotbed of anti-Obama sentiment, and going by the ousting of McChrystal and Petraues, the feeling is mutual.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 09:17:05 AM
5/5:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/no-way-to-prevent-this-says-only-nation-where-this,36131/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=Default:1:Default

QuoteSLA VISTA, CA—In the days following a violent rampage in southern California in which a lone attacker killed seven individuals, including himself, and seriously injured over a dozen others, citizens living in the only country where this kind of mass killing routinely occurs reportedly concluded Tuesday that there was no way to prevent the massacre from taking place. "This was a terrible tragedy, but sometimes these things just happen and there's nothing anyone can do to stop them," said North Carolina resident Samuel Wipper, echoing sentiments expressed by tens of millions of individuals who reside in a nation where over half of the world's deadliest mass shootings have occurred in the past 50 years and whose citizens are 20 times more likely to die of gun violence than those of other developed nations. "It's a shame, but what can we do? There really wasn't anything that was going to keep this guy from snapping and killing a lot of people if that's what he really wanted." At press time, residents of the only economically advanced nation in the world where roughly two mass shootings have occurred every month for the past five years were referring to themselves and their situation as "helpless.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 09:48:36 AM
"European Paedophilia networks" is probably worth it's own thread by now, it keeps coming up frequently enough.
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/matthew-mcvarish-interview
QuoteBack in the 1990s, Romania was the paedophile paradise of Europe – mostly due to a lack of laws that followed the fall of communism. Thousands of tourists from northern countries would travel there to abuse minors and if caught, they would usually get off with just a warning.

Unfortunately things haven't changed much since then. Once every couple of years, European or American authorities arrest a different network of paedophiles or human traffickers operating in Romania. Just last year, they discovered a giant child porn network, for which the movies were made in Romania and Ukraine.

The new penal code made the situation even worse, as both the punishment and the statute of limitations for pedophilia decreased to a maximum of seven years. That means that if you got raped at five years old and reported it at 13, your assailant is basically a free man.

An American NGO called 'Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse' is fighting to eliminate the statute of limitations for pedophilia across Europe. They're doing this through a campaign called Road to Change, in which a Scottish actor called Matthew McVarish travels by foot from one European capital to another, trying to convince local governments to adopt harsher paedophilia legislation. His aim is to travel a total of 16,000 kilometers.

Interview details the situation in Romania and other European countries in general terms.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 28, 2014, 10:01:24 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 09:17:05 AM
5/5:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/no-way-to-prevent-this-says-only-nation-where-this,36131/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=Default:1:Default

QuoteSLA VISTA, CA—In the days following a violent rampage in southern California in which a lone attacker killed seven individuals, including himself, and seriously injured over a dozen others, citizens living in the only country where this kind of mass killing routinely occurs reportedly concluded Tuesday that there was no way to prevent the massacre from taking place. "This was a terrible tragedy, but sometimes these things just happen and there's nothing anyone can do to stop them," said North Carolina resident Samuel Wipper, echoing sentiments expressed by tens of millions of individuals who reside in a nation where over half of the world's deadliest mass shootings have occurred in the past 50 years and whose citizens are 20 times more likely to die of gun violence than those of other developed nations. "It's a shame, but what can we do? There really wasn't anything that was going to keep this guy from snapping and killing a lot of people if that's what he really wanted." At press time, residents of the only economically advanced nation in the world where roughly two mass shootings have occurred every month for the past five years were referring to themselves and their situation as "helpless.

Talk about missing the obvious. The solution is simple - more guns! How many people in the US "snap" every day? Some of them don't have a gun so they can't shoot both other potential "snappers" and then themselves. Every person who gets killed is one less potential rampage, waiting to happen. If we can just get fully automatic weapons into the hands of the people who need them most, I'm confident the situation will resolve itself. :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 28, 2014, 02:52:17 PM
I swear to fucking god, if one more person takes a story from a satire site seriously I'm going to give up on PD.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 02:58:22 PM
Pretty sure P3nt's familiar with the Onion.

This is a bag of creepy shit, somewhat related. Turns out the shooter was part of a "PUAhate" forum, trolled bodybuilders and much, much more.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:9jm67Lf42GUJ:puahate.com/showthread.php%3Ft%3D139474+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

Warning - Nothing specific, its all fucking awful.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 28, 2014, 03:02:09 PM
The worst part of that for me is that "PUAHate" isn't a bunch of people who hate PUAs because of their slimy, creepy, rape-y, objectifying ways, they hate PUAs because they feel "ripped off" the PUA techniques couldn't get them the sex they DESERVED.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 28, 2014, 03:03:38 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 02:58:22 PM
Pretty sure P3nt's familiar with the Onion.

This is a bag of creepy shit, somewhat related. Turns out the shooter was part of a "PUAhate" forum, trolled bodybuilders and much, much more.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:9jm67Lf42GUJ:puahate.com/showthread.php%3Ft%3D139474+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

Warning - Nothing specific, its all fucking awful.

There's a whole conversation on this elsewhere on the forum.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 28, 2014, 03:04:50 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 28, 2014, 03:02:09 PM
The worst part of that for me is that "PUAHate" isn't a bunch of people who hate PUAs because of their slimy, creepy, rape-y, objectifying ways, they hate PUAs because they feel "ripped off" the PUA techniques couldn't get them the sex they DESERVED.

I can't wait until PUAs and MRAs are classified as "hate groups".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 03:17:57 PM
Quote from: All-Father Nigel on May 28, 2014, 03:03:38 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 02:58:22 PM
Pretty sure P3nt's familiar with the Onion.

This is a bag of creepy shit, somewhat related. Turns out the shooter was part of a "PUAhate" forum, trolled bodybuilders and much, much more.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:9jm67Lf42GUJ:puahate.com/showthread.php%3Ft%3D139474+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

Warning - Nothing specific, its all fucking awful.

There's a whole conversation on this elsewhere on the forum.



Shit, missed that. Link?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 28, 2014, 10:26:34 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 03:17:57 PM
Quote from: All-Father Nigel on May 28, 2014, 03:03:38 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 28, 2014, 02:58:22 PM
Pretty sure P3nt's familiar with the Onion.

This is a bag of creepy shit, somewhat related. Turns out the shooter was part of a "PUAhate" forum, trolled bodybuilders and much, much more.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:9jm67Lf42GUJ:puahate.com/showthread.php%3Ft%3D139474+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

Warning - Nothing specific, its all fucking awful.

There's a whole conversation on this elsewhere on the forum.



Shit, missed that. Link?

Might be buried in Open Bar. The weird thing is that for some reason I thought you started it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 28, 2014, 10:28:33 PM
Yeah, you did.  :?

http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php?topic=36465.msg1344441#msg1344441
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 28, 2014, 10:29:25 PM
I think there's more to it elsewhere, as I recall LMNO and Roger commenting on it, and someone (Telarus) posting links to the forums he posted on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 29, 2014, 11:16:33 AM
Ah. Well then.

Probably worth it's own thread given the level of horror, issues involved and so on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 29, 2014, 08:19:12 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 29, 2014, 11:16:33 AM
Ah. Well then.

Probably worth it's own thread given the level of horror, issues involved and so on.

Well, the shitneck had apparently managed to offend the MRA/PUA assmonkeys.  We now have one (1) data point for what is on the other side of the MRA/PUA types.

Which, of course, would be YARGANARG BANG BANG BANG.

This does not come as a shock to me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 29, 2014, 08:29:49 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 29, 2014, 11:16:33 AM
Ah. Well then.

Probably worth it's own thread given the level of horror, issues involved and so on.

Yeah, it's a big wad of string to untangle.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 30, 2014, 10:46:52 AM
Related to ongoing converstations:
http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/05/invisible-war-rape-not-occupational-hazard-serving-military

QuoteAs the credits roll, and the post-screening discussion panel assembles at the front of the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise, no one speaks. The film's relentless roll-call of violations has reduced us to silence:

Robin Khale US Marine Corps: It's just after 3am, I see shadow of a human head over my body.
Ayana Defour US Army: Next thing you know, like I wake up and like he's on top of me.
Christina Jones US Army: he pushed my legs apart and put himself on top of me and started pulling up my shirt.
Captain Debra Dickerson US Air force: and I wake up, and he's on top of me. He's already penetrated me.
Lee Le Teff US Army: He put his locked and loaded 45 at the base of my skull, engaged the bolt so that I knew that there was a round chambered.
Katie Webber US Army: All I could do was continue to concentrate on breathing.
Valine Demos US Army Medical Corps: when we got tested I had trich, and gonorrhoea and I was pregnant.
The New York Times said of Kirby Dick's Oscar-nominated documentary, The Invisible War, that "this is not a movie that can be ignored". It is a bitter irony for the women involved that one of the main things that cannot be ignored about this unflinching investigation into rape in the US military is how very ignored the many rapes it documents have been. Tia Christopher of the US Navy tells the filmmakers that when "they took me before my Lieutenant Commander, he says 'd'you think this is funny', I was like, 'what do you mean?', he's like, 'is this all a joke to you?', I was like, 'what do you mean?' And he goes, 'you're the third girl to report rape this week; are you guys like all in cahoots, you think this is a game?'" Rather than leading commanding officers to think the army might have a problem with rape, the sheer volume of sexual assault in the military leads them to think that the women who report it must be lying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 30, 2014, 11:52:55 AM
http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2014/05/27/316317191/worlds-richest-people-meet-muse-on-how-to-spread-the-wealth (http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2014/05/27/316317191/worlds-richest-people-meet-muse-on-how-to-spread-the-wealth)

It's easy to be cynical but I try my best not to be.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 30, 2014, 01:30:11 PM
Err
http://digitaljournal.com/news/politics/bush-terror-czar-richard-clarke-bush-cheney-are-war-criminals/article/384904

Quotehe nation's former top counter-terrorism official has accused George W. Bush of "war crimes" for launching the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Richard Clarke, the counter-terror czar during the early years of the Bush presidency who resigned after the Iraq invasion, made the accusation during an interview with Democracy Now! that will air next week.
Host Amy Goodman asked: "Do you think President Bush should be brought up on war crimes [charges], and Vice President Cheney and [Defense Secretary] Donald Rumsfeld, for the attack on Iraq?"
"I think things that they authorized probably fall within the area of war crimes," replied Clarke. "Whether [prosecution] would be productive or not, I think, is a discussion we could all have."


While hardly new news, I'm somewhat surprised that this chap hasn't driven into a tree or accidentally cut his own throat shaving.

I'm also somewhat surprised by lack of the same kind of calls towards Obama. You would have thought him to be quite up on what's been going on of late and how little real change has occurred.

QuoteUnder domestic and international law, President Barack Obama is obligated to prosecute all cases in which credible evidence of war crimes, specifically torture, have been found. But despite vowing to investigate alleged Bush war crimes, Obama has protected Bush officials from prosecution, stating he is "more interested in looking forwards... than backwards."
Meanwhile, individuals who expose US war crimes, such as whistleblowers Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning, Julian Assange and John Kiriakou, have been aggressively targeted by the Obama administration.


(Various embedded links) That's pretty damning and well documented. I can understand why this chap has an axe to grind with the bush administration, but surely pressure on the current one would be HA HA HA HA HA HA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 30, 2014, 02:55:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 30, 2014, 10:46:52 AM
Related to ongoing converstations:
http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/05/invisible-war-rape-not-occupational-hazard-serving-military

QuoteAs the credits roll, and the post-screening discussion panel assembles at the front of the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise, no one speaks. The film's relentless roll-call of violations has reduced us to silence:

Robin Khale US Marine Corps: It's just after 3am, I see shadow of a human head over my body.
Ayana Defour US Army: Next thing you know, like I wake up and like he's on top of me.
Christina Jones US Army: he pushed my legs apart and put himself on top of me and started pulling up my shirt.
Captain Debra Dickerson US Air force: and I wake up, and he's on top of me. He's already penetrated me.
Lee Le Teff US Army: He put his locked and loaded 45 at the base of my skull, engaged the bolt so that I knew that there was a round chambered.
Katie Webber US Army: All I could do was continue to concentrate on breathing.
Valine Demos US Army Medical Corps: when we got tested I had trich, and gonorrhoea and I was pregnant.
The New York Times said of Kirby Dick's Oscar-nominated documentary, The Invisible War, that "this is not a movie that can be ignored". It is a bitter irony for the women involved that one of the main things that cannot be ignored about this unflinching investigation into rape in the US military is how very ignored the many rapes it documents have been. Tia Christopher of the US Navy tells the filmmakers that when "they took me before my Lieutenant Commander, he says 'd'you think this is funny', I was like, 'what do you mean?', he's like, 'is this all a joke to you?', I was like, 'what do you mean?' And he goes, 'you're the third girl to report rape this week; are you guys like all in cahoots, you think this is a game?'" Rather than leading commanding officers to think the army might have a problem with rape, the sheer volume of sexual assault in the military leads them to think that the women who report it must be lying.

It's pretty massively fucked up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 30, 2014, 07:38:09 PM
It is.

Again, the nature of the system seems to escalate this kind of shit. When everyone has an incentive for there to be no problem, then a lot of people are not going to see any problem.

The attitude of the Commanding officers in this instance. Actually dealing with any kind of disorder is a mark against you. How can this make sense? Surely it would be better to have CO's that can actually fix problems? Well apparently not so the ones who get promoted are the ones most adept at concealing problems.

The thought occurs that a large number of people live very well from concealing problems, in many, many, professions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 08:10:48 PM
Okay, I have a really long-winded comment about rape in the military, buy I'm on a phone so bear with me if it comes out all fuckered up.

Rape in the military is a very prevelant thing.  Ive seen cases of men raping women, women rapping men, men rapping other men, all sorts of terrible shit.  It used to be not so bad back in the day, but the way commands work now has made it worse.  You see, once upon a time I remember us hearing about one of our shipmates (who happened to b4 a girl) got assaulted by a kid who was also on our boat.  Sofor of us dragged him into a back room and kicked the piss out of him.  Afterwards, he went to captains mast (where you receive military punishment) and the CO kicked his sorry ass from the boat to the brig.  Should we have beat the guy up? some would say no, but we look out for out own so I would do it again.The point is, he got his in the end.

Nowadays, every time anything like this happens it's made to look like the CO's fault, in a report that goes all the way to the pentagon.  So the spineless CO's that are becoming more prevalent try their hardest to turn a blind eye, which of course harbors an environment that makes such horrendous things almost decriminalised

Fortunately, somebody finally came up with the idea that there should be a means to circumvent direct chain of command in these issues, so while it's far from not happening, light is finally being shed on the issues at hand.

The only other issue is that there are also many cases of boy who cried wolf floating around.  I know of at least one case where a person was cheating on their spouse for at least 4 months, got caught, and tried to turn the whole thing into a rape case.  I wish people would stop doing that, because it detracts from the people who are actually having an issue.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 08:12:42 PM
also .45's don't have bolts, they have slides, and we don't use the term locked and loaded

I don't know why that peeves me but it does.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2014, 08:50:15 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 08:10:48 PM

Nowadays, every time anything like this happens it's made to look like the CO's fault, in a report that goes all the way to the pentagon.

This sort of applies to everything, though.

Fact is, the system itself is broken.  It was broken back in the 80s and 90s while I was in, and it's a little worse now.  It is broken because of EXACTLY what you just said, and it applies to damn near everything that goes wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 09:37:59 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2014, 08:50:15 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 08:10:48 PM

Nowadays, every time anything like this happens it's made to look like the CO's fault, in a report that goes all the way to the pentagon.

This sort of applies to everything, though.

Fact is, the system itself is broken.  It was broken back in the 80s and 90s while I was in, and it's a little worse now.  It is broken because of EXACTLY what you just said, and it applies to damn near everything that goes wrong.

Interesting, what branch?  I often wonder if I look back on my whole experience, or of it just always keeps getting worse and the beginning never seems as bad. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 31, 2014, 12:22:19 AM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 09:37:59 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2014, 08:50:15 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 08:10:48 PM

Nowadays, every time anything like this happens it's made to look like the CO's fault, in a report that goes all the way to the pentagon.

This sort of applies to everything, though.

Fact is, the system itself is broken.  It was broken back in the 80s and 90s while I was in, and it's a little worse now.  It is broken because of EXACTLY what you just said, and it applies to damn near everything that goes wrong.

Interesting, what branch?  I often wonder if I look back on my whole experience, or of it just always keeps getting worse and the beginning never seems as bad.

Army, infantry for 10 years (7 years light, 3 years mechanized).  And in hindsight, it was FUCKED when I joined, and FUCKED EVEN WORSE when I left, and historically speaking has ALWAYS been GOING TO HELL and FUCKED.

Yet it still exists.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raz Tech on May 31, 2014, 12:41:13 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 31, 2014, 12:22:19 AM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 09:37:59 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2014, 08:50:15 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 08:10:48 PM

Nowadays, every time anything like this happens it's made to look like the CO's fault, in a report that goes all the way to the pentagon.

This sort of applies to everything, though.

Fact is, the system itself is broken.  It was broken back in the 80s and 90s while I was in, and it's a little worse unow.  It is broken because of EXACTLY what you just said, and it applies to damn near everything that goes wrong.

Interesting, what branch?  I often wonder if I look back on my whole experience, or of it just always keeps getting worse and the beginning never seems as bad.

Army, infantry for 10 years (7 years light, 3 years mechanized).  And in hindsight, it was FUCKED when I joined, and FUCKED EVEN WORSE when I left, and historically speaking has ALWAYS been GOING TO HELL and FUCKED.

Yet it still exists.

I wish it didn't.  I also wish I didn't waste part of my life on it.  Furthermore, I hate the part of me that kind of misses it sometimes.  But fuck it, time to pack up and move on, it's Friday night and I've got drunker to get.

It'll all be drones soon anyways.  And these ones will be mechanical, as opposed to organic.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 31, 2014, 12:43:53 AM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 31, 2014, 12:41:13 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 31, 2014, 12:22:19 AM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 09:37:59 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 30, 2014, 08:50:15 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on May 30, 2014, 08:10:48 PM

Nowadays, every time anything like this happens it's made to look like the CO's fault, in a report that goes all the way to the pentagon.

This sort of applies to everything, though.

Fact is, the system itself is broken.  It was broken back in the 80s and 90s while I was in, and it's a little worse unow.  It is broken because of EXACTLY what you just said, and it applies to damn near everything that goes wrong.

Interesting, what branch?  I often wonder if I look back on my whole experience, or of it just always keeps getting worse and the beginning never seems as bad.

Army, infantry for 10 years (7 years light, 3 years mechanized).  And in hindsight, it was FUCKED when I joined, and FUCKED EVEN WORSE when I left, and historically speaking has ALWAYS been GOING TO HELL and FUCKED.

Yet it still exists.

I wish it didn't.  I also wish I didn't waste part of my life on it.  Furthermore, I hate the part of me that kind of misses it sometimes.  But fuck it, time to pack up and move on, it's Friday night and I've got drunker to get.

It'll all be drones soon anyways.  And these ones will be mechanical, as opposed to organic.

I don't regret playing smash up derby with armored vehicles.  Other than that, yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2014, 08:07:46 AM
While I tend to avoid this kind of shit, this is both amusing and probably going to get interesting:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/27654571

QuoteA video has emerged showing Justin Bieber using the n-word in a racist joke.

The footage, which was obtained by The Sun, was filmed for his Never Say Never documentary in 2011.

It shows Bieber smiling, sitting on a sofa with friends when he says: "Why are black people afraid of chainsaws?".

The singer, who is now 20, then finished his joke by making the noise of the chainsaw and repeating "Run n*****" five times.

Someone who cannot be seen on camera says: "Don't even say it. Don't say it." A female voice then says: "You could say motorcycle too right?".

The newspaper claims some people around Bieber have known about the clip for some time, and have spent money keeping it out of the public.

That "someone" is in a perfect position to do a wonderful hatchet job. Hopefully they'll be inclined to do so.

There is a certain irony in the Sun claiming that people know things and have paid to keep them out of the public eye. Some would argue that this is the reason for their existence. For reference in this regard see the relationship between UK media, particularly the Murdoch press and the convicted criminal known as Max Clifford.

There's something further here about the cult of celebrity and relation to actual full on cults but I need a pint more coffee to even attempt that one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2014, 08:12:36 AM
It's 7 years old but still worth a mention:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7095134.stm
QuoteA man caught trying to have sex with his bicycle has been sentenced to three years on probation.
Robert Stewart, 51, admitted a sexually aggravated breach of the peace by conducting himself in a disorderly manner and simulating sex.

Sheriff Colin Miller also placed Stewart on the Sex Offenders Register for three years.

Mr Stewart was caught in the act with his bicycle by cleaners in his bedroom at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr.

Gail Davidson, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court: "They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.

"They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white t-shirt, naked from the waist down.

"The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex."

Both cleaners, who were "extremely shocked", told the hostel manager who called police.

Sheriff Colin Miller told Stewart: "In almost four decades in the law I thought I had come across every perversion known to mankind, but this is a new one on me. I have never heard of a 'cycle-sexualist'."

Stewart had denied the offence, claiming it was caused by a misunderstanding after he had too much to drink.

Scotland: We don't need bath-salts, we have Buckfast.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 02, 2014, 08:15:36 AM
"Obtained by The Sun", ha!  If by "obtained" they mean "read TMZ", then sure, they obtained it.

Otherwise, the most interesting thing about this is, once again, it highlights Bieber's narcissistic sense of entitlement and disregard for others.  In many ways, Bieber owes his entire career to a bunch of very accomodating black musicians, including Usher and Will Smith.  Just what are they going to make of Bieber's casual racism?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2014, 08:36:22 AM
I'm guessing the "He's a kid, leave him alone" crowd will be out quick enough. I won't be taking any bets on the racial backgrounds of those who claim such things though.


What's the most interesting thing about football no-one ever asks:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27659828
Corruption of course! The game, such as it is, is terribly dull. But bribes are fun for all the family!
QuoteQatar's 2022 bid committee denies "all allegations of wrongdoing".
New York lawyer Garcia, who is due to meet Qatari officials in Oman, is already conducting a long-running inquiry into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.
The Sunday Times alleges football officials took a total of  £3m in return for support of the Qatari bid.

There's other related tales regarding match-fixing (Nigeria, amazingly) and various other assorted wrong doing. I really do despise the levels of cash thrown at this hobby. With any luck a few more tales like this and there might be a move towards something that isn't a dull waste of everyone's time. Would a couple of hidden landmines on the field really be too much to ask for? Make these fuckers really earn that multi million pound paycheck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2014, 08:42:50 AM
And just so I can say I called it:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-27625117
This will be a steaming pile of horseshit.
QuoteDetails of the "gist" of talks between Tony Blair and George Bush before the Iraq war are to be published, the UK's Chilcot inquiry says.

But transcripts and full notes of conversations will remain secret, at the request of the Cabinet Office.

The agreement between the inquiry and Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood could clear the way for the report to be published this year.

It is thought to have been delayed by wrangling over what could be released.

The inquiry has been given access to full records of talks between the two leaders in the run-up to war but is being prevented by the government from publishing them in its final report, even after offering to block out sensitive parts.

The UK government's grounds for refusing the request to publish the full documents and transcripts is that it could prejudice future relations with the US.

I think it's relatively safe to assume that anything redacted can/would be used to prosecute for war crimes. By "Not prejudicing future relations" read "Let's not piss them off / Let's not look any stupider than we already do". All in all, a wonderful waste of time and money for a bucket of fucking whitewash.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 02, 2014, 02:27:19 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 02, 2014, 08:12:36 AM
It's 7 years old but still worth a mention:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7095134.stm
QuoteA man caught trying to have sex with his bicycle has been sentenced to three years on probation.
Robert Stewart, 51, admitted a sexually aggravated breach of the peace by conducting himself in a disorderly manner and simulating sex.

Sheriff Colin Miller also placed Stewart on the Sex Offenders Register for three years.

Mr Stewart was caught in the act with his bicycle by cleaners in his bedroom at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr.

Gail Davidson, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court: "They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.

"They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white t-shirt, naked from the waist down.

"The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex."

Both cleaners, who were "extremely shocked", told the hostel manager who called police.

Sheriff Colin Miller told Stewart: "In almost four decades in the law I thought I had come across every perversion known to mankind, but this is a new one on me. I have never heard of a 'cycle-sexualist'."

Stewart had denied the offence, claiming it was caused by a misunderstanding after he had too much to drink.

Scotland: We don't need bath-salts, we have Buckfast.

I remember reading that at the time and thinking that it's an insane place where a man can get sentenced for masturbating in the privacy of his own room.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2014, 03:14:48 PM
Don't be all reasonable. Think about the badwrong MAN ON BIKE action and get suitably outraged.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2014, 07:49:54 AM
QuoteAn Indian man who made his name exposing the "miraculous" feats of holy men as tricks has fled the country after being accused of blasphemy. Now in self-imposed exile in Finland, he fears jail - or even assassination - if he returns.

When a Hindu fakir declared on live television that he could kill anybody with tantric chanting, Sanal Edamaruku simply had to take him up on the challenge.

As both were guests in the studio, the fakir was put to the test immediately.

The channel cancelled all subsequent programming and he began chanting on the spot. But as the hours passed a note of desperation crept into his raspy mantras. For his part, Edamaruku, president of the Indian Rationalist Association, showed no sign of discomfort, let alone death. He merely chortled his way through this unconventional (and unsuccessful) attempt on his life.

He has spent his life as a prominent member of India's small band of miracle-busters, men who dedicate their life to traversing the country demystifying certain beliefs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26815298

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2014, 12:40:08 PM
NRA attempts to do something approaching the right thing. Toys, prams, throwing. You know the drill:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/open-carry-texas-cut-nra-member

QuoteGun lovers in Texas are furious at the National Rifle Association right now.

In response to the NRA's statement on Friday criticizing Texas activists' recent tactics, members of the pro-gun group Open Carry Texas have been cutting up their NRA membership cards, and the group has issued a statement demanding a retraction of the NRA's "disgusting and disrespectful comments." Or else.

"The more the NRA continues to divide its members by attacking some aspects of gun rights instead of supporting all gun rights, the more support it will lose," Open Carry Texas said in a statement published Monday on its Facebook page.

In its statement last week, the NRA said that activists in Texas had recently "crossed the line from enthusiasm to downright foolishness" with their attempts to bring semi-automatic rifles into fast food restaurants. Open Carry Texas -- the most prominent group involved in the Texas demonstrations -- responded Monday by saying it was "unfortunate that an organization that claims to be dedicated to the preservation of gun rights would attack another organization fighting so hard for those rights in Texas."

Much like the freedom of speech thing, the best thing these clowns seem to able to say about their activities is they aren't actually illegal. I find it somewhat difficult to believe that gun rights are under any kind of threat in Texas so that makes the entire event somewhat silly.

QuoteOpen Carry Texas argued that the NRA's criticism was "completely unnecessary," given that Open Carry Texas and several other groups had late last month issued a statement asking their members to avoid carrying long arms into private businesses during demonstrations.

"The NRA should have instead released a statement to the effect that it applauds our groups for coming together and finding new methods to promote safe and responsible open carry," the group said.

(http://a1.img.talkingpointsmemo.com/image/upload/c_fill,fl_keep_iptc,g_faces,h_365,w_652/sapbuboficxn44g0scgv.jpg)

It's rare that the NRA is looking like the sensible party. I think we may see a shift in power from the NRA to these various rights/open carry groups in a similar kind of way to how the teabaggers are fucking with the republicans. As far as I know the NRA is still one of the key lobbying groups, if this kind of shit actually impacts on them financially then no doubt they'll crank up the crazy to accommodate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2014, 12:59:36 PM
"Ha Ha", then "oh, what the fuck did I just read?"

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/02/supreme-court-chemical-weapons-treaty-affair-infidelity/4839553/

QuoteWASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that the federal government had no business using an international chemical weapons treaty to prosecute a jilted wife seeking revenge on her husband's lover.

In an opinion dripping with sarcasm, the justices belittled the Justice Department's contention that what they called Carol Anne Bond's "two-bit local assault" — a clumsy use of a chemical compound — could have anything in common with war crimes and international terrorism.

"The global need to prevent chemical warfare does not require the federal government to reach into the kitchen cupboard, or to treat a local assault with a chemical irritant as the deployment of a chemical weapon," Chief Justice John Roberts said.

QuoteAllowing Bond to be prosecuted under a treaty aimed at compounds such as ricin, sarin and mustard gas, Roberts said, would elevate dish detergent, stain remover and vinegar to chemical weapons status.

"Any parent would be guilty of a serious federal offense — possession of a chemical weapon — when, exasperated by the children's repeated failure to clean the goldfish tank, he considers poisoning the fish with a few drops of vinegar," he said.

To start with, any parent that considers harming a pet due to their child's behaviour probably needs a very, very close fucking look at. Secondly, that seems to be a very odd and very specific act. A paranoid person might suspect that he's done that very same thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2014, 01:11:24 PM
Prefer your HA HA with a straight face?

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/obama-says-he-consulted-congress-prisoner-swap

QuoteThe President also addressed the potential threats that the release of the five detainees could pose to national security. He acknowledged that there is a certain recidivism rate for former prisoners, but said that monitoring of the detainees was a condition of the exchange.

"I wouldn't be doing it if I thought it was contrary to American national security," he said.

Well, let's be clear about this for a moment - Those that go back to "terrorist activities" tend to do so either on the explicit instructions of US personnel, or are so obviously going to go back to their old ways they probably get assigned their own personal drone. Is this contrary to American National security? Well, it would basically be a coin flip with the release of each detainee it seems. Have your years in Gitmo broken you or pissed you off beyond all reason? I doubt many walk out of there and stay out everything related to Terrorism.

Personally, if I was terrorist executing a prisoner exchange, I'm not entirely certain I'd want to. Anyone captured has to be assumed to be compromised and letting them anywhere close to you is just asking for a drone to the face. So that leaves option #3 where your associates torture the ever loving fuck out of the poor bastard again to learn what he told them. Then a shallow hole is dug.

Naturally, you should all be quite relived as terrorists are obviously not as evil and calculating as that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on June 03, 2014, 02:28:48 PM
http://ultraculture.org/blog/2014/05/30/executive-killed-get-another-universe/

QuoteAn inquest last week has revealed that a JP Morgan exec that committed suicide earlier this year was obsessed with the concept of parallel universes and a mysterious suicide pact between two American students based on the theory.

Quote"There was a story of a double suicide in the States where two students had killed themselves," she said. "It was to do with quantum physics and suicide, the two students were linked up to lethal injections which were operated by lottery numbers.

"So the only universe they would wake up in would be the one they both won the lottery in.



I've found no evidence his suicide was connected to this Schrodinger's Suicide Pact type thing, but it makes for a crazy headline
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 03, 2014, 04:08:35 PM
12-year-old girls stab friend 19 times because of Slender Man (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/12-year-old-wisconsin-girls-stab-friend-19-times).

This does not seem to be a hoax news site.

What the fuck, internet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 03, 2014, 04:28:15 PM
Dangerous things ideas. All they have to do is get into the wrong heads :sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2014, 05:56:39 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 03, 2014, 04:08:35 PM
12-year-old girls stab friend 19 times because of Slender Man (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/12-year-old-wisconsin-girls-stab-friend-19-times).

This does not seem to be a hoax news site.

What the fuck, internet.

What the fuck indeed. What the fuck all over the fucking place:

QuoteWAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors say two 12-year-old southeastern Wisconsin girls stabbed their 12-year-old friend nearly to death in the woods to please a mythological creature they learned about online.

Both girls were charged as adults with first-degree attempted homicide Monday in Waukesha County Circuit Court; they each face up to 60 years in prison if convicted. A court commissioner set bail at $500,000 cash per child. According to a criminal complaint, the girls had been planning to kill their friend for months and finally made the attempt in a park on Saturday morning, after a slumber party.

QuoteThe Associated Press isn't naming either girl who is charged because at least one of their attorneys plans to pursue moving her case into juvenile court, where proceedings are secret.

Both girls appeared in court wearing shackles and jail jumpsuits. They were surrounded by sheriff's baliffs, who towered over them. Family members of one of the girls wept openly as reporters snapped photographs. The other girl's family sat stone-faced.

QuoteOne of the girl's attorneys, Donna Kuchler, asked Pieper to remove reporters from the courtroom because she planned to attempt to get her client waived into juvenile court. Pieper refused. Kuchler escorted the girl's family out of the courtroom, telling reporters only that the family was horrified at what happened.

Fuck the slenderman thing, you've got all kinds of fucked up just from the court proceedings. If those kids weren't irrevocably fucked up before, they will be by the end of this. There's a whole system rolling now to guarantee it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 03, 2014, 05:58:26 PM
12 year olds are clearly adults, and should be treated as such.

Because America™.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 03, 2014, 07:01:20 PM
But a whole bunch of voters had a premature outrage-gasm, instantaneously transforming these from baby-humans to MONSTERStm what else could the courts have possibly done?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 04, 2014, 09:55:57 AM
http://www.khou.com/news/texas-news/Open-carry-supporters-rally-in-North-Texas-261607491.html

Quote"Responsible gun ownership is responsible gun ownership," said Wilcox. "Flaunting it and throwing it in people's faces... that's where the dialogue becomes restrictive."
"I understand where it can seem intimidating to some people," Donawho replied. "However, we still have the right to do it."

Points - Much in the same way people claim free speech, it does increasingy seem that the best reason these people have to do this is that it isn't technically illegal.

There's a comment asking what the likely result would be if a group of black men decided to try the same thing. I think we can all have a decent guess because it's pretty fucking obvious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 04, 2014, 10:47:10 AM
The cultural component of the American right to own remote death machinery is too alien for me to really understand what I'm looking at. It may strike my outsider's eye as totally fucking batshit but I can't imagine what it must be like to live in that environment. "Open Carry" actions seem to be part of this somehow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 04, 2014, 02:03:45 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on June 03, 2014, 07:01:20 PM
But a whole bunch of voters had a premature outrage-gasm, instantaneously transforming these from baby-humans to MONSTERStm what else could the courts have possibly done?

There is no longer any need for the voters to do any such thing.  The Machine™ has become self-managing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raz Tech on June 04, 2014, 02:15:48 PM
Quote from: Gun Nuts
What you're seeing is the second amendment at work, in all of its glorious beauty.  When our forefathers began to write out the second amendment, they specifically envisioned everyone carrying their muskets with them wherever they went, especially to fast food chains.  The freedom of the American people to own guns is what keeps us from being tyrannically oppressed like all of those people in China and North Korea.  If every man, woman, and child owned and carried a gun, there would be no more violent crime, and we would be able to keep ourselves free of oppressive and tyrannical rule.
That's what those people, generally speaking, think.  In reality, it's an archaic notion that comes from a time when such a thing may have been plausible.  Before America had a "real" Army, a group of armed civilians could potentially stop an oppressive regime from forming.  They could also potentially fend off foreign invasions, and the formation of a militia was sort of dependent on everyone owning a gun.  Nowadays, most of these notions aren't even viable.  For example, between the national guard and the police force, I'll be damned if a bunch of random guys with guns are going to be able to bring down a tyrannical regime, should one start in this particular country.  There isn't really much of a reason to own a gun at all, other than hunting and maybe home defense.  I can't think of any very good reasons to carry a gun around in the open, just because it makes you feel safer.  An even greater lack of thought would have to go into the idea of carrying around a semi-automatic assault rifle openly.  All of the possible open carry arguments (self-defense and defense of others) fall right out the window.  These are weapons that actually lose their effectiveness to a certain extent at closer ranges, and at the same time become more efficient at creating collateral damage.  If you have to own a gun, why not just keep it in your house?  Even scarier to me is the growing amount of states allowing people to carry concealed weapons.  If you meet the criteria, you can wander around pretty much wherever you want with a gun on you at all times, and nobody can know until it's too late.

Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on June 04, 2014, 03:03:49 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on June 04, 2014, 02:15:48 PM
Quote from: Gun Nuts
What you're seeing is the second amendment at work, in all of its glorious beauty.  When our forefathers began to write out the second amendment, they specifically envisioned everyone carrying their muskets with them wherever they went, especially to fast food chains.  The freedom of the American people to own guns is what keeps us from being tyrannically oppressed like all of those people in China and North Korea.  If every man, woman, and child owned and carried a gun, there would be no more violent crime, and we would be able to keep ourselves free of oppressive and tyrannical rule.
That's what those people, generally speaking, think.  In reality, it's an archaic notion that comes from a time when such a thing may have been plausible.  Before America had a "real" Army, a group of armed civilians could potentially stop an oppressive regime from forming.  They could also potentially fend off foreign invasions, and the formation of a militia was sort of dependent on everyone owning a gun.  Nowadays, most of these notions aren't even viable.  For example, between the national guard and the police force, I'll be damned if a bunch of random guys with guns are going to be able to bring down a tyrannical regime, should one start in this particular country.  There isn't really much of a reason to own a gun at all, other than hunting and maybe home defense.  I can't think of any very good reasons to carry a gun around in the open, just because it makes you feel safer.  An even greater lack of thought would have to go into the idea of carrying around a semi-automatic assault rifle openly.  All of the possible open carry arguments (self-defense and defense of others) fall right out the window.  These are weapons that actually lose their effectiveness to a certain extent at closer ranges, and at the same time become more efficient at creating collateral damage.  If you have to own a gun, why not just keep it in your house?  Even scarier to me is the growing amount of states allowing people to carry concealed weapons.  If you meet the criteria, you can wander around pretty much wherever you want with a gun on you at all times, and nobody can know until it's too late.

Just my two cents.

Well, I say "why stop there?"  There are 9 other amendments in the BoR for us to improve.

And don't forget, people like Pat Roberston and John Boehner will want their say as well...And they're going to get listened to, while I am unsure if you and I would get heard.

But, you know, that's the small price you have to consider, when you're planning to update clearly inferior old documents written by wig-wearing hippies back in the stone age.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on June 04, 2014, 09:31:34 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on June 03, 2014, 05:58:26 PM
12 year olds are clearly adults, and should be treated as such.

Because America™.

Especcially 12 year olds who still believe in the boogeyman.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 05, 2014, 05:36:56 AM
I have been reading way too much about juvenile killers to even start to opine on this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 05, 2014, 06:43:53 AM
Quote from: Cramulus on June 03, 2014, 02:28:48 PM
http://ultraculture.org/blog/2014/05/30/executive-killed-get-another-universe/

QuoteAn inquest last week has revealed that a JP Morgan exec that committed suicide earlier this year was obsessed with the concept of parallel universes and a mysterious suicide pact between two American students based on the theory.

Quote"There was a story of a double suicide in the States where two students had killed themselves," she said. "It was to do with quantum physics and suicide, the two students were linked up to lethal injections which were operated by lottery numbers.

"So the only universe they would wake up in would be the one they both won the lottery in.



I've found no evidence his suicide was connected to this Schrodinger's Suicide Pact type thing, but it makes for a crazy headline

Sounds like maybe they were knocking on the wrong door.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: von on June 06, 2014, 08:25:01 AM
Quote from: Raz Tech on June 04, 2014, 02:15:48 PM
Quote from: Gun Nuts
What you're seeing is the second amendment at work, in all of its glorious beauty.  When our forefathers began to write out the second amendment, they specifically envisioned everyone carrying their muskets with them wherever they went, especially to fast food chains.  The freedom of the American people to own guns is what keeps us from being tyrannically oppressed like all of those people in China and North Korea.  If every man, woman, and child owned and carried a gun, there would be no more violent crime, and we would be able to keep ourselves free of oppressive and tyrannical rule.
That's what those people, generally speaking, think.  In reality, it's an archaic notion that comes from a time when such a thing may have been plausible.  Before America had a "real" Army, a group of armed civilians could potentially stop an oppressive regime from forming.  They could also potentially fend off foreign invasions, and the formation of a militia was sort of dependent on everyone owning a gun.  Nowadays, most of these notions aren't even viable.  For example, between the national guard and the police force, I'll be damned if a bunch of random guys with guns are going to be able to bring down a tyrannical regime, should one start in this particular country.  There isn't really much of a reason to own a gun at all, other than hunting and maybe home defense.  I can't think of any very good reasons to carry a gun around in the open, just because it makes you feel safer.  An even greater lack of thought would have to go into the idea of carrying around a semi-automatic assault rifle openly.  All of the possible open carry arguments (self-defense and defense of others) fall right out the window.  These are weapons that actually lose their effectiveness to a certain extent at closer ranges, and at the same time become more efficient at creating collateral damage.  If you have to own a gun, why not just keep it in your house?  Even scarier to me is the growing amount of states allowing people to carry concealed weapons.  If you meet the criteria, you can wander around pretty much wherever you want with a gun on you at all times, and nobody can know until it's too late.

Just my two cents.

You and I probably have a pretty big disconnect as far as our opinions on gun rights go, but ill say this:

I support the right to carry. I even support the right to open carry of handguns, because the cost and red tape associated with obtaining a legal CCW often presents challenges to legitimately oppressed groups who need the right to self defense the most.
As for "assault rifles" (god that term irritates me to no end when it concerns semi automatic civillian arms), I own and enjoy shooting them.
Concerning the open carry of long arms, though...every time I see some fuckwit doing this, I cringe, facepalm and then cringe again. Youre absolutely right: they're pointless for personal defense...you're not going to get a rifle inslung quickly enough to repel an attacker who presents a legally defensible threat to you. You just look like a tryhard dildo when you OC a long arm.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 06, 2014, 08:30:12 AM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 05, 2014, 05:36:56 AM
I have been reading way too much about juvenile killers to even start to opine on this.

Can you be persuaded? I'd be interested to know your take on it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 06, 2014, 03:06:27 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 06, 2014, 08:30:12 AM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 05, 2014, 05:36:56 AM
I have been reading way too much about juvenile killers to even start to opine on this.

Can you be persuaded? I'd be interested to know your take on it.

Maybe after finals.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 07, 2014, 03:16:20 AM
I think we all need a laugh right now.

In response to Maureen Dauwd's (sp) horrible column about eating a medically unsafe amount of THC, we have this:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/04/new-york-times-columnists-harsh-our-mellow


Good night, everyone.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on June 07, 2014, 06:08:02 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 07, 2014, 03:16:20 AM
I think we all need a laugh right now.

In response to Maureen Dauwd's (sp) horrible column about eating a medically unsafe amount of THC, we have this:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/04/new-york-times-columnists-harsh-our-mellow


Good night, everyone.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 09, 2014, 09:01:26 PM
Mulitple layers of HA HA?:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-27761336

QuotePostal workers in west Lancashire have said they will walk out if they are made to deliver free promotional copies of The Sun later this week.

The paper has agreed not to distribute the issues in Liverpool because of the continued anger at the way it reported the 1989 Hillsborough stadium tragedy.

It is understood six members of staff in Skelmersdale were at Hillsborough on the day of the disaster.

The Royal Mail said any concerns would be handled "with fairness and dignity".

"Ignored and dismissed promptly"

QuoteOne Royal Mail worker in Skelmersdale said: "If they try to make us deliver The Sun on Thursday we will refuse and will be suspended and lose a day's pay, but we think principles are more important than money."

I deeply wish this wasn't just a regional thing and I hope it spirals shortly. A general post strike because of a mass mailing of the sun would be wonderful. Unlikely, but I can dream.

QuoteThe postal staff's stance was backed by Skelmersdale North Councillor Neil Furey (Labour) who said: "Skelmersdale has a strong Merseyside connection and people will be disgusted to receive copy of the newspaper whose coverage after the disaster was very damaging and insulting."

Ever read a copy of the sun? It's utter shit and extremely difficult to find any redeeming qualities. Anyone who can read without moving their lips should be disgusted at the content of the sun. Why localise the issue like this? Oh. Yes. The place in question is of marginal importance to London beyond being a main receiving port town for Cocaine and such.

QuoteA spokesman for The Sun said it had exempted Merseyside postcodes from its promotion, adding, "the Skelmersdale issue is a matter for the Royal Mail".

"Like everything else round those parts, we wash our hands of it. Leave me alone".

I have no idea which murdoch spawned cretin dreamed up this idea but I doubt it will have the desired results.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 09, 2014, 10:20:07 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 07, 2014, 03:16:20 AM
I think we all need a laugh right now.

In response to Maureen Dauwd's (sp) horrible column about eating a medically unsafe amount of THC, we have this:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/04/new-york-times-columnists-harsh-our-mellow


Good night, everyone.
:lulz: deliciously irresponsible
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 11, 2014, 11:41:07 AM
In contrast to a lot of the Berghdahl shit that's being spewed, this is a nice piece. Quoted in full as it's worth it:
http://politicalprof.tumblr.com/post/88301386443/bowe-bergdahl-and-the-mobilization-of-bias

QuoteSo is Bowe Bergdahl a sinner or a saint? A deserter or a victim? A naive idiot or an active enemy of the United States?

Here's the one thing: I don't know.

Here's the other thing: neither do you.

Oh, lots of you THINK you know. You've "heard" things. You've "seen" things. In most cases, if you are conservative in your mind set the things you've said and heard suggest convincingly that Bergdahl was a bad soldier and a bad American. If you're somewhat more liberal in your politics, you've wiling to attribute any errors to complex times and the failed policies of the Bush administration.

The Bergdahl flare up is a classic case of what E.E. Schattsneider referred to as the "mobilization of bias." What Schattsneider realized was that persons and institutions with power can mobilize that power in an array of direct and indirect means to achieve their goals. One indirect way is to drum up public opinion or social pressure against someone.

Think about it.

Almost no one in America knew anything about Bowe Bergdahl before his release. They might — MIGHT! — have known there was an American soldier in Taliban captivity, but they probably didn't even know that. Then, suddenly, just a few hours after he was released, millions of Americans "knew" so much about Bergdahl they could cite chapter and verse about his military record, his political ideas, and his identity as a "bad" soldier.

This doesn't just "happen," folks. Lots of people had to coordinate their activities to construct this image of Bergdahl. Sources had to be found and made available to the media; media sources had to cooperate (not hard in the age of FOX, talk radio and the internet.) Into the void of NOT information poured the vitriol of biased information. And suddenly everyone "knew" what Bergdahl's story is ... and he hasn't opened his mouth to talk to anyone other than military officials that we know of.

One needs to be on guard for the mobilization of bias at all times. Whether it's the Dixie Chicks facing a "spontaneous" boycott of their music (all on Clear Channel Communications radio stations, mind you), or the "surprise" of being accused of a crime you did not commit (the "we're sorry" coverage never seems to fix what the "this person is guilty!" coverage caused), powerful people and institutions have powerful incentives to use their power to make their enemies and opponents look bad.

I don't know Bowe Bergdahl's story. Then again: neither do you.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 11, 2014, 12:06:27 PM
I honestly didn't see this coming.  Eric Cantor loses his primary in Virginia (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/us/politics/eric-cantor-loses-gop-primary.html?_r=0).  To a more radical Rightist.  I'm not even sure who the Democratic challenger is.  This one's gonna get weird, and ugly.  Virginia is kind of fucked.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 11, 2014, 12:32:06 PM
From the fait accompli files:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-27793249

QuoteThe use of water cannon on the streets of Britain has been backed by the prime minister.

A Number 10 spokesman said David Cameron believed the police should have the resources they wanted.

On Tuesday, it emerged London Mayor Boris Johnson authorised the Metropolitan Police to buy three cannon for £218,000.

QuoteMr Johnson said: "I think it's highly likely approval will be granted and the problem was if we waited we would have missed the window to buy them for the very good price that we've got."

Almost certain to be approved. What's odd is that the purchase was made and completed without checking if approval will be granted.

So, business as usual in London. Nods, winks, items bought and their use legalised at a later date. No doubt there will be a reason to use them in the near future proving their value to all.

I bet provisions are made in this area too, nice and quietly
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cannon#Dye

Objected to other countries doing it? Means it's practically guaranteed to happen here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 11, 2014, 12:44:29 PM
For the good of the people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 11, 2014, 12:47:40 PM
Well, yes. You can't respond to protests with reason or compassion. What are you, some kind of monster?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 11, 2014, 04:08:30 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 11, 2014, 11:41:07 AM
In contrast to a lot of the Berghdahl shit that's being spewed, this is a nice piece. Quoted in full as it's worth it:
http://politicalprof.tumblr.com/post/88301386443/bowe-bergdahl-and-the-mobilization-of-bias

QuoteSo is Bowe Bergdahl a sinner or a saint? A deserter or a victim? A naive idiot or an active enemy of the United States?

Here's the one thing: I don't know.

Here's the other thing: neither do you.

Oh, lots of you THINK you know. You've "heard" things. You've "seen" things. In most cases, if you are conservative in your mind set the things you've said and heard suggest convincingly that Bergdahl was a bad soldier and a bad American. If you're somewhat more liberal in your politics, you've wiling to attribute any errors to complex times and the failed policies of the Bush administration.

The Bergdahl flare up is a classic case of what E.E. Schattsneider referred to as the "mobilization of bias." What Schattsneider realized was that persons and institutions with power can mobilize that power in an array of direct and indirect means to achieve their goals. One indirect way is to drum up public opinion or social pressure against someone.

Think about it.

Almost no one in America knew anything about Bowe Bergdahl before his release. They might — MIGHT! — have known there was an American soldier in Taliban captivity, but they probably didn't even know that. Then, suddenly, just a few hours after he was released, millions of Americans "knew" so much about Bergdahl they could cite chapter and verse about his military record, his political ideas, and his identity as a "bad" soldier.

This doesn't just "happen," folks. Lots of people had to coordinate their activities to construct this image of Bergdahl. Sources had to be found and made available to the media; media sources had to cooperate (not hard in the age of FOX, talk radio and the internet.) Into the void of NOT information poured the vitriol of biased information. And suddenly everyone "knew" what Bergdahl's story is ... and he hasn't opened his mouth to talk to anyone other than military officials that we know of.

One needs to be on guard for the mobilization of bias at all times. Whether it's the Dixie Chicks facing a "spontaneous" boycott of their music (all on Clear Channel Communications radio stations, mind you), or the "surprise" of being accused of a crime you did not commit (the "we're sorry" coverage never seems to fix what the "this person is guilty!" coverage caused), powerful people and institutions have powerful incentives to use their power to make their enemies and opponents look bad.

I don't know Bowe Bergdahl's story. Then again: neither do you.

I'm going to turn that over to a script that replaces the words "Bowe Bergdahl" and "soldier" with the Emmanuel Goldstein du jour and occupation and posts it as a reply to facebook outrage threads
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 11, 2014, 08:32:26 PM
Might as well just get it all out on the table: This lawmaker has no problem with stoning gays to death, Old Testament style. (http://firebrandprogressives.org/oklahoma-tea-party-candidate-calls-for-homosexuals-to-be-stoned-to-death/)

QuoteBates asks Esk if he indeed believes that homosexuals should be put to death, and he responds, "I think we would totally be in the right to do it."

:jumper:


[edit: Candidate.  Hasn't been elected.]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 11, 2014, 11:27:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 11, 2014, 12:32:06 PM
From the fait accompli files:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-27793249

QuoteThe use of water cannon on the streets of Britain has been backed by the prime minister.

A Number 10 spokesman said David Cameron believed the police should have the resources they wanted.

On Tuesday, it emerged London Mayor Boris Johnson authorised the Metropolitan Police to buy three cannon for £218,000.

QuoteMr Johnson said: "I think it's highly likely approval will be granted and the problem was if we waited we would have missed the window to buy them for the very good price that we've got."

Almost certain to be approved. What's odd is that the purchase was made and completed without checking if approval will be granted.

So, business as usual in London. Nods, winks, items bought and their use legalised at a later date. No doubt there will be a reason to use them in the near future proving their value to all.

I bet provisions are made in this area too, nice and quietly
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cannon#Dye

Objected to other countries doing it? Means it's practically guaranteed to happen here.

Everything going as planed.  Water-canon's true use will become obvious after the agricultural revolution. 8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 12, 2014, 02:15:45 AM
Props to Nicolas Cage for just rolling with it.

http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/06/nicolas-cage-wears-shirt-with-his-face-on-it-to-guns-n-roses-concert

Quotehttp://Hollywood actor/eccentric Texas oil tycoon from outer space Nicolas Cage went to a Guns N' Roses concert in Las Vegas on Saturday, and Guns N' Roses posted possibly the greatest photo ever taken of Reddit's "One True God" to its official Instagram account today.

Let's quickly run down what we're working with here.

A shirt with Nicolas Cage's face on it
The camera hat from The Simpsons
That cane
Those leather pants (and chaps!)
Mirrored sunglasses indoors
A goblet (possibly filled with the magical blood of a virgin)
Andrew Dice Clay
The perfect amount of wooden bead necklaces
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on June 12, 2014, 08:14:09 PM
There's something hilarious about wearing a shirt with your own face on it to a rockshow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 12, 2014, 09:15:43 PM
It's just the over-determination of it all that's brilliant :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 16, 2014, 08:12:11 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-27829958

Things not really being discussed - The ongoing dodgy relationship between all UK political parties and the Murdoch media.

Things not being discussed at all - Why the Murdoch media empire is still even a thing after numerous colossal fuckups.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 16, 2014, 10:28:59 AM
Stories where you don't need to even read them # 33442/J:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rob-ford-the-musical-holds-open-casting-on-monday-1.2676236

Quote"Falstaff from Shakespeare," McCaig said in a telephone interview. "He's very Shakespearean or operatic. He's our modern tragic hero — he rode in on his white horse, stallion, to save his village and then through his own weaknesses fell hard."

McCaig will be looking to fill the shoes of such a character on Monday when he and his collaborators hold an open casting call for "Rob Ford The Musical: The Birth of a Ford Nation" at Toronto's Second City Training Centre. The show is set to run at Toronto's Factory Theatre from Sept. 16 to Sept. 28, although McCaig said there's a possibility of extending it.

If they wait a few weeks, they can probably get Ford to play himself in this.

I'm guessing he would for a bowl of crack.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 16, 2014, 12:10:33 PM
Well. This is pretty fucked up, even by my standards:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/04/children-galway-mass-graves-ireland-catholic-church

QuoteThe bodies of 796 children, between the ages of two days and nine years old, are believed to have been buried in a disused sewage tank in Tuam, County Galway. They died between 1925 and 1961 in a mother and baby home under the care of the Bon Secours nuns.

Locals have known about the grave since 1975, when two little boys, playing, broke apart the concrete slab covering it and discovered a tomb filled with small skeletons. A parish priest said prayers at the site, and it was sealed once more, the number of bodies below unknown, their names forgotten.

The Tuam historian Catherine Corless discovered the extent of the mass grave when she requested records of children's deaths in the home. The registrar in Galway gave her almost 800. Shocked, she checked 100 of these against graveyard burials, and found only one little boy who had been returned to a family plot. The vast majority of the children's remains, it seemed, were in the septic tank. Corless and a committee have been working tirelessly to raise money for a memorial that includes a plaque bearing each child's name.

No glib comment, just a big sack of fucking awful.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 16, 2014, 01:09:10 PM
The weird part for me is that it was catholic nuns. Given that, y'know, religious people tend to be pretty superstitious about death and burial and all that shit. Do septic tanks count as holy ground? Genuine question - I have no idea how these peoples minds work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 16, 2014, 01:15:07 PM
Well, you're dealing with babies that are "illegitimate" in many cases. Bastards got notoriously terrible treatment so the neglect being pushed to this level, while shocking, is hardly unexpected.

You're dealing with the kind of mentality that assumes the pain of birth is justified because of sins committed. When you start with that outlook, it's hardly a surprise that many kids met a bad end.

What scares the shit out of me here is the chances of this being an institutional problem being rather high. Mortality rates in these homes were high even for the era so the chances of there being many more mass graves just like this one is significant.


Disclaimer - I've met Nuns on two occasions and both times been stunned that they refer to their behaviour as "Christian". I'm sure this isn't the case for all nuns, but personal experience does not make me particularly willing to give the benefit of the doubt. If I sound somewhat biased, it's probably because I am.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 16, 2014, 01:28:43 PM
Yeah, well you know my opinion on this brand (and competing brands) of irrational belief structure. Nuns would be the sorta epitome of the disconnect from reality, giving their whole life over to the thing, "marrying" some ancient pre-historical figure who may or may not have existed but, to the best of our scientific understanding, almost certainly isn't still alive. My respect drops to minus figures around here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 16, 2014, 04:46:46 PM
Then, on the other hand, scientific understanding turns out to be fundamentally grounded in theory.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 16, 2014, 04:56:13 PM
In order to function in this existence, you have to pick a system. I choose science as the best of a bad bunch. By the kind of margin you get when you compare olympic athletes with the morbidly obese for ability to run marathons.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 16, 2014, 04:58:19 PM
I feel you on that.  It's just that science also needs to know it's place.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 16, 2014, 06:54:00 PM
I think it tries to. It's not science that's at fault when it fails, it's human beings being insufficiently rigorous.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 16, 2014, 07:48:55 PM
Rigor:  That's what life is for :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 16, 2014, 09:21:08 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 16, 2014, 10:28:59 AM
Stories where you don't need to even read them # 33442/J:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rob-ford-the-musical-holds-open-casting-on-monday-1.2676236

Quote"Falstaff from Shakespeare," McCaig said in a telephone interview. "He's very Shakespearean or operatic. He's our modern tragic hero — he rode in on his white horse, stallion, to save his village and then through his own weaknesses fell hard."

McCaig will be looking to fill the shoes of such a character on Monday when he and his collaborators hold an open casting call for "Rob Ford The Musical: The Birth of a Ford Nation" at Toronto's Second City Training Centre. The show is set to run at Toronto's Factory Theatre from Sept. 16 to Sept. 28, although McCaig said there's a possibility of extending it.

If they wait a few weeks, they can probably get Ford to play himself in this.

I'm guessing he would for a bowl of crack.

:lulz: Wow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 16, 2014, 09:25:20 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 16, 2014, 12:10:33 PM
Well. This is pretty fucked up, even by my standards:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/04/children-galway-mass-graves-ireland-catholic-church

QuoteThe bodies of 796 children, between the ages of two days and nine years old, are believed to have been buried in a disused sewage tank in Tuam, County Galway. They died between 1925 and 1961 in a mother and baby home under the care of the Bon Secours nuns.

Locals have known about the grave since 1975, when two little boys, playing, broke apart the concrete slab covering it and discovered a tomb filled with small skeletons. A parish priest said prayers at the site, and it was sealed once more, the number of bodies below unknown, their names forgotten.

The Tuam historian Catherine Corless discovered the extent of the mass grave when she requested records of children's deaths in the home. The registrar in Galway gave her almost 800. Shocked, she checked 100 of these against graveyard burials, and found only one little boy who had been returned to a family plot. The vast majority of the children's remains, it seemed, were in the septic tank. Corless and a committee have been working tirelessly to raise money for a memorial that includes a plaque bearing each child's name.

No glib comment, just a big sack of fucking awful.

The BF and I were talking about this; the truly horrifying element is that this is unlikely to be a unique case.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 16, 2014, 09:26:54 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 16, 2014, 01:15:07 PM
Well, you're dealing with babies that are "illegitimate" in many cases. Bastards got notoriously terrible treatment so the neglect being pushed to this level, while shocking, is hardly unexpected.

You're dealing with the kind of mentality that assumes the pain of birth is justified because of sins committed. When you start with that outlook, it's hardly a surprise that many kids met a bad end.

What scares the shit out of me here is the chances of this being an institutional problem being rather high. Mortality rates in these homes were high even for the era so the chances of there being many more mass graves just like this one is significant.


Disclaimer - I've met Nuns on two occasions and both times been stunned that they refer to their behaviour as "Christian". I'm sure this isn't the case for all nuns, but personal experience does not make me particularly willing to give the benefit of the doubt. If I sound somewhat biased, it's probably because I am.

Well, I certainly won't argue with you, given what the Catholic Church did to Native children in the US and Canada.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 17, 2014, 08:48:50 AM
I'd just like to leave this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duplessis_Orphans) here.  Note: extremely unpleasant reading, even with the brief descriptions given by Wikipedia.  Further study may lead to "X-dossier" like feelings of revulsion towards humanity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 17, 2014, 09:15:52 AM
Thanks, I guess.

I assume that's another one of these things that the more you look at it, the worse it gets? Because that summary was pretty grim.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 17, 2014, 09:27:11 AM
Yup.  Because it was done at least in part for money, and...well, look at when it occured.  Look at who was the president of the Canadian Psychiatric Association and the American Psychiatric Association at the time.  Look at his friends, what his "research" entailed, what methods he employed.

Chances are if something of this magnitude was happening in Canada, of all places, it was happening in Ireland, where the church is far more powerful and secretive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 17, 2014, 09:36:35 AM
Seems depressingly reasonable. Done a couple of quick searches and this is rapidly getting into "what the fucking fuck" territory.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 17, 2014, 09:38:09 AM
Always does, with MK-Ultra.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 17, 2014, 09:43:19 AM
I've started laughing again.

On a (marginally) less horrific, are you familiar with http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1270262/ ?

I caught this a couple of days ago and the chap's tale it's allegedly based on is a little far fetched in places but occasionally quite convincing. Trying to determine how much is actually likely/true, there's certainly plenty of corroboration for various events but others are lacking (Uday's shooting, for example)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 17, 2014, 09:53:13 AM
Heard of it, but never seen it or really looked into the details.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 17, 2014, 09:57:18 AM
It's worth a look. Not the best thing you'll ever watch but there's enough around the guy who become's the body double to keep you interested for a while, I'd guess.

Totally unrelated to anything, but perfect for this thread:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22356306

QuoteOf all the moral precepts instilled in Buddhist monks the promise not to kill comes first, and the principle of non-violence is arguably more central to Buddhism than any other major religion. So why have monks been using hate speech against Muslims and joining mobs that have left dozens dead?

This is happening in two countries separated by well over 1,000 miles of Indian Ocean - Burma and Sri Lanka. It is puzzling because neither country is facing an Islamist militant threat. Muslims in both places are a generally peaceable and small minority.

In Sri Lanka, the issue of halal slaughter has been a flashpoint. Led by monks, members of the Bodu Bala Sena - the Buddhist Brigade - hold rallies, call for direct action and the boycotting of Muslim businesses, and rail against the size of Muslim families.

While no Muslims have been killed in Sri Lanka, the Burmese situation is far more serious. Here the antagonism is spearheaded by the 969 group, led by a monk, Ashin Wirathu, who was jailed in 2003 for inciting religious hatred. Released in 2012, he has referred to himself bizarrely as "the Burmese Bin Laden".

Not often you get an article highlighting the nasty side of Buddhist monks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 17, 2014, 08:17:50 PM
YouTube is considering pulling all indie music that doesn't sign license deals for its new subscription music service.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/17/youtube-indie-labels-music-subscription

I can't tell if this means no more music at all on the non-subscriber side; but if that's the case, YouTube is most likely fucked forever.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 17, 2014, 10:31:29 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 17, 2014, 08:17:50 PM
YouTube is considering pulling all indie music that doesn't sign license deals for its new subscription music service.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/17/youtube-indie-labels-music-subscription

I can't tell if this means no more music at all on the non-subscriber side; but if that's the case, YouTube is most likely fucked forever.

That's the stupidest damn thing I've ever heard of, and also I hope they do it because that opens the door for some little web startup nobody's ever heard of yet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 17, 2014, 10:35:00 PM
Also, I'm sick of their fucking ads. They are the worst targeted ads I've been subjected to anywhere on the internet, to the point where I'm having a hard time even believing that they are targeted at all, given that the SAME FUCKING TRISCUIT COMMERCIAL prefaces EVERY FUCKING CRASH COURSE BIOLOGY video. Even if you watch ten in a row. You know what's not a good idea? Showing the same commercial to the same viewer over and over again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2014, 09:16:21 AM
http://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2014/jun/17/homeless-peoples-handwritten-signs-turned-into-fonts

QuoteWriting the cardboard sign you use to beg, says Guillermo, one of Barcelona's estimated 3,000 homeless people, is just "really shitty. You're hardly going to convey love. You can't convey anything nice. What you're conveying through the cardboard, through your writing, is something that's really ... screwing you."

But the handwriting of some of the Catalan capital's rough sleepers is now being put to a wider use than helping its individual authors survive: scanned and converted into downloadable fonts, it is being sold online to raise funds for a foundation that supports homeless people in their effort to leave the street behind.

5/5. Short video in the link that covers everything quickly. Here's hoping for more of such thinking in the immediate future.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 18, 2014, 09:34:50 AM
Youtube's been going down the shitter for a while.

This may just be the final nail in their coffin.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 01:21:36 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 17, 2014, 08:17:50 PM
YouTube is considering pulling all indie music that doesn't sign license deals for its new subscription music service.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/17/youtube-indie-labels-music-subscription

I can't tell if this means no more music at all on the non-subscriber side; but if that's the case, YouTube is most likely fucked forever.

It's doubtful. The reason they're most probably doing this is because some industry spag has started pissing and moaning because youtube's subscriber service is selling added value on the back of their IP and they want their cut. In order to receive said cut there has to be a contract.

If an indie producer refuses to sign then legally youtube can't offer their music to their subscribers in ad free format. This compromises the value of youtube's subscriber service, therefore youtube are trying to encourage as many content creators as possible to sign the contract.

Predictably, a whole army have donned their tinfoil helmets and started pissing and whining about teh evil corporation wanting to give them money for doing fuck all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 18, 2014, 01:44:16 PM
See, that makes sense; but in that case, YouTube would simply not include the indie music on the subscription channel.  But that doesn't explain the bit in the article which says, "the company [YouTube] has signed lucrative licensing deals with major labels Universal, Warner and Sony, while demanding that independent labels sign up to inferior terms or face having their videos blocked from YouTube's free service."

So it sounds like they're trying to put all music behind a paywall, to the extent of deleting free indie music from the free side.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2014, 02:20:15 PM
Probably overdue for a Boko Haram/Nigeria thread:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/06/explosion-rocks-nigeria-world-cup-viewing-2014617212639380659.html

QuoteAn explosion has struck a venue in the town of Damaturu in northeast Nigeria where fans had gathered to watch a World Cup football match, police say.

There were reports that a suicide bomber detonated a tricycle packed with explosives at the venue.

There was no official word on casualties from Tuesday night's blast at the Crossfire venue in the Nayi-Nawa area of the town.

Al Jazeera's Ahmed Idris, reporting from Abuja, said hospital sources had confirmed that several people had died.

"Emergency workers are telling us that people are avoiding the scene of the accident for fear of a secondary explosive device," he said.

A witness near the scene told Reuters news agency they heard a loud boom. Some residents said they also heard a second explosion.

Remember a few weeks ago where various nations were going to give all kinds of support, aid and advice?

I question the quality of said supplied support, aid and advice. Or indeed, if it even materialised at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 03:05:43 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 18, 2014, 01:44:16 PM
See, that makes sense; but in that case, YouTube would simply not include the indie music on the subscription channel.  But that doesn't explain the bit in the article which says, "the company [YouTube] has signed lucrative licensing deals with major labels Universal, Warner and Sony, while demanding that independent labels sign up to inferior terms or face having their videos blocked from YouTube's free service."

So it sounds like they're trying to put all music behind a paywall, to the extent of deleting free indie music from the free side.

I'd tend to read between the lines. putting free stuff behind a paywall isn't google's style. The whole thing looks to me like they're trying not to piss in any content owners wheaties by crossing IP lines with the paywall service. This is about people paying google to remove ads and the legal ramifications thereof. People who don't pay the ads will still see the ads. And the content.

However, legally, youtube can't show IP without ads which (in the case of IP owners) are ads to buy that content on itunes. This is how google got around the whole banhammer that the RIAA and others started slapping them with a couple of years back. So now they're trying to launch a paywall service but if that paywall service offers a lot less content, who's going to want to pay for it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2014, 03:10:46 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/family-fights-cops-knives-nixed-fun-park-184458333.html

QuoteSALEM, N.H. (AP) — Five members of a Vermont family assaulted police officers during a melee that erupted when security guards at a New Hampshire amusement park told them to leave their knives in the car, police said Tuesday.

The fracas started at about 1:30 p.m. Monday when the Perry family tried to enter Canobie Lake Park in Salem. Some of the family members had knives on their belts and were told they couldn't bring them into the park, police said.

The family became belligerent and eventually two Salem officers responded to quell the disturbance. The family became more irate, yelling profanities at the officers in front of other visitors, police said.

After several verbal warnings, an officer told one man he was under arrest and tried to handcuff him, leading to the fight that included people jumping on the backs of the officers, punching, kicking and grabbing for their weapons, police said. Two officers were injured, including one who was treated at a hospital for a dislocated shoulder.

As backup officers arrived, the mother of the family faked a seizure, police said. She was examined by paramedics and released at the scene.

What's unusual here is that no-one appears to have been shot during all of this. Which is quite incredible really.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 05:27:44 PM
What's wrong with carrying knives? Are knives bad in America? Like a weapon is only holy and sacred if it has a range greater than 50 feet or something?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 18, 2014, 05:46:44 PM
I'm thinking in this context "amusement park" precludes weapons of any kind.  If the family were carrying guns, slingshots, or RPGs, they also would be asked to leave them in the car.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 06:25:25 PM
So it's weird that they were carrying knives then? Was it some kind of open-carry statement/protest or something?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:28:18 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 06:25:25 PM
So it's weird that they were carrying knives then? Was it some kind of open-carry statement/protest or something?

No, it's not weird, a lot of people carry knives. The only weird part is that they tried to bring said knives into an amusement park. It's like trying to take a knife into a concert venue; simply not done.


*edited for typo
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 18, 2014, 06:32:30 PM
Yeah, socially weird.  Potentially illegal if the stated rules of the amusement park ban weapons.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:34:46 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 18, 2014, 06:32:30 PM
Yeah, socially weird.  Potentially illegal if the stated rules of the amusement park ban weapons.

Right; it's private property, so if the rules ban weapons (and I've never seen an amusement park that didn't) then they were trespassing the moment they decided to bring their knives inside.

Many places are fine with a Swiss Army Knife, but not so fine with a hip knife.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 18, 2014, 06:36:02 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 17, 2014, 10:35:00 PM
Also, I'm sick of their fucking ads. They are the worst targeted ads I've been subjected to anywhere on the internet, to the point where I'm having a hard time even believing that they are targeted at all, given that the SAME FUCKING TRISCUIT COMMERCIAL prefaces EVERY FUCKING CRASH COURSE BIOLOGY video. Even if you watch ten in a row. You know what's not a good idea? Showing the same commercial to the same viewer over and over again.

You think youve got it bad? Ive been getting spanish language Walmart ads for a week straight now. Before that it was japanese airliners. And I swear to god, after I googled "German Porn"(for scientific reasons) I got this (http://youtu.be/ZKLnhuzh9uY) for about a month.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 06:42:20 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:34:46 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 18, 2014, 06:32:30 PM
Yeah, socially weird.  Potentially illegal if the stated rules of the amusement park ban weapons.

Right; it's private property, so if the rules ban weapons (and I've never seen an amusement park that didn't) then they were trespassing the moment they decided to bring their knives inside.

Many places are fine with a Swiss Army Knife, but not so fine with a hip knife.

Makes perfect sense. UK Law would have came to the same conclusion, albeit by a different route. I'm trying to figure out what the fuck they were trying to accomplish.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:47:07 PM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 18, 2014, 06:36:02 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 17, 2014, 10:35:00 PM
Also, I'm sick of their fucking ads. They are the worst targeted ads I've been subjected to anywhere on the internet, to the point where I'm having a hard time even believing that they are targeted at all, given that the SAME FUCKING TRISCUIT COMMERCIAL prefaces EVERY FUCKING CRASH COURSE BIOLOGY video. Even if you watch ten in a row. You know what's not a good idea? Showing the same commercial to the same viewer over and over again.

You think youve got it bad? Ive been getting spanish language Walmart ads for a week straight now. Before that it was japanese airliners. And I swear to god, after I googled "German Porn"(for scientific reasons) I got this (http://youtu.be/ZKLnhuzh9uY) for about a month.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

What I don't understand is what seems to have led their targeting software to believe firmly, not for a week or so but for a solid six months, that I should be subjected to a nonstop stream of Triscuit commercials. I actually used to buy Triscuits once in a while but I've developed an aversion. Fuck Triscuits. Fuck them in the face.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:54:26 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 06:42:20 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:34:46 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 18, 2014, 06:32:30 PM
Yeah, socially weird.  Potentially illegal if the stated rules of the amusement park ban weapons.

Right; it's private property, so if the rules ban weapons (and I've never seen an amusement park that didn't) then they were trespassing the moment they decided to bring their knives inside.

Many places are fine with a Swiss Army Knife, but not so fine with a hip knife.

Makes perfect sense. UK Law would have came to the same conclusion, albeit by a different route. I'm trying to figure out what the fuck they were trying to accomplish.

They were Vermonters going to an amusement park in New Hampshire.

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/moburg/Funny/Redneck-Fun.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raz Tech on June 18, 2014, 06:56:11 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:47:07 PM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 18, 2014, 06:36:02 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 17, 2014, 10:35:00 PM
Also, I'm sick of their fucking ads. They are the worst targeted ads I've been subjected to anywhere on the internet, to the point where I'm having a hard time even believing that they are targeted at all, given that the SAME FUCKING TRISCUIT COMMERCIAL prefaces EVERY FUCKING CRASH COURSE BIOLOGY video. Even if you watch ten in a row. You know what's not a good idea? Showing the same commercial to the same viewer over and over again.

You think youve got it bad? Ive been getting spanish language Walmart ads for a week straight now. Before that it was japanese airliners. And I swear to god, after I googled "German Porn"(for scientific reasons) I got this (http://youtu.be/ZKLnhuzh9uY) for about a month.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

What I don't understand is what seems to have led their targeting software to believe firmly, not for a week or so but for a solid six months, that I should be subjected to a nonstop stream of Triscuit commercials. I actually used to buy Triscuits once in a while but I've developed an aversion. Fuck Triscuits. Fuck them in the face.

Wait so those seriously are targeted advertisements? Because all they've been showing me lately is ads for progenex.  They're way off the mark if they think I'm gonna spend money on exercising, I usually spend money to do the exact opposite.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:57:30 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on June 18, 2014, 06:56:11 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:47:07 PM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 18, 2014, 06:36:02 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 17, 2014, 10:35:00 PM
Also, I'm sick of their fucking ads. They are the worst targeted ads I've been subjected to anywhere on the internet, to the point where I'm having a hard time even believing that they are targeted at all, given that the SAME FUCKING TRISCUIT COMMERCIAL prefaces EVERY FUCKING CRASH COURSE BIOLOGY video. Even if you watch ten in a row. You know what's not a good idea? Showing the same commercial to the same viewer over and over again.

You think youve got it bad? Ive been getting spanish language Walmart ads for a week straight now. Before that it was japanese airliners. And I swear to god, after I googled "German Porn"(for scientific reasons) I got this (http://youtu.be/ZKLnhuzh9uY) for about a month.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

What I don't understand is what seems to have led their targeting software to believe firmly, not for a week or so but for a solid six months, that I should be subjected to a nonstop stream of Triscuit commercials. I actually used to buy Triscuits once in a while but I've developed an aversion. Fuck Triscuits. Fuck them in the face.

Wait so those seriously are targeted advertisements? Because all they've been showing me lately is ads for progenex.  They're way off the mark if they think I'm gonna spend money on exercising.  I usually spend money to do the exact opposite.

Some people absolutely insist that they are targeted. If they are, it's the absolute worst targeting I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2014, 06:59:40 PM
This is the family in question:

(http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/6J8VZt37V8OFih8xzmYROA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTI4ODtweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/b24fa64cac9c5c17570f6a706700c861.jpg)

I doubt they were trying to accomplish anything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 18, 2014, 07:03:06 PM
LOL, yeah, I sometimes forget - humans :facepalm:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 19, 2014, 07:48:07 AM
The "Disturbing implications" files 77810/S:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/japan-bans-child-porn-bar-manga-30365139.html

QuoteJapan's parliament has passed a law which bans possession of child pornography, but excludes sexually explicit comics, animation and computer graphics.

The upper house voted today to approve the law, which was passed by the lower house earlier this month.

The law provides for prison terms of up to one year and fines of up to one million yen (£5,800) for possession of pornographic photographs or videos of children. It allows a grace period of one year for people owning such materials to dispose of them.

The law was first proposed in May 2013 as an amendment to an earlier law that banned production and distribution of child pornography but not ownership of such materials.

Police reported 1,644 cases of child pornography in 2013.

That 1600 number seems incredibly low considering the population of Japan. Then there's Japan's approach to Law and justice.

What I'm getting at here is that I'm almost certain that this is a huge fucking scandal just waiting to break.

That grace period is disturbing as fuck too, for a variety of reasons.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 19, 2014, 08:43:39 AM
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/06/the-seven-signs-youre-in-a-cult/361400/

Not a bad article, though it's unfortunately predictable in places. The link title is somewhat misleading as it's about a cult in Kansas City

QuoteFor several years, roughly two dozen people, all younger than thirty, had been living together in Kansas City, Missouri, and following the leadership of Tyler Deaton, one of our classmates from Southwestern University in Texas. In the summer of 2012, Tyler had married Bethany; by the fall, she was dead. What started as a dorm-room prayer group had devolved into something much darker.

And the authors interactions in it.

QuoteThe weeks after Bethany's death were among the blackest of my life. One of my dearest and best friends was dead, and I couldn't accept the explanation that she had killed herself two months into a marriage she had been looking forward to for years. Even the logistics of grieving were complicated; on the day of her visitation, Tyler tried to have me removed from the funeral home.

Meanwhile, IHOP sent several leaders to investigate the prayer community. It took them only a couple of hours with the group on the night after Bethany's death to conclude that Tyler was leading a cult. The boys who still lived with Tyler were asked to move out immediately, and current and former members were questioned.

And then they interrogated Micah, the person who had been charged with guarding me during one of my periods of isolation from the group. During questioning, he broke down and confessed that he had suffocated Bethany. He later said Tyler had told him to commit the murder, saying he "had it in him to do it." The next day—the day of Bethany's funeral in Arlington, Texas—he drove to the police station and turned himself in. There, he told a lurid tale: He and other men in the group had sexual relationships with Tyler, and together, they had ritually assaulted Bethany. She had been killed, Micah said, because they were afraid she would tell her therapist about the assaults.

And the sadly inevitable reaction:

QuoteThough some of the group's former members remained part of the prophetic movement, I mentally checked out after Bethany's death. I joined a church in a liturgical tradition and formed a new circle of friends, many of whom had also left IHOP. I began to rethink my views on homosexuality and other marginalized groups. I also underwent counseling with IHOP leaders. During this process, I tried to renounce what I saw as harmful beliefs, including the conviction that our group had been messengers called to battle the forces of the anti-Christ. To my surprise and dismay, they told me, "No, Tyler was right about that. You need to pray out loud for God to show you your calling."

In other words, our group's biggest crime wasn't an excess of zeal—it was not being zealous enough. It seems to me that our community was not exceptional, given the high-intensity spiritual environment we were part of. Tyler was not an isolated individual, but the product of a phenomenally twisted system.

It's a fairly long article and it's a pretty good run down of how smaller cults form and the behaviours encouraged. It's a shame that the author doesn't really seem to have learned his lesson yet though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 19, 2014, 10:14:39 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 19, 2014, 07:48:07 AM
The "Disturbing implications" files 77810/S:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/japan-bans-child-porn-bar-manga-30365139.html

QuoteJapan's parliament has passed a law which bans possession of child pornography, but excludes sexually explicit comics, animation and computer graphics.

The upper house voted today to approve the law, which was passed by the lower house earlier this month.

The law provides for prison terms of up to one year and fines of up to one million yen (£5,800) for possession of pornographic photographs or videos of children. It allows a grace period of one year for people owning such materials to dispose of them.

The law was first proposed in May 2013 as an amendment to an earlier law that banned production and distribution of child pornography but not ownership of such materials.

Police reported 1,644 cases of child pornography in 2013.

That 1600 number seems incredibly low considering the population of Japan. Then there's Japan's approach to Law and justice.

What I'm getting at here is that I'm almost certain that this is a huge fucking scandal just waiting to break.

That grace period is disturbing as fuck too, for a variety of reasons.

As I recall, the age of consent in Japan is worryingly low, around 13 or something?  Admittedly, I don't know if that's "technically thirteen" in the way it is with some European countries, where so long as you are under a certain age (16-17 normally) but above 13 you won't be prosecuted or it's just 13, but I've always had the impression that it was the latter.

Japan's political system is corrupt as hell, so no doubt that has influenced this position.  Does the Yakuza distribute child pornography?  They are heavily involved in general pornography and entertainment, so it's not impossible.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 19, 2014, 10:56:45 AM
I would have to assume that the Yakuza are not only involved, but likely to be substantial players with considerable incriminating evidence on some of the more influential figures.

There's also the cultural issue with confessions being rather important, to the point where it's rather difficult to secure a conviction without one. Naturally, this won't be a problem as paedophiles are notorious for their honesty.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 20, 2014, 08:43:08 AM
While looking at upcoming auctions on the federal Marshall site, I noticed this house for sale. Interesting backstory:

http://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2013/041213.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegals_Program#Vladimir_and_Lidiya_Guryev_.28Richard_and_Cynthia_Murphy.29

QuoteThe Illegals Program, as it was called by the United States Department of Justice, was a network of Russian sleeper agents under non-official cover whose investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) culminated in the arrest of ten agents and a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States on July 9, 2010.

The spies were planted in the United States by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (known by its Russian abbreviation, SVR). Posing as ordinary American citizens, they tried to build contacts with academics, industrialists, and policymakers to gain access to intelligence. They were the target of a multi-year investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI investigation, called Operation Ghost Stories, culminated at the end of June 2010 with the arrest of ten individuals in the U.S. and an eleventh suspect in Cyprus. Ten sleeper agents were charged with "carrying out long-term, 'deep-cover' assignments in the United States on behalf of the Russian Federation."

QuoteProfessor Nina Khrushcheva, who served as Vladimir's faculty adviser at The New School for three years starting in 2002, said in July 2010 that she found it difficult to figure out a purported Philadelphia native: "I was always puzzled by the inconsistency between a completely American name and completely Russian behaviour... He had a thick Russian accent and an incredibly unhappy Russian personality."

Short version is that it ends in a prisoner swap. The names and who those prisoners were spying for will give you no shocks. All in all, it seems that modern spycraft is taking a much more long term approach than in previous eras. Many involved here had children and some were being groomed to succeed the parent's roles. A crazy person might start thinking about the Boston bombing in relation to things and potential implications there, but as I said, that's just lunacy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 22, 2014, 03:44:13 AM
(http://eyebeam.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/sidebar_image/projects/images/razblint-terminal-air-trevor-paglen-and-institute-for-applied-autonomy.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 23, 2014, 08:33:20 AM
The "Of course" files 666122/G:
http://www.kptv.com/story/25827893/shooting-victim-drives-to-jackson-apartment-complex?autostart=true

QuoteA man with a gunshot wound was reported, Friday morning, at an apartment complex called the Pines on Watkins Drive; but he wasn't shot there.

Jackson police say, shortly before that, a guest at a nearby Motel 6 had a run in with the man in the rear parking lot.

They say the guest was approached by a man asking for cigarettes.

The hotel guest said he didn't have any cigarettes.

The man began to walk away, when , police say, he turned around and said "I bet you don't have one of these", pointing a gun in his direction.

The guest did have "one of these," and began firing at the suspect. He reportedly hit the man at least once.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2014, 11:14:17 AM
http://nypost.com/2014/06/23/marion-barry-says-he-never-smoked-crack/

Quote"Never smoked crack — as simple as that," said Barry.
The MSNBC interviewer challenged Barry, now a DC council member, to explain the infamous 1990 FBI surveillance footage of him smoking a crack pipe at the Vista Hotel.
"The federal government never proved there was a crack pipe," Barry told the station. "Jurors didn't believe it."

Only worth noting because I expect Rob Ford to be coming out with similar hilarious things in a few years months days.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2014, 12:05:25 PM
Sheriff Joe files 6673/F:
http://www.wnd.com/2014/06/sheriff-joe-closing-in-on-obama-forger/

QuoteIn an exclusive interview with WND, Arpaio explained being re-elected as sheriff is just too important, especially with the illegal immigration crisis and certain, "sensitive investigations" still in play.

"I would have had to resign the day I announced I was going to run for governor," he said. "But I'm not about to abandon my troops. We have a number of highly sensitive investigations ongoing and we have a brand new headquarters building. I still have the Justice Department after me. So, I'm not giving this job up to someone else. I'm sticking around."

Arpaio also told Rusty Humphries of the Washington Times recently one of those "sensitive" projects was his continued investigation into Barack Obama's allegedly forged birth certificate.

"If I was the governor, which I turned down a couple of weeks ago because I would have to resign, I'm not going to leave this office to somebody coming in when I have sensitive investigations going, including the president's birth certificate," Arpaio said. "I haven't finished that yet.

"I don't care where [Obama] was born. That has nothing to do with it," he continued. "I'm concerned about a forged, fraudulent government document. From Day 1 I've been investigating that, now we have to find out who's behind that. I'm getting close."

There's more of the usual Sheriff Joe insanity at the link. I'd comment further but it's not really needed, is it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2014, 03:09:58 PM
Quickly skimmed this, but seems worth a look:
http://www.economicnoise.com/2014/06/20/country-dies/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 24, 2014, 03:30:23 PM
UK Phone hacking trials come to some kind of conclusion:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27997688

Quotehe verdicts in full are:

Andy Coulson was found guilty of a charge of conspiracy to intercept voicemails
Mrs Brooks was found not guilty of conspiracy to hack voicemails, two counts of conspiracy to pay public officials and two counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice
Former News of the World managing editor Stuart Kuttner was found not guilty of conspiring to hack voicemails
Cheryl Carter, Charlie Brooks and News International's former head of security Mark Hanna were cleared of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice

Just another miscarriage of justice in the UK. Sleep easy tabloid editors everywhere, you'll be back to business as usual in no time at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 26, 2014, 11:47:47 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27905743

Pablo Escobar's escaped Hippos are causing various kinds of havoc in Columbia.

No, I'm not making that up. Yes, it's as amusing as it sounds.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 27, 2014, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 26, 2014, 11:47:47 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27905743

Pablo Escobar's escaped Hippos are causing various kinds of havoc in Columbia.

No, I'm not making that up. Yes, it's as amusing as it sounds.
Whoa!  I'm half way through - and before I nip-out - just had to say that I totally understand:  Hippos, psychologically, are great at herding children after recess.  The image of them passing under a replica plane upon entrance...  Priceless. :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 27, 2014, 05:22:49 PM
I was going to make a snarky comment, but there's just nothing good at all in this story.
Mississippi Tea Party Leader Suicide (http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/mississippi-tea-party-leader-found-dead-n142736).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 28, 2014, 12:57:14 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on June 27, 2014, 05:22:49 PM
I was going to make a snarky comment, but there's just nothing good at all in this story.
Mississippi Tea Party Leader Suicide (http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/mississippi-tea-party-leader-found-dead-n142736).

Wow. The only redeeming thing I could even think of was that I hope it was his conscience that drove him to it, because at least that would mean there was some glimmer of humanity in that whole awful trainwreck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 28, 2014, 12:58:40 AM
Why would ANYONE think "Ooooh, putting pictures of my political opponent's bedridden and helpless wife on the internet will TOTALLY help my political career"?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 28, 2014, 08:25:17 AM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 28, 2014, 12:58:40 AM
Why would ANYONE think "Ooooh, putting pictures of my political opponent's bedridden and helpless wife on the internet will TOTALLY help my political career"?

Because there were rumors that he was sleeping with his assistant. The whole point was supposed to be "Look at the Senators poor wife rotting in a nursing home while he screws his secretary."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 29, 2014, 05:37:11 AM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 28, 2014, 08:25:17 AM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 28, 2014, 12:58:40 AM
Why would ANYONE think "Ooooh, putting pictures of my political opponent's bedridden and helpless wife on the internet will TOTALLY help my political career"?

Because there were rumors that he was sleeping with his assistant. The whole point was supposed to be "Look at the Senators poor wife rotting in a nursing home while he screws his secretary."

And it somehow didn't seem to occur to anyone involved that reinforcing that point in the manner pursued victimized and humiliated the wife.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 29, 2014, 06:07:11 AM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 29, 2014, 05:37:11 AM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on June 28, 2014, 08:25:17 AM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on June 28, 2014, 12:58:40 AM
Why would ANYONE think "Ooooh, putting pictures of my political opponent's bedridden and helpless wife on the internet will TOTALLY help my political career"?

Because there were rumors that he was sleeping with his assistant. The whole point was supposed to be "Look at the Senators poor wife rotting in a nursing home while he screws his secretary."

And it somehow didn't seem to occur to anyone involved that reinforcing that point in the manner pursued victimized and humiliated the wife.

There are people supporting the actions of the blogger on Tea Party sites.

http://www.redstate.com/2014/05/22/thad-cochran-unfaithful-husband-untrustworthy-politician/

These people just dont think like normal humans.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 29, 2014, 10:35:23 AM
They think precisely like normal humans. This is the kind of thing that normal human brains are capable of. They are also capable of working out things like e=mc2 and how to put people on the moon. Same hardware, different inputs :sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 29, 2014, 09:53:44 PM
And perhaps that certain, je ne sais quoi?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on July 01, 2014, 03:07:52 AM
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/30/us/before-shooting-in-iraq-warning-on-blackwater.html?_r=0

QuoteJust weeks before Blackwater guards fatally shot 17 civilians at Baghdad's Nisour Square in 2007, the State Department began investigating the security contractor's operations in Iraq. But the inquiry was abandoned after Blackwater's top manager there issued a threat: "that he could kill" the government's chief investigator and "no one could or would do anything about it as we were in Iraq," according to department reports.

American Embassy officials in Baghdad sided with Blackwater rather than the State Department investigators as a dispute over the probe escalated in August 2007, the previously undisclosed documents show. The officials told the investigators that they had disrupted the embassy's relationship with the security contractor and ordered them to leave the country, according to the reports.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 01, 2014, 08:39:31 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28103223

QuoteFrench ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has been detained for questioning over alleged influence peddling.

Mr Sarkozy is being held at Nanterre, near Paris, in an unprecedented step against a former president.

QuoteIt is alleged that Mr Sarkozy was kept informed of proceedings against him while a decision was being made over whether his work diaries should be kept in the hands of the justice system.

The diaries were seized after claims in 2010 about campaign funding dating back to the 2007 presidential election
The Court of Cassation said in March 2014 he could not have the diaries back
The diaries are reportedly now part of a separate inquiry into alleged funding by late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi
Mr Sarkozy's phone was tapped by investigators look into the Libyan allegations
The investigators believe the former president was tipped off that his phone was being bugged.

That enquiry should be amusing, regardless of findings. It surely won't be able to say with a straight face that Gaddafi's only western supporter was Sarkozy.

And that Blackwater stuff is depressingly expected. I assume they've undergone another name change since, well, last week, so if anyone knows what they're currently called please feel free to shout up.

Seriously, if you're in an industry where changing your company name frequently is required, the industry you are in is DODGY AS HELL.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on July 02, 2014, 10:48:42 PM
 :horrormirth:
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 01, 2014, 08:39:31 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28103223

QuoteFrench ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has been detained for questioning over alleged influence peddling.

Mr Sarkozy is being held at Nanterre, near Paris, in an unprecedented step against a former president.

QuoteIt is alleged that Mr Sarkozy was kept informed of proceedings against him while a decision was being made over whether his work diaries should be kept in the hands of the justice system.

The diaries were seized after claims in 2010 about campaign funding dating back to the 2007 presidential election
The Court of Cassation said in March 2014 he could not have the diaries back
The diaries are reportedly now part of a separate inquiry into alleged funding by late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi
Mr Sarkozy's phone was tapped by investigators look into the Libyan allegations
The investigators believe the former president was tipped off that his phone was being bugged.

That enquiry should be amusing, regardless of findings. It surely won't be able to say with a straight face that Gaddafi's only western supporter was Sarkozy.

And that Blackwater stuff is depressingly expected. I assume they've undergone another name change since, well, last week, so if anyone knows what they're currently called please feel free to shout up.

Seriously, if you're in an industry where changing your company name frequently is required, the industry you are in is DODGY AS HELL.
Xe -> Academi
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 03, 2014, 01:18:08 PM
TERROR:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28138526

QuoteSecurity is being tightened at airports with direct flights into the US - including some in the UK - in response to US warnings of a "credible threat".

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the measures were being taken to keep the public safe.

While he would not specify what steps would be involved, he ruled out "significant disruption" to passengers.

It comes amid US media reports that al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria and Yemen are developing bombs to smuggle on planes.

QuoteDeputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said he could not discuss the intelligence and analysis that led to increased security.

However, he added that the "groups... who want to do us harm are constantly looking at new ways that they can seek to harm us and that is why we have to constantly review whether we need to implement new ways to keep us safe".

The BBC understands the security changes are not expected to cause big delays at Heathrow - one of the busiest hubs for flights to the US.

Nothing new or particularly interesting really, just your daily reminder to fear terrorism. I'd be more specific, but no-one else is. So, just worry a bit about it then.

I once again feel obligated to point out that massive queues at security stations, which anyone can easily access, are wonderful targets for terrorists. They are the single most vulnerable place in any airport I've passed through in the past 10 years. It seems worth noting as if I can think of this and I'm sure anyone else who has stood in these appalling human pens probably thought this too. I'm glad we're not treating terrorists as being capable of such thoughts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 03, 2014, 03:37:43 PM
Obvious bullshit files 88720G/B:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28141604

QuoteSatisfaction in the way people are dealt with by police in England and Wales has dropped significantly in the past three years, a survey has found.

Two thirds of people are "happy" or "very happy" with their treatment - down from three quarters in 2011, according to the poll carried out by the police watchdog earlier this year.

QuotePollster Ipsos MORI, which conducted the survey between February and March, said the drop in satisfaction levels - to their lowest for 10 years - was "significant".

The report also found:

One in three people were not confident that if they complained to the police it would be handled fairly (No shit. The IPCC has been a long running joke on par with the FSA(Financial services) or the PCC (which was critized by pretty much everyone throughout the leveson enquiry)
Three quarters of people would complain if they were "really unhappy" about a police officer - but 40% were not confident they would know how to do so
People from ethnic minority groups were less likely to say they would complain, and more likely to fear harassment if they did so (Again, No shit. Police hassling minority groups? Really. It's almost like they've heard about stop and search)
Young people were less likely to be happy about their treatment by police - but less willing to complain (Young people are more likely to be victims of police wrongdoing and are easier for police to ignore. See the above reference to stop and search. Make a complaint about it and do you think you'll be searched more or less frequently?)

QuoteOver the previous 12 months, 23% of those surveyed had been in contact with the police.

So around a quarter of those asked had actual recent first hand experience. I'm not even taking bets on what the numbers would look like if you focused just on those respondents.

I'm a horrible old man. I've had more than my fair share of dealing with UK police through a variety of circumstances. Out of these, I can recall just one copper who I thought was an actual human being. I've had armed police wave guns in my face because an idiot brought a lighter in the shape of a kids gun to the pub. Didn't even know the guy, but we (The whole pub, around 50 folk) were all detained, searched and questioned at length to our involvement with firearms.

I'm sure there are good coppers out there, hell, I've met one. And no doubt they do a difficult job. So, however, do bank robbers and I've met more of them who are civil and polite and they don't get any fucking medals despite it being an equally difficult and hazardous job.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 04, 2014, 05:51:48 PM
I have a really basic idea on police reform, which is to have them dress in big bright polka-dots and paint their cars to look like birthday cakes.

The main idea behind it is that it will immediately weed out people with authoritarian personalities, which is, IMO, currently the majority of people seeking to enter the police force.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 04, 2014, 06:09:10 PM
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-25888992

QuoteMet Police probed scores of clown incidents

Police probed 117 incidents in London involving the word "clown"

Why bring on the clowns?
Police in London tackled scores of incidents involving clowns last year, it has emerged.

A Freedom of Information request revealed the Metropolitan Police responded to 117 incidents featuring the word "clown".

They included assaults, frauds, thefts and robberies involving people dressed as clowns.

London blogger Richard Osley, who put in the FOI request, said some of the incidents were "no laughing matter".

One incident involved a robbery victim who was wearing a black and white Pierrot suit while in another a robbery was committed by someone wearing a clown mask.

In one burglary case the suspect's hair was described as like "Krusty the Clown" from the TV comedy The Simpsons.

And in a "malicious communication", someone was told that "henchmen in clown masks" would be on their way

Five of the incidents involved victims dressed as clowns while in about 40 instances the victim was called "clown as an insult", details from the Met reveal.

Mr Osley said he put in the FOI request after seeing a spate of news stories over Christmas involving clowns.

He said on his blog: "This one isn't for anybody with a clown phobia... Don't look now, but the news is this: London is not totally immune to Britain's clown crime wave."

There were also reports of jewellery and property with clown motif being stolen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 07, 2014, 09:08:05 AM
The "Holy shit, that's excessive" files:
http://www.wbay.com/story/25931266/2014/07/02/police-discover-staggering-amount-of-child-pornography

QuoteAnother person is behind bars as the Brown County Sheriff's Office continues to crack down on distributors of child pornography.

Ryan Scheelk of De Pere is the sixth person to be busted since March for possessing child pornography, according to investigators.  He was taken into custody after an undercover investigation by police. They say they recovered a "staggering" amount of material.  Police said they have 90 terra-bytes of hard drive space to sort through, which can hold about 27 million photos.

There's a note in the article about 20 other suspects. I can only hope that with a collection of this size that's expanded substantially. Time until European connections are made? I'd give it a week.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 09, 2014, 12:16:49 PM
Today in "What's the Daily Heil Done wrong now":
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-28225467

QuoteUS actor George Clooney has accused the Daily Mail of "irresponsibility" after it claimed his fiancee's mother opposes their marriage on religious grounds.

The British tabloid, he said, had been "negligent" in "exploit[ing] religious differences where none exist".

Earlier this week, the Mail claimed Amal Alamuddin's mother, Baria, wished her daughter to be married within the relatively small Druze sect.

The Mail has been asked to comment and has yet to respond.

QuoteIn a piece published by USA Today, Clooney said he was "used to the Daily Mail making up stories" and accepted "freedom of speech can be an inconvenience to [his] private life".

QuoteThe Daily Mail's report, published online on Monday and then in print on Tuesday in an amended form, said "close family friends" had told them that Baria Alamuddin had been "telling half of Beirut" that her daughter "could do better".

"There are 500,000 Druze," one of their unnamed sources was quoted as saying. "Are none of them good enough for her?"

"Amal's mother is not Druze,
" responded Clooney. "She has not been to Beirut since Amal and I have been dating, and she is in no way against the marriage.

"But this lie involves larger issues. The irresponsibility, in this day and age, to exploit religious differences where none exist, is at the very least negligent and more appropriately dangerous."

This is begging for a lawsuit and I'd love little more. It really is nice to see how little the Leveson enquiry has changed the UK press. The only real consequence I can see to date is a moderately expensive re-branding exercise for the news of the world. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on July 10, 2014, 06:07:20 AM
http://m.independent.ie/world-news/africa/police-officer-shoots-aggressive-tortoise-dead-30419096.html

Sometimes Teh Fear gets you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 10, 2014, 08:05:39 AM
Pretty much everyone who works in the public sector in the UK is on strike:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28240683

QuoteThose expected to take part in the action include:

Firefighters who are involved in a row over pensions and retirement age
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) - which represents civil servants, passport office workers and other public sector staff - in a dispute over pay, cuts to jobs, pensions and the privatisation of services
Unison which represents, among others, workers in local government, healthcare, colleges and schools, and the GMB representing, among others, workers who serve school meals, clean streets, empty bins, carers and school support workers, in a row over this year's pay offer
Unite members - including local government staff, council workers and teaching staff - who also dismissed the "insulting" pay offer
The National Union of Teachers (NUT), which says teachers are "under attack" from the government on pay, pensions, workload pressure and conditions
Members of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, who work in a range of areas including housing, youth justice and libraries, striking over pay
RMT members working for Transport for Londonare striking over pay and pensions
For Unite, Unison and the GMB the strike action covers workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland but not Scotland, while the PCS covers all four nations. The FBU and NUT are England and Wales only.

I doubt there will be any immediate result or change, particularly as it doesn't appear to be planned to run that long. If the above were willing to do it for a straight week, they might stand a chance. That said, Austerity is the new normal now so expect cross party condemnation and Clegg to make an announcement shortly about how people who strike are naughty.

ETA - How could I forget this? Those opposed to the strikes (MP's and such) are claiming they have no legitimate basis to strike as only a few people were involved in the decision. I'm hearing 27% a lot.

27% is substantially more support than any MP gets elected with in many places. They're saying this shit with a straight face when voter turnout to elect MP's here is rarely above 30% and the winner decided on FPTP (first past the post) which is one of the most incredibly stupid and corruptible election methods. It almost always assures that the winner doesn't have the support of the majority of constituents by the very nature of it. 

Remember when all three parties shat all over AV and Clegg dropped PR like a stone for a sniff of power? Me neither. Silly Junkie, expecting UK politicians to actually have a positive effect on UK politics.

Holy shit, I mean, AV was deemed by the lot of them as "too complicated" because you basically had select the candidates in an order you prefer. First choice, second choice, third choice. Obviously too much fucking choice as expecting people to be able to count to THREE is just placing too high an expectation on the populace.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 10, 2014, 08:43:53 AM
Late to this one:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28121198

QuoteProtesters have forced buses carrying migrant children and families to be prevented from reaching a processing centre in southern California.

People shouting slogans and waving US flags blocked three buses carrying undocumented Central American families to a border patrol station in Murrieta.

The migrants were flown to San Diego from Texas, where facilities report overcrowding after a surge in arrivals.

The Murrieta mayor had urged residents to complain about the transfer.

QuoteThe US government is also planning to fly migrants to Texas cities and another site in California, while some have already been taken to Arizona.(That's what you want. Travel thousands of miles in deadly conditions and you end up in fucking Tucson.)

Many of them are fleeing violence and extortion from gangs in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Apparently the numbers of children involved are increasing. Some of the quotes from the protesters are stunning. The Tired and poor masses  can fuck right off it seems. Countries full and OBAMA.

Obviously, it's not worth discussing the various results of US foreign policy on Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. There's no history of fuckery and wrongdoing there at all.

There's also apparently a budget increase in the works with $300 million earmarked to "tackle root causes in these countries". I'm reading this as "$300 million for the CIA to fuck about with" as that seems to be the historical norm.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 11, 2014, 07:08:24 AM
Hey, Remember how everywhere is utterly fucked for cash so public assets had to be sold? Like the Royal Mail in the UK?
Guess what?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28250963

QuoteTaxpayers may have lost out on about £1bn from the undervaluing of Royal Mail, a committee of MPs has said.

The government feared failure and acted on bad advice over the Royal Mail stock market flotation, reports the Business, Innovation and Skills select committee.

The Department for Business said the MPs' report contained "factual errors and misunderstandings".

Royal Mail shares were priced at 330p, but jumped as high as 618p per share, and now stand at around 473p.

Good to know the incompetence in UK government is pretty universal. It'd depress me to think there was one competent person knocking around down there as that would just be a living hell for them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 11, 2014, 07:18:30 AM
Delicious:
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/10/robin-thicke-paula-54-copies-australia

QuoteRobin Thicke's miserable week seems to be going from bad to worse. Following news that his latest album Paula sold a dismal 530 copies during its first week on sale in the UK, it now emerges that he's fared even less well in Australia. According to News.com.au, Paula has shifted fewer than 54 copies during its debut week on sale.

Thicke's attempt to musically woo his ex-wife Paula Patton failed to place in Australia's national Aria 500 Chart. The album at number 500, a Blondie compilation, sold only 54 copies last week, meaning Thicke must have sold even fewer.

In comparison, at the same time last year, his previous album Blurred Lines rocketed to the No 1 spot on the Australian chart.

Earlier this week, Paula made headlines for all the wrong reasons when it sold just 530 copies in the UK, less than 2% of his previous album's first week of sales. Paula also performed underwhelmingly in the US, selling only 24,000 copies to enter ninth position, a huge flop compared with Blurred Lines' 117,000 US sales in its first week.

Thicke continues to have a rough week, after a spectacular PR fail on Twitter. Attempting to promote his seventh album with the hashtag #AskThicke, punters used the opportunity to accuse him of misogyny and promoting date rape in his lyrics.

I'm not entirely sure how this has occurred. I was under the impression record labels still buy a shit-ton of pop-band's latest crap to at least ensure a top-X spot. I can only hope this is some kind of sign of progress.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 11, 2014, 02:40:33 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 11, 2014, 07:08:24 AM
Hey, Remember how everywhere is utterly fucked for cash so public assets had to be sold? Like the Royal Mail in the UK?
Guess what?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28250963

QuoteTaxpayers may have lost out on about £1bn from the undervaluing of Royal Mail, a committee of MPs has said.

The government feared failure and acted on bad advice over the Royal Mail stock market flotation, reports the Business, Innovation and Skills select committee.

The Department for Business said the MPs' report contained "factual errors and misunderstandings".

Royal Mail shares were priced at 330p, but jumped as high as 618p per share, and now stand at around 473p.

Good to know the incompetence in UK government is pretty universal. It'd depress me to think there was one competent person knocking around down there as that would just be a living hell for them.

Who says it was incompetence?

Sounds to me like someone got a great deal.  Someone who probably is well connected and attends plenty of political fundraisers.  We used to do the same thing via the IMF in the Third World, until they cottoned onto the scheme.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 11, 2014, 02:44:19 PM
Ah. Yes. That was rather silly of me. I blame the early hour and general incompetence I was witnessing here.

Collusion and corruption are of course going to feature heavily. It's the UK. Selling a public asset.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 13, 2014, 03:35:00 PM
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/georgia-showdown-guns-everywhere

Quote"Essentially, it involved one customer with a gun on his hip when a second customer entered with a gun on his hip," Childress said.

According to the Daily Times, the first man, Ronald Williams, approached the second man in the store and demanded to see his identification and firearms license. Williams also pulled his gun from his holster, without pointing it at the second man. The second man responded by saying that he was not obligated to show any permits or identification -- then he paid for his purchase, left the store, and called the police.

I'm expecting duels and many quality stories over the next couple of months. How can you not? One day in and already some fucking clown is trying to have a duel.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 14, 2014, 09:41:53 AM
No comment required files:
http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/11/3559084/police-dollar-general-underwear.html

QuoteROCK HILL — An ice cream truck was the getaway vehicle for a Rock Hill woman accused of stealing two pairs of underwear from the Dollar General store on Cherry Road.

Police say the 34-year-old shoplifting suspect put the undergarments in her purse Thursday afternoon and then walked out of the store without paying, according to a Rock Hill police report.

She then fled in a white ice cream truck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 15, 2014, 05:29:06 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 14, 2014, 09:41:53 AM
No comment required files:
http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/11/3559084/police-dollar-general-underwear.html

QuoteROCK HILL — An ice cream truck was the getaway vehicle for a Rock Hill woman accused of stealing two pairs of underwear from the Dollar General store on Cherry Road.

Police say the 34-year-old shoplifting suspect put the undergarments in her purse Thursday afternoon and then walked out of the store without paying, according to a Rock Hill police report.

She then fled in a white ice cream truck.

:lulz: I feel like if she really needs a couple pairs of dollar-store underwear, she should have them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 15, 2014, 07:26:54 AM
Hardly news, Hague no longer "foreign secretary".

He never did strike me as a particularly competent arms dealer, which is what the role mainly involves.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 15, 2014, 09:49:30 AM
I think we should give him some credit.  He was more measured and thoughtful a Foreign Secretary than many in the Tory Party, despite the manifest flaws in his worldview.  I do mean that, genuinely.  The Foreign Office was also pretty much the only Tory-held ministry also not subjected to an endless stream of omnishambles, our government's preferred method of management (you'll notice all the bad press about the FCO is historical).

Also, let's just remind ourselves of the CV of the man replacing him.  While at least he's not Liam Fox, he's still an arch Eurosceptic with a military background, coming into the Foreign Office just as the MoD launches a massive modernisation of the armed forces.  "Raising eyebrows" would be one way to sum up the international reaction to such a move. 

And let's just consider why Hague has left.  Is he sick of Cameron?  Fleeing the sinking ship?  Hague and Gove were Cameron's key allies in the Cabinet, and one has now gone.  Gove has been moved to the position of Chief Whip, presumably to shore up support for Cameron in the run-up to the election.  And notice how quiet George Osborne has been of late?

Cameron's flailing, that's my only thought.  He's failing with the voters, and in particular female voters, hence the gimmick of promoting so many female MPs so close to election time.  He may be failing with elements of his own party, hence the purging of Europe moderates in favour of Eurosceptics.  And the civil service wont forget how they've had yet another crop of noob MPs shoved on them by Downing Street, just after they got the last ones trained up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2014, 07:57:04 AM
Flailing would be a fairly accurate assessment to my eyes. He's forced himself to jump further right to try and stem the tide of UKIP bullshit and their various populist demands. Including a few women in this round is literally a token gesture which will still unfortunately secure a few votes. Full scale electioneering is probably due to start in the next month or two. Expecting the usual photo ops with babies and mosques (Two birds - send the women to the mosques. £10 says done by september)

Osbournes silence I hadn't noticed, but then I rarely notice when that odious little turd is making noise anyway. As for Hague's replacement, I assumed this to be a more overt move to try and keep UKIP voters going elsewhere, at least from what I've read so far.

Considering the future, I'm trying to work out if the next government will be better or worse than this. Almost certainly worse if the current trend holds. That's a fucking terrifying thought on a Wednesday morning. Cameron being considered competent. Even if it is only relative to his peers it's still awful.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2014, 08:48:14 AM
There's probably tons of related shit to this, mainly a note for myself to look at this more closely later:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-28322413

QuoteMexico police have rescued more than 450 children they believe were abused at a children's home in Zamora in the western state of Michoacan.

They were allegedly subject to sexual abuse and forced to beg on the streets.

The owner, Rosa del Carmen Verduzco, and eight employees at the House of the Big Family have been arrested.

QuoteThe government said the building was home to 278 boys, 174 girls and six infants under the age of three.

Map of Mexico
Also rescued were 138 adults aged up to 40, the government said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2014, 09:03:02 AM
News where every other line is disappointing apart from one:
http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/man-charged-over-attack-with-crossbow-and-axe-at-somersby/story-fnii5s3x-1226990508256

QuoteWhen the arrow hit the man's laptop, the attacker ran at the 56-year-old, striking him in the head with an axe.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 16, 2014, 07:10:20 PM
What the...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/in-sexting-case-police-want-to-photograph-teen-in-explicit-manner-his-lawyer-says/2014/07/09/18fa6ae6-07a4-11e4-8a6a-19355c7e870a_story.html?hpid=z4

QuoteManassas City police and Prince William County prosecutors are taking a unique approach to collecting evidence in a "sexting" case involving a 17-year-old male: Authorities want to take a photo of the teen's erect genitalia to compare with a cellphone video allegedly sent to his girlfriend, his attorneys said.

QuoteThe teen's attorneys are particularly incensed that investigators want to take him to a hospital for an injection that would force him to become erect.

The teen is facing two felony charges in juvenile court, manufacturing and distributing child pornography, which could lead not only to incarceration until he's 21 but also to inclusion on the state sex offender registry, at a judge's discretion, for up to the rest of his life.

It's apparently all been dropped. Even still, will someone please start fucking thinking a bit more. If you're actually seriously concerned that the kid may be some kind of predator, THAT'S FINE. Threatening to make child pornography to presumably show a jury is FUCKING EVIL AND DUMB.

I need to lay off my newsfeeds for a few days. I'm starting to suspect that a significant percentage of the world is just huffing glue and/or meth and fucking kids. It's just relentless lately.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on July 16, 2014, 07:15:14 PM
In other news of the weird: http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-noriega-activision-lawsuit-20140715-story.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on July 16, 2014, 11:00:21 PM
Sweet Eris' TaTas... Weird Al is KILLING it this week with the new videos.

Today's video features Leftovers and the Illuminati: http://youtu.be/w-0TEJMJOhk?list=PLuKg-WhduhkmIcFMN7wxfVWYu8qnk0jMN
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 17, 2014, 10:31:07 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28339686

QuoteNick Clegg has launched an attack on Conservative plans to limit the power of the European Court of Human Rights.

He accused David Cameron of lining up "with Vladimir Putin and other tyrants around the world by tearing up our long tradition of human rights".

Tory "extremists" - or "head bangers" - had won out over moderates like Ken Clarke and Dominic Grieve, sacked in this week's reshuffle, he claimed.

Missing from article: "It's pretty much my fault" Clegg continued. "I could have done many things to stop all kinds of horror but the whiff of power I got was just too intoxicating".

Seriously, I'm leaning towards placing more blame on Clegg and the Liberals as they've pretty much enabled this kind of behaviour and acted as the whipping boy throughout the process. The only chance I can see for them to avoid a total wipeout at the next elections is to take a stand and call the whole thing to a close now so they can at least pretend to have one principle that isn't immediately compromised.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pope Pixie Pickle on July 17, 2014, 07:54:05 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on July 17, 2014, 10:31:07 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28339686

QuoteNick Clegg has launched an attack on Conservative plans to limit the power of the European Court of Human Rights.

He accused David Cameron of lining up "with Vladimir Putin and other tyrants around the world by tearing up our long tradition of human rights".

Tory "extremists" - or "head bangers" - had won out over moderates like Ken Clarke and Dominic Grieve, sacked in this week's reshuffle, he claimed.

Missing from article: "It's pretty much my fault" Clegg continued. "I could have done many things to stop all kinds of horror but the whiff of power I got was just too intoxicating".

Seriously, I'm leaning towards placing more blame on Clegg and the Liberals as they've pretty much enabled this kind of behaviour and acted as the whipping boy throughout the process. The only chance I can see for them to avoid a total wipeout at the next elections is to take a stand and call the whole thing to a close now so they can at least pretend to have one principle that isn't immediately compromised.

He's also wanting to scrap the bedroom tax. he's in rebellion mode. Maybe he wants to do something publically popular in order to smooth over the Lib Dems mishandling of a couple of sexual harassment charges and to ensure he actually HAS a career after the next election.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 17, 2014, 08:04:10 PM
I can't see Clegg as anything other than done at this point. He could start shitting kittens tomorrow and he'd still lose his seat at the next election. The main question around there is who is going to embarrass him by taking it.

That said, the electioneering hasn't started in earnest yet and this one is probably going to be notably bloody for everyone. There's plenty of shit to sling at everyone over the past few years and there's a whole new crop of vicious little PR scrotes looking to prove themselves.

I'm starting to suspect that Gove being shoved to the back is to allow him a bit of breathing space and allow his PR machine to crank away.

ETA - Also, welcome back Pix!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pope Pixie Pickle on July 17, 2014, 08:09:19 PM
hey!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on July 18, 2014, 04:38:13 PM
Hey Pixie!!

Wow, Catch-22 alive and well in California.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/07/18/california-couple-faces-fine-for-brown-lawn-after-complying-with-water-saving/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on July 21, 2014, 06:50:10 PM
http://metro.co.uk/2014/06/28/someone-is-opening-a-real-life-version-of-the-krusty-krab-restaurant-from-spongebob-squarepants-4779391/

Quotea real-life version of the restaurant, which was run in the cartoon series by the curmudgeonly Mr Krabs, is actually under construction.

And an early peek at the forthcoming eatery – which is located in Ramallah, Palestine – reveals that it will look remarkably similar to its under-the-sea counterpart.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 24, 2014, 07:03:12 AM
The pictures of it it ruins are going to be a little fucked up. Potentially wonderful PR though.

In other news, Planes. US/European flights cancelled to Israel and a crash in Taiwan.

Fun.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 24, 2014, 12:49:18 PM
The "Another glorious day for the UK police" files #44456/F:
QuoteThe latest report has not named which campaigns were the subject of information gathering, but the BBC understands they include:

Jean Charles de Menezes - shot dead when he was mistaken for a suicide bomber in 2005
Harry Stanley - mistakenly shot dead by police in 1999
Ricky Reel - campaigners say police failed to properly investigate his 1997 suspicious death

QuoteThe campaigns, from 1970 to 2005, were the result of deaths in police custody, deaths following contact with the police - including two shootings - and people who had been murdered.

QuoteIn his report into undercover operations, Operation Herne's lead Derbyshire Chief Constable Mick Creedon said undercover police had gathered information relating to 18 families and campaigns for justice over the course of 35 years.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28459711
It's not particularly hard to guess at some of the other campaigns which will be involved here, though I suspect the true number will be substantially higher than 18. This "collateral intrusion" nonsense stinks and reads to me like an admission that there's considerably more either hidden or to come. One question I do have is about how much of a political push this has had behind it. The incidents known so far were hardly high points for the various governments and were used as expected in a two man con.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 24, 2014, 12:53:08 PM
And it's really not a good week for planes.
QuoteAlgeria's national airline, Air Algerie, says it has lost contact with one of its planes flying from Burkina Faso to Algiers across the Sahara.

Contact was lost about 50 minutes after take-off from Ouagadougou, it said. The plane was last seen at 0155 GMT.

Flight AH 5017 had 110 passengers and six crew on board, Spanish airline Swiftair, which owns the plane, said.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 30, 2014, 08:11:46 AM
Instead of the latest health scare being (random animal) Flu, we've just gone straight to Ebola.

I'm rather tempted to call in sick to work claiming to have it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 31, 2014, 08:10:20 AM
Republicans apparently trying to sue Obama.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28565772

QuoteThe US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to sue President Barack Obama for allegedly exceeding his constitutional powers.

The 225-201 vote along party lines means House lawyers will now draft legal documents to launch a lawsuit.

Its supporters say Mr Obama exceeded his powers when he delayed an insurance deadline in his healthcare law.

The president himself has dismissed it as a waste of time. "Everyone sees this as a political stunt," he said.

"If they're not going to do anything, we'll do what we can on our own," the president added.

"And we've taken more than 40 actions aimed at helping hardworking families like yours. That's when we act - when your Congress won't."

The action is reportedly the first time either the House or Senate has brought legal action against a president over the legality of his powers, although members of Congress have sued the president before.

I'm going to be amused to see how far this goes. All I really know for sure is that before it's finished a lot of people are going to say a lot of very dumb things.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on August 01, 2014, 03:07:27 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/31/trolls-quickly-drown-reaganbook-social-media-site-in-sea-of-profanity-pornography/ (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/31/trolls-quickly-drown-reaganbook-social-media-site-in-sea-of-profanity-pornography/)

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on August 01, 2014, 04:24:10 AM
Quote from: Trivial on August 01, 2014, 03:07:27 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/31/trolls-quickly-drown-reaganbook-social-media-site-in-sea-of-profanity-pornography/ (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/31/trolls-quickly-drown-reaganbook-social-media-site-in-sea-of-profanity-pornography/)

:lulz:

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 04, 2014, 02:48:18 PM
The Dagestani insurgents have gone all weaksauce all of a sudden.  They've put a blanket ban on suicide bombings against non-military targets, and denounced ISIS.  Shamil Basayev is probably spinning in his graves.  All 57 of them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 05, 2014, 09:32:12 AM
What. The Fuck.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28656050

QuoteGerman prosecutors say they would accept an offer of $100m (£60m) from Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to end his trial on bribery charges.

The Munich state court is expected to agree to the offer later on Tuesday.

The 83-year-old billionaire went on trial in April, charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust.

He is accused of paying a German banker 33m euros (£26m; $44m) to ensure that a company he favoured could buy a stake in F1. He denies wrongdoing.

To get out of a Bribery trial, the man is essentially bribing the German prosecutors/state.

How does this work again exactly? Seriously, help me out here. I can't figure out which bit is the most corrupt.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on August 05, 2014, 11:19:27 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2014, 09:32:12 AM
What. The Fuck.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28656050

QuoteGerman prosecutors say they would accept an offer of $100m (£60m) from Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to end his trial on bribery charges.

The Munich state court is expected to agree to the offer later on Tuesday.

The 83-year-old billionaire went on trial in April, charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust.

He is accused of paying a German banker 33m euros (£26m; $44m) to ensure that a company he favoured could buy a stake in F1. He denies wrongdoing.

To get out of a Bribery trial, the man is essentially bribing the German prosecutors/state.

How does this work again exactly? Seriously, help me out here. I can't figure out which bit is the most corrupt.
The one closest to the fulcrum is considered the most corrupt.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 05, 2014, 12:22:36 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 05, 2014, 09:32:12 AM
What. The Fuck.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28656050

QuoteGerman prosecutors say they would accept an offer of $100m (£60m) from Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to end his trial on bribery charges.

The Munich state court is expected to agree to the offer later on Tuesday.

The 83-year-old billionaire went on trial in April, charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust.

He is accused of paying a German banker 33m euros (£26m; $44m) to ensure that a company he favoured could buy a stake in F1. He denies wrongdoing.

To get out of a Bribery trial, the man is essentially bribing the German prosecutors/state.

How does this work again exactly? Seriously, help me out here. I can't figure out which bit is the most corrupt.

I'd say the courts; if the guy's a billionaire, then at most he's giving up 0.001% of his total wealth.

To put that in perspective, it's like an average person making $30,000 a year paying a one-time $30 fine.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 05, 2014, 12:59:46 PM
The fact that this kind of deal is even on the table is astonishing to me. The ratio makes it even worse.

It's certainly one of the best examples so far this year of a very blatant two-tier justice system. Once you're beyond a certain point of wealth, a different set of rules apply. What's worse is this is actively enabled by people who seem to think they'll eventually reach that tier themselves.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 05, 2014, 01:07:45 PM
Sadly, I think it's mainly the innumeracy of most people who just don't immediately see how little $1,000,000 is when compared with $1,000,000,000.  The numbers are simply too big, and mental anchors (http://lesswrong.com/lw/j7/anchoring_and_adjustment/) are in place that make a percentage of income just feel wrong.

I mean, let's say an adequate fine would be one-third of total wealth.  That would mean this guy would be paying Three Hundred Million dollars.  I'm sure most people would say that's far too heavy a penalty to pay for a corruption case, but the guy would still have Seven Hundred Million dollars at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 05, 2014, 01:20:33 PM
There's that problem again. The fine. The deal.

The stated penalty for what he's (allegedly) done is jail. What percentage of your wealth would you value your freedom at? Personally, mine's a damn higher than 33%.

What I take offence to here is that it essentially is no real penalty at all. Jail, of any kind, would at least carry some kind of stigma and restrict his movements somewhat. All I really want to see is equitable punishment for when wealthy idiots like this are foolish enough to get caught. He's rich enough that he shouldn't have had to have been anywhere near the impression of wrongdoing. That's sloppy, stupid and deserves punishment.

I'm acutely aware that I'm getting hung up on the "Actually punish the bastard" side of this as well. I guess that's partly because I see no hope whatsoever for reform.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 05, 2014, 01:47:08 PM
I agree that there should be some sort of punishment.  One of the problems I'm having, and is being thrown into high relief, is the difference between a bribe and a fine:

(1) When you bribe someone, the question is, "how much do I have to pay to get what I want?"
(2) When you fine someone, the question is, "how much do they have to pay to dis-incentivize* the behavior?"

Because 1/1000 of someone's wealth doesn't feel like an undue burden, the entire thing truly looks like one bribe covering another, especially since the wording was that the court would "accept the offer" rather than "impose a penalty", the whole situation fits into category (1) rather neatly.
















*I'm pretty sure this isn't a word.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on August 05, 2014, 03:26:55 PM
(2.2) How much will they pay/ask in order to avoid trial.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 05, 2014, 03:37:46 PM
Pretty sure that's a combination of 1 and 2, buddy.

"How much will they pay" falls under the "acceptable losses" of 1.
"How much will they ask" falls under the "acceptable punishment" of 2.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 12, 2014, 06:51:02 PM
Fucking hell, that's a great example of the split justice systems.

In other news, the DEA bribed AMTRAK (specifically one secretary) for your (yes, anyone's) travel data. Even better? If they had gone through official channels, it would have cost $0.

http://news.msn.com/us/dea-improperly-paid-dollar854460-for-passenger-lists?ocid=ansnews11
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dea-unnecessarily-paid-854460-for-amtrak-passenger-lists/
http://freebeacon.com/issues/senator-demands-answers-on-850k-dea-bribe-to-amtrak-employee/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 12, 2014, 07:35:55 PM
This is what happens when you have sacks of drug money kicking around. You just bribe people by accident.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 18, 2014, 09:12:34 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28834849

Interesting times ahoy for Assange, apparently leaving the embassy shortly.

I hope he's got a better plan than "Leaving now" because I can't see a way this doesn't result in his imminent arrest and deportation.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 18, 2014, 10:54:54 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28827091

QuoteAn angry mob attacked the centre in Monrovia's densely populated West Point township on Saturday evening.

A senior health official said all of the patients had been moved to another medical facility.

But a reporter told the BBC that 17 had escaped while 10 others were taken away by their families.

QuoteHealth experts say that the key to ending the Ebola outbreak is to stop it spreading in Liberia, where ignorance about the virus is high and many people are reluctant to cooperate with medical staff.

Mental note - Avoid Liberia.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 18, 2014, 11:00:48 AM
That's pretty much always been good advice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 18, 2014, 11:48:51 AM
Troof. The thought of Liberia spreading is a thousand times scarier than Ebola
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 18, 2014, 11:58:20 AM
No argument from me there Gents.

Panic about this is growing nicely. It's making those who ran about shitting themselves over Swine flu and the like ill already. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 18, 2014, 12:05:01 PM
totally innocent question - what's the best way to fake the symptoms?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 18, 2014, 12:18:23 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 18, 2014, 12:05:01 PM
totally innocent question - what's the best way to fake the symptoms?

Copious amounts of fake blood.  Use a tissue to cover putting it in your mouth, then vomit "blood" everywhere.  Preferably on public transport.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 18, 2014, 12:18:57 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola_virus_disease#Signs_and_symptoms

QuoteSigns and symptoms of Ebola usually begin suddenly with am influenza-like stage characterized by fatigue, fever, headaches, joint, muscle and abdominal pain.[9][10] Vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite are also common.[10] Less common symptoms include: sore throat, chest pain, hiccups, shortness of breath and trouble swallowing.[10] The average time between contracting the infection and the start of symptoms is 8 to 10 days, but it can vary between 2 and 21 days.[10] Skin manifestations may include a maculopapular rash (in about 50% of cases).[11] Early symptoms of EVD may be similar to those of malaria, dengue fever or other tropical fevers, before the disease progresses to the bleeding phase.[9]

In 40–50% of cases, bleeding from puncture sites and mucous membranes (e.g. gastrointestinal tract, nose, vagina and gums) has been reported.[12] In the bleeding phase, which typically starts 5 to 7 days after first symptoms[13] internal and subcutaneous bleeding may present itself through reddening of the eyes and bloody vomit.[9] Bleeding into the skin may create petechiae, purpura, ecchymoses and hematomas (especially around needle injection sites). Types of bleeding known to occur with Ebola virus disease include vomiting blood, coughing it up or blood in the stool. Heavy bleeding is rare and is usually confined to the gastrointestinal tract.[11][14] In general, the development of bleeding symptoms often indicates a worse prognosis and this blood loss can result in death.[9] All people infected show some symptoms of circulatory system involvement, including impaired blood clotting.[11] If the infected person does not recover, death due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome occurs within 7 to 16 days (usually between days 8 and 9) after first symptoms.[13]

Standard Flu/Food poisoning routine which degrades over the week leaving your next appearance in work to be a fake-blood-fest.

It would really depend on how far a person might wish to go before potentially ending up in quarantine.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 18, 2014, 03:05:47 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/13/porn-star-mma-fighter-selfie-domestic-abuse

QuoteOn Monday, adult film actress Christy Mack took to Twitter and posted pictures of herself bruised and battered – allegedly the result of a beating that she said she received from her ex-boyfriend, Jon Koppenhaver, a mixed martial arts fighter who goes by the name War Machine. Along with the pictures, she tweeted her account of the attack, writing that Koppenhaver beat her, forced her to undress and shower in front of him, threatened to rape her (but couldn't get aroused), chopped off her hair with a knife, and stabbed her. Mack says her injuries include 18 broken bones, various lesions and missing teeth.

Koppenhaver is under investigation by Las Vegas police in connection to the beating, but has posted a "defense" of himself on Twitter (where his bio reads simply: "I do Alpha Male shit"). Koppenhaver claims in his tweets that he went to Mack's house intending to propose but found her there with another man. "I'm not a bad guy," he tweeted. In response, some fans offered words of encouragement, saying "everyone deserves fair treatment", and that "we don't know all the facts". Others suggested that it was actually Koppenhaver who was attacked.

Quite startling the lengths folk will go to in order to justify/minimise/ignore abuse. Various links at the link. Needless to say, the Porn Star's account of events is rather grim.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 18, 2014, 03:09:43 PM
Yeah.  Just a warning, Christy's posts contain pictures of her in the hospital, and are fairly gruesome if you're someone who has suffered abuse.

On a positive note, supporters of her have raised funds to help with her injuries.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 18, 2014, 05:32:21 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 18, 2014, 12:18:23 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on August 18, 2014, 12:05:01 PM
totally innocent question - what's the best way to fake the symptoms?

Copious amounts of fake blood.  Use a tissue to cover putting it in your mouth, then vomit "blood" everywhere.  Preferably on public transport.

Note:  While I have no opinion on the humor of this activity, in the USA it will get a black bag jammed onto your head, and you'll never see actual sunlight again, as long as you live.

Just for the record.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 18, 2014, 05:42:51 PM
Yeah, but that's half the fun: explaining it to the Pentagon and USAMRIID guys.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 19, 2014, 10:51:32 AM
Point. Like most things I do, I hadn't thought it through. Forgot about the tale of the boy who spewed wolf  :oops:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 19, 2014, 11:17:50 AM
Wasnt he Korean?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2014, 02:40:09 PM
Articles where you get everything you need from one paragraph:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/12/burger-king-apple-pie-man-hero-villain-mother-child

Quote"This kid was out of control, screaming, punching his mother, throwing around a Game Boy whenever something didn't go right in the game," Burger King Pie Man wrote. "The mother didn't seem to pay any attention to him and his continued yelling of, 'I want a fucking PIE!'" But then inspiration struck. As he reached the front of the queue, Burger King Pie Man decided to spite the boy by ordering every single pie in the entire restaurant – 23 in total – before sauntering out with them, the anguished screams of the child's mother ringing triumphantly in his ears as he left.

I've said for a while that spite is one of the most powerful forces in the world. I keep seeing evidence to support this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2014, 02:58:16 PM
Hey Cain, is this stuff about a Saudi motorcade being robbed of 200K worth a closer look? Certaintly seems fairly bold and those with means/motive/opportunity can't number in large amounts. ISIS related?   
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 19, 2014, 03:40:10 PM
Probably not, since it was in Paris.  Getting people over there and setting it up would cost ISIS more than they would get.  Plus, they'd likely behead a Saudi Prince, given the chance.

I suspect the French police suspicious are correct, unless they're covering for the Saudis.  Eastern European, former military commandos, working to hire for an organised crime faction - likely a Mafia syndicate based in southern France or Italy.  Some Saudi Princes have been known to be closely associated with organised crime figures - but those figures were American, and they were very well known Saudis besides.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 20, 2014, 06:10:26 PM
Fair points, just seemed unusual. That said, whoever's done it has enormous balls. It's not a move you make expecting to live a long and prosperous life from afterwards. For 200K? That's either an idiot score or something else/more has gone missing as well.

Or ex-military commandos are a lot more affordable than I thought. That could give a man ideas.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 20, 2014, 07:28:36 PM
Eastern European commandos get paid shit.  Their military pensions aint worth the paper they're printed on, and even private security firms mostly use them in order to intimidate their western employees into accepting lower wages.  I think the Romanian commandos Blackwater hired were paid around $1-3 dollars an hour, based on experience.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on August 20, 2014, 07:51:05 PM
Hadn't heard of that, thanks.

Oh, the "Affluenza" family is back in the news:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/dad-affluenza-teen-arrested-impersonating-article-1.1910374
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 20, 2014, 08:16:48 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 20, 2014, 07:28:36 PM
Eastern European commandos get paid shit.  Their military pensions aint worth the paper they're printed on, and even private security firms mostly use them in order to intimidate their western employees into accepting lower wages.  I think the Romanian commandos Blackwater hired were paid around $1-3 dollars an hour, based on experience.

Everyone kick in £20 RIGHT NOW. Don't ask questions.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 21, 2014, 11:32:09 AM
Dude, I'll kick in 20 fucking K if you can offer even 10% ROI and a Doge mention on national news  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 21, 2014, 12:21:57 PM
More is optional but I personally guarantee better than 10% ROI and your political office of choice.

For 20K, sweet lord, the things I could accomplish. $3 X12(hour shift) X4(guys) x2(second shift) x7(week)- $2016.

This is hilariously affordable. I know what I'm doing the next time I've got a security requirement. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 21, 2014, 12:31:23 PM
I have a huge urge to make a kickstarter or somesuch for "Hiring of Ex-commandos for deeds"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 22, 2014, 09:51:09 AM
Hey Cain:
https://news.vice.com/article/i-am-the-person-who-handed-over-el-chapo-a-vice-news-exclusive?trk_source=homepage-in-the-news

Possibly of interest:

QuoteIn mid-April I received a call out of El Paso, Texas, from a doctor who urgently wished to speak with me as a journalist. "I am the person who handed over El Chapo Guzmán," the voice on the line said.

It's not exactly recent, but I've not looked at Vice for a while. Seems like a solid piece.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 22, 2014, 10:29:20 AM
That treatment the doctor had would in no way make me enthuasiatic to hand in any other high ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel, if you know what I mean?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 22, 2014, 10:55:43 AM
Yes. Key quote:

QuoteScalpel's opinion might not be too far from reality. A former DEA agent, on hearing Scalpel's story, labeled the informants as essentially "disposable."

"If they're revealing information to you and the DEA, they're most likely also exchanging information with the drug traffickers," he told me. "We cannot trust them completely, even if they're valuable."

There's something in my head relating this to treatment of whistleblowers in general, but that's probably idiot paranoia.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 22, 2014, 11:17:43 AM
The "Fuck YOU" files, #44222GH/2:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/28893869

QuoteFormula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has said he wants to run the sport for "as long as I can" after paying £60m to end his three-month bribery trial.
In his first major interview since he avoided a possible 10-year prison sentence, Ecclestone, 83, said he always believed he would walk away a free man.
"I'm not scared of anything to be honest with you", he said.
"It never bothered me because I knew I was innocent."
Ecclestone went on trial in April, accused of paying German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky £26m to ensure that CVC, a private equity company he allegedly favoured, could buy F1, and he could remain in control of the sport.

He continued: "I was never bothered about the jail sentence because I was sure it wouldn't happen. The system in law is pretty fair. Every now and again they get things wrong but normally, unless there's some political motive, it's all ok.
"I know most people say the prisons are full of innocent people but I wonder if that's true."

Innocent people don't wait until they're on trial and have seen the prosecutions evidence in full before offering another fucking bribe.

QuoteWhen asked why he felt the need to pay a £60m settlement in order to walk free from Munich's district court, Ecclestone said: "Because there's a system in Germany which allows you to do that. It gets rid of things.
"It could have gone on. If they'd won, I'd have appealed. If I'd won they'd have appealed. It would have gone on until next year. I just had to pay to get rid of the case, that's all.

Words fail me. I mean, I'm trying to think of something suitable but all I've got is abuse and amazement. The man has more value to the world as compost than an oxygen thief.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 22, 2014, 05:13:33 PM
I think the guy's fucking inspirational. He exposes the lie that is Justice. On trial for bribery? No worries - bribe the court. I'm innocent of anything I can get away with. Anyone who thinks the system can be fixed, think again. It can only be played.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 26, 2014, 08:14:56 AM
QuoteI'm innocent of anything everything(?) I can get away with

QG - Big words? There's potential there for something. Must start a new thread for these. (Edit - Done, see project board)

As much as I hate to admit it, the man is right. I suspect it will take many more billionaires being prosecuted and forced to cough up cash before there's any realisation that the level of penalty has no impact at all on their general lifestyle.

Then the lynchings can begin, but that's just because entertainment is scarce in the upcoming uncomfortable times.

In other dumb news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28890069

QuoteKate Kelly stands frozen at an empty intersection in Salt Lake City. There is no traffic coming in either direction.

"I need to wait for the signal," she says, "I'm obedient, I'm a Mormon." She laughs, her eyes twinkling behind her thick, retro-style glasses.

But if Ms Kelly thinks she's an obedient Mormon, her Church leadership does not. She was excommunicated in June for founding a campaign to ordain women to the priesthood.

"You know, normally excommunication in our Church is for really grave sins like murder and child abuse," she says. "I was excommunicated for stating a fact, which is that men and women are not equal in our Church."

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) - which claims a membership of 15 million worldwide - any male from the age of 12 and "in good standing" can join the priesthood. No female can.

Quote"We're talking about an Inquisition," she says. "The men who punished me think they are kicking me out of heaven."

QuoteMike Otterson, the managing director of public affairs for the LDS, says he will not speak specifically about Ms Kelly's case, but he insists that the excommunication process is always fair, conducted locally, and decided only after careful consideration.

"We often refer to these proceedings as courts of love," he says.

"We show a great deal of patience, because ultimately, frankly, there's a soul at stake here and we're concerned about that."

QuoteThe exclusion of black men from the priesthood is a long and painful chapter in Mormon history. The leadership changed that in 1978, after what they described as a revelation from God, and more than a decade after the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

QuoteAnd while the practice of polygamy was dropped in 1890, the concept remains in the afterlife. A man can be married or "sealed" to more than one woman after death, but not the other way around.

Nothing particularly extraordinary, I just occasionally forget how insane Mormons are.

Other edits to fix typos.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 26, 2014, 10:28:16 AM
Had a look at 10 mins or so of "debate" footage regarding Scottish Independence.

I would pay quite a bit for a "Drown everyone and start again" option. There are some occasions where old testament wrath really does seem like the best solution and I can't think of a better one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 26, 2014, 10:42:39 AM
I'm still struggling to determine who is more deluded - Darling or Salmond.  According to the former, Scotland would immediately slip under the sea 5 minutes after voting for secession, while according to the latter it would immediately ascend to the Heavens.

There's a disturbing lack of detail in regards to, for example, the NHS, on top of disagreements on the status of North Sea Oil and sterling. 

I think at this stage, the "no" team have it.  Not because they've put forward a better argument, which has been mostly hyperventilating and scaremongering anyway, but that the "yes" side have basically botched the entire enterprise, relying overly on emotional and nationalistic sentiment to the detriment of actual policy.  People don't like those kind of unknowns.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 26, 2014, 11:11:32 AM
Much like AV, I suspect there's a serious mandate from on high about what changes are and are not acceptable. Just consider how much effort the various campaigns have each put forth. One seems to be considerable more active than the other. I'm sure it's co-incidence that the one which is given the most attention is the one that directly appeals to the status quo.

I would be amazed at this point if independence occurs. There's enough fear kicking around the older generations to ensure a solid No vote, the only real question for me is what margin this will occur by and what the "plan B" is after these years of posturing and self importance turn to shit.

The other thing that's been odd is that people seems to be declaring one side or the other the winner. There are no winners here. I've seen 9 year olds hold more reasonable and structured debates. The only way I can work this out is that people seem to mean "My chimp seemed to scream louder than your chimp so I win". It's almost comical how well people are able to focus on their own monkey and claim victory for them. Particularly when the other side is making identical claims.

It's apparently been viewed by Catalonia as a possible strategy for them and their aims. Good fucking luck, you're looking at the wrong place. I'd say take a page out of Gaza's book, but the ETA are already quite capable of that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 26, 2014, 02:39:34 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 26, 2014, 11:11:32 AM
I would be amazed at this point if independence occurs. There's enough fear kicking around the older generations to ensure a solid No vote, the only real question for me is what margin this will occur by and what the "plan B" is after these years of posturing and self importance turn to shit.

You'd need an actual vote for that to happen, rather than a PR exercise. What'll happen after "scotland unanimously votes no" is that the dildo of austerity will be rammed so far up our collective asses that we'll all be puking blood by christmas. "You wanted to stay part of the uk" (the real reason we've been give the opportunity to vote 'no') should go some way to quelling any potential uprising that might have happened when Westminster start selling our kids for organ harvesting to fund the next middle eastern freedom bloodbath.

Same old bullshit. Fuck democracy in it's stupid fascist butthole :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 08:10:30 AM
Yeah, ignore the source, hell, ignore the article and just google the product:
htxp://www.mirror.co.uk/news/ampp3d/knee-defenders-what-really-necessary-4108447

QuoteA knee defender is a plastic gadget that you clip onto the meal tray of the airline seat in front of you, to prevent the person sitting there from reclining. This is a pretty good explanation of how it works. It's basically the most passive-aggressive product ever created.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 08:46:41 AM
I'm not entirely sure how to react to this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28948946

QuoteA nine year-old girl in the US has killed her shooting instructor by accident while being shown how to use a high-powered automatic weapon.

The instructor was giving the girl a lesson at a shooting range in Arizona when the recoil from the first shot caused her to lose control of the Uzi.

Charles Vacca, 39, was shot in the head and died after being airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas.

Kinda fucked up. Then I saw the "Arizona" and it all made horrible sense.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on August 27, 2014, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 08:46:41 AM
I'm not entirely sure how to react to this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28948946

QuoteA nine year-old girl in the US has killed her shooting instructor by accident while being shown how to use a high-powered automatic weapon.

The instructor was giving the girl a lesson at a shooting range in Arizona when the recoil from the first shot caused her to lose control of the Uzi.

Charles Vacca, 39, was shot in the head and died after being airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas.

Kinda fucked up. Then I saw the "Arizona" and it all made horrible sense.
It's just a thing you can't expect a little one like that to understand.

"so it's just like regular recoil, only the next one starts before you react to the first one..."

Then, in fear, they apprehensively forget to stop depressing the trigger, more automatic than semi...  Like the guy that handed her the gun didn't remember his fist time, shooting-out the ceiling?  I hope she knows how much she did nothing wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 02:07:26 PM
Presented without comment:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/11/what-you-should-know-about-exploding-caskets/

QuoteYou've never heard of exploding casket syndrome (ask your mortician if it's right for you), but funeral directors and cemetery operators have. They sell so-called "protective" or "sealer" caskets at a premium worth hundreds of dollars each, with the promise that they'll keep out air and moisture that — they would have you believe — cause bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Like Tupperware for the dead, they "lock in the freshness!" with a rubber gasket.

But, in reality, you can't protect a corpse from itself. While you're insulating grandma from the outside air, she could be stewing in her own fluids, turning into a slurry from the work of anaerobic bacteria. When the weather turns warm, in some cases, that sealed casket becomes a pressure cooker and bursts from accumulated gases and fluids of the decomposing body. The next time relatives visit grandma, they could find her rotting remains oozing from her tomb in the form of a nauseating thick fluid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 27, 2014, 05:06:02 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 02:07:26 PM
Presented without comment:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/11/what-you-should-know-about-exploding-caskets/

QuoteYou've never heard of exploding casket syndrome (ask your mortician if it's right for you), but funeral directors and cemetery operators have. They sell so-called "protective" or "sealer" caskets at a premium worth hundreds of dollars each, with the promise that they'll keep out air and moisture that — they would have you believe — cause bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Like Tupperware for the dead, they "lock in the freshness!" with a rubber gasket.

But, in reality, you can't protect a corpse from itself. While you're insulating grandma from the outside air, she could be stewing in her own fluids, turning into a slurry from the work of anaerobic bacteria. When the weather turns warm, in some cases, that sealed casket becomes a pressure cooker and bursts from accumulated gases and fluids of the decomposing body. The next time relatives visit grandma, they could find her rotting remains oozing from her tomb in the form of a nauseating thick fluid.

Well that COMPLETELY exacerbates my horror at the whole modern American burial process. I just want to be stuck on a scaffold for the carrion eagles to pick at the old-fashioned way, thank you very much.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on August 27, 2014, 09:24:51 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 02:07:26 PM
Presented without comment:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/11/what-you-should-know-about-exploding-caskets/

QuoteYou've never heard of exploding casket syndrome (ask your mortician if it's right for you), but funeral directors and cemetery operators have. They sell so-called "protective" or "sealer" caskets at a premium worth hundreds of dollars each, with the promise that they'll keep out air and moisture that — they would have you believe — cause bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Like Tupperware for the dead, they "lock in the freshness!" with a rubber gasket.

But, in reality, you can't protect a corpse from itself. While you're insulating grandma from the outside air, she could be stewing in her own fluids, turning into a slurry from the work of anaerobic bacteria. When the weather turns warm, in some cases, that sealed casket becomes a pressure cooker and bursts from accumulated gases and fluids of the decomposing body. The next time relatives visit grandma, they could find her rotting remains oozing from her tomb in the form of a nauseating thick fluid.
I'm gonna stick with cremation, I think.
Harvest any useful organs from me and burn the rest.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on August 27, 2014, 10:10:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 02:07:26 PM
Presented without comment:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/11/what-you-should-know-about-exploding-caskets/

QuoteYou've never heard of exploding casket syndrome (ask your mortician if it's right for you), but funeral directors and cemetery operators have. They sell so-called "protective" or "sealer" caskets at a premium worth hundreds of dollars each, with the promise that they'll keep out air and moisture that — they would have you believe — cause bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Like Tupperware for the dead, they "lock in the freshness!" with a rubber gasket.

But, in reality, you can't protect a corpse from itself. While you're insulating grandma from the outside air, she could be stewing in her own fluids, turning into a slurry from the work of anaerobic bacteria. When the weather turns warm, in some cases, that sealed casket becomes a pressure cooker and bursts from accumulated gases and fluids of the decomposing body. The next time relatives visit grandma, they could find her rotting remains oozing from her tomb in the form of a nauseating thick fluid.

Man, I was all for cremation before this but how can a guy pass up the opportunity to HAVE HIS CASKET EXPLODE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on August 27, 2014, 10:32:11 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on August 27, 2014, 10:10:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 02:07:26 PM
Presented without comment:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/11/what-you-should-know-about-exploding-caskets/

QuoteYou've never heard of exploding casket syndrome (ask your mortician if it's right for you), but funeral directors and cemetery operators have. They sell so-called "protective" or "sealer" caskets at a premium worth hundreds of dollars each, with the promise that they'll keep out air and moisture that — they would have you believe — cause bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Like Tupperware for the dead, they "lock in the freshness!" with a rubber gasket.

But, in reality, you can't protect a corpse from itself. While you're insulating grandma from the outside air, she could be stewing in her own fluids, turning into a slurry from the work of anaerobic bacteria. When the weather turns warm, in some cases, that sealed casket becomes a pressure cooker and bursts from accumulated gases and fluids of the decomposing body. The next time relatives visit grandma, they could find her rotting remains oozing from her tomb in the form of a nauseating thick fluid.

Man, I was all for cremation before this but how can a guy pass up the opportunity to HAVE HIS CASKET EXPLODE.
Ideally, it would be a natural process, possibly augmented by detonation of some shaped charges.  It just seems like cemeteries would benefit from a little more action, right?  Really, members of the family could confront death more directly, being apart, together, and together, apart. :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 11:49:26 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on August 27, 2014, 10:10:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 02:07:26 PM
Presented without comment:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/11/what-you-should-know-about-exploding-caskets/

QuoteYou've never heard of exploding casket syndrome (ask your mortician if it's right for you), but funeral directors and cemetery operators have. They sell so-called "protective" or "sealer" caskets at a premium worth hundreds of dollars each, with the promise that they'll keep out air and moisture that — they would have you believe — cause bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Like Tupperware for the dead, they "lock in the freshness!" with a rubber gasket.

But, in reality, you can't protect a corpse from itself. While you're insulating grandma from the outside air, she could be stewing in her own fluids, turning into a slurry from the work of anaerobic bacteria. When the weather turns warm, in some cases, that sealed casket becomes a pressure cooker and bursts from accumulated gases and fluids of the decomposing body. The next time relatives visit grandma, they could find her rotting remains oozing from her tomb in the form of a nauseating thick fluid.

Man, I was all for cremation before this but how can a guy pass up the opportunity to HAVE HIS CASKET EXPLODE.

At least one of you got the right motorcycle. Well done Psudeo-Mexico. Well done.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 28, 2014, 06:40:23 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on August 27, 2014, 10:10:22 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 02:07:26 PM
Presented without comment:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/11/what-you-should-know-about-exploding-caskets/

QuoteYou've never heard of exploding casket syndrome (ask your mortician if it's right for you), but funeral directors and cemetery operators have. They sell so-called "protective" or "sealer" caskets at a premium worth hundreds of dollars each, with the promise that they'll keep out air and moisture that — they would have you believe — cause bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Like Tupperware for the dead, they "lock in the freshness!" with a rubber gasket.

But, in reality, you can't protect a corpse from itself. While you're insulating grandma from the outside air, she could be stewing in her own fluids, turning into a slurry from the work of anaerobic bacteria. When the weather turns warm, in some cases, that sealed casket becomes a pressure cooker and bursts from accumulated gases and fluids of the decomposing body. The next time relatives visit grandma, they could find her rotting remains oozing from her tomb in the form of a nauseating thick fluid.

Man, I was all for cremation before this but how can a guy pass up the opportunity to HAVE HIS CASKET EXPLODE.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2014, 09:08:55 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28961229

QuoteA crew member on a US police reality TV show has been shot and killed after Nebraska police opened fire on a robbery suspect.

Bryce Dion, 38, was wearing a bulletproof vest but the bullet that hit him "slipped into a gap" in the arm and entered his chest, police said.

Dion was a sound operator on Cops for seven years, the show's producer said.

Police also killed the robbery suspect, Cortez Washington, who was on parole from prison.

I'm trying to work out how he got shot here. I've not got a better answer at the moment than "Sheer incompetence".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on August 28, 2014, 09:54:36 AM
Cop was a nine year old with an Uzi?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 28, 2014, 10:01:11 AM
I laffed
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on August 28, 2014, 11:40:59 AM
Having watched quite a few episodes of Cops I can honestly believe incompetence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2014, 11:55:09 AM
The only situation that makes sense to me is something like:

Cops were shooting at the guy - Guy goes to flee - Runs out - Runs past camera crew - Cops keep turning and shooting - Guy gets shot because he's now in front of them.

I'm sure they won't even get a slap on the wrist for this. He must have signed disclaimer forms out the ass before being allowed to go anywhere with them.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 28, 2014, 02:13:04 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 27, 2014, 08:46:41 AM
I'm not entirely sure how to react to this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28948946

QuoteA nine year-old girl in the US has killed her shooting instructor by accident while being shown how to use a high-powered automatic weapon.

The instructor was giving the girl a lesson at a shooting range in Arizona when the recoil from the first shot caused her to lose control of the Uzi.

Charles Vacca, 39, was shot in the head and died after being airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas.

Kinda fucked up. Then I saw the "Arizona" and it all made horrible sense.

I have a friend on FB who's got a rather dark sense of humor.  His most recent posts were suggested bumper stickers:

GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE. MY 9-YEAR-OLD KILLS PEOPLE.

ASK ME ABOUT MY GRANDCHILDREN'S CONFIRMED KILLS.

MY CHILD TOOK OUT A ROW OF HONOR STUDENTS AT LYNETTE FROMME INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.



Is "cringelaugh" a thing?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 28, 2014, 02:21:50 PM
I'm not sure, my sense of humour is pitch black so I just laughed.

I laugh at most things now. It just seems that I'm noticing the jokes more frequently. For example: everything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 28, 2014, 02:22:12 PM
We don't fuck around, here.  9 year olds with Uzis are kinda bog-standard.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 28, 2014, 02:33:49 PM
It bums me out that some little kid gets to be saddled with this trauma because a few adults were so stupid that they thought it would be cute to teach her to shoot an assault weapon that was too much for her to handle, but also making jokes about terrible, absurd, awful things that were a terrible idea in the first place is a way of both dealing with the conflicting emotions about the event, and also a way of socially highlighting WHAT THE FUCK THAT WAS FUCKING STUPID WHAT EVEN.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 03, 2014, 10:22:18 AM
I have no idea how I ended up looking at this, but I smell something strange:
http://w2.parentstv.org/main/About/FAQ.aspx

QuoteDoes the PTC organize or advocate boycotts?

No.

Corporations need to advertise to sell their products. The PTC believes that corporations also have a sense of social responsibility. The PTC tries to appeal to a corporations' own standards by making a well-documented case that certain shows are unsuitable at certain times and in venues where children are presumed to have unrestricted access.

http://w2.parentstv.org/main/Toolkit/PTCSeal.aspx

QuoteThe top ten leading companies from this list then comprise the Advertiser Seal of Approval winners. Recent Advertiser Seal of Approval winners are:
The Coca-Cola Company
The Campbell Soup Company
The Walt Disney Company
Ford Motor Company
Cingular Wireless
Altria Group [Parent company of Kraft Foods, Post Cereals, Jell-O desserts, Maxwell House coffees, Oscar Mayer foods, Miracle Whip, DiGiorno, Stove Top Stuffing, Crystal Light drink mixes, Kool-Aid, Cool Whip, Minute Rice, Shake 'n Bake, Country Time drink mixes, Altoids]
DreamWorks
Schering-Plough Corp. [Products include: Claritin, Dr. Scholls, Nasonex]
Darden Restaurants, Inc. [Parent company of Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones BBQ]
Sears Holdings Corp.
- See more at: http://w2.parentstv.org/main/Toolkit/PTCSeal.aspx#sthash.jbW82LMm.dpuf

So it's some kind of lobby group against bad TV which considers the above companies good advertisers because they don't make TV shows filled with blood and breasts?

To say I find this odd is an understatement. Reams have been written regarding the evils of Coke and Disney so it's quite strange when someone claims that these are somehow responsible companies, in any way.

I need to dig out the big chart again because I suspect that the above own each other in various way (Coke-sears rings bells) which would again make everything even shadier.

The reviews section is suspect as fuck as well. "Guardians of the galaxy" - Red! Warning! Sex! Violence! Seal of approval! Wait, what?


Best guess - Either a lobby group, front for indirect advertising to extremely conservative people or just a tax dodge. There's no reason these are mutually exclusive. 

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Sita on September 03, 2014, 11:25:56 AM
What I got from that is just that they don't mind the commercials that those companies put on tv. Not anything about the companies themselves.

It's a parent's group that wants anything remotely PG-13 to be on tv only after 8pm (because most kids are in bed by that time)

That's my understanding of them at least.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 04, 2014, 07:22:02 AM
Possibly, though I suspect there's more to it than that. Giving positive reviews to companies that sponsor you made me raise an eye.

Anyway, On to the "No Shit" files, #3331/1/1/G-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29053978

QuoteVictims of crime are being "encouraged" to investigate offences themselves, an inspection of police forces in England and Wales has found.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary said criminal damage and car crime were "on the verge of being decriminalised" because forces had "almost given up".

QuoteThe inspector who led the review, Roger Baker, said: "It's more a mindset, that we no longer deal with these things. And effectively what's happened is a number of crimes are on the verge of being decriminalised."

He added: "So it's not the fault of the individual staff; it's a mindset thing that's crept in to policing to say 'we've almost given up'."

QuoteThis is a devastating report for the police because it appears to confirm what many of us have experienced over the years - that there are some crimes police simply don't attempt to investigate.

QuoteThe report also found:

People received a different response from the police for the same kind of incident, depending on where they lived
Attendance rates at crime scenes varied from 39% in Warwickshire to 100% in Cleveland
About a third of forces were failing to identify vulnerable and repeat victims
There was "inadequate" use of technology by the police
Some forces were losing track of named suspects because they did not have effective systems in place

So in short the UK police force is a shitshow. I'm sure this shocks everyone.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 04, 2014, 08:07:38 AM
Quote from: Sita on September 03, 2014, 11:25:56 AM
It's a parent's group that wants anything remotely PG-13 to be on tv only after 8pm (because most kids are in bed by that time)

Oh, how I wish that were true.  I've worked in primary school, and know people who have worked in several other primary schools, and you would be amazed how many children do not have a set bedtime.

It's also usually strongly correlated with them having a TV in their room, though not always.

Not that this detracts from your point, but I felt it worth mentioning.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 04, 2014, 03:01:20 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/02/my-first-burning-man-grover-norquist

Grover Norquist went to Burning Man. And had a good time.

In other news, my decade long desire to go to Burning Man has suddenly vanished. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on September 04, 2014, 08:41:08 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 04, 2014, 03:01:20 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/02/my-first-burning-man-grover-norquist

Grover Norquist went to Burning Man. And had a good time.

In other news, my decade long desire to go to Burning Man has suddenly vanished. 

Apparently it's been in the process of being gentrified for years now, so it makes sense for Libertarian Republicans to follow suit:

http://recode.net/2014/08/29/k-street-black-rock-burning-mans-billionaires-row/

QuoteBut there is something about the way a new fleet of wealthy have descended on Burning Man that is inducing anxiety among Burners, a community that bans all money and branding (people tape over even small logos). The so-called "turnkey camps" — tight circles of trailers, or sometimes just large black-tarp walls that hide overstaffed luxury playpens — are distinctly different from the rest of Burning Man, a festival with a heavy emphasis on giving and work.

Tickets cost $380 though, so it's never exactly been friendly to poor folks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 05, 2014, 01:08:51 AM
Quote from: N E T on September 04, 2014, 08:41:08 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 04, 2014, 03:01:20 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/02/my-first-burning-man-grover-norquist

Grover Norquist went to Burning Man. And had a good time.

In other news, my decade long desire to go to Burning Man has suddenly vanished. 

Apparently it's been in the process of being gentrified for years now, so it makes sense for Libertarian Republicans to follow suit:

http://recode.net/2014/08/29/k-street-black-rock-burning-mans-billionaires-row/

QuoteBut there is something about the way a new fleet of wealthy have descended on Burning Man that is inducing anxiety among Burners, a community that bans all money and branding (people tape over even small logos). The so-called "turnkey camps" — tight circles of trailers, or sometimes just large black-tarp walls that hide overstaffed luxury playpens — are distinctly different from the rest of Burning Man, a festival with a heavy emphasis on giving and work.

Tickets cost $380 though, so it's never exactly been friendly to poor folks.

It's for people who can afford to take a week off work, buy a ticket, obtain camping gear and supplies enough for a week in the desert, and have transportation. It is, fundamentally, and always has been, oriented toward overpaid tech geeks who want to express their inner Wild Thing.

By far the best thing about Burning Man is that for a week every summer all the Burners leave town and don't have access to the Internet.

The worst thing about it is that then they come back.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 05, 2014, 10:22:38 AM
Ah. Well then.

My desire to go to Burning man has now been beaten into a bloody pulp. I can't help but feel it's for the best.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 05, 2014, 11:55:02 AM
Oh, and just in case you happened to be having a good day:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/11076754/One-in-10-girls-subjected-to-sexual-abuse-worldwide-Unicef-finds.html

QuoteAbout one-in-10 girls around the world – an estimated 120 million – have been forced into sex acts, according to a new United Nations report.
Drawing on data from 190 countries, the report from the UN children's agency, Unicef, notes that children around the world are routinely exposed to physical, sexual and emotional violence ranging from murder and forced sexual acts to bullying and abusive discipline.

QuoteThe violence "cuts across boundaries of age, geography, religion, ethnicity and income brackets," Unicef executive director Anthony Lake said in a statement. "It occurs in places where children should be safe, their homes, schools and communities. Increasingly, it happens over the internet, and it's perpetrated by family members and teachers, neighbours and strangers and other children."

QuoteOn average, about six-in-10 children worldwide, or almost 1 billion, between the ages of two and 14 are regularly subjected to physical punishment.
"We're not talking about a little smack on the bottom," Bissell said in an interview in her office. "We're talking about a blunt instrument, and repeated."

Article also mentions the 200 girls kidnapped earlier in the year by Boko Haram. No word on what's become of them yet so I think it's safe to assume "nothing good". In other Boko Haram news, they kidnapped another 100 or so at the start of August. I'm still waiting to see this huge co-ordinated effort to deal with this shit in any way at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 05, 2014, 05:30:45 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 05, 2014, 10:22:38 AM
Ah. Well then.

My desire to go to Burning man has now been beaten into a bloody pulp. I can't help but feel it's for the best.

Trust me. I don't regret having gone (if only because now I can say that I have so that people will stop telling me that I just MUST GO because I would LOVE IT) but I don't really want to go back.

Have you ever been to a warehouse rave? OK, now picture it lasting seven days. In a desert. With 50,000 yuppies. Who haven't bathed in a week.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 05, 2014, 05:47:52 PM
I think you just described the worst week of my life I would ever have.

Seven days?  OK.

In a desert?  Well, maybe.  Depending.

50,000 yuppies?  Now I know why there's so much drug use.

No bathing?  Typically OK, but one would think the desert dirt would start to.... cake.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 05, 2014, 06:02:21 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on September 05, 2014, 05:47:52 PM
I think you just described the worst week of my life I would ever have.

Seven days?  OK.

In a desert?  Well, maybe.  Depending.

50,000 yuppies?  Now I know why there's so much drug use.

No bathing?  Typically OK, but one would think the desert dirt would start to.... cake.

Yeah. It's an... experience.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 05, 2014, 06:14:13 PM
And the all-encompassing (I presume) rave and house music would really make me start to twich.  Even after I've spent a lot of time in PTown.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 05, 2014, 06:29:43 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on September 05, 2014, 06:14:13 PM
And the all-encompassing (I presume) rave and house music would really make me start to twich.  Even after I've spent a lot of time in PTown.

Yeah it's oonce oonce oonce 24 hours a day. All week. There is no respite.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 05, 2014, 06:36:41 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on September 05, 2014, 06:29:43 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on September 05, 2014, 06:14:13 PM
And the all-encompassing (I presume) rave and house music would really make me start to twich.  Even after I've spent a lot of time in PTown.

Yeah it's oonce oonce oonce 24 hours a day. All week. There is no respite.

I really must thank you from preventing me from ending up in an American jail. Because that would probably have caused unpleasantness.

On the plus side, I now feel somehow enriched from not attending.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 05, 2014, 06:50:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 05, 2014, 06:36:41 PM
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on September 05, 2014, 06:29:43 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on September 05, 2014, 06:14:13 PM
And the all-encompassing (I presume) rave and house music would really make me start to twich.  Even after I've spent a lot of time in PTown.

Yeah it's oonce oonce oonce 24 hours a day. All week. There is no respite.

I really must thank you from preventing me from ending up in an American jail. Because that would probably have caused unpleasantness.

On the plus side, I now feel somehow enriched from not attending.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 08, 2014, 12:38:59 PM
As a total aside, if it wasn't for this place, I'm pretty sure I would have had no idea Scotland was considering seceding from the UK.  As far as I can tell, there has been nothing in the US news about it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 12:45:06 PM
That's probably because America doesn't approve.  Something to do with NATO basing rights and so on.

Also, the British government is getting pretty desperate.  It's talking about a whole bunch of new powers and autonomy for Scotland if it votes "no".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 08, 2014, 12:54:43 PM
So, could Scotland support itself on it's own? It seems like there would need to be substantial restructuring of government offices and services.

Also, I'm guessing it would be outside the Eurozone.  What's the economy there like?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 01:16:15 PM
It actually would still be part of the EU.  There was a big and dishonest campaign by the No Vote over here to say Scotland would have to reapply, until the EU said "uh, no they don't actually".  It would probably have to reapply to join NATO though...if it wanted to, which it isn't clear is the case.

And sure, Scotland would be viable on its own.  I mean, it's a first world economy, high level of education, tourism, a mixture of high-tech and heavy industry, decent exports.  It may not be quite as viable as it is as part of the UK...but it's really a matter of degrees.  It'd be like Belgium, or something. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on September 08, 2014, 09:11:37 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 08, 2014, 01:16:15 PM
It actually would still be part of the EU.  There was a big and dishonest campaign by the No Vote over here to say Scotland would have to reapply, until the EU said "uh, no they don't actually".  It would probably have to reapply to join NATO though...if it wanted to, which it isn't clear is the case.

And sure, Scotland would be viable on its own.  I mean, it's a first world economy, high level of education, tourism, a mixture of high-tech and heavy industry, decent exports.  It may not be quite as viable as it is as part of the UK...but it's really a matter of degrees.  It'd be like Belgium, or something.

If Scotland do leave the union then the rest of the dis-UK will not be as viable either. Which would make us erm, something like Belgium; so kinda like reality catching up with pd memes. Its a third of our land mass but only c. 5.4 M population

Also, Cain wtf is with this Glees chap?
"Professor Anthony Glees of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham said: "ISIS are masters of propaganda and realise the impact of selecting a Scot."
Allowing that his splurging allover the Scottish sunday papers is unbelievably tacky and leaves a bad taste in the mouth, is there any substance to his claims?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:26:27 PM
Yes, but England (and Wales, I guess) still retains nuclear weapons and a seat on the UNSC.  As Russia's experience in the 1990s shows, that can go a hell of a long way.

As for Glees...he's your usual right-wing espionage buff and German history fanatic, who thinks that qualifies him to be an expert on terrorism...somehow.  He imagines conspiracies of Marxists and Islamists on every campus (except his own) and, for a supposed historian of espionage thinks "it would be naïve to imagine that in a liberal democracy, those providing them [intelligence assessments] would, or could, agree to falsify intelligence even if [it] were technically possible."

There's a nice dossier on him here http://powerbase.info/index.php/Anthony_Glees  You'll notice the continual links to the Henry Jackson Society and Social Affairs Unit.

As for the claims...maybe.  It's possible one of the twats who signed up with ISIS said something to the effect of "there's this big referendum on about Scotland, so killing a Scot might get us more headlines".  They are fairly propaganda savvy, high production techniques, sophisticated equipment, smart use of social media.  But I doubt ISIS really give two shits about Scotland at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:32:12 PM
I mean, seriously though.  How is this fuck considered an expert on terrorism?  Because he can run his mouth without fear of looking like an idiot, even though he is one?

I'm more of a fucking expert on terrorism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 08, 2014, 09:33:48 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:32:12 PM


I'm more of a fucking expert on terrorism.

Well, yeah. 

But right wing nutjobs make better press.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:37:04 PM
Yeah  :sad:

It's always easier to push any kind of pre-packaged ideological agenda than deal with the messy facts on the ground.  And they don't come much more pre-packaged than Thatcherite Neoconservatism. 

Still, it galls.  I write for peanuts and carefully research everything I put into print...he runs his mouth like a moron with an agenda, and gets paid a ton for it, gives evidence to Parliament, is hired as an "advisor", gets freedom to do so in the national press.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 08, 2014, 09:38:31 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:37:04 PM
Yeah  :sad:

It's always easier to push any kind of pre-packaged ideological agenda than deal with the messy facts on the ground.  And they don't come much more pre-packaged than Thatcherite Neoconservatism. 

Still, it galls.  I write for peanuts and carefully research everything I put into print...he runs his mouth like a moron with an agenda, and gets paid a ton for it, gives evidence to Parliament, is hired as an "advisor", gets freedom to do so in the national press.

Well, in my experience, the English are like the Americans in that they prefer "easy answers" to complex problems.  Even if those answers are not only wrong, but even counterproductive.

Are you still blogging?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:45:32 PM
Not at the moment.  I have my writing job for the think tank though, so I'm still published on a weekly basis...even if I find their provisions a bit restricting.  We also submitted a report to Parliament recently, which I helped author, so I'm hoping I can wrangle that into something more profitable. 

But likely nothing will happen until I graduate, and so have the credentials to back up my judgement.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 08, 2014, 09:46:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:45:32 PM
Not at the moment.  I have my writing job for the think tank though, so I'm still published on a weekly basis...even if I find their provisions a bit restricting.  We also submitted a report to Parliament recently, which I helped author, so I'm hoping I can wrangle that into something more profitable. 

But likely nothing will happen until I graduate, and so have the credentials to back up my judgement.

You might consider doing something similar to the war nerd. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:55:08 PM
That's true.  Perhaps after the think tank, since my contract is somewhat restrictive, or else under a pseudonym.

I'll give more thought to that.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 08, 2014, 10:07:38 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 08, 2014, 09:55:08 PM
That's true.  Perhaps after the think tank, since my contract is somewhat restrictive, or else under a pseudonym.

I'll give more thought to that.  Thanks.

Then a bunch of us pump you on various social networks, see if we can get it to go viral.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on September 08, 2014, 10:08:04 PM
And didn't the war nerd turn out to be some actual policy wonk writing under a pen name?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 08, 2014, 10:11:40 PM
Well, an English professor.  But yeah, not exactly who you'd expect.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 10, 2014, 08:37:55 AM
Electioneering in Nigeria:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-29130369

QuoteWith over 200 schoolgirls abducted in April still missing, many Nigerians are outraged that the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag is being adapted as a political slogan for President Goodluck Jonathan's re-election.

In one sense, you can understand what the president's supporters were thinking. The #BringBackOurGirls hashtag, calling for 200 school girls abducted by Boko Haram militants in April, became one of the world's biggest ever social media campaigns. So why not borrow the slogan for the president's re-election campaign?

The hashtag #BringBackGoodluck2015 seems to have first been used on Twitter by a group campaigning on behalf of the president. On 30th August, they tweeted: "There is no vacancy in Aso rock [the president's palace] we want Goodluck Jonathan again #NigeriansDemand #BringBackJonathan2015." It is unclear whether it has been officially endorsed but it has been widely used on printed banners at campaigning events across the country.

QuoteJapheth Omojuwa, a columnist at Nigerian newspaper Punch, told BBC Trending that he felt the decision to use the slogan was "absurd".

"They are using variation of our hashtag #BringBackOurGirls to campaign for the president," he said. "These are people that failed to secure the release of these girls over 150 days since their kidnap."

The most depressing thing here is that it'll probably fucking work. At least there's an acknowledgement that shit is fucked and the kids are still missing. How much inactivity on an issue do you need before it's reasonable to suspect collusion? Because it wouldn't shock me to be honest.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2014, 08:15:57 AM
Stories you were kind of expecting, in some fashion #555267/B -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21313208

QuoteIraq veteran and ex-US Navy seal Chris Kyle, known as the deadliest sniper in US history, has been shot dead on a Texas shooting range, reports say.

His body was found at Rough Creek Lodge range on Saturday along with that of his neighbour, Chad Littlefield.

Iraq war veteran Eddie Ray Routh, 25, has been charged with murdering both.

Mr Kyle, 38, wrote the 2012 bestseller American Sniper, about the psychology of a sniper, in which he said that he had killed more than 250 people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2014, 10:10:51 AM
Rest of the UK news in brief:

Phones4U, a chain of mobile phone shops built and previously run by known scumbag John Caudwell has gone bang. No shits given unless you work there. Curiously his Wikipedia page mentions nothing of his shady style of business or various indiscretions. It's obviously paranoia that would make me suspect this billionaire has paid someone to keep his image clean.

The three main political parties are doing their best to convince Scotland to go independent. I had assumed that this was a foregone "No" conclusion but they really are pulling out all the stops to piss everyone off. If I had to put money on it right now, I'd guess Yes by a small margin.  This should be over in a few days and it's good to know that whatever happens, it's likely to be fucking grim. I can't take SNP clowns any more seriously than other clowns so the real questions should be more about what's going to fuck up first. It's actually quite painful in some ways as the criticisms levelled at Westminister (for instance - Private finance initiatives - Basically a huge con, fucking joke and have been used to funnel government cash to friendly corporations for years. Looking at you, Capita.) are dead on. Unfortunately the proposed fixes are either non-existent or open to at least as many issues.

My best suggestion would be to shove the most vicious members of the SNP and EDL into a pub car park and let that decide it. It's a little more honest than what's currently happening.

There's also the usual batch of child abuse scandals and revelations so it's just another great day in the UK.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2014, 12:45:31 PM
Depressing irony files 555622/F -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-29218183

QuotePolice in Los Angeles are conducting an internal investigation over accusations officers violated a US actress's rights by handcuffing and detaining her.

Daniele Watts, who appeared in Quentin Tarantino film Django Unchained, refused to show identification and walked away from officers responding to a report of lewd conduct.

She posted a photo showing her in tears with her hands behind her back.

Her boyfriend, chef Brian James Lucas, was not placed in handcuffs.

In a statement released over the weekend, police said its officers had responded to a report from a passer-by that a couple were indecently exposed inside a silver Mercedes.

In an interview with CNN on Monday, Watts said she and Lucas had been "making out" in the car, were fully clothed and that nothing improper had been taking place.

In audio footage of the encounter obtained by the TMZ celebrity website, Watts appears to allege the police were called because she was black and her boyfriend was white.

The officer is then heard questioning why she had played "the race card" and insisting he had the authority to request she provide identification.

Ah, L.A. Stirring up racial issues since fuck knows when.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 16, 2014, 02:24:43 PM
Oh Really?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29221412

Quotehe death of a man whose body was found burning in a skip in Manchester was not suspicious, police have said.

The 43-year-old was found in the skip wagon in the car park adjacent to the Apollo Theatre on the A57 Hyde Road in Ardwick, at about 05:30 BST on Monday.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said there was "no third party involvement" in his death.

He said an investigation into the cause of his death and how the fire started was taking place.

So the guy threw himself in here and then decided to have a quiet smoke? Sounds legit.

In other news, anecdotal evidence points towards the Police. I say anecdotal, I mean me. I'm pointing at the police.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 17, 2014, 08:34:33 AM
The "Petty crime is actually news today" files 3366/G -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-29228681

QuoteAn estate agent was sacked after being caught on camera apparently stealing a bar of chocolate while showing a client around a flat.

Quote"We have also apologised to both the tenant and landlord for this unfortunate incident. The landlord has fully accepted this apology and the tenant has accepted a payment as a goodwill gesture for both the chocolate bar and any inconvenience caused."

Journalism at its finest.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 18, 2014, 03:38:15 PM
So this is a thing:

http://www.salon.com/2014/09/16/satanic_temple_hands_out_activity_books_to_schools_in_response_to_judicial_ruling/

QuoteLast month a judge ruled that religious pamphlets could be distributed in a school district in Orange County, Florida, according to Raw Story. In the wake of this ruling, the Satanic Temple is handing out its own religious literature to Orange County schools: "The Satanic Children's Big Book of Activities."

The judge ruled that if Christian materials — Bibles and other literature — were allowed to be disseminated, atheist literature should be allowed as well.

The Satanic Temple, which was able to petition for a goat-headed statue in Oklahoma, is responding to this ruling with kid-friendly literature of their own.

Satanic Temple spokesman, Lucien Greaves, explained to Raw Story:

"[The organization] would never seek to establish a precedent of disseminating our religious materials in public schools because we believe our constitutional values are better served by respecting a strong separation of Church and State."

"However, if a public school board is going to allow religious pamphlets and full Bibles to be distributed to students — as is the case in Orange County, Florida — we think the responsible thing to do is to ensure that these students are given access to a variety of differing religious opinions, as opposed to standing idly by while one religious voice dominates the discourse and delivers propaganda to youth."

Greaves also explains that it is a good opportunity for children to learn about, and be exposed to, other religions.

Satanists are having all the fun here. Someone bring them some real HOLY.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 18, 2014, 08:48:37 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 18, 2014, 03:38:15 PM
So this is a thing:

http://www.salon.com/2014/09/16/satanic_temple_hands_out_activity_books_to_schools_in_response_to_judicial_ruling/

QuoteLast month a judge ruled that religious pamphlets could be distributed in a school district in Orange County, Florida, according to Raw Story. In the wake of this ruling, the Satanic Temple is handing out its own religious literature to Orange County schools: "The Satanic Children's Big Book of Activities."

The judge ruled that if Christian materials — Bibles and other literature — were allowed to be disseminated, atheist literature should be allowed as well.

The Satanic Temple, which was able to petition for a goat-headed statue in Oklahoma, is responding to this ruling with kid-friendly literature of their own.

Satanic Temple spokesman, Lucien Greaves, explained to Raw Story:

"[The organization] would never seek to establish a precedent of disseminating our religious materials in public schools because we believe our constitutional values are better served by respecting a strong separation of Church and State."

"However, if a public school board is going to allow religious pamphlets and full Bibles to be distributed to students — as is the case in Orange County, Florida — we think the responsible thing to do is to ensure that these students are given access to a variety of differing religious opinions, as opposed to standing idly by while one religious voice dominates the discourse and delivers propaganda to youth."

Greaves also explains that it is a good opportunity for children to learn about, and be exposed to, other religions.

Satanists are having all the fun here. Someone bring them some real HOLY.

There's a group on Facebook looking to write Discordian children's stories, so who knows...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on September 22, 2014, 08:05:00 PM
THIS

IS

ALASSSKA!

www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/09/22/f-it-i-quit-reporters-on-air-resignation-and-the-shocked-anchor-left-to-pick-up-the-pieces/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Ben Shapiro on September 23, 2014, 09:21:26 AM
I LOVE HER FACE AFTER SHE QUIT!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on September 23, 2014, 11:02:22 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 18, 2014, 03:38:15 PM
So this is a thing:

http://www.salon.com/2014/09/16/satanic_temple_hands_out_activity_books_to_schools_in_response_to_judicial_ruling/

QuoteLast month a judge ruled that religious pamphlets could be distributed in a school district in Orange County, Florida, according to Raw Story. In the wake of this ruling, the Satanic Temple is handing out its own religious literature to Orange County schools: "The Satanic Children's Big Book of Activities."

The judge ruled that if Christian materials — Bibles and other literature — were allowed to be disseminated, atheist literature should be allowed as well.

The Satanic Temple, which was able to petition for a goat-headed statue in Oklahoma, is responding to this ruling with kid-friendly literature of their own.

Satanic Temple spokesman, Lucien Greaves, explained to Raw Story:

"[The organization] would never seek to establish a precedent of disseminating our religious materials in public schools because we believe our constitutional values are better served by respecting a strong separation of Church and State."

"However, if a public school board is going to allow religious pamphlets and full Bibles to be distributed to students — as is the case in Orange County, Florida — we think the responsible thing to do is to ensure that these students are given access to a variety of differing religious opinions, as opposed to standing idly by while one religious voice dominates the discourse and delivers propaganda to youth."

Greaves also explains that it is a good opportunity for children to learn about, and be exposed to, other religions.

Satanists are having all the fun here. Someone bring them some real HOLY.

Reaction to a conditioned source only strengthens the bond of that condition.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 24, 2014, 07:47:39 AM
Ha ha?
http://uk.pcmag.com/internet-products/35951/news/google-cuts-ties-with-conservative-group-over-clim

QuoteGoogle has cut ties with conservative group ALEC over the organization's stance on climate change.

QuoteGoogle "has a very strong view that we should make decisions in politics based on facts - what a shock - and the facts of climate change are not in question anymore," Schmidt continued. "Everyone understands that climate change is occurring, and the people that are opposed to it are really hurting our children and our grandchildren and making the world a much worse place. So we should just not align ourselves with such people. They are just literally lying."

Can't wait to see the lawsuit. Or noticeable lack of one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 26, 2014, 10:00:00 AM
Eric Holder's out. Apparently he was actually the second of coming of Christ in disguise.

You could have fucking fooled me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 26, 2014, 02:45:11 PM
The "I'll just leave this here" files #553111/B

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/09/25/christian-body-builders-wife-swap-their-way-to-jesus/

QuoteA Bible-thumping couple in Florida is changing the way people think about their faith – with a hookup website for devout Christian swingers!
Cristy Parave and her husband, Dean, are the unashamed bodybuilding Jesus lovers bringing couples together and introducing them to their wild lifestyle of swapping sex partners and Bible verses, Barcroft Media reports.

(http://i.imgur.com/W1taaV3.jpg)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on September 26, 2014, 08:37:52 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 26, 2014, 02:45:11 PM
The "I'll just leave this here" files #553111/B

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/09/25/christian-body-builders-wife-swap-their-way-to-jesus/

QuoteA Bible-thumping couple in Florida is changing the way people think about their faith – with a hookup website for devout Christian swingers!
Cristy Parave and her husband, Dean, are the unashamed bodybuilding Jesus lovers bringing couples together and introducing them to their wild lifestyle of swapping sex partners and Bible verses, Barcroft Media reports.

(http://i.imgur.com/W1taaV3.jpg)
People can self-identify as anything.
I'm not the slightest bit surprised by this and neither should you.
Their definition of Devout Christian is not yours and you should have seen that coming.
Damn, I'm being a dick today. Apologies if I come over rude, I think I burnt out my language-polisher at work.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 26, 2014, 09:10:08 PM
That didn't come across as particularly dickish to me, you need to up the hate by at least 50%.

It's more a "Here's a thing I suspect will be news in the future" for me. The combination of bodybuilding(read steroids), swinging and religion just screams inevitably ending in tears and or a rampage of some description. I'd put money I don't even have on it. You know why I'm so sure?


Florida.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 27, 2014, 10:07:11 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on September 26, 2014, 10:00:00 AM
Eric Holder's out. Apparently he was actually the second of coming of Christ in disguise.

You could have fucking fooled me.

Ha ha!  If Holder hadn't been appointed by a Democrat, he'd be seen as the worst AG since, well, Gonzales.

But, you know, trampling on the rights of whistleblowers and legally justifying assassination is alright when a Blue Commander-in-Chief's people do it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 27, 2014, 10:18:47 AM
Not the mention the "Fast and Furious" shit that has obviously caused no problems, at all, anywhere.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on September 27, 2014, 08:54:11 PM
http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/ (http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/)

This is a thing?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Raz Tech on September 27, 2014, 09:59:28 PM
Quote from: Trivial on September 27, 2014, 08:54:11 PM
http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/ (http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/)

This is a thing?

It makes sense fiscally, you know, I'm not sure why it's such a big deal politically.  Asset auctions have been around forever.

On the bright side, you could potentially get a lot of 50 vibrators for 10 bucks, which means you would be set on gift baskets for a long time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on September 27, 2014, 11:40:15 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on September 27, 2014, 09:59:28 PM
Quote from: Trivial on September 27, 2014, 08:54:11 PM
http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/ (http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/)

This is a thing?

It makes sense fiscally, you know, I'm not sure why it's such a big deal politically.  Asset auctions have been around forever.

On the bright side, you could potentially get a lot of 50 vibrators for 10 bucks, which means you would be set on gift baskets for a long time.

Ooh a bouquet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on September 28, 2014, 09:17:37 AM
Quote from: Trivial on September 27, 2014, 11:40:15 PM
Quote from: Raz Tech on September 27, 2014, 09:59:28 PM
Quote from: Trivial on September 27, 2014, 08:54:11 PM
http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/ (http://www.salon.com/2014/09/25/kansas_to_host_a_massive_sex_toy_auction_in_the_face_of_ongoing_budget_crisis/)

This is a thing?

It makes sense fiscally, you know, I'm not sure why it's such a big deal politically.  Asset auctions have been around forever.

On the bright side, you could potentially get a lot of 50 vibrators for 10 bucks, which means you would be set on gift baskets for a long time.

Ooh a bouquet.
Might get lucky with a case of good vintage.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 29, 2014, 08:53:31 AM
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2014/09/22/the-worlds-no-3-arms-exporter-germany/

QuoteWho is the world's No. 3 arms exporter, after the United States and Russia? Surprise. It is Germany, a country bound by law to supply only allies and peaceable folks like (neutral) Switzerland or Sweden. Off limits are "areas of tension" — bad neighborhoods that actually need the stuff.

Yet somehow, Israel and Saudi Arabia, both living in the world's powder keg, are among Germany's best customers. So are Algeria, Qatar and  the United Arab Emirates.

What doesn't go directly finds its way on the international arms bazaar. Consider, no self-respecting drug czar — Russian or Mexican — would flaunt a Czech-made "Skorpion." It has to be a Heckler & Koch MP-5, also much beloved by U.S. Special Operations forces.

QuoteBut never, ever has Germany delivered to nonstate forces. This month marks a profound break with that tradition. Germany has agreed to send weapons to the Kurdish Workers' Party, or PKK, a military and political group in northern Iraq, with the bulk of more sophisticated arms going to the peshmerga forces. Not exactly buddies, these two outfits are fighting the Islamic State.

The Kurdish Workers' Party is due to receive 8,000 G3 assault rifles — almost museum pieces — that were issued to the German armed forces in 1959. The peshmerga forces get more recent hardware: 8,000 G36, the current rifle of the German army. Plus 30 antitank systems with 500 missiles. Add in a few tens of shoulder-held antitank rockets, 40 machine guns and 10,000 hand grenades. The package is worth about $90 million.

While the supply and such is interesting, I'm more looking at Germany's position as a global arms dealer. To be blunt I had no idea it was that big in the market and I doubt it's going to make good decisions to maintain that position.

I also have to wonder a little about the Arms envoys that get sent to other countries. I'd pay good money to hear the conversations and negotiations that occur prior to a sale. "Ethnic group X getting uppity? Then you need a case of these!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 29, 2014, 03:43:02 PM
Ho ho?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-29408121

QuoteChanges to UK legislation are to come into force later this week allowing the parody of copyright works.

Under current rules, there has been a risk of being sued for breach of copyright if clips of films, TV shows or songs were used without consent.

But the new European Copyright Directive will allow the use of the material so long as it is fair and does not compete with the original version.

The new law will come into effect on 1 October.

Owners of the copyrighted works will only be able to sue if the parody conveys a discriminatory message.

It would then be down to a judge to decide if the parody is funny.

Please remember, UK Judges are famous for their sense of humour. Expect problems here, I'd put money on the first trial having a judge who doesn't "get" the joke, no matter how slowly it and the reason why it's funny is explained.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 29, 2014, 04:21:22 PM
As an internationally recognised expert in Teh Funnay, I expect to be called upon as an expert witness any day now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 01, 2014, 08:35:13 AM
The path to a Labour/Ukip coalition continues:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29438653

QuoteConservative Party donor Arron Banks is set to join the UK Independence Party and could stand in next May's election.

The insurance entrepreneur has donated more than £250,000 to the Tories since David Cameron became leader in 2005.

He will hand over a £100,000 cheque to UKIP leader Nigel Farage.

House of Commons Leader William Hague said he had never heard of Mr Banks, and said his defection would "certainly not" overshadow Mr Cameron's party conference speech.

Interesting. Never heard of one of your most significant donors? That's a great stance to take to ensure that no further cash comes your way from him. Considering how desperate pretty much every party is for financial backing, this is probably a lot more painful and significant than the talking heads will make it out to be. Remember you could get a personal meeting with the PM for any donations over or over 100K which allows you to discuss anything you please off the record and on the QT for future considerations.

For anyone keeping track, that's now 2 MP's and a backer with rumors of more to still come.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 01, 2014, 06:55:19 PM
Footage from the latest Conservative party conference. Revealing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=0YBumQHPAeU&app=desktop

I'm reliably informed that other parties are already planning to mimic many of the same policies.

The UKIP defection count is up to 4, and a donor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 02, 2014, 08:09:55 AM
Put down any drinks.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29453341

QuoteThe British National Party says it has expelled its ex-leader Nick Griffin.

In a statement, the BNP accused him of trying to "destabilise" the party and "harassing" party members.

In a tweet, Mr Griffin took issue with the decision, accusing the party leadership of "plastic gangster games".

QuoteIt also accused him of "harassing members of BNP staff and in at least one case making physical threats" as well as publishing e-mails giving a false account of his own financial affairs after he was declared bankrupt in January.

Guess who else is going to be joining UKIP?

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72068000/jpg/_72068963_72055571.jpg)
That's not a carefully chosen picture, he just looks like that all the time.

It'll be amusing to see the shitneck that takes his place. I'm sure someone's got their eye on the job.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 02, 2014, 11:21:07 AM
lolz

Can't say I'm surprised.  Nick baby has been ruling the party with an iron fist and discernible lack of political results since 2007....eventually either the bottom was going to drop out of the party (I thought, for a year or so, that the EDL may succeed in supplanting them) or someone with a backbone would get tired of Griffin's shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 02, 2014, 12:48:16 PM
Yeah, the axe has been waiting to fall for a while. In all honesty I'm only surprised that it's not happened sooner. I've got a fiver on him being with UKIP by this time next week. It seems to be the new home of the "Not a racist!" brigade.

There is, however, the potential that even that retarded lizard running the show there realises that he's political poison and casts him out. You'll be able to hear me laughing if that occurs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 02, 2014, 12:53:36 PM
Finally an excuse to just throw a fence around Texas and call it a day:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29462431

QuoteAs many as 80 people had direct or indirect contact with a man diagnosed in Texas with Ebola virus, officials have told US media.

About 12-18 people were potentially exposed to the virus through Liberian national Michael Eric Duncan.

The larger number includes people who may not have had contact with him personally, NBC and CBS report.

Four of his family members have been ordered to stay home and not receive visitors until 19 October.

In other news, FOX reports this as "Muslim terrorists gave Texan man the plague". Probably. I'm not going to bother to check if they won't.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 02, 2014, 01:03:30 PM
Boko Haram still a thing. Still very little progress here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29461095

QuoteA video has been released showing the purported leader of Nigeria's Islamist group Boko Haram dismissing the military's allegations that he is dead.

In the video, Abubakar Shekau says his fighters shot down an air force jet that went missing three weeks ago.

Last week, the military claimed a man posing as the Boko Haram leader in videos had been killed and in August 2013 said that Shekau may be dead.

Security analysts have questioned the credibility of the military's claims.

Nigeria journalist Ahmad Salkida, who has good contacts within Boko Haram, said on his Twitter account last week that he had it "on authority that Shekau is well and alive".

Is it is not clear when or where the video, obtained by the AFP news agency, was made.

But the BBC's Hausa Service editor, Mansur Liman, says the man speaking appears to be the same Abubakar Shekau in other Boko Haram videos.

Sound familiar at all? Terrorist leader who's totally dead but we can't find the body then makes more videos appear?

QuoteIn August, Boko Haram declared an Islamic state in areas it controls - which Shekau refers to in the 36-minute video.

In it, he stands on the back of a pick-up truck firing an anti-aircraft gun into the air.

"Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath," he says, mocking the military's "propaganda".

"We are running our caliphate, our Islamic caliphate. We follow the Koran... We now practise the injunctions of the Koran in the land of Allah," he says, referring to Sharia punishments.

This has some serious implications if not checked quickly. And I'd suspect with all eyes on Syria/Iraq it has the potential to develop into a huge problem that's going to be nigh on impossible to actually fix.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 03, 2014, 03:32:00 PM
So, Justice Scalia has decided that Duck Dynasty >  Thomas Jefferson.

He, a trained jurist, just said with his bare face hanging out, "The constitution protects freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion."

He is WAY fatter than Elvis was.  Why hasn't he died yet?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 03, 2014, 03:36:57 PM
If the Imp of the Legally Perverse had a human avatar, it would be Scalia.

I'm not entirely convinced he is not some kind of hideously nihilistic anarchist, trying to destoy the state by heightening the contradictions.  His almost Nietzschean desire to undermine the legal basis of the state certainly suggest it as a possibility.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 03, 2014, 03:43:36 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 03, 2014, 03:36:57 PM
If the Imp of the Legally Perverse had a human avatar, it would be Scalia.

I'm not entirely convinced he is not some kind of hideously nihilistic anarchist, trying to destoy the state by heightening the contradictions.  His almost Nietzschean desire to undermine the legal basis of the state certainly suggest it as a possibility.

I'd back him 100% because "chaos", but I know and like too many actual women.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 03, 2014, 03:44:47 PM
 :enough:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 03, 2014, 03:45:18 PM
Yeah, one can admire his audacity while damning his methods.  But I think it was...possibly Corey Robin who looked at a lot of Scalia's earlier legal writing and judgements and pronounced him as a Nietzschean, committed to being morally wrong but legally right (on some deeply technical level).  Like when he argued that innocent guy should be executed anyway, as he was found guilty.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 03, 2014, 04:01:11 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 03, 2014, 03:45:18 PM
Yeah, one can admire his audacity while damning his methods.  But I think it was...possibly Corey Robin who looked at a lot of Scalia's earlier legal writing and judgements and pronounced him as a Nietzschean, committed to being morally wrong but legally right (on some deeply technical level).  Like when he argued that innocent guy should be executed anyway, as he was found guilty.

So he has a moral code, and his moral code is to do evil?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 03, 2014, 04:02:53 PM
Yes, possibly.  So long as it can be justified by existing law.

Oh god.  Scalia's roleplaying a Lawful Evil judge, with no consideration of the nuances of the alignment.  This theory makes way too much sense.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 03, 2014, 04:06:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 03, 2014, 04:02:53 PM
Yes, possibly.  So long as it can be justified by existing law.

Oh god.  Scalia's roleplaying a Lawful Evil judge, with no consideration of the nuances of the alignment.  This theory makes way too much sense.

It does. And it's creeping me out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on October 04, 2014, 03:57:31 AM
http://www.emergent.info/ (http://www.emergent.info/) Kinda neat site for verifying news claims.  I'm saddened that there isn't a three breasted woman around.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 04, 2014, 05:10:30 AM
Quote from: Trivial on October 04, 2014, 03:57:31 AM
http://www.emergent.info/ (http://www.emergent.info/) Kinda neat site for verifying news claims.  I'm saddened that there isn't a three breasted woman around.

I am posting this on my Facebook wall immediately, I know many people who need it badly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 04, 2014, 09:44:34 AM
Quote from: Doktor Skinsaw on October 03, 2014, 04:06:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 03, 2014, 04:02:53 PM
Yes, possibly.  So long as it can be justified by existing law.

Oh god.  Scalia's roleplaying a Lawful Evil judge, with no consideration of the nuances of the alignment.  This theory makes way too much sense.

It does. And it's creeping me out.

Technically this makes Obama his DM.  It's his responsibility to get his party into line.  Or at least arrange a really dangerous dungeon legal case for Scalia to work on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 04, 2014, 03:25:11 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 04, 2014, 09:44:34 AM
Quote from: Doktor Skinsaw on October 03, 2014, 04:06:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 03, 2014, 04:02:53 PM
Yes, possibly.  So long as it can be justified by existing law.

Oh god.  Scalia's roleplaying a Lawful Evil judge, with no consideration of the nuances of the alignment.  This theory makes way too much sense.

It does. And it's creeping me out.

Technically this makes Obama his DM.  It's his responsibility to get his party into line.  Or at least arrange a really dangerous dungeon legal case for Scalia to work on.

I don't know how much DM experience Obama has... maybe someone should suggest this to him.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on October 05, 2014, 10:12:44 AM
Quote from: Doktor Skinsaw on October 04, 2014, 03:25:11 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 04, 2014, 09:44:34 AM
Quote from: Doktor Skinsaw on October 03, 2014, 04:06:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 03, 2014, 04:02:53 PM
Yes, possibly.  So long as it can be justified by existing law.

Oh god.  Scalia's roleplaying a Lawful Evil judge, with no consideration of the nuances of the alignment.  This theory makes way too much sense.

It does. And it's creeping me out.

Technically this makes Obama his DM.  It's his responsibility to get his party into line.  Or at least arrange a really dangerous dungeon legal case for Scalia to work on.

I don't know how much DM experience Obama has... maybe someone should suggest this to him.
Scalia vs. 9th (Re)Version of ConStitution, amen.  fight!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 06, 2014, 10:54:04 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29502410

The BBC attempts to understand a 63 year old woman trolling and apparent suicide.

QuoteDr Cassidy, who specialises in the psychology of social media, explained that her well-educated, middle-class background is unusual for someone sending such messages.

Dr. Cassidy is a fucking moron of the first order. None of the above is remotely unusual, what's odd here is that it was someone of a certain age (I.e - Above 60), female and now dead.

The other odd thing that is odd is that Cassidy is clearly not competent to speak on such matters, and yet proceeds to.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 06, 2014, 11:00:08 AM
These "science of trolling" articles really are terrible bilge of the first order.

It almost makes "media studies" look like a legitimate subject, by comparison.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 06, 2014, 11:02:59 AM
Oh, indeed.

That said, who hasn't considered a CV re-write to become a social media Guru? I'm considering it as I'm clearly more qualified such a job than "Dr" Cassidy.

Hells, any random 13 year old is more qualified than Cassidy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 06, 2014, 11:06:27 AM
I have a doctorate in trololololololgy from the University of IRC, with several years of postdoctoral field work in Web 1.0.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 06, 2014, 11:28:45 AM
You're on the air in an hour. Make sure to have a catchphrase ready and 3 pithy quotes referencing one outdated study done by morons.

I'll take 10%, thanks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on October 06, 2014, 08:09:16 PM
Great job, each and every one.  Please remember to pick up your W2's on the way out.  Thank you, stay safe.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 07, 2014, 10:20:15 AM
Potential hilarity right here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29521420

QuotePrince Nasser of Bahrain is not immune from prosecution for alleged torture, the UK's High Court has ruled.

Prince Nasser bin Hamad al-Khalifa has been accused of torturing detained prisoners during his country's pro-democracy uprising in 2011.

Judges overturned an earlier decision by the director of public prosecutions that he was immune from prosecution because of his royal status.

The case arose after a Bahraini citizen sought the arrest of Prince Nasser.

Extradition and formal charges are another matter entirely, but this should be worth a watch regardless of the inevitable result. I wonder if Bahrain will have the decency to respond in kind.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 08, 2014, 10:51:54 AM
No comment required:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2014/10/07/once-youve-dehumanized-drug-offenders-its-easy-to-steal-their-identities/

QuoteThe DOJ filing was in response to Arquiett's lawsuit. Consider what the federal government is arguing here. It's arguing that if you're arrested for a drug crime, including a crime unserious enough to merit a sentence of probation, the government retains the power to (a) steal your identity, (b) use that identity for drug policing, thus making your name and face known to potentially dangerous criminals, (c) interact with those criminals while posing as you, which could subject you to reprisals from those criminals, (d) expose photos of your family, including children, to those criminals, and (e) do all of this without your consent, and with no regard for your safety or public reputation.

Impressive, even by my standards.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 08, 2014, 02:20:00 PM
Those stand-up guys at the DEA, ladies and gentlemen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 08, 2014, 02:56:49 PM
I can't help but wonder what percentage of facebook profiles are Law enforcement agencies fishing.

To be blunt, I would have to now assume that anyone who mentions committing any illegal activities to be cops. The alternative is that they are too stupid to realise what they're doing which would prompt a similar reaction to assuming they're cops. I.e. Salt the earth and burn everything.

Taken from my forthcoming book "5322202 Reasons to not bother with social media". It's a hoot, buy copies for your friends.





Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 08, 2014, 03:35:53 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 08, 2014, 10:51:54 AM
No comment required:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2014/10/07/once-youve-dehumanized-drug-offenders-its-easy-to-steal-their-identities/

QuoteThe DOJ filing was in response to Arquiett's lawsuit. Consider what the federal government is arguing here. It's arguing that if you're arrested for a drug crime, including a crime unserious enough to merit a sentence of probation, the government retains the power to (a) steal your identity, (b) use that identity for drug policing, thus making your name and face known to potentially dangerous criminals, (c) interact with those criminals while posing as you, which could subject you to reprisals from those criminals, (d) expose photos of your family, including children, to those criminals, and (e) do all of this without your consent, and with no regard for your safety or public reputation.

Impressive, even by my standards.

Holy shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 08, 2014, 03:46:50 PM
Remember folks, this is what can be done to you if you get probation. Imagine what they're doing with actual serious convicted felons PI.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on October 09, 2014, 04:16:52 AM
http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-sanctions-compensation-duma-opposition-capital-flight/26627717.html

God bless Putin.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 10, 2014, 09:06:19 AM
Symantec to stop being one crappy company and instead is becoming two crappy companies.

In other news Symantec staff found to be most useful as ballast.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 10, 2014, 09:22:33 AM
Ha ha?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29562582

UKIP now have an MP. Yet another step towards a coalition with labour.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 10, 2014, 09:27:27 AM
Palin family fighting everyone:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29563253

QuoteTrack Palin offered to fight and was subsequently attacked by two men, he told police. Todd Palin told police that "everything escalated and it was a situation they couldn't walk away from".

Sarah Palin, meanwhile, was at the scene but not reportedly involved in the violence.

Mr Klingenmeyer, who "appeared to be moderately intoxicated", told police he was angry that the Palins had come to the party and "were causing the problems".

Upon learning men were fighting outside his house, he told his guests not to get involved, he told police.

QuoteBut then, he told police, Bristol Palin entered the property spoiling for a fight. Mr Klingenmeyer said he told her he would not have any fighting at his home, at which point Bristol Palin confronted him with profanity.

Then, Mr Klingenmeyer said he invited Bristol Palin to punch him in the face "if it makes her feel better".

She did so, five or six times and "she was hitting pretty hard". Mr Klingenmeyer and other witnesses said Mr Klingenmeyer never returned the blows.

Bristol Palin, meanwhile, told police she had intended to confront someone who she said had pushed her sister Willow, when Mr Klingenmeyer pushed her to the ground.

A witness, Matthew McKenna, told police that when the fight started at an intersection near the house, he told Todd Palin to gather his family and entourage and leave.

"He said the problem was that Bristol and Willow were drunk, as were their boyfriends," the police wrote. "McKenna apologised for wasting our time."

So, obviously:

QuoteProsecutors have declined to press charges in the 6 September incident.

Surely this has the potential to be an awesome civil suit?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 10, 2014, 02:44:08 PM
Why aren't you laughing yet?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29565766

QuoteUK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has defended comments suggesting immigrants who are HIV-positive should not be allowed to come to the UK.

In an interview in Newsweek Europe, Mr Farage said he wanted to "control the quantity and quality of people who come... people who do not have HIV".

Mr Farage later told the BBC he would extend the ban to "people with tuberculosis too".

Quote"We want people to come who have got trades and skills, but we don't want people who have got criminal records - and we can't afford people with life-threatening diseases," he said.

Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.

"I do not think people with life-threatening diseases should be treated by our National Health Service and that is an absolute essential condition for working out a proper immigration policy.

You get your first MP and you can't hold your fucking tongue for a day.

Can't help but think that this is but the start of some crazy that will eventually make even the daily mail say "Now hang on". Or "Now hang them". It's the daily mail, hanging something will be involved.



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 10, 2014, 02:55:31 PM
I'm sure Scotland is thrilled.

Seriously?  I mean sure, we had Strom Thurmond and David Duke, but still. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 10, 2014, 03:03:14 PM
Oh yes. Scottish nationalists are dickheads as well, make no mistake but I've not seen any of them come out with anything quite as vile. Depressingly, this probably just means I'm not aware of it.

More depressingly, these fuckers will get countless votes just based around "English votes for English policies" rhetoric.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 10, 2014, 04:25:03 PM
Yeah, Scottish nationalists also tend to be more socialist in orientation - whether that's a genuine ideological position or taken simply to piss off the English neoliberal consensus is a matter for debate.

UKIP, by contrast, are very enamoured with the Tea Party, American style-libertarianism, right wing populism and culture war of a counterjihadist kind.  Spend some time reading today's Daily Mail and The Sun, and imagine a political party run off those espoused viewpoints.  Voila, you have UKIP.

Also, can't help but snigger at Farage crowing about a "revolution" in British politics...by re-electing someone who has already sat in Parliament for the best part of a decade.  Much lol, very amuse, so revolt.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 14, 2014, 07:43:59 AM
QuoteSenior clerics taking part in a review of Catholic teachings on the family have called on the Church to adopt a more positive stance on homosexuality.

A preliminary report written by bishops during a Vatican synod said homosexuals had "gifts and qualities to offer".

The report does not challenge the Church's long-held opposition to same-sex marriage, but some gay rights groups hailed it as a breakthrough.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29603496

No real progress. I'm reading this mainly as an attempt to keep themselves relevant and allow priests who are outed as homosexual to continue in their posts. A suspicious man might think that someone has list of priests with unconventional tastes. A cynical man might think the list contains details of those with illegal tastes and this is a positioning move to allow the church to give legal and financial backing to any who find themselves in legal difficulties.

There's also some fairly wide ranging implications for Africa. Homosexuality is still a serious crime in many nations there and I assume I don't need to mention the HIV issue. If we get a positive statement about rubbers out of this I may have to revise my rating of the pope above "Scum". May.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 14, 2014, 07:50:28 AM
Mexico working as usual:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-29609409

QuoteProtesters in Mexico have attacked the local government headquarters in the state of Guerrero in anger at the disappearance of 43 students.

Hundreds of demonstrators broke windows and set fire to part of the building in the state capital, Chilpancingo.

The students have been missing since clashes with police on 26 September in the town of Iguala.

Several officers accused of colluding with a drug gang were arrested after the violence, in which six people died.

The protesters allege that the police rounded up the missing students before handing them over to a local drug gang called Guerreros Unidos.

QuoteThe Guerreros Unidos gang has been linked to the family of Iguala's Mayor Jose Luis Abarca Velazquez.

He, his wife and his head of security went on leave after the clashes and have not reappeared. A formal search has been launched for them.

Authorities are investigating whether the students were killed and buried in several mass graves found outside Iguala, some 200 km (125 miles) south of Mexico City.

Governor Aguirre said on Saturday that the students were not among the bodies identified so far from 28 burnt corpses recovered from the graves.

"I have big hopes of finding our young students alive," he told reporters.

Prosecutors have detained 26 police officers in connection with the clashes on 26 September, as well as four gang members and four other unidentified people.

This is a charming little bout of FUCKED UP. The gang name is unfamiliar to me but it sounds like they're trying to make a name for themselves to compete with the bigger boys. I'm not sure if they're being successful at this or not. My other thought is that they are a local branch of one of the larger cartels and sending a message to local competitors.

Either way, bodies, pits, business as usual.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 14, 2014, 01:18:01 PM
Pistorius sentencing occurring, slowly:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29607774

Nothing particularly of note, bar this:

QuoteThe next defence witness was Annette Vergeer, a probation officer.

Reading out a report commissioned by the defence, she said Mr Pistorius should receive a suspended sentence, community work, therapy, and correctional supervision.

She added that he was "extremely broken" and would "only deteriorate" in prison.

"It is virtually impossible in prison to teach a person how to become a useful member of society," she said. "There is also no facility to cater for the accused's disability."

It's amazing that prison has no chance of rehabilitating celebrities yet it's apparently the ideal environment for criminals who aren't famous.

I'd also question the "no way to cater for the disability" thing too. I didn't know you needed legs to be in a cell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 15, 2014, 08:20:25 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 14, 2014, 07:50:28 AM
Mexico working as usual:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-29609409

QuoteProtesters in Mexico have attacked the local government headquarters in the state of Guerrero in anger at the disappearance of 43 students.

Hundreds of demonstrators broke windows and set fire to part of the building in the state capital, Chilpancingo.

The students have been missing since clashes with police on 26 September in the town of Iguala.

Several officers accused of colluding with a drug gang were arrested after the violence, in which six people died.

The protesters allege that the police rounded up the missing students before handing them over to a local drug gang called Guerreros Unidos.

QuoteThe Guerreros Unidos gang has been linked to the family of Iguala's Mayor Jose Luis Abarca Velazquez.

He, his wife and his head of security went on leave after the clashes and have not reappeared. A formal search has been launched for them.

Authorities are investigating whether the students were killed and buried in several mass graves found outside Iguala, some 200 km (125 miles) south of Mexico City.

Governor Aguirre said on Saturday that the students were not among the bodies identified so far from 28 burnt corpses recovered from the graves.

"I have big hopes of finding our young students alive," he told reporters.

Prosecutors have detained 26 police officers in connection with the clashes on 26 September, as well as four gang members and four other unidentified people.

This is a charming little bout of FUCKED UP. The gang name is unfamiliar to me but it sounds like they're trying to make a name for themselves to compete with the bigger boys. I'm not sure if they're being successful at this or not. My other thought is that they are a local branch of one of the larger cartels and sending a message to local competitors.

Either way, bodies, pits, business as usual.

Update:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-29624801

QuoteMexico's attorney general says DNA tests have shown that 28 bodies found in a mass grave are not those of a missing group of students.

Jesus Murillo Karam said further tests were being carried out on four other recently discovered grave sites.

Oh, good. It's a bunch of bodies no one was even looking for. I have a feeling this may become a bit of a recurring theme with this one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 20, 2014, 12:01:33 PM
Nigeria is apparently Ebola-Free.

Can't help but suspect that's a really optomisic announcement that will probably be changed by the end of the week.

In other Nigeria news, still no-one giving a shit about Boko Haram and the missing kids. It's only been 6 months or so, I suppose it would have been stupid to expect some kind of progress on that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 20, 2014, 02:32:10 PM
Well, except for this (http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/17/world/africa/nigeria-boko-haram-ceasefire/), sure.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 20, 2014, 02:45:42 PM
Oh, Awesome.

That's actually made my day, assuming everything proceeds without any issues.

No Ebola and positive outcomes from negotiations with terrorists, it's a good day in Nigeria.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 21, 2014, 08:07:20 AM
Terror strikes Canada:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29699876

QuoteA man who struck two Canadian soldiers with his car before he was shot dead by police had been "radicalised" and was known to security officials, Canada's prime minister has said.

The 25-year-old, identified in local media as Martin Couture Rouleau, was killed by officers at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Quebec after a car chase.

QuoteOne of the troops was seriously hurt, the other had minor injuries.

QuoteOn Monday, Rouleau ran down the two members of the military in a car park near a Canadian military office, police told local media. It was not immediately clear whether the soldiers were in uniform.

He fled and was chased by police at high speed for about 4km (2.5 miles), until the car drove off the road and rolled over several times.

He then left the car and police opened fire, the Montreal Gazette reported. The shooting took place at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, about 42km (26 miles) southeast of Montreal.

Rouleau was taken to hospital where he died some hours later.

Television pictures showed a large knife on the ground near the crashed car.

QuoteMr Harper's office said in a written statement on Monday evening. "Federal authorities have confirmed that there are clear indications that the individual had become radicalised."

While it may just be an incompetent attack, there's a few things about this that are quite uncomfortable. Shooting a guy who's just had a car crash is one of them. The ability for everyone to quickly confirm his radical beliefs is another. There's also the odd thing about this guy being unable to kill people with a car. "Crazy terror spree" ending with basically two hit and run incidents doesn't ring quite right.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 21, 2014, 09:00:53 AM
Daily lack of words:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-29203663

QuoteA rubber fetishist who raises money by going out in public in a bondage suit said he hoped his efforts would start a debate on stereotypes.

'The Gimp Man of Essex' gives £1 to Colchester Mind every time someone posts a photo with him to his Facebook page, which has more than 2,000 likes.

He said most people he met on the streets were friendly, but others made assumptions that he was "a paedophile or a pervert".

So far he has raised £375 for charity.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/77658000/jpg/_77658920_92a9b88a-f42a-4e9c-afb6-4a374684cec2.jpg)

Mask and suit available from Dr P3nt's BDSM Boutique.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Aucoq on October 22, 2014, 01:29:43 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 21, 2014, 09:00:53 AM
Daily lack of words:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-29203663

QuoteA rubber fetishist who raises money by going out in public in a bondage suit said he hoped his efforts would start a debate on stereotypes.

'The Gimp Man of Essex' gives £1 to Colchester Mind every time someone posts a photo with him to his Facebook page, which has more than 2,000 likes.

He said most people he met on the streets were friendly, but others made assumptions that he was "a paedophile or a pervert".

So far he has raised £375 for charity.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/77658000/jpg/_77658920_92a9b88a-f42a-4e9c-afb6-4a374684cec2.jpg)

Mask and suit available from Dr P3nt's BDSM Boutique.

So that's what the guy from American Horror Story has been up to since the first season ended.  :lol:

(http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-QS578_rubber_E_20111124002123.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on October 22, 2014, 04:15:50 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 21, 2014, 08:07:20 AM
Terror strikes Canada:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29699876

QuoteA man who struck two Canadian soldiers with his car before he was shot dead by police had been "radicalised" and was known to security officials, Canada's prime minister has said.

The 25-year-old, identified in local media as Martin Couture Rouleau, was killed by officers at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Quebec after a car chase.

QuoteOne of the troops was seriously hurt, the other had minor injuries.

QuoteOn Monday, Rouleau ran down the two members of the military in a car park near a Canadian military office, police told local media. It was not immediately clear whether the soldiers were in uniform.

He fled and was chased by police at high speed for about 4km (2.5 miles), until the car drove off the road and rolled over several times.

He then left the car and police opened fire, the Montreal Gazette reported. The shooting took place at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, about 42km (26 miles) southeast of Montreal.

Rouleau was taken to hospital where he died some hours later.

Television pictures showed a large knife on the ground near the crashed car.

QuoteMr Harper's office said in a written statement on Monday evening. "Federal authorities have confirmed that there are clear indications that the individual had become radicalised."

While it may just be an incompetent attack, there's a few things about this that are quite uncomfortable. Shooting a guy who's just had a car crash is one of them. The ability for everyone to quickly confirm his radical beliefs is another. There's also the odd thing about this guy being unable to kill people with a car. "Crazy terror spree" ending with basically two hit and run incidents doesn't ring quite right.

That and there was no firearm and he was out of the vehicle. They mention the knife found on the ground but say nothing about further attempts to harm anybody. Might, just maybe, have been shot in hot blood by someone upset about the people run down but I doubt it. No mention of what caused the loss of vehicle control. Sounds perhaps like an attempt to flee more than an attack. Hm.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 22, 2014, 08:44:57 AM
The bar for attempted terrorism is notoriously low nowadays.

Procuring knives and a single gun and talking about shooting police officers or possibly soldiers is proof of a "Mumbai style-attack" which requires the courts be given full secrecy in trying the terrorists, for example (note: this is not a joke, but the very real reasoning of the UK Crown Prosecution, intelligence services and government in an ongoing UK case).

Canada also has its own shady past involving Islamists.  Been reading Kurt Eichenwald's 500 Days during my work breaks recently, and he talks in length about how Canadian Intelligence are both extremely paranoid and very inclined to put the screws to anyone they think could be a terrorist.  Which is practically anyone unfortunate enough to end up in their line of sight.  Eichenwald's a mainstream, NYT style establishment journalist, so if he gives the impression that these people are awful, they probably are.

If Canadian Intelligence has switched to FBI style provocations, don't be too surprised if this turns out to be a former target of theirs (though given the nature of what occured, I doubt they will ever admit it).  Sounds more like an extreme mental breakdown brought on by stress than an actually thought out and carefully planned act of political violence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 22, 2014, 08:48:46 AM
And in other shady intelligence news, it looks like a new film about Gary Webb's life is going to be used to whitewash the CIA's involvement in the media campaign to undermine his credibility, which caused him to lose his job and ultimately commit suicide.

http://consortiumnews.com/2014/10/16/kill-the-messenger-rare-truth-telling/

QuoteA recently released CIA document on how the counterattack against Webb was promoted is revealing in this regard. Entitled "Managing a Nightmare: CIA Public Affairs and the Drug Conspiracy Story," the six-page internal report. described the CIA's damage control in the wake of the publication of Webb's story.

The report showed how the spy agency's PR team exploited relationships with mainstream journalists who then essentially did the CIA's work for it, mounting a devastating counterattack against Webb that marginalized him and painted the Contra-cocaine trafficking story as some baseless conspiracy theory.

Crucial to that success, the report credits "a ground base of already productive relations with journalists and an effective response by the Director of Central Intelligence's Public Affairs Staff [that] helped prevent this story from becoming an unmitigated disaster."

The Agency convinced friendly journalists to characterize Webb's series as presenting "no real news, in that similar charges were made in the 1980's and were investigated by the Congress and were found to be without substance." That, of course, was a lie. In fact, Kerry's investigation confirmed many of the Contra-cocaine allegations first reported by Parry and Barger for the Associated Press.

According to the CIA's "Managing a Nightmare" report, journalists were advised to read Webb's series critically and the CIA considered the initial attack by the Washington Post the key moment in blunting Webb's story. The CIA distributed the negative stories to other members of the press.

From there, other papers refused to pick up Webb's articles, but they often carried the articles attacking him. The CIA's report noted that the tide of the public relations battle had fully turned by October and soon became a rout. Even the American Journalism Review, which – like similar publications – is supposed to stand up for honest journalists under fire, instead joined the all-out charge against Webb.

The Agency crowed how easy it was to work with journalists to first blunt and then turn around this negative national security story.

Also read this for an explanation of how everyone's favourite media outlet of fearless truthsearching and Fighting The Power, First Look Media, is aiding in the current whitewash:  http://ohtarzie.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/the-intercepts-ryan-devereaux-is-no-gary-webb/#rssowlmlink
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 22, 2014, 10:25:30 AM
More for my own reference so I don't forget about this, link from the above article:
http://fair.org/extra-online-articles/snow-job/

Article from 1997 regarding Press/CIA relationships. Will be amusing to read this with some hindsight and consider how said relationships have developed over the years.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 22, 2014, 10:28:56 AM
The Mighty Wurlitzer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mighty_Wurlitzer_%28media%29) plays on, as always.

Quote"The CIA currently maintains a network of several hundred foreign individuals around the world who provide intelligence for the CIA and at times attempt to influence opinion through the use of covert propaganda. These individuals provide the CIA with direct access to a large number of newspapers and periodicals, scores of press services and news agencies, radio and television stations, commercial book publishers, and other foreign media outlets."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 22, 2014, 03:38:06 PM
More fine reading material. Thank you good sir.

In other news:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29719090

Quotehallenge to the choice of Fiona Woolf as the chair of the inquiry investigating the issue.

A judicial review application, seen by the BBC, claims she is not impartial, has no relevant expertise and may not have time to discharge her duties.

Labour wants Mrs Woolf to meet abuse victims amid concerns over her links to former Home Secretary Lord Brittan.

Downing Street said it had "full confidence" in her doing the job.

In other words, Woolf confirmed as unsuitable ("Full Confidence" is the Cameron kiss of death) for the role but if we get rid of this one we will never get on with it. Also, cynical minds would suspect that "not getting on with it" would be a desirable outcome for more than a few people.

I'd guess a week before "Other pressures" cause her to have a rethink and resign.

Which isn't particularly shocking. Whoever actually takes responsibility for this is only really going to actively ruin their own life. (You're not going home happy and you'll get shit regardless of what decisions you actually make. Literally everything you do will be analysed and you will be found to be wanting.



Oh, and apparently there's been some kind of shooting incident in the Canadian Parliament. Initial reports indicate one wounded. Seriously Canada, get your shit together. This is just embarrassing. Drunken teabillies cause more damage than this incidentally. There's something seriously tragic to me about incompetent terrorism(if this is a "terror" incident). The truly unfortunate thing is I suspect it will only increase over the next few years.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 22, 2014, 04:06:40 PM
Didn't Cameron also have "full confidence" in Andy Coulson?

More interestingly, she dined with Lord Brittan quite frequently.  Brittan, of course, was handed numerous dossiers in the 1980s about pedophile rings in Parliament, though the quality of said dossiers is...open to question (at least one is outright batshit insane).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 22, 2014, 04:08:22 PM
In fact, some helpful Labour party opposition researcher, uh, political pundit, has helpfully drawn up a list for us

http://politicalhackuk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/david-cameron-confidence-indicator.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 22, 2014, 05:53:09 PM
Oh wow. I did say that tongue in cheek but it's always nice when reality actually marries up like that. I remember Coulson but the others are equally funny. Even royalty hasn't escaped the cameron confidence curse.   

On the Woolf Issue, I suspect that near enough anyone who's in a position to lead the enquiry will have had meetings with someone unfortunate along the way. It's the nature of the meet-greet and schmoozing that such circles run on. Sooner or later everyone's had a drink with someone iffy and it's really just a question of "How iffy?". Brittan and the missing documents is "Quite iffy". Woolf, by association becomes "at least a bit iffy".

As you say, the quality is highly open to question. The fucker is that it's a bit tricky to evaluate shit that has disappeared. So what do you do? Well it seems we point at those who were given it then do nothing. The frequent statements about "Not inappropriately destroyed" just seem to keep implying (to me) that they were destroyed in accordance with proper procedure.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 24, 2014, 09:32:07 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29751124

Another step to the Labour/UKIP coalition:
Quotehe UK has been told it must pay an extra £1.7bn (2.1bn euros) towards the European Union's budget because the economy has performed better than expected in recent years.

The payment follows new calculations by the EU that determine how much each member state should contribute.

It would add about a fifth to the UK's annual net contribution of £8.6bn.

Quoteow is it that our EU subscriptions are supposedly in arrears?

Well you may recall that the Office for National Statistics recently recalculated the size of our national income to take account of unreported or under-reported parts of the economy, such as research and development, illicit drugs and prostitution.

So thanks in part to the inclusion in the official economy of our productive sex workers, our EU membership fee has been augmented.

What's quite amusing for me here is the number of people screaming about EU corruption. Don't mistake me, of course it is. However the figures, data and demand is huge for the UK because our black economy is huge. What this really highlights is how dodgy the UK actually is in comparison to a lot of Europe. A decent chunk of that £1.7 billion will be drug related. You've seen how police calculate the value of seizures so I'd bet similar logic applies.

Either way, it's another kick for Cameron, another bonus for the Reptoids and we all take another few steps towards madness.

Other UK Spags, which countries are you looking at for when it all inevitably becomes a bit too much here? Anyone else want to chip in towards a private island? A couple of grand and some eastern european mercs and we could take Brecqhou.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 24, 2014, 09:36:59 AM
There's definitely an element of this that the UK is dodgy as hell, has apparently thriving economy and has underpaid for years, and so should pay for more.

But the timing...this is also about France and Germany thumbing their noses at Britain.  Saying "leave then, see if we care".  The other EU states cannot be unaware of our own internal debate on Europe, or our current political uncertainty.  Hell, most French politicians speak better English than people born here, they definitely know what is going on.

Besides, I'm not convinced that the US will allow Britain to leave. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 24, 2014, 09:50:21 AM
So, I'm hearing "Draw up plans for invasion", right? I'm pretty sure we can count on the support of Sark.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 24, 2014, 11:14:10 AM
No, I just mean the US State Department and CIA people will talk to our people, shades of Harold Wilson will occur, and the status quo will be maintained. 

Unless something has significantly changed in American policy, or America thinks it can more reliably use Poland, the UK is its best choice for exerting influence, expanding the EU territorially (which does benefit US interests) but stalling on integration (which does not serve US interests).  This is also one of the reasons why Germany and France will not exactly cry if the UK leaves.

So there will be talks between "concerned parties" and, if it does come down to a referendum, money will no doubt come from Atlantic sources to sway public opinion.  The USIC has assets in both parties, I'm sure of this, and while they're probably not enough to swing a vote on their own, they can be used to apply pressure, create debate and sabotage the process.

Labour have also been playing some games with the functions of Parliament while Cameron has been napping.  Despite Red Ed being a wet blanket and a wonk, he can most definitely throw a spanner in the works and make it exceedingly difficult for the Tories to proceed on the issue.  I can't remember the exact details of what it was, but it was something to do with the Committees and voting process, I think.  I'll have to check.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 24, 2014, 11:40:19 AM
QuoteI can't remember the exact details of what it was, but it was something to do with the Committees and voting process, I think.

That sounds incredibly likely. There's bureaucracy to the nth degree all round here so I can fully imagine one tick-box unchecked or form unfilled easily leading to a "Fuck you" situation.

The other amusing thing here is watching people scream about "NO PAY IT". There would obviously be no financial repercussions there, at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on October 24, 2014, 03:14:50 PM
Not about 3bola, but kinda. Humor break!

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6031240?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 24, 2014, 03:17:12 PM
We now return to your regular schedule of HAHAHAHAIIEEEE.

Rapidly approaching the point where we need an "Unlimited acts of minor terror" Thread:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29753347

Quoteolice in New York are investigating whether a man who attacked two officers with an axe before being shot dead was linked to Islamist extremism.

One officer was being treated for a serious head wound after the attack on Thursday in the Queens borough.

Commissioner William Bratton said police were trying to establish a motive but did not rule out terrorism.

QuoteUS media indentified the attacker as Zale Thompson, 32, but this has not been confirmed by police.

The SITE monitoring group said he had posted statements on YouTube and Facebook that "display a hyper-racial focus in both religious and historical contexts, and ultimately hint at his extremist leanings".

SITE, which monitors radical Islamist groups, said a post by him in September had described jihad as "a justifiable response to the oppression of the Zionists and the Crusaders".

After the attack, which took place on Thursday afternoon, Mr Bratton was asked whether it could be terror related.

"This early on, we really cannot say yes or no to that question," he said.

Yet another one. I hate to point at co-incidences and suggest something potentially wrong, but that's at least 3 this week of a similar level and nature. I'd say that's getting quickly to the point where you can rule out co-incidence and start considering control.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on October 24, 2014, 03:42:51 PM
You know enough small attacks, bumbled or not, may be a sort of victory propaganda wise. And if there's enough to be a genuine threat by saturation may prove strategically effective.

Think 'ice bucket challenge' for expendable fanatics.  Don't plan for effect, just activate and attack quite randomly.  I hope this isn't the start of a new trend for the holidays.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 30, 2014, 07:55:54 AM
Quote from: a somewhat wiser Joe. on October 24, 2014, 03:42:51 PM
You know enough small attacks, bumbled or not, may be a sort of victory propaganda wise. And if there's enough to be a genuine threat by saturation may prove strategically effective.

Think 'ice bucket challenge' for expendable fanatics.  Don't plan for effect, just activate and attack quite randomly.  I hope this isn't the start of a new trend for the holidays.

I do see what you're getting at, but I'm not sure this is the case. Personally, I see these kind of attacks as massive failures and probably of little use for propaganda. "Our guy took out one of their guys, Bit of panic, some traffic issues and disruption. They fear us now" just wouldn't convert me.

I think the real concern for this is that sooner or later one of these attackers (presuming trend continues) will eventually turn out to have half a brain and a plan beyond "Shoot one guy". Take the Canadian parliament incident. That would have been much more effective with a suicide bomber on the steps of parliament. No casualties required, the location and the deed alone would have others willing to give it a try. Instead, he got shot by a 60 year old man. I doubt this was the glorious end he was looking for.


The other thing, as always, is mental health. I have a horrible feeling that anyone who commits violent acts will now be questioned in a way which would determine fanatical leanings. I suspect this questioning will be rather leading with all kinds of confessions and really fucked up court cases over the next few years.

The final thing for me would be that incidents like this drag terrorism into the everyday and mundane. 10 years ago in the US if you were talking about terrorism, you meant 9-11, Beards and bombs. Now when you're talking about terrorism it can be a kid with a gun, a leaflet and motivation. It can be a schoolchild making a gun shape with their hand. The term has been applied to everything and everywhere so much it's pretty much lost all meaning. It's somewhat like the "School shooting" situation. When you start classing in events that happen near a school it quickly gets very silly indeed but that doesn't stop a shitload of innocent people getting fucked over. Hard.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 30, 2014, 09:44:11 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29765623

Above par BBC article on the history of Contract Children in Switzerland. It's pretty long and covers various aspects I had no idea about. There's a huge sack of fucked up here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 31, 2014, 07:56:10 AM
Shit's going down in Burkina Faso:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29840100

QuoteBurkina Faso's military has announced emergency measures - including the formation of a transitional government - after a day of violent protests.

Demonstrators angered by President Blaise Compaore's bid to extend his 27-year rule earlier set fire to parliament and government buildings.

Protesters in the capital, Ouagadougou, are calling for him to resign.

The emergency moves announced by army chief Gen Honore Traore did not say who would lead the interim administration.

At a press conference, he declared the imposition of an overnight curfew, as well as the dissolution of parliament.

Gen Traore announced that a "transitional body [would] be put in place in consultation with all parties".

"A return to the constitutional order is expected in no more than 12 months," he said.

QuoteMr Compaore first took power in a coup in 1987, and has won four disputed elections since then.

The protests forced the government to suspend Thursday's parliamentary vote on a constitutional amendment that would have lifted the limit on presidential terms so that Mr Compaore could run for office again in 2015.

Mr Compaore is a staunch ally of the US and France, which uses Burkina Faso as a base for military operations against militant Islamists in the Sahel region.

I'm assuming that sooner or later extremist groups are going to make a play for something here. How well they'll do, I'm not sure but an attempt at something would seem inevitable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 31, 2014, 08:02:44 AM
While we're in this part of the world, What's Boko Haram been up to lately?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/30/us-nigeria-violence-idUSKBN0IJ21820141030

Quote(Reuters) - Islamist Boko Haram militants have seized control of the northeast Nigerian town of Mubi, killing dozens of people and forcing thousands to flee, witnesses said.

The insurgents stormed Mubi on Wednesday. [ID:nL5N0SO57O] Gunfire has been heard in the town ever since, witnesses told Reuters.

A security source on Thursday confirmed the town had fallen to the insurgents. Witnesses said they hoisted their black flag over the palace of the traditional ruler.

Witnesses said the insurgents robbed banks, burned down the main market and sacked the palace. One saw them kill a university lecturer and his entire family

QuoteViolence in Nigeria's northeast has been on the rise since the government announced a ceasefire with the rebels nearly two weeks ago to pursue talks in neighboring Chad aimed at freeing more than 200 girls kidnapped in April.

QuoteBoko Haram's five-year-old campaign for an Islamic state, which has killed thousands, is seen as the main security threat to Africa's biggest economy and leading oil producer.

err

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29801187

QuoteA presidential spokesman said he was optimistic that something "concrete and positive" would come out of the talks.

There has been no comment from Boko Haram, and violence in northern Nigeria has continued.

More than 200 schoolgirls are still being held by the group, which has been fighting an insurgency since 2009.

The military had said they were expecting the schoolgirls' release by 24 October.

At least 2,000 civilians have been killed by Boko Haram this year.

QuoteThe group has taken more than 500 women and girls hostage since it began its insurgency in 2009, according to Human Rights Watch.

QuoteMany Nigerians do not believe the government's claims of a ceasefire with Boko Haram.

Mr Abati responded to criticism of the military by saying: "We must realise that what the Nigerian military is facing is an unusual situation."

"I think that what the Nigerian military deserves and requires at all times is encouragement."

The usual, in short.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 31, 2014, 08:28:10 AM
Today's barking lunacy:
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/78636000/jpg/_78636034_coburn.jpg)

QuoteUKIP MEP David Coburn has described some supporters of gay marriage as "equality Nazis".

Mr Coburn, who is himself gay, told the Huffington Post the "militant equality lobby" had caused more homophobic sentiment in Britain.

He said that "everyone had agreed and been quite happy with the idea of a civil partnership".

Those in favour of gay marriage, he said, were simply "trying to give Christianity a jolly good kicking".

During the interview Mr Coburn, who reportedly described himself as "spectacularly homosexual", said the changes to marriage law only mattered to someone who "wants to dress up in a bridal frock and dance up the aisle to the Village People".

He added that some gay rights groups were "professional bombs" primed to "explode" with outrage in response to any perceived slight to gay rights.

Mr Coburn described UKIP as a "gay-friendly" party, and said he had never had any problem with its members over his sexuality.

Mr Coburn is apparently claiming to represent of the entire UK Gay community.

I have a sneaking suspicion of the following:

1 - There are no (or a negligible minority) other gay people involved in UKIP.
2 - This is mainly posturing and soundbites to keep themselves in the papers and such.
3 - I wouldn't be shocked to learn that Coburn is in fact not gay but has been instructed to claim to be so by Farage. It's just the kind of benny hill type idiocy I can see these cretins thinking up at their strategy meetings. "We need the gay vote. Dave, you're gay now. Spectacularly gay. Act accordingly, right? Mince a bit, yeah? Now someone find me a woman so we can do this whole equal ops bullshit thing"



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 03, 2014, 01:59:13 PM
Daily sigh:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-29880418

QuoteA former Mr Wales who falsely claimed £28,332 in disability benefits whilst competing in bodybuilding contests has been jailed for six months.

Peter Beddoe, 49, of Aberdare, claimed he was too weak to walk, but went to the gym almost daily and competed all over the country.

I swear, there's swathes of people wandering around totally fucking ignorant of the cardinal rule. There's no other explanation.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 03, 2014, 09:20:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 31, 2014, 08:28:10 AM
Today's barking lunacy:
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/78636000/jpg/_78636034_coburn.jpg)

QuoteUKIP MEP David Coburn has described some supporters of gay marriage as "equality Nazis".

Mr Coburn, who is himself gay, told the Huffington Post the "militant equality lobby" had caused more homophobic sentiment in Britain.

He said that "everyone had agreed and been quite happy with the idea of a civil partnership".

Those in favour of gay marriage, he said, were simply "trying to give Christianity a jolly good kicking".

During the interview Mr Coburn, who reportedly described himself as "spectacularly homosexual", said the changes to marriage law only mattered to someone who "wants to dress up in a bridal frock and dance up the aisle to the Village People".

He added that some gay rights groups were "professional bombs" primed to "explode" with outrage in response to any perceived slight to gay rights.

Mr Coburn described UKIP as a "gay-friendly" party, and said he had never had any problem with its members over his sexuality.

Mr Coburn is apparently claiming to represent of the entire UK Gay community.

I have a sneaking suspicion of the following:

1 - There are no (or a negligible minority) other gay people involved in UKIP.
2 - This is mainly posturing and soundbites to keep themselves in the papers and such.
3 - I wouldn't be shocked to learn that Coburn is in fact not gay but has been instructed to claim to be so by Farage. It's just the kind of benny hill type idiocy I can see these cretins thinking up at their strategy meetings. "We need the gay vote. Dave, you're gay now. Spectacularly gay. Act accordingly, right? Mince a bit, yeah? Now someone find me a woman so we can do this whole equal ops bullshit thing"

What I like about your villains is that they look like villains.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 03, 2014, 09:26:49 PM
You give him too much credit. The man is barely a tea boy for the henchmen. He'll never be a real villain, despite how much he may dream of it.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 03, 2014, 10:03:29 PM
In other dreary UK politics new, The only Lib dem in the home office has resigned about a week after making noise about drugs policy.

And so the depressing spectacle that the lib dems will engineer their election hopes on takes shape. Almosts, if's and minor achievements will dance and beg for a real go at the wheel. Rather unlikely, though desperate people act in desperate ways.

In the meantime, we can all carry on pretending that a change in policy means anything at all in fixing the countless shitty number of wrongs perpetuated daily. Let's all wring hands and write white papers and green papers and all sorts of other fucking colours of papers on the policy stance of wasting fucking paper. Oh, sorry, wrong bill. Drugs policy. Start the procedure again and have an audit about why that happened.

Context:
QuoteBBC political correspondent Iain Watson said Mr Baker had been considering resigning for some time but had been persuaded to stay in post by Mr Clegg.

In his resignation letter to his party leader, Mr Baker said being the only Lib Dem in the Home Office had been "particularly challenging".

He said: "Despite these challenges, I am pleased with what I have been able to achieve, not least to have been the first minister with responsibility for drugs to have put prejudice aside and published an evidence-based approach to this important issue, despite repeated Conservative efforts to block release."

To my knowledge, this is his only "Achievement" and his spine/will to turn up enough to push it though has now left him entirely. In other news, I'll bet you a fiver that you'll never hear about this guy again after this week. I'd probably be safe saying Wednesday.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 04, 2014, 01:13:54 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 03, 2014, 09:26:49 PM
You give him too much credit. The man is barely a tea boy for the henchmen. He'll never be a real villain, despite how much he may dream of it.

Yes, but he LOOKS like one.  Very frog-like.

And isn't that what's really important?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 04, 2014, 03:43:26 PM
Hmm:
http://www.vox.com/2014/11/1/7136343/gamergate-and-the-politicization-of-absolutely-everything

Quote3. In another experiment, Iyengar and Westwood set up a game wherein player one received $10 and could give any amount they wanted to player two. Here, race didn't matter. But political affiliation did. People gave 24 percent more to their fellow partisans than they did when they didn't know anything about the other player.

4. Iyengar and Westwood's conclusion is stark. "Partisans discriminate against opposing partisans, and do so to a degree that exceeds discrimination based on race," they write. Think about that for a moment: at least under certain experimental conditions, our political identities now trump our racial identities.

Some potentially interesting implications, if accurate. The most immediate would be related to election counters and the various fuckups you've seen of this nature. Most poll workers tend to be older or retired and it's not a huge stretch to say that the politics of this demographic tend to run conservative.  It certainly explains a lot about the Florida decisions over the past few years though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 05, 2014, 08:29:03 AM
This is quite likely to be financial fuckery:

http://news.yahoo.com/oil-prices-4-lows-saudi-115049363.html

QuoteOil prices slumped to multi-year lows on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia cut the price of oil sold to the U.S., a move that is shaking an already volatile market but will likely give the world economy an unexpected stimulus.

The 25 percent or so slide in oil prices since the summer could boost consumer spending and business investment in many economies around the world as fuel bills fall.

But not everyone's a winner. Oil producing countries like Russia and Venezuela, which have high extraction costs and whose budgets rely on assumptions of relatively high energy prices, stand to lose out. And lower prices could eventually slow down booming production in the U.S., offsetting the benefit of lower energy costs for consumers and businesses.

QuotePhil Flynn, senior market analyst for the Price Futures Group, said Saudi Arabia's move was directly aimed at those U.S. producers, who have boosted U.S. oil output to the highest level in decades. As a result, U.S. imports of crude oil from Saudi Arabia dropped to 894,000 barrels a day in August, down from 1.3 million barrels a day in the same month a year ago.

Saudi Arabia is "threatened by U.S. oil production and they are acting to try to break the U.S. producers back," Flynn wrote in a daily newsletter to clients.

Optimistic.

QuoteRussia and Venezuela are two countries that are considered particularly vulnerable to a sustained fall in prices as their economies are highly dependent on oil. And because their costs of production are high and baseline budget plans are considered optimistic, analysts say they stand to lose more than, say, the Gulf states.

It's difficult not to see something a little sinister in the background. Saudia Arabia have been fucking with Russia for a while now and this seems like another dig.

QuoteOPEC members are due to meet on Nov. 27 in Vienna, Austria, but investors doubt the cartel will be able to agree to any reduction in production quotas given Saudi Arabia's actions.

It's a minor thing nowadays, but I'm still somewhat dismayed about OPEC actively and openly acting as a cartel with no repercussions. It's another great example of X being bad unless X is done by those with enough power and cash.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 05, 2014, 10:02:49 AM
Called this on FB a while ago:

https://www.facebook.com/cain.aerte/posts/10152820922224393

QuoteMy response to the Saudis deciding to drive down global oil prices?

"Clever girl."

Iran, Iraq and ISIS take a hit in earnings. So does Russia, limiting their support to Syria. Fracking in America becomes less financially tenable, weakening the American position vis-a-vis Riyadh.

Of course, the Saudi treasury will be running at quite a loss doing this...I'm almost tempted to see which wins, between Saudi contempt for the rest of the world, Saudi love of the world's money, or the world's tolerance for Saudi Arabia's blatant bullshit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 05, 2014, 10:43:52 AM
Ah, excellent. Good call that man.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 11, 2014, 02:37:00 PM
Good Article:
http://www.latimes.com/local/great-reads/la-me-c1-unclaimed-dead-20141109-story.html#page=1

QuoteClear shipping tape covers the oversized ledger, holding together the corners. Its 1,000 pages threaten to overwhelm the three large flat-head screws that clamp the spine. Inside, names and dates fill row after row in near-perfect script.

This is the book of the unclaimed dead.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 13, 2014, 01:07:40 PM
Articles where two/three words tell the entire tale 5/222/fff/2C:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-30001656

QuoteA court will decide whether wheelchair users have priority over pushchairs on buses, but how do you decide who is more entitled to the space?

In February 2012, wheelchair user Doug Paulley was not allowed to board a bus in Leeds because the wheelchair space was taken by a pushchair. The mother, not wanting to wake her sleeping baby, refused to move.

Paulley was left with no choice but to get off and wait for the next bus. That one was an hour away, and took him to the wrong side of the city. It was the straw that broke the camel's back. "That day in February resulted in me not using a bus again for a year. I lost all confidence and couldn't face it anymore," he said last year.

But did he have more of a right to the space than a mother not wanting to wake her sleeping child?

The law says he did because disabled people are a "protected group" under the Equality Act 2010.

QuoteBut Claire Muller, a mother who recently had to get off the bus for a wheelchair user, feels as entitled to that space as a wheelchair user. She says that people could end up resenting disabled people. "At the moment you're firstly hoping there's not another pushchair on there, and then at every stop you're hoping there's not a wheelchair user," she says. "It shouldn't be the case, but it is."

Remember Kids, if you feel entitled to something, you should get it. Always. Even at the expense of the disabled.

As a total aside, this is somewhat typical of the UK at large. People feel astonishing levels of entitlement to things that they have no right to in any way, shape or form. As a result you get the Entitlement fight and "who's more important: X or Y group?" The reality is that all of these groups are important and should be working together to get better transportation for all instead of defending their niche interest. Instead we prefer this charming system that pits Mothers against the disabled over an issue that could be very easily fixed for relatively little cost.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 13, 2014, 04:37:20 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 13, 2014, 01:07:40 PM
Articles where two/three words tell the entire tale 5/222/fff/2C:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-30001656

QuoteA court will decide whether wheelchair users have priority over pushchairs on buses, but how do you decide who is more entitled to the space?

In February 2012, wheelchair user Doug Paulley was not allowed to board a bus in Leeds because the wheelchair space was taken by a pushchair. The mother, not wanting to wake her sleeping baby, refused to move.

Paulley was left with no choice but to get off and wait for the next bus. That one was an hour away, and took him to the wrong side of the city. It was the straw that broke the camel's back. "That day in February resulted in me not using a bus again for a year. I lost all confidence and couldn't face it anymore," he said last year.

But did he have more of a right to the space than a mother not wanting to wake her sleeping child?

The law says he did because disabled people are a "protected group" under the Equality Act 2010.

QuoteBut Claire Muller, a mother who recently had to get off the bus for a wheelchair user, feels as entitled to that space as a wheelchair user. She says that people could end up resenting disabled people. "At the moment you're firstly hoping there's not another pushchair on there, and then at every stop you're hoping there's not a wheelchair user," she says. "It shouldn't be the case, but it is."

Remember Kids, if you feel entitled to something, you should get it. Always. Even at the expense of the disabled.

As a total aside, this is somewhat typical of the UK at large. People feel astonishing levels of entitlement to things that they have no right to in any way, shape or form. As a result you get the Entitlement fight and "who's more important: X or Y group?" The reality is that all of these groups are important and should be working together to get better transportation for all instead of defending their niche interest. Instead we prefer this charming system that pits Mothers against the disabled over an issue that could be very easily fixed for relatively little cost.

This is why I don't like other mothers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on November 13, 2014, 06:32:28 PM
QuoteThe reality is that all of these groups talking primates are important and should be working together to get better transportation everything for all instead of defending their niche interest.

Planet Earth, neatly summed up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 13, 2014, 08:15:38 PM
Pretty much, yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 14, 2014, 01:11:26 PM
What the living fuck.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30038753
No, seriously this time.

QuoteDisabled people in Greece are often stigmatised and can struggle to get the support they need. Some disabled children who live in a state-run home are locked up in cages - staff say they want to improve conditions but money is short.

Nine-year-old Jenny stands and rocks backwards and forwards, staring through the bars of a wooden cage.

When the door is unlocked she jumps down on to the stone floor and wraps her arms tightly around the nurse. But a few minutes later she allows herself to be locked back in again without a fuss.

She is used to her cage. It's been her home since she was two years old.


I'd quote more, but it just gets worse. I'm genuinely struggling for words.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 14, 2014, 02:21:44 PM
Not to excuse this or diminish it, but you see this a lot in rural communities of poorer countries - like those of the Mediterranean and the cultures they spawned elsewhere.  In Peru, disfigured kids would often be made to sing for money - usually by older relatives or someone known to the family - in order to elicit sympathy from travellers and the like.  Their living conditions were not much better than cages either.

I suspect it's got a lot to do with the traditional rural values about being able to work on a farm - if you can't, you're seen as worthless.  A more robust welfare system would, in time, alleviate that notion, but I don't have to point out the dire economic conditions of many of these countries...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 14, 2014, 07:54:17 PM
I suggest that we need a "The more you know" image with a suitably horrible background. A crying child perhaps.

I've got nothing else here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 14, 2014, 08:26:55 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 14, 2014, 07:54:17 PM
I suggest that we need a "The more you know" image with a suitably horrible background. A crying child perhaps.

Oh, yeah.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 25, 2014, 12:58:33 AM
SO...

The house has just named Trent Gowdy (again) for the house investigation into Benghazi.  Again.

I'VE HEARD THIS JOKE BEFORE.  Couldn't they get Ken Starr to come out of retirement?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 25, 2014, 12:11:13 PM
Didn't they just release a GOP-led report that said there's nothing there?

Oh, yeah: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/benghazi-report-from-republican-led-house-panel-debunks-allegations/

For fuck's sake, they need to let it go.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 25, 2014, 12:19:35 PM
There was nothing there because Obama's secret Muslims in the State Department took it.  So, obviously, a new investigation is needed into the coverup of this coverup.

Seriously though, notice how no-one is talking about the allegations that Benghazi's CIA annex was used to support Qatari and Turkish attempts to arm Syrian rebels with Libyan weapons?  The suspicion is that the CIA used the State Department's (legit) weapons seizure and destruction program as a cover to acquire weapons which would then be passed onto the aforenamed nation states and end up in the hands of Officially Approved Rebels. 

After Benghazi was hit, the Turks and Qataris had free reign to arm whoever they wanted, since no CIA support meant no CIA oversight meant arms getting into the hands of Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 25, 2014, 12:29:36 PM
That's a lot more damning.

But it doesn't involve Hillary, so fuck it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 25, 2014, 12:55:48 PM
More importantly, it does involve David Petraues, who once upon a time had a bright and starry future as a Republican politician (and may still do, if people forget his affair).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2014, 07:17:41 PM
THANKS A LOT, OBAMA!

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/11/27/scott-stapp-blames-obama-for-money-woes

QuoteHe may have fronted a band in the '90s that sold an upwards of 50 million copies, but Creed frontman Scott Stapp shocked the world yesterday when he announced - via Facebook - that he's broke and homeless living in a Holiday Inn.

"I'm under some kind of pretty vicious attack," he said in a rambling, 15-minute video posted to his Facebook page. "There are people who have taken advantage and stolen money from me, and they're trying to discredit me, slander me...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
I've seen a couple of stories about this, and my conclusion is "meth".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on November 28, 2014, 07:25:13 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
I've seen a couple of stories about this, and my conclusion is "meth".

My conclusion is EVEN GOD HATES CREED.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2014, 08:04:12 PM
My thought was "Poor guy can't catch a break. First his band sucks, and now he's crazy".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2014, 08:05:30 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
I've seen a couple of stories about this, and my conclusion is "meth".

Possibly meth-induced psychosis?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 08:08:32 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2014, 08:05:30 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
I've seen a couple of stories about this, and my conclusion is "meth".

Possibly meth-induced psychosis?

Compare to EBS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hooplala on November 28, 2014, 08:17:03 PM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on November 28, 2014, 07:25:13 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
I've seen a couple of stories about this, and my conclusion is "meth".

My conclusion is EVEN GOD HATES CREED.

This.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2014, 09:13:24 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 08:08:32 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 28, 2014, 08:05:30 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 28, 2014, 07:21:27 PM
I've seen a couple of stories about this, and my conclusion is "meth".

Possibly meth-induced psychosis?

Compare to EBS.

Sounds about right.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: President Television on November 29, 2014, 12:12:16 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/11/christian-branding-agency-seeks-1-million-for-mcmass-project-to-put-mcdonalds-in-churches/

:dream:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 29, 2014, 02:31:44 PM
Quote from: President Television on November 29, 2014, 12:12:16 PM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/11/christian-branding-agency-seeks-1-million-for-mcmass-project-to-put-mcdonalds-in-churches/

:dream:

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: THIS IS AMAZING. This is TOTALLY the future I had in mind!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 29, 2014, 09:08:55 PM
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-woman-charged-with-encouraging-terrorism-on-twitter-9888761.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hooplala on November 29, 2014, 10:09:54 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 29, 2014, 09:08:55 PM
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-woman-charged-with-encouraging-terrorism-on-twitter-9888761.html

No mention of what she actually wrote?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 30, 2014, 03:10:38 AM
Quote from: Hoopla on November 29, 2014, 10:09:54 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 29, 2014, 09:08:55 PM
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-woman-charged-with-encouraging-terrorism-on-twitter-9888761.html

No mention of what she actually wrote?

Nope.

But she got arrested for talking smack on Twitter.

Oh, England.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 30, 2014, 07:26:07 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 30, 2014, 03:10:38 AM
Quote from: Hoopla on November 29, 2014, 10:09:54 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 29, 2014, 09:08:55 PM
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-woman-charged-with-encouraging-terrorism-on-twitter-9888761.html

No mention of what she actually wrote?

Nope.

But she got arrested for talking smack on Twitter.

Oh, England.

Wow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 30, 2014, 08:55:19 AM
Encouraging terrorism...on Twitter, or encouraging terorrism on Twitter?

Because those are two very different things, and at least one of those I could actually get behind. 

By the way, this is from the 2006 Terrorism Act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorism_Act_2006#Part_1_-_Offences).  Our current government is discussing how it wants to strip citizenship from anyone who goes to fight in Syria - regardless of how this is illegal under international law, and ignores the fact quite a few people go to Syria, fight and leave because they are sickened by what they see.  Essentially, they want to criminalise everyone taking part in the fighting (while we nevertheless support militarily and with intelligence many of the groups taking part in the fighting) rather than keep open the possibility that persecuting people might encourage them to throw their lot in with ISIS completely and create a whole class of British speaking jihadis abroad and shut us off from any useful intelligence.

Oh, and they want to put what little is left of the internet that is not already under surveillance under surveillance.  Because this one guy mentioned to another guy on Facebook he wanted to kill some squaddies and then went and chopped a soldier's head off with a machete and despite the government having that guy under surveillance for almost 4 years they didn't actually bother to request Facebook pass on any details about this guy or his communications with known terrorist figures, which means Facebook and, to a lesser extent, the internet, are pro-terrorism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on November 30, 2014, 10:16:14 AM
QuoteOh, and they want to put what little is left of the internet that is not already under surveillance under surveillance.  Because this one guy mentioned to another guy on Facebook he wanted to kill some squaddies and then went and chopped a soldier's head off with a machete and despite the government having that guy under surveillance for almost 4 years they didn't actually bother to request Facebook pass on any details about this guy or his communications with known terrorist figures, which means Facebook and, to a lesser extent, the internet, are pro-terrorism.

It's this fact and others like it that have me convinced the bad guys really are too dumb to win. When it comes to the internet, they really do seem to behave like people who have never even seen the internet, let alone figured out how it works.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on November 30, 2014, 10:22:14 AM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on November 30, 2014, 10:16:14 AM
QuoteOh, and they want to put what little is left of the internet that is not already under surveillance under surveillance.  Because this one guy mentioned to another guy on Facebook he wanted to kill some squaddies and then went and chopped a soldier's head off with a machete and despite the government having that guy under surveillance for almost 4 years they didn't actually bother to request Facebook pass on any details about this guy or his communications with known terrorist figures, which means Facebook and, to a lesser extent, the internet, are pro-terrorism.

It's this fact and others like it that have me convinced the bad guys really are too dumb to win. When it comes to the internet, they really do seem to behave like people who have never even seen the internet, let alone figured out how it works.
Which side is the bad guys again?
Doesn't matter, both sides are too dumb to win. They both seem to be actively trying to lose.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 30, 2014, 10:22:51 AM
They're getting bad advice.

The more GCHQ has to control the internet, the bigger a budget it can demand.  GCHQ also advises the UK government on its internet policy.  There is...something of a conflict of interest there.

Also, the more the government blames Facebook, the less it has to blame its own intelligence officers.  Which, given that the intelligence services can access vast amounts of data now and Members of Parliament have no more protections than the rest of the public (Blair canned the "Wilson Rule")...well, it could end up being bad.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on November 30, 2014, 11:43:38 AM
 I keep going back to the military grade encryption clusterfuck in the early 90's what the US officially said was something along the lines of "using 128bit encryption will be considered as an act of war against murrica" What the hackers heard was "We are really dumb and your simple algorithm that any first year computing student could scribble down on the back of a fag packet scares the living shit out of us"

Now we have vpns, proxy networks (which essentially reiterate the fact that the internet is highly non-geographical in operation) and, just arrived, the blockchain (it's about more than money) and we would appear to be in an arms race. Now, in a physical arms race, very few would argue that the US is the crown heavyweight champion of the galaxy but in cyberspace they're a very small plankton in a very big pond where the sharks outnumber them a couple of million to one.

They're just about capable of putting the squeeze on joe blogs who only uses t'internets for facebook and email but anyone who wants to do harm could very easily muster a "cyber military" capability an order of magnitude more powerful than anything the government could even imagine but, hey, they're government, they have a hardon for governing. They're control freaks with no hope of keeping a lid on the digital theatre.

The problem they face is that, in physical space, if you want to attack or defend against the US, there's logistics involved. How do I get enough guns and bombs and tanks and subs to launch a counter offensive? The anwer is - in my dreams. I want a digital nuke, however? Much more straightforward. If there isn't anything decent on darknet, I can always write one. And that is true of 3 billion or so other primates.

For some reason they seem determined to start this fight, tho. Hell mend them. They're bringing a massive network of surveillance vectors into play. Once deployed these surveillance vectors are belong to us. Same with their drones. If they lose a gun in battle, it's no biggie. One bad guy gets a gun. They lose an algorithm? Everyone gets a copy :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 30, 2014, 12:07:50 PM
I think you severely underestimate the NSA's capabilities.

The US Senate doesn't understand this shit.  No surprises there - the average age of a Senator is somewhere in the high 60s.  My grandma didn't understand the internet either.

The NSA, on the other hand does.  And it has access to the full black budget of the United States military to develop whatever code it wants, along with the legal backing to implement - into law - restrictions which undermine overall internet security, weaken protocols and turn the internet into a giant surveillance tool.  Even better - because those in charge don't understand their work, they can do pretty much whatever they want.

Sorry, but a bunch of hackers on the net aren't shit compared to that.  Most audacious hack of the 21st century?  Stunext.  Almost certainly a joint Israeli-American operation.  I haven't seen a non-state actor come close to that.  I haven't exactly seen hackers do much more than (in one notable case) force a surveillance UAV to land.  Big whoop.  Call me when someone actually takes control of a Predator drone.  I don't expect that to happen anytime soon.

The US is also aggressively hacking China, and it has been for the last decade.  If it's hacking China, it's probably hacking everyone else.  China's own cyberwarfare division gets a of press, mostly because delusional western journalists see its hand in every single hack which appears to come from a Chinese IP, but they are actually fairly technically adept and well funded.  And they can't defend against the NSA.

It aint the 1990s anymore.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 01, 2014, 04:45:30 AM
:himeobs:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on December 02, 2014, 07:03:05 AM
So this is super late but randomly clicking around the Guardian website over coffee this morning...

Seventeen per cent of those questioned, meanwhile, said they would be prepared to "have sex with an android", though 41% thought the notion was "creepy" and a further 14% said robots should not be used in this way. (http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/06/third-of-britons-fear-rise-of-robots-poll)

(http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/Smileys/default/dream.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 02, 2014, 07:58:13 AM
Cramulus was responsible for at least 56% of those poll results, I'm sure of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 02, 2014, 03:34:58 PM
More lulz from the Satanists. (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/satanists-want-to-use-hobby-lobby-decision-to-exempt-women-from-anti-abortion-laws/#.VHl6lJYqd85.facebook)

QuoteIn a statement, the Satanic Temple said that it will use the Supreme Court's recent Hobby Lobby decision to exempt its believers from state-mandated informed consent laws that require women considering abortions to read pro-life material.

Because the Satanic Temple bases its belief "regarding personal health...on the best scientific understanding of the world, regardless of the religious or political beliefs of others," it claims that state-mandated information with no basis in scientific fact violates its "religious" beliefs.

The Satanic Temple set up a website where women seeking an abortion can print out a letter for her healthcare provider explaining why she is exempt from informed consent mandates.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 02, 2014, 03:37:31 PM
The Satanic Temple has been doing some good work lately.

Shame it's still mostly populated by jaded libertarians and neo-Nazi scum.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 02, 2014, 03:39:23 PM
Yeah.  Just goes to show, Consequentialism occasionally has its merits.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on December 03, 2014, 01:56:00 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/gun-nut-yells-at-cops-conducting-dui-checkpoint-later-hit-by-drunk-driver-on-way-home/
(http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/gun-nut-yells-at-cops-conducting-dui-checkpoint-later-hit-by-drunk-driver-on-way-home/)
So beautiful it includes a trilby.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 03, 2014, 02:56:20 AM
That guy's irony meter is 100% broken.  :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 03, 2014, 08:06:50 PM
Here's yet another obvious example of BBC bullshittery and why you need to watch that slimy little bastard Boris.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30308697

Link headline:
QuoteBoris Johnson 'calms drunk passenger' on Heathrow flight

First line:
QuoteLondon mayor Boris Johnson attempted to calm down a "drunk" passenger on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Heathrow.

So it's already misleading. And indicates failure.

Third line:
QuoteA witness said after several attempts to calm him down, six cabin staff handcuffed him, tied his legs and then strapped him in his seat.

"Several attempts" suggests he tried a lot. Then six other people were required because he failed.

Fourth line:
QuoteAfter he continued to shout, the mayor warned him he would be arrested when the plane landed in London.

So the story is now "man stated obvious thing in public" with no embelishement at all of any further interactions between them.

Fifth line:
QuoteMr Johnson had been posing for pictures with fellow passengers, including the man who was later restrained.

My mistake. He's had previous interactions as part of his ongoing PR campaign. This totally counts as being involved.

Slightly further, and I can't be arsed now:

QuoteMr Oakes said: "The crew took him down the plane and spent an hour or so calming him down.

"He returned to his seat and the whole cabin were nervous. He started ranting.

"They warned him three times and yet he was aggressive... At this point 6 crew pinned him down, cuffed him, tied his legs and strapped him in a seat.

"The man calmed down and started to sober up. However he was still belligerent and at one point rolled down the aisle with his hands in cuffs.

"The mayor laughed the incident off and congratulated the crew for their work, which was excellent."

So where exactly in all of this was Boris? Well from that he was doing fuck all. And yet this will get spun for days on end.

Are you shitting yourselves with anger and fear yet? Look at how you get serious  political power in the UK now and you should be. This jar of shit has built a career on doing less than fucking nothing with the odd photo op. For reference see the "Boris get your broom" shit after the london riots and how him holding a broom for 2 mins was played out for everything it was worth a a bit more.

There's going to be a tale about Cameron and a drunk diver in some way before the new year, I can just fucking smell it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 03, 2014, 08:25:54 PM
Quote from: Trivial on December 03, 2014, 01:56:00 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/gun-nut-yells-at-cops-conducting-dui-checkpoint-later-hit-by-drunk-driver-on-way-home/
(http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/gun-nut-yells-at-cops-conducting-dui-checkpoint-later-hit-by-drunk-driver-on-way-home/)
So beautiful it includes a trilby.

:lulz:


QuoteWatkins lashed out at his critics who pointed out the layers of irony in the incident.

"I see a few sick I individuals taken time to think this is a joke or it's funny that the cops helped me," Watkins said. "Let me say this. I am happy the police showed up to catch him but I'm trying to figure out where they helped me any..... Was it the part where they showed up 15 minutes after the crime or was it when they wrote me a 300$ ticket after my car was totaled?"

"Any sick f*ck that thinks this is the time to crack irony jokes can go the hell away," Watkins continued. "I'm lucky to be alive. There are some sick people that try to take a situation and spin it to fit their beliefs when they don't know crap. Some sick people .... Mother f*cker almost dies and people are joking about it. Disgusting."

Wow. That's probably the funniest thing this guy will ever say and he'll never get the joke.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: hooplala on December 03, 2014, 08:27:07 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 03, 2014, 08:25:54 PM
Quote from: Trivial on December 03, 2014, 01:56:00 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/gun-nut-yells-at-cops-conducting-dui-checkpoint-later-hit-by-drunk-driver-on-way-home/
(http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/gun-nut-yells-at-cops-conducting-dui-checkpoint-later-hit-by-drunk-driver-on-way-home/)
So beautiful it includes a trilby.

:lulz:


QuoteWatkins lashed out at his critics who pointed out the layers of irony in the incident.

"I see a few sick I individuals taken time to think this is a joke or it's funny that the cops helped me," Watkins said. "Let me say this. I am happy the police showed up to catch him but I'm trying to figure out where they helped me any..... Was it the part where they showed up 15 minutes after the crime or was it when they wrote me a 300$ ticket after my car was totaled?"

"Any sick f*ck that thinks this is the time to crack irony jokes can go the hell away," Watkins continued. "I'm lucky to be alive. There are some sick people that try to take a situation and spin it to fit their beliefs when they don't know crap. Some sick people .... Mother f*cker almost dies and people are joking about it. Disgusting."

Wow. That's probably the funniest thing this guy will ever say and he'll never get the joke.

The human mind proves the universe has a sense of humor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on December 04, 2014, 06:29:53 AM
This is simultaneously the best and worst thing ever - as ways to protest against obscenity laws it is great, just sad that she's been arrested!

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/japanese-vagina-kayak-artist-arrested-again-obscenity

Quote from: The GuardianA Japanese artist who made a kayak modelled on her own vagina has been arrested again in a case that has sparked accusations of censorship.

"I don't believe my vagina is anything obscene," Igarashi said in a press conference in July after her release, adding: "I was determined I would never yield to police power."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 05, 2014, 05:28:53 AM
Dude.

Vagina kayak would make a great band name.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 05, 2014, 08:21:01 AM
Never Yield to Police Power could be their first album's name.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on December 05, 2014, 08:45:28 AM
Not gonna lie, I was half-asleep when I saw the headline and at first I thought the artist's name was Vagina Kayak.

I wish I'd seen that kickstarter though. The world needs more genital-based modes of transport :(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on December 05, 2014, 10:44:19 AM
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/04/tony-blair-defends-business-dealings-cites-henry-kissinger-role-model

The Guardian and Vanity Fair seem to be playing up the wealth/Henry Kissinger angles. What I found interesting was the statement that he feels he understands the Middle East far better now than he did when he was PM - without the intelligence services and foreign office getting in the way.

He'll never admit he was wrong, of course, but it is as close to an admission that he was getting told what they felt he wanted to hear as I can see us getting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 09, 2014, 08:11:50 AM
Hey, so do you think this means (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30383924#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa) the CIA now counts as an ongoing security risk to the USA?

QuoteSecurity has been stepped up at US facilities around the world ahead of the release of a report expected to reveal details of harsh CIA interrogations, the White House says.

Embassies and other sites were taking precautions amid "some indications" of "greater risk", a spokesman said.

A 480-page summary of the Senate report is due to be released on Tuesday.

It is expected to detail the CIA's campaign against al-Qaeda in the aftermath of 9/11.

As well as detailing the controversial methods used by CIA operatives in an effort to extract information from high-value suspects, the report is expected to say harsh interrogations failed to deliver appropriate results.

Also, I am so surprised.  Torture is not only a moral abomination, but one that doesn't even work very well?  It's not ALL OF RECORDED HISTORY has taught us this.

Though I do wonder if at least some of the torture was intended to make testimony from key Al-Qaeda figures both unreliable and not admissable in court (Riyadh must be protected at all costs, after all).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 09, 2014, 12:49:48 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 09, 2014, 08:11:50 AM
Hey, so do you think this means (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30383924#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa) the CIA now counts as an ongoing security risk to the USA?

I must remember this when I go on FaceBook next.  Brilliant.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 09, 2014, 05:06:16 PM
Incidentally, it appears that at some point, someone thought it would be a good idea to shove hummus up a suspect's ass.



Oh look -- there goes another bit of my respect for humanity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 09, 2014, 05:25:11 PM
Are you having a good day?

If so, don't click this. (http://www.vox.com/2014/12/9/7360823/cia-torture-roundup)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 09, 2014, 10:14:11 PM
Further examples of the shamelessness of UK media outlets.

Major stories lately could include such thing as:

More massive hacks at Sony, to the point where it's looking like "Everything's gone. EVERYTHING". Emails, full details of employees, management, customers, the lot. Early releases apparently include details of exec's pay. I hear it's considerable, particularly considering how well Sony have been doing of late.

Indications that "Everything's gone" include films due to be released in 2015 appearing on torrent sites. Not one or two, we're talking at least 5. DVD screener quality.


Obviously totally unrelated to this, Various torrent sites are currently offline with rumours abound of the Pirate bay being raided (again) and shut down (again).


Yet most places, no mention of either, at all. Almost as if it's not worth mentioning. Depressingly, Sony losing all their shit really isn't. It's more the scale (and distribution) of loss and the highly co-incidental timings that I'm looking at here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on December 10, 2014, 02:24:57 AM
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/senate-torture-report-public-opinion/

QuoteData shows that popular opinion on the use of torture by the U.S. government has subtly shifted since 2004, when Pew Research Center began polling Americans on the subject. Pew asked whether torture used against suspected terrorists to gain important information is justified, finding a majority of respondents (53 percent) said torture could never or only rarely be justified. But over the next five years, public opinion slowly reversed.

:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 10, 2014, 03:45:13 PM
Nothing unusual here either:

http://torrentfreak.com/kim-dotcom-is-not-a-fugitive-court-hears-141209/

QuoteThe U.S. claims that these assets were obtained through criminal activities. In a recent motion to strike the DoJ added that Kim Dotcom and his fellow defendants have no right to oppose the forfeiture request as they are fugitives.

"Claimants Bram van der Kolk, Finn Batato, Julius Bencko, Kim Dotcom, Mathias Ortmann, and Sven Echternach, are deliberately avoiding prosecution by declining to enter the United States where the criminal case is pending," U.S. Attorney Dana Boente noted.

Yesterday evening Megaupload's legal team filed a response to the Government's motion, noting that the U.S. heavily distorts the "fugitive" status concept.

No shit.

Quote"These Claimants never fled the United States to evade prosecution. To the contrary, they remain precisely where they have long been residing and carrying out the very business enterprise that the Government characterizes as criminal—in New Zealand."

So it seems that the US stance is now on the lines of "If we say you're wanted for X and don't turn up to defend yourself(get punished) then you're super guilty".

The potential implications here are quite amusing, Mainly as this was driven by the MPAA. So realistically, we could be hearing about fugitives from the US government worldwide quite soon. There's a fairly strong chance that this number is actually larger than the current population of the USA.

I'll say one thing for it, it's a ballsy way to try and implement a prison pipeline. I can only assume that "fugitives" who end up in the USA will get charged (as in billed. Ignore the "criminal" thing) for everything and anything you can name. Bed, board, heating and light in the jail cell for sure, flights and any transport costs as well.

QuoteIf the court decides to move forward, Megaupload's legal team want the "fugitives" claim to be converted to a request for summary judgment. This would allow them to conduct discovery and find out what role the MPAA played in the criminal investigation. (Junkie note - It's a large one. A very large one)

Shortly before the investigation began the MPAA hired former Assistant Attorney General, Cybele Daley, for lobbying purposes. Daley had a budget of over $1 million a year to lobby attorneys at the Department of Justice, and Megaupload's lawyers want to find out where the U.S. was overreaching.

And so we again see the hand of lobbyists fucking about. Here's the odd thing though, a budget of that size is fuck all in lobbying terms. A cynical man might think that this is the stated budget and the black budget for bribes, corruption, corporate gifts, sponsorship and all the other ways you can do dodgy business must be involved here. I'd put good money on Daley not being able to withstand serious scrutiny of his finances and activities.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 11, 2014, 08:40:19 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 09, 2014, 05:25:11 PM
Are you having a good day?

If so, don't click this. (http://www.vox.com/2014/12/9/7360823/cia-torture-roundup)

But how can that be?  Torture is AWESOME (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/fox-melts-down-after-torture-report-the-united-states-of-america-is-awesome-we-are-awesome/).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on December 11, 2014, 10:46:15 AM
Do we have a best guess at the percentage of the US population whose brains are dictated by Fox news?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 11, 2014, 10:52:15 AM
Probably 20-30 (http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Crazification_factor)%.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on December 11, 2014, 11:14:22 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 09, 2014, 10:14:11 PM
Further examples of the shamelessness of UK media outlets.

Major stories lately could include such thing as:

More massive hacks at Sony, to the point where it's looking like "Everything's gone. EVERYTHING". Emails, full details of employees, management, customers, the lot. Early releases apparently include details of exec's pay. I hear it's considerable, particularly considering how well Sony have been doing of late.

Indications that "Everything's gone" include films due to be released in 2015 appearing on torrent sites. Not one or two, we're talking at least 5. DVD screener quality.


Obviously totally unrelated to this, Various torrent sites are currently offline with rumours abound of the Pirate bay being raided (again) and shut down (again).


Yet most places, no mention of either, at all. Almost as if it's not worth mentioning. Depressingly, Sony losing all their shit really isn't. It's more the scale (and distribution) of loss and the highly co-incidental timings that I'm looking at here.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30189029
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 11, 2014, 12:51:59 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 11, 2014, 08:40:19 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on December 09, 2014, 05:25:11 PM
Are you having a good day?

If so, don't click this. (http://www.vox.com/2014/12/9/7360823/cia-torture-roundup)

But how can that be?  Torture is AWESOME (http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/12/fox-melts-down-after-torture-report-the-united-states-of-america-is-awesome-we-are-awesome/).

:tgrr:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 11, 2014, 02:15:52 PM
Quote from: MMIX on December 11, 2014, 11:14:22 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 09, 2014, 10:14:11 PM
Further examples of the shamelessness of UK media outlets.

Major stories lately could include such thing as:

More massive hacks at Sony, to the point where it's looking like "Everything's gone. EVERYTHING". Emails, full details of employees, management, customers, the lot. Early releases apparently include details of exec's pay. I hear it's considerable, particularly considering how well Sony have been doing of late.

Indications that "Everything's gone" include films due to be released in 2015 appearing on torrent sites. Not one or two, we're talking at least 5. DVD screener quality.


Obviously totally unrelated to this, Various torrent sites are currently offline with rumours abound of the Pirate bay being raided (again) and shut down (again).


Yet most places, no mention of either, at all. Almost as if it's not worth mentioning. Depressingly, Sony losing all their shit really isn't. It's more the scale (and distribution) of loss and the highly co-incidental timings that I'm looking at here.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30189029

Comment withdrawn where appropriate in light of crappy google fu.

Still, I say the timing is odd to say the least.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on December 11, 2014, 03:49:42 PM
Yeah, its weird. It was big news then it was gone. I checked the Beeb website because I knew I had seen this break initially, probably in the middle of the night when I was watching the BBC news channel at obscure o'clock. Then I got to thinking. Seems to me [though I could easily be wrong] that news is only "News" when the bodies are still buried, the plane is still missing, the kidnapped girls are still being sought for. Nope, scratch that, the plane is still missing and the schoolgirls are still missing, and gthe "News" is never going to tell you where the bodies are buried.

I got nothing
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on December 12, 2014, 11:53:24 AM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on December 10, 2014, 02:24:57 AM
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/senate-torture-report-public-opinion/

QuoteData shows that popular opinion on the use of torture by the U.S. government has subtly shifted since 2004, when Pew Research Center began polling Americans on the subject. Pew asked whether torture used against suspected terrorists to gain important information is justified, finding a majority of respondents (53 percent) said torture could never or only rarely be justified. But over the next five years, public opinion slowly reversed.

:horrormirth:

I've avoided talking to my dad about this because I figured I could guess his views. I was right. Last night he said 'Everyone knew they were torturing these people. Why does it matter how they were doing it?'

The thing is, the more I've thought about it the more I can see his point.

Everyone HAS known for a long time that America has been torturing and killing with impunity. I suppose there's the issue of the CIA lying about the extent of it and how useful it was... but in the grand scheme of things those don't matter. Would it have made it more acceptable if they'd just been brazen about it?

If you accept a little torture for the right reasons, you have already stopped seeing the victim as human, so it matters very little what else is done to them. And the right wing have been working hard for years to justify that 'little torture'. It works for Jack Baur, right?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on December 12, 2014, 12:25:10 PM
Its not just America, though. I don't believe for a minute that British hands are clean. The "Free World" seems to be guilt-free when it comes to torture etc, etc.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on December 12, 2014, 12:30:15 PM
Quote from: MMIX on December 12, 2014, 12:25:10 PM
Its not just America, though. I don't believe for a minute that British hands are clean. The "Free World" seems to be guilt-free when it comes to torture etc, etc.

I'd be surprised if we actually did any torturing directly, but it wasn't even a secret that we handed people over, was it? Everyone knows we've been doing that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on December 12, 2014, 01:51:59 PM
The implication that "Indirect torture is ok" seems to be an outrageous use of language along the lines of "Extraordinary rendition". If you knowingly and complicitly hand a gun to someone then, in my book, you are as culpable as the guy who pulls the trigger. YMMV but the victim is still shot/tortured/whatever.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on December 12, 2014, 05:31:54 PM
I'm kinda thinking that from a government who are blowing the piss out of schoolchildren with robots, beating or assfucking a few punters to death hardly even registers on the outrage factor. Is this a publicity stunt or some shit? Look, our crimes against humanity are limited to a couple of hundred people. We're not really that evil after all.  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 12, 2014, 05:56:32 PM
One follows the other.  If a nation will torture people, it will do anything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on December 12, 2014, 07:53:40 PM
That's my point, tho. They've already done pretty much everything. Now there's mass outrage cos they did a minor one. Yes - I'm saying torture is lesser than murdering little kids. I suppose that's debatable, tho. Maybe
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 12, 2014, 09:17:59 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on December 12, 2014, 07:53:40 PM
That's my point, tho. They've already done pretty much everything. Now there's mass outrage cos they did a minor one. Yes - I'm saying torture is lesser than murdering little kids. I suppose that's debatable, tho. Maybe

There comes a point where there's no point assigning relative values.

We passed that point in mid-2003.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on December 12, 2014, 09:32:48 PM
Troof. Now, a decade and change later, it seems kinda like the outrage is - after the horse has bolted. Coupled with the fact that a significant number aren't outraged. They're justifying it. Humanity is sick. We have social cancer. I knew this but was happily ignoring the fact. Hiding it behind a vague hatred of our species. I'm pissed as a motherfucker that this latest in a long line of atrocity is kinda ramming the point home. Fuck this report!  :argh!:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on December 13, 2014, 06:31:08 PM
This makes me want to re-read Men Who Stare at Goats. The author suspected that the Abu Ghraib photos were some kind of psy-op(Why else would you take pictures?). His theory that it was to show future detainees, but now I wonder if having them plastered all over the news wasnt the point all along.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 13, 2014, 09:54:21 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 11, 2014, 02:15:52 PM
Quote from: MMIX on December 11, 2014, 11:14:22 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 09, 2014, 10:14:11 PM
Further examples of the shamelessness of UK media outlets.

Major stories lately could include such thing as:

More massive hacks at Sony, to the point where it's looking like "Everything's gone. EVERYTHING". Emails, full details of employees, management, customers, the lot. Early releases apparently include details of exec's pay. I hear it's considerable, particularly considering how well Sony have been doing of late.

Indications that "Everything's gone" include films due to be released in 2015 appearing on torrent sites. Not one or two, we're talking at least 5. DVD screener quality.


Obviously totally unrelated to this, Various torrent sites are currently offline with rumours abound of the Pirate bay being raided (again) and shut down (again).


Yet most places, no mention of either, at all. Almost as if it's not worth mentioning. Depressingly, Sony losing all their shit really isn't. It's more the scale (and distribution) of loss and the highly co-incidental timings that I'm looking at here.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30189029

Comment withdrawn where appropriate in light of crappy google fu.

Still, I say the timing is odd to say the least.

Business Insider is still tracking some of the fallout. Then there's the: a Sony exec calls Angelina Jolie 'a minimally talented spoiled brat.' story...

http://www.businessinsider.com/sony-execs-email-inboxes-leaked-hackers-2014-12
https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/angelina-jolie-awkward-run-in-with-amy-pascal-in-wake-of-sony-hacking-scandal-191302798.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on December 14, 2014, 03:54:15 AM
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/e5cb0fbc0948c6344392c052b4b2aa19/tumblr_ne6mh7ty981tsf68ao1_400.gif)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on December 14, 2014, 11:24:03 AM
Quote from: Trivial on December 14, 2014, 03:54:15 AM
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/e5cb0fbc0948c6344392c052b4b2aa19/tumblr_ne6mh7ty981tsf68ao1_400.gif)
LOL I could watch that all day long
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 14, 2014, 03:19:09 PM
I'm just waiting for the day when people strap cartons of eggs to themselves and rush politcal conventions, election announcements etc.

The day of the egg-jihadis will come.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on December 23, 2014, 07:05:47 AM
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/22/george-rr-martin-the-interview-sony-pictures-hack-north-korea

QuoteGeorge RR Martin offers to screen The Interview at his own cinema

Game of Thrones author volunteers his Jean Cocteau cinema in Santa Fe for a screening, after 'stunning display of corporate cowardice' from Sony and cinema chains

George R.R. Martin steps up out of principle and - I presume - his earnest love of pissing as many people off as he possibly can.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on December 23, 2014, 08:18:54 AM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on December 12, 2014, 11:53:24 AM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on December 10, 2014, 02:24:57 AM
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/senate-torture-report-public-opinion/

QuoteData shows that popular opinion on the use of torture by the U.S. government has subtly shifted since 2004, when Pew Research Center began polling Americans on the subject. Pew asked whether torture used against suspected terrorists to gain important information is justified, finding a majority of respondents (53 percent) said torture could never or only rarely be justified. But over the next five years, public opinion slowly reversed.

:horrormirth:

I've avoided talking to my dad about this because I figured I could guess his views. I was right. Last night he said 'Everyone knew they were torturing these people. Why does it matter how they were doing it?'

The thing is, the more I've thought about it the more I can see his point.

Everyone HAS known for a long time that America has been torturing and killing with impunity. I suppose there's the issue of the CIA lying about the extent of it and how useful it was... but in the grand scheme of things those don't matter. Would it have made it more acceptable if they'd just been brazen about it?

If you accept a little torture for the right reasons, you have already stopped seeing the victim as human, so it matters very little what else is done to them. And the right wing have been working hard for years to justify that 'little torture'. It works for Jack Baur, right?
That's why all the sordid physical details are only foils for the real, psychological agenda.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on December 29, 2014, 08:46:05 PM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on December 23, 2014, 07:05:47 AM
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/22/george-rr-martin-the-interview-sony-pictures-hack-north-korea

QuoteGeorge RR Martin offers to screen The Interview at his own cinema

Game of Thrones author volunteers his Jean Cocteau cinema in Santa Fe for a screening, after 'stunning display of corporate cowardice' from Sony and cinema chains

George R.R. Martin steps up out of principle and - I presume - his earnest love of pissing as many people off as he possibly can.
This made me smile, GRR Martin is a good man.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 30, 2014, 12:50:28 AM
Quote from: Reginald Ret (07/05/1983 - 06/11/2014) on December 29, 2014, 08:46:05 PM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on December 23, 2014, 07:05:47 AM
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/22/george-rr-martin-the-interview-sony-pictures-hack-north-korea

QuoteGeorge RR Martin offers to screen The Interview at his own cinema

Game of Thrones author volunteers his Jean Cocteau cinema in Santa Fe for a screening, after 'stunning display of corporate cowardice' from Sony and cinema chains

George R.R. Martin steps up out of principle and - I presume - his earnest love of pissing as many people off as he possibly can.
This made me smile, GRR Martin is a good man.

Strongly debatable. I would suggest it's more likely that he's seen the same gigantic cash cow other independent cinemas have and is looking for a quick buck with a superior moral attitude.

ETA - Also, I have no idea why but this stinks to high hell. It's quite likely to be a shitty film, everyone involved is simply terrible. A cynical man might think this some kind of cunning marketing ploy. It's apparently had no marketing budget (Hear of it before this shit? No? Point made. A film's marketing budget is typically around 1/3 of the total production cost. Think of how much Marvel/Disney advertising shit you see for these "hits" to happen. Enough money is thrown at it to make sure it will not fail. Films that don't, particularly shit like this, you don't spend that cash and you get your standard "commercial flops".) It might not be enough to make it a success, but I bet all this shit means that it at least breaks even.

In other news, I'm advertising all future ventures as North Korea approved/unapproved as appropriate.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 30, 2014, 02:41:39 AM
I heard that it was completely terrible.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 30, 2014, 02:43:20 PM
Not surprising, given who is in it.

Personally, I like all the moral posturing.  "So Brave" doesn't even begin to cover it.  Would Hollywood make a film about assassinating any other head of state, ever?  Nope.  They only do it because North Korean dollars don't matter....look how quickly studios bend over to appease China for many examples.  And then they turn around and act like scared children because "North Korean" haxx0rs might somehow blow up cinemas, through the power of Internet Magic.  The whole thing's a farce, so it's no wonder Martin is sticking his oar in.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on December 31, 2014, 10:18:20 PM
I found it a terrible spy movie. I found it a HILARIOUS take on how far the intelligence community has infiltrated Hollywood.

I mean, "the North-Korea guy" from RAND was having 3rd party communications with DoD officials (through the producer) about "the ending", knowing the film would eventually get to NK and the politics of showing a living head of state die onscreen at the hands of American entertainers. Part of these conversations ended up forcing Rogan to bargain with reducing the imaginary CG burn marks on Un's face ("We have removed 3 of the 4 burn marks and reduced the overall flesh burning... is this acceptable?") in order to actually show him die in the way the script intended.

I found a lot of the film to be parallel jokes on exactly this kind of shit. Bu no, it did not live up to the hype generated by the surrounding spectacle.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 02, 2015, 07:51:21 AM
I dunno, it doesn't seem very important other than being apparently a not very good movie? why is it getting more attention than Team America?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 02, 2015, 12:29:47 PM
So maybe this is America's last opportunity to take down China before their "Superpower" status is demoted to "third world shithole"? Maybe NK could provide the in?

So, surprise surprise, there are digital WMD's hidden somewhere... somewhere... something... TERRURISM!! CYBER-TERRURISM (The scary kind - it could harm your Facebook!)

It's been proven that the US public don't specifically require a coherent narrative to buy in, so why go to all the trouble?

Newsflash: Brown people are no longer badwrong. Oceania has always been at war with yellow people.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on January 08, 2015, 03:14:22 AM
Been holding on to these for a while hoping to eventually drop them here.
Today is eventually day.


http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/31/7135639/slack-is-now-the-fastest-growing-workplace-software-ever

http://www.businessinsider.com/slack-ceo-explains-11-billion-valuation-2014-10

http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/tiny-speck

Not news, but their website has some interesting info as well
https://slack.com/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 08, 2015, 05:23:43 AM
"So, I'm not, like, apologising for murder or anything.  But those cartoonists in France...totally asking for it, amirite?"

Reasons why Cain avoids Twitter #347
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 08, 2015, 06:29:29 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 08, 2015, 05:23:43 AM
"So, I'm not, like, apologising for murder or anything.  But those cartoonists in France...totally asking for it, amirite?"

Reasons why Cain avoids Twitter #347

Why would cartoonists be asking for it? What did they do?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 08, 2015, 07:14:22 AM
Made fun of Islam in general and Omar al-Baghdadi in particular.  So, according to the edgy and contrarian Twitter masses, they were totally asking for it.

I mean yeah, it's kinda douchebaggy, that output.  But if douchebaggery were punishable by death...well, people being contrarian, victim-blaming twats on Twitter while there's still blood being washed out of the offices of Charlie Hebdo would rank somewhat higher on the list than Charlie Hebdo themselves.  And violent, Islamist extremists would dwarf both by comparison.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on January 08, 2015, 10:24:36 AM
Thought this was interesting: http://www.theguardian.com/global/2015/jan/07/life-after-a-viral-nightmare-ecce-homo-to-revenge-porn

A while ago I wrote about being nervous over the internet's long memory and how easy it is to accidentally screw yourself up forever- or be a victim of random chance turned into a meme. It is nice to see that this isn't always totally awful, but I'm still not sure it is worth attaching your face/name to social media...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 08, 2015, 04:09:00 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 08, 2015, 07:14:22 AM
Made fun of Islam in general and Omar al-Baghdadi in particular.  So, according to the edgy and contrarian Twitter masses, they were totally asking for it.

I mean yeah, it's kinda douchebaggy, that output.  But if douchebaggery were punishable by death...well, people being contrarian, victim-blaming twats on Twitter while there's still blood being washed out of the offices of Charlie Hebdo would rank somewhat higher on the list than Charlie Hebdo themselves.  And violent, Islamist extremists would dwarf both by comparison.

Right? Who's the biggest douchebag, here?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 08, 2015, 04:15:53 PM
I'm seeing quite a lot of people who raise a hue and cry against slut shaming rape victims, and are now saying that the dead journalists were "asking for it."


#CorpseShaming


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 08, 2015, 04:18:03 PM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on January 08, 2015, 10:24:36 AM
Thought this was interesting: http://www.theguardian.com/global/2015/jan/07/life-after-a-viral-nightmare-ecce-homo-to-revenge-porn

A while ago I wrote about being nervous over the internet's long memory and how easy it is to accidentally screw yourself up forever- or be a victim of random chance turned into a meme. It is nice to see that this isn't always totally awful, but I'm still not sure it is worth attaching your face/name to social media...

That is really interesting. I don't really have a solution, because anything you say could be taken out of context or used against you socially, whether it's in an email or on Twitter, or in the case of the Target bagboy, even just a sneak snapshot taken while you're minding your own business. I'm hoping that our culture will get more moderate as it matures alongside instant communication.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 08, 2015, 04:18:25 PM
I don't Twitter, though. Twitter fucking scares me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 08, 2015, 04:46:46 PM
Twitter is basically tumblr for hyperactive people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 08, 2015, 06:16:49 PM
Yeah, technological innovation always seems to lead ethical maturation to use said innovations in a responsible manner, unfortunately. 

And yes, Twitter is fucking horrific.  I had to use Twitter, with my previous writing job.  I'd get screaming nutjobs sending death threats to me for being too pro-Israeli and too anti-Israeli.  I'd get people using the fact I used a different translation standard from the one they used to suggest I know absolutely nothing about the topic in hand, despite the multiple footnotes from a wide variety of sources.  I'd get called a "colonialist neoimperialist" for objecting to people killing people overseas, and threats of being doxxed and blacklisted.

And this was all just in response to a single article, theorising how a collapse in Hamas' infrastructure and popular support might play out in the long term.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 08, 2015, 07:23:49 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 08, 2015, 06:16:49 PM
Yeah, technological innovation always seems to lead ethical maturation to use said innovations in a responsible manner, unfortunately. 

And yes, Twitter is fucking horrific.  I had to use Twitter, with my previous writing job.  I'd get screaming nutjobs sending death threats to me for being too pro-Israeli and too anti-Israeli.  I'd get people using the fact I used a different translation standard from the one they used to suggest I know absolutely nothing about the topic in hand, despite the multiple footnotes from a wide variety of sources.  I'd get called a "colonialist neoimperialist" for objecting to people killing people overseas, and threats of being doxxed and blacklisted.

And this was all just in response to a single article, theorising how a collapse in Hamas' infrastructure and popular support might play out in the long term.

I once wrote on a political board, several years ago, that Israel led with its chin last time they invaded Lebanon, and got their asses kicked because they went ahead and did what their enemies expected them to do. 

I was immediately shat on by everyone on both sides for my "political view".  ONE (1) guy spoke up and told both sides "he isn't siding with anyone, he's just describing what actually happened."  Then HE got shat on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 08, 2015, 07:38:47 PM
The subject does make people pretty retarded on its own, I wont lie.  But this was special sauce crazy...and I was asked not to write about Israel/Palestine again, which I was more than OK with.  It's a dumb conflict anyway.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 08, 2015, 08:08:31 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 08, 2015, 07:38:47 PM
The subject does make people pretty retarded on its own, I wont lie.  But this was special sauce crazy...and I was asked not to write about Israel/Palestine again, which I was more than OK with.  It's a dumb conflict anyway.

Well, it's also like watching a trainwreck on infinite loop.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 08, 2015, 08:16:02 PM
Which is also, incidentally, a great description of pretty much any "Twitter storm" that occurs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on January 12, 2015, 04:50:26 PM
This (http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/12/aziz-ansari-rupert-murdoch-tweet) really made me smile and is a great counterpoint to the people demanding that 'the muslim community' do something about the terrorists.

QuoteTaking Murdoch's logic to a knowingly absurd conclusion, he also wrote: ".@rupertmurdoch is Christian just like Mark David Chapman who shot John Lennon. Why didn't Rupert stop it? #RupertsFault", and ".@rupertmurdoch is responsible for all pedophilia committed by anyone Catholic. @rupertmurdoch why are you pro-pedophile :(".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 12, 2015, 05:45:14 PM
Given a Muslim police officer was killed trying to stop the attackers, I rather think the Muslim community did do something to try and stop the killers.  Given French intelligence knew who the attackers were, before the attack (from intelligence that must have, ultimately originated from the French Muslim community)....

Etc etc.

This bizarre need to make Muslims abase themselves and perform for the amusement and edification of media blowhards is pretty hard to understand.

Or maybe not.  I mean, Twitter and tumblr does the same thing all the time.  Only people actually call them out on being lunatics when they do it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on January 13, 2015, 11:53:48 AM
Yeah...

My Dad has been spouting the same nonsense about the muslim community needing to 'do more'. He seems to genuinely believe that all muslims know who the terrorists are and decide not to tell anybody because they secretly support them.

He's also been going on about how, as the muslim population has been on the increase, by 2050 Britain will be a majority muslim country.

I tried pointing out that if that happens, we'll have nothing to fear from terrorist attacks since we'll be an islamic caliphate. For some reason that didn't go down well.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 13, 2015, 03:36:37 PM
Ah yeah, that old scare story.

Basically, for that to be the case, the birth rate of UK Muslims has to match those of the population of Yemen and Palestine - among the highest birthrate in the world - while the birthrate of every other group in the UK has to drop below the replacement number.  The Eurabia conspiracy theorists love that one.

More likely, Muslims will form about 10% of the population of the EU by 2050.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 14, 2015, 04:50:43 AM
Interesting story on "speaking While Female". Note toward the end,  the credit union that has majority female leadership and front-line staff; men there have a more difficult time being heard. This is a really good illustration of why it's important to find and maintain a balance.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/opinion/sunday/speaking-while-female.html?_r=0

QuoteYEARS ago, while producing the hit TV series "The Shield," Glen Mazzara noticed that two young female writers were quiet during story meetings. He pulled them aside and encouraged them to speak up more.

Watch what happens when we do, they replied.

Almost every time they started to speak, they were interrupted or shot down before finishing their pitch. When one had a good idea, a male writer would jump in and run with it before she could complete her thought.

Sadly, their experience is not unusual.

We've both seen it happen again and again. When a woman speaks in a professional setting, she walks a tightrope. Either she's barely heard or she's judged as too aggressive. When a man says virtually the same thing, heads nod in appreciation for his fine idea. As a result, women often decide that saying less is more.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 14, 2015, 05:36:17 AM
I'm sad to admit that I've seen this behavior in myself during meetings.  I have since attempted to SHUT UP when women are speaking.


I'm even sadder to report that I've found this difficult.




The struggle continues.  Sorry.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 14, 2015, 10:47:10 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on January 14, 2015, 05:36:17 AM
I'm sad to admit that I've seen this behavior in myself during meetings.  I have since attempted to SHUT UP when women are speaking.


I'm even sadder to report that I've found this difficult.




The struggle continues.  Sorry.

Knowing is half the battle, yanno?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on January 15, 2015, 05:42:38 AM
Seems finding pieces of our old space junk with our new and still operational space junk could be a thing here.

We have just come so far really!

http://www.cnet.com/news/has-nasa-found-the-missing-beagle-on-mars/#ftag=YHF65cbda0
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cainad (dec.) on January 15, 2015, 08:34:23 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on January 14, 2015, 05:36:17 AM
I'm sad to admit that I've seen this behavior in myself during meetings.  I have since attempted to SHUT UP when women are speaking.


I'm even sadder to report that I've found this difficult.




The struggle continues.  Sorry.

Same here. I don't exactly find myself in many meetings, but I've noticed in group conversations that HOLY COW men do not shut up, ever. Including me, more often than if like.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 16, 2015, 12:29:50 AM
Quote from: Cainad (dec.) on January 15, 2015, 08:34:23 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on January 14, 2015, 05:36:17 AM
I'm sad to admit that I've seen this behavior in myself during meetings.  I have since attempted to SHUT UP when women are speaking.


I'm even sadder to report that I've found this difficult.




The struggle continues.  Sorry.

Same here. I don't exactly find myself in many meetings, but I've noticed in group conversations that HOLY COW men do not shut up, ever. Including me, more often than if like.

In my TA position, I have noticed that while men make up less than a quarter of the class, when I tally up all the participation (ie.  talking) it's more than twice as much male participation as female.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 16, 2015, 09:22:57 AM
So...

You know how some of Charlie Hebdo's output has, in the wake of the assassination of its journalists, been criticised for its offensiveness towards Islam, its racism and its general lack of good taste?

Well...funny thing about that.  I can read and speak French.  Not a lot, but some.  Enough to read a French newspaper without great trouble.  And I've been looking at some of those pictures, and the context behind them.  And people criticising Charlie Hebdo, if not outright stating they were "asking for it" are doing the magazine a great disservice.

The infamous cartoon about Boko Haram's sex slaves demanding welfare?  It was a parody of the FN's general output on immigration and welfare (the FN, for those who don't know, is Marine Le Pen's vile, neofascist political party, which is unfortunately the third largest party in France right now).  The "Mohammed was a Paedo" cartoon?  Again, it was parody of right wing dipshits who peddle in that sort of vile discourse.  The "transsexual mocking"?  Making fun of French conservative reactions to the proposal to teach Gender Theory in French state schools.

And the paper didn't exactly pull its punches when it came to Christianity and the "piss Christ" debacle either.

Maybe Charlie Hebdo was a hotbed of anti-Islamic, puerile and racist output.  But based on what I've seen so far, that really is not the case.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on January 16, 2015, 09:53:10 AM
That's good to know- even mainstream coverage has had a 'it was terrible... but' subtext to it in much of the left-leaning press. I can't read french at all so I'd never have known different.

Thanks Cain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 16, 2015, 10:23:59 AM
No problem.

And yeah.  Richard Seymour in particular has gone way down in my estimation due to his output on this.  Even after people have pointed out to him he's wrong, he's doubled down, producing no less than 11 articles on the subject while refusing to budge an inch.

Actually, I found this website, which is fairly helpful.  Give it a go:  http://www.understandingcharliehebdo.com/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on January 16, 2015, 11:59:01 AM
It's refreshing to know this but, at the same time it merely invalidates the "...but" clause. For me the "...but" clause was never valid anyway. I'm a kind of nazi when it comes to free speech and causing offence. Especially when causing offence to people who deserve more than anyone to be offended. If a belief system is so threadbare and weak that it must be protected by violence from any criticism or satire then it deserves to be criticized and satirized to death.

Shit ideas should not be respected and venerated. If they are, we end up in the situation we're in. Mindless drones blowing the piss out of journalists because their choice of irrational fiction says so.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 18, 2015, 02:24:00 AM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/15/maine-drug-test_n_6478102.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013

Somewhere, RWHN is fapping until nothing comes out except blood and foam.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 18, 2015, 03:08:52 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on January 18, 2015, 02:24:00 AM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/15/maine-drug-test_n_6478102.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013

Somewhere, RWHN is fapping until nothing comes out except blood and foam.

Yeah, 'cause fuck the cost/benefit ratio, and fuck the children of drug addicts, and fuck addicts too, and especially fuck the evidence that so few recipients use drugs that it's a ridiculous expense to add to the program on the taxpayers' dime. What's important is humiliating and punishing poor people and drug users.

I hate that guy and all of his ilk.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:09:44 AM
Is it coincidence that the "advocacy group" RWHN is the Maine director of started heavily pushing the "medical marijuana is fraud" and "pot caused accidents are clogging up Maine ERs" mere days before this policy?

Of course, there is another reason (http://www.thenation.com/article/180493/anti-pot-lobbys-big-bankroll) than just permamently embedding his tongue up LePage's arse as to why RWHN hates the idea of medical pot...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:13:29 AM
In fact, RWHN has been a very busy bee since his enforced departure from the forums.  Most cringeworthy is his weekly self-indulgence of his minimal impact on Twitter
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 18, 2015, 03:16:51 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:13:29 AM
In fact, RWHN has been a very busy bee since his enforced departure from the forums.  Most cringeworthy is his weekly self-indulgence of his minimal impact on Twitter

I need to make a Twitter account now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:18:22 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on January 18, 2015, 03:16:51 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:13:29 AM
In fact, RWHN has been a very busy bee since his enforced departure from the forums.  Most cringeworthy is his weekly self-indulgence of his minimal impact on Twitter

I need to make a Twitter account now.

When you do, be sure to quote this section from that Nation article I linked above:

QuoteBuses were scheduled to ferry the participants to Congress for meetings, and Thau coached the assembled activists to emphasize the potential risks for young people, something that "everybody on Capitol Hill can agree on." In addition to lobbying against marijuana-law reform, she encouraged everyone to preserve key federal funding streams, to "make sure all the programs that fund our field, every one of them," are protected in the appropriations process for the coming fiscal year.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 18, 2015, 03:21:09 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:09:44 AM
Is it coincidence that the "advocacy group" RWHN is the Maine director of started heavily pushing the "medical marijuana is fraud" and "pot caused accidents are clogging up Maine ERs" mere days before this policy?

Of course, there is another reason (http://www.thenation.com/article/180493/anti-pot-lobbys-big-bankroll) than just permamently embedding his tongue up LePage's arse as to why RWHN hates the idea of medical pot...

SURPRISE!

Thanks for the link, Cain, I'll be reposting it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:30:50 AM
No problem.  RWHN also has a blog, btw
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 18, 2015, 11:22:41 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 18, 2015, 03:30:50 AM
No problem.  RWHN also has a blog, btw

Oh that has to be fucking AMAZINGly mediocre!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 19, 2015, 05:14:47 AM
It's pretty bad, though not as bad as his Twitter.  He recounts his retweets and followers once a week, every week.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 05:40:27 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 19, 2015, 05:14:47 AM
It's pretty bad, though not as bad as his Twitter.  He recounts his retweets and followers once a week, every week.

Wow.  :lulz: That's... I don't actually even know what it is. Possibly just neurotic as hell.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 06:24:22 AM
You know what's fascinating about both his blog and his Twitter? The disproportionate amount of space devoted to marijuana, as opposed to other widespread drugs with higher risks and health impacts. There is almost no mention of methamphetamines, for example. It seems likely that it is very reflective of the push coming from the big anti-marijuana funding sources.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 19, 2015, 01:54:25 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 06:24:22 AM
You know what's fascinating about both his blog and his Twitter? The disproportionate amount of space devoted to marijuana, as opposed to other widespread drugs with higher risks and health impacts. There is almost no mention of methamphetamines, for example. It seems likely that it is very reflective of the push coming from the big anti-marijuana funding sources.

Of course it is.  He probably justifies it as weed being the "mistake" made by "quality people", whereas meth is for gutter trash.

I know that's not accurate.  But he has never been able to look for accuracy outside of his narrative.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 03:34:36 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on January 19, 2015, 01:54:25 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 06:24:22 AM
You know what's fascinating about both his blog and his Twitter? The disproportionate amount of space devoted to marijuana, as opposed to other widespread drugs with higher risks and health impacts. There is almost no mention of methamphetamines, for example. It seems likely that it is very reflective of the push coming from the big anti-marijuana funding sources.

Of course it is.  He probably justifies it as weed being the "mistake" made by "quality people", whereas meth is for gutter trash.

I know that's not accurate.  But he has never been able to look for accuracy outside of his narrative.

He's icky.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on January 19, 2015, 04:49:15 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/treasure-hunters-mysterious-shipwreck-lake-michigan-155138271.html


QuoteIn 2011, Michigan-based treasure hunters Kevin Dykstra and Frederick Monroe found a shipwreck as they were searching for the $2 million in gold that, according to local legend, fell from a ferry crossing Lake Michigan in the 1800s

QuoteBut other experts aren't convinced that the wreck is the Griffin. Rather, it may be the remnants of a tugboat that was scrapped after "steam engines became more economical to operate," said Brendon Baillod, a Great Lakes historian who has written scholarly papers on the Griffin.   


also until now I had no idea there was a Wreckdiving magazine, omg!
https://www.wreckdivingmag.com/WDM_Issue_34/Home.html


not even certain that they found it... article still plugs to a magazine homepage instead of relevant article. .. neat story and clever magazine promo methinks!

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 05:42:50 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on January 19, 2015, 04:49:15 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/treasure-hunters-mysterious-shipwreck-lake-michigan-155138271.html


QuoteIn 2011, Michigan-based treasure hunters Kevin Dykstra and Frederick Monroe found a shipwreck as they were searching for the $2 million in gold that, according to local legend, fell from a ferry crossing Lake Michigan in the 1800s

QuoteBut other experts aren't convinced that the wreck is the Griffin. Rather, it may be the remnants of a tugboat that was scrapped after "steam engines became more economical to operate," said Brendon Baillod, a Great Lakes historian who has written scholarly papers on the Griffin.   


also until now I had no idea there was a Wreckdiving magazine, omg!
https://www.wreckdivingmag.com/WDM_Issue_34/Home.html


not even certain that they found it... article still plugs to a magazine homepage instead of relevant article. .. neat story and clever magazine promo methinks!

Interesting... you make a good observation about the magazine promo, because it's curious that this would be popping up now after almost 4 years. I also found this:

http://michiganshipwrecks.org/

QuoteLittered on the bottom of the Great Lakes are the remains of more than 6,000 shipwrecks gone missing on the Great Lakes since the late 1600s when the first commercial sailing ships began plying the region, most during the heyday of commercial shipping in the nineteenth century. The vast expanse of these inland waterways provided a natural transportation system linking the Midwestern states and portions of Canada to the rest of the world.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on January 21, 2015, 04:32:21 AM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 05:42:50 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on January 19, 2015, 04:49:15 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/treasure-hunters-mysterious-shipwreck-lake-michigan-155138271.html


QuoteIn 2011, Michigan-based treasure hunters Kevin Dykstra and Frederick Monroe found a shipwreck as they were searching for the $2 million in gold that, according to local legend, fell from a ferry crossing Lake Michigan in the 1800s

QuoteBut other experts aren't convinced that the wreck is the Griffin. Rather, it may be the remnants of a tugboat that was scrapped after "steam engines became more economical to operate," said Brendon Baillod, a Great Lakes historian who has written scholarly papers on the Griffin.   


also until now I had no idea there was a Wreckdiving magazine, omg!
https://www.wreckdivingmag.com/WDM_Issue_34/Home.html


not even certain that they found it... article still plugs to a magazine homepage instead of relevant article. .. neat story and clever magazine promo methinks!

Interesting... you make a good observation about the magazine promo, because it's curious that this would be popping up now after almost 4 years. I also found this:

http://michiganshipwrecks.org/

QuoteLittered on the bottom of the Great Lakes are the remains of more than 6,000 shipwrecks gone missing on the Great Lakes since the late 1600s when the first commercial sailing ships began plying the region, most during the heyday of commercial shipping in the nineteenth century. The vast expanse of these inland waterways provided a natural transportation system linking the Midwestern states and portions of Canada to the rest of the world.

Would not be surprised if they found Rlyeh down there.

Maybe something....

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Stonehenge-in-Lake-Michigan.html

Lots of fluff about it in a simple Google search. Got a few IRL folks that may be able to clue me in on it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on January 21, 2015, 05:23:31 AM
THIS is what I came here to post about.

http://www.cnet.com/news/police-now-see-through-walls-and-know-if-youre-home/#ftag=YHF65cbda0

QuotePolice forces increasingly are taking advantage of the technology behind military equipment initially designed for combat...

He described the Range-R as a "hand-held Doppler radar device." He added: "It picks up breathing, human breathing and movement within a house."

"will penetrate most common building wall, ceiling or floor types -- including poured concrete, concrete block, brick, wood, stucco glass, adobe, dirt" -- the Radar-R does not work through metal. Moreover, if a wall is saturated with water, this also may reduce the device's effect. The device costs around $6,000. 

I suspect that this sort of bullshit, left unchecked, will ultimately lead to "reasonable" privacy becoming a commodity and produce a lucrative shadow market.

Also note that an unreasonable search is defined as

unreasonable search and seizure - Legal Definition n

An inspection or examination without legal authority (warrant) of a person's self, papers, or belongings, with a hope toward recovering stolen or illicit property or gathering incriminating evidence to be used against that person; the actual taking of that property into possession.

Security service companies that can 'ensure' this right may well be in the not too distant future. God help us if the protection against unreasonable S&S becomes a right of access to reasonable privacy. I hate how that word, reasonable, is in so much legal language. You can stretch reasonable in proportion to the irrationality of a culture.


Doppler is sneaky as shit but not undetectable by far.
If sensed and external cameras triggered, unless the US constitution is altered, you've got legally actionable intelligence on them. All they got out of it was knowing if there are people in your home. Also maybe a bath if you have the lawn sprinklers tied into the trigger too. (On a 2 minute delay... why spoil the show for the court?)

I could live with such a trade....  :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 21, 2015, 06:21:56 AM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on January 21, 2015, 04:32:21 AM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 19, 2015, 05:42:50 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on January 19, 2015, 04:49:15 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/treasure-hunters-mysterious-shipwreck-lake-michigan-155138271.html


QuoteIn 2011, Michigan-based treasure hunters Kevin Dykstra and Frederick Monroe found a shipwreck as they were searching for the $2 million in gold that, according to local legend, fell from a ferry crossing Lake Michigan in the 1800s

QuoteBut other experts aren't convinced that the wreck is the Griffin. Rather, it may be the remnants of a tugboat that was scrapped after "steam engines became more economical to operate," said Brendon Baillod, a Great Lakes historian who has written scholarly papers on the Griffin.   


also until now I had no idea there was a Wreckdiving magazine, omg!
https://www.wreckdivingmag.com/WDM_Issue_34/Home.html


not even certain that they found it... article still plugs to a magazine homepage instead of relevant article. .. neat story and clever magazine promo methinks!

Interesting... you make a good observation about the magazine promo, because it's curious that this would be popping up now after almost 4 years. I also found this:

http://michiganshipwrecks.org/

QuoteLittered on the bottom of the Great Lakes are the remains of more than 6,000 shipwrecks gone missing on the Great Lakes since the late 1600s when the first commercial sailing ships began plying the region, most during the heyday of commercial shipping in the nineteenth century. The vast expanse of these inland waterways provided a natural transportation system linking the Midwestern states and portions of Canada to the rest of the world.

Would not be surprised if they found Rlyeh down there.

Maybe something....

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Stonehenge-in-Lake-Michigan.html

Lots of fluff about it in a simple Google search. Got a few IRL folks that may be able to clue me in on it.

That's really neat!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on January 27, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
What the hell's going on in Argentina?  The secret service assassinated a head prosecutor?

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/27/argentina-president-seeks-overhaul-spy-agency-after-prosecutor-death/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 27, 2015, 02:57:04 PM
Maybe.

Basically, this happened (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMIA_bombing) 21 years ago.

QuoteThe AMIA bombing was an attack on the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA; Argentine Israelite Mutual Association) building. It occurred in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994, killing 85 people and injuring hundreds.[3] It was Argentina's deadliest bombing ever. Argentina is home to a Jewish community of 200,000, the largest in Latin America and sixth in the world outside Israel (see Demographics of Argentina).[4]

Over the years, the case has been marked by incompetence and accusations of cover-ups. All suspects in the "local connection" (among them, many members of the Buenos Aires Provincial Police) were found to be "not guilty" in September 2004. In August 2005, federal judge Juan José Galeano, in charge of the case, was impeached and removed from his post on a charge of "serious" irregularities due to mishandling of the investigation.[5] In 2005, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who would later become Pope Francis, was the first public personality to sign a petition for justice in the AMIA bombing case. He was one of the signatories on a document called "85 victims, 85 signatures" as part of the bombing's 11th anniversary.[6]

On October 25, 2006, Argentine prosecutors Alberto Nisman and Marcelo Martínez Burgos formally accused the government of Iran of directing the bombing, and the Hezbollah militia of carrying it out.[7][8] According to the prosecution's claims in 2006, Argentina had been targeted by Iran after Buenos Aires' decision to suspend a nuclear technology transfer contract to Tehran.[9] This has been disputed because the contract was never terminated, and Iran and Argentina were negotiating on restoration of full cooperation on all agreements from early 1992 until 1994, when the bombing occurred.[10]

However (https://consortiumnews.com/2013/08/08/pinning-argentine-bombing-on-iran/):

QuoteThe central piece of evidence cited in Nisman's original 900-page arrest warrant against seven senior Iranian leaders is an alleged Aug. 14, 1993 meeting of top Iranian leaders, including both Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and then president Hashemi Rafsanjani, at which Nisman claims the official decision was made to go ahead with the planning of the bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA).

But the document, recently available in English for the first time, shows that his only sources for the claim were representatives of the MEK or People's Mujahideen of Iran. The MEK has an unsavory history of terrorist bombings against civilian targets in Iran, as well as of serving as an Iraq-based mercenary army for Saddam Hussein's forces during the Iran-Iraq War.

And according to the same author:

QuoteWilliam Brencick, who was then chief of the political section at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires and the primary Embassy contact for the investigation of the AMIA bombing, told me in an interview in June 2007 that the U.S. conviction about Iranian culpability was based on what he called a "wall of assumptions" — a wall that obstructed an objective analysis of the case.

The first assumption was that it was a suicide bombing, and that such an operation pointed to Hezbollah, and therefore Iran. But the evidence produced to support that assumption was highly suspect. Of 200 initial eyewitnesses to the bombing, only one claimed to have seen the white Renault van that was supposed to have been the suicide car. And the testimony of that lone witness was contradicted by her sister, who said that she had seen only a black and yellow taxicab.

That is only the first of many indications that the official version of how the bombing went down was a tissue of lies.

His full investigation into the bombing can be read here (http://www.thenation.com/article/bushs-iranargentina-terror-frame?page=full).

In short, Iran and Hezbollah are the prime "official" suspects.  However, there are good reasons to believe they may not have been guilty.  Whoever did carry out the bombing is, of course the prime suspect for the murder of the public prosecutor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 03, 2015, 05:32:45 PM
So:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31107889

QuoteThe Prince of Wales no longer wants to promote UK arms sales in Gulf states, a new biography by Catherine Mayer says.

The book, Charles: Heart Of A King, which is not authorised by Clarence House, claims Prince Charles "doesn't like being used to market weaponry" and avoids doing so where possible.

Its publication this Thursday comes ahead of the prince's tour to the Middle East later in February.

Clarence House said the visit aimed to strengthen relationships in the region.

Prince Charles has been a frequent visitor to the Middle East, and last month joined world leaders in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh to pay his respects following the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

Quote"If he has changed his mind, why doesn't the dissident prince speak up? One answer - according to insiders, is that he has done so, in - thus far - private communications. If he is uncomfortable with his itineraries, he will say so."

She continues: "Another answer is that any noisy protests would diminish his usefulness in the Gulf. Some of the objectives of his recent trip to Saudi Arabia relied on that vanishing commodity: secrecy."

TL;DR, Spineless fuck hasn't got the balls to state openly that the allegedly doesn't want to sell arms to the Mid-east. In other news, everyone still pretending that shoving more weaponry into the mid-east is a cracking idea for the future of the region. Either way it's just another reason to get rid of the royals. The UK will do anything to keep that veneer of legitimacy about the arms trade but the reality still stands that anyone involved in it is just an evil shitheap and should be regarded accordingly.

Also:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31118020

QuoteA man wielding a knife has attacked three soldiers patrolling outside a Jewish community centre in Nice, in the south of France.

QuoteThe attacker had been travelling on the tram without a ticket, but left the tram when ticket collectors approached him and he then targeted the soldiers.

He slashed one soldier in the cheek then injured a second who tried to intervene in the arm, the mayor said.

He tried to escape but was caught by a shop owner, tram workers and police patrolling nearby.

My reading comprehension may be fucked, but it sounds like the guy attacked two soldiers while the other was stood around holding his dick. Then civilians dealt with it. Military competence at it's finest.



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on February 04, 2015, 09:14:33 AM
I'm not sure it is fair to call Charles 'spineless' on this.

He's spoken up on a number of issues - the environment especially, but he also called out Russia in Ukraine before the government was willing to do so.

The thing is, the royal family exist largely as an adjunct to the government. They don't get to say whatever they want whenever they want, because if they did, they'd undermine the government and that'd be terribly embarrassing. So from his position, they request he make these moves to boost arms sales, and in return he isn't shuffled somewhere quietly out of the way where he can't keep talking about the issues he feels are important.

Besides, if he really didn't want this story to get out - it wouldn't have. Although it wasn't approved, the author and publisher also weren't threatened with libel and sued into oblivion.

I've actually got a fair amount of sympathy for the older members of the royal family. The younger ones seem to be universally fuckwits, but Charles (although he puts his foot in his mouth a lot) is also one of the only major establishment figures pointing out that we ought to listen to scientists when they say the world is fucked forever if we don't do something to change it. He's also done a huge amount for rural communities (mocking the government for slashing flood protection the year before there was massive flooding is a good example of that).

But these things come with a balancing act. Unsurprisingly, he probably feels more passionately and inclined to speak out about issues which hit close to home. Doesn't everyone?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2015, 03:51:37 PM
QuoteBesides, if he really didn't want this story to get out - it wouldn't have.

I disagree. "No publicity is bad publicity" and all that. The royals are increasingly difficult to justify as tourist draws (Apparently there is nothing else of interest here, at all. Somewhat true I suppose). so there is something of a need to generate discussion around and about them that is somewhat divisive. Everyone gets to do the usual Pro/Anti shouting while paying no attention to the actual bill for this bullshit.

I have little to no respect for anyone of this level of affluence as their "charitable" contributions tend to range from outright blantant self serving things to crazy hoseshit to actual worthy causes. The level of funding generally given by such people to such things is still a pittance of their overall wealth, in general.

And here's the killer - Fuck whatever they actually do for people and charity if it means they are used for arms sales. Seriously. You don't get to peddle munitions and walk away with a clean slate because you gave billy and fiver for environmental research or happen to hold a certain political stance. You push arms.

There was a charming UK campaign a few years back with "Support your local drug dealer" blood, needles, evil junkies, I'm sure you've got the idea.

It would be nice to see "Support your local arms dealer" with some pictures of those who do. Because it's clearly one of the main functions of both the Government and Royals.

Also, Saudi Arabia, but we don't need to stir that crock of shit now do we?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on February 04, 2015, 04:41:38 PM
I'm sorry, but this reads like so much 'He was born better off than I am therefore he should be castigated on general principles'.

Do you really think that the amount of influence he's had in securing arms deals is anything but negligible?

Are you seriously saying that all the good he does should be discounted because it comes with the pricetag of having to help finalize morally dubious government deals too?

And here's the real killer - you don't need to push arms much anyway. Arms push themselves, and the Prince's level of involvement in the arms industry is likely to be more 'icing on the cake' to other rich and privileged people, rather than say, his involvement in the Prince's Trust, where he genuinely helps hundreds of thousands of young people which simply would not exist without his support.

Seriously. He does a lot of good - and he doesn't have to. He could just as easily (in fact, likely more easily) shrug his shoulders, do the bare minimum and live a life of luxury and indolence. He doesn't, and your inability to recognize that because of your prejudice is unfortunate.

I could get into the various reasons why the monarchy are actually justifiable on more than purely economical and historical grounds, but something tells me you're not actually interested in hearing that argument.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 04, 2015, 05:37:59 PM
Please do, while I may not agree with you I certaintly still respect your opinions/stance.

I'll make no secret of it, I find the overall concept of "royalty" and such things in general to be distasteful at best. The entire concept is built and supported by people beliving others are "better" or "worse" in some way rather than just bags of meat that should have no more privilige, advantage or benefit ahead of anyone else. I can't call anywhere that enforces and protects a privileged few ahead of everyone. It's simply unfair.

The Princes trust and other such things, I strongly doubt that they really provide the level of benefits that get touted. Like many charity orgs, when you drill into them, there's more than a little shite.


On Arms - If they push themselves so well, why are we constantly shipping salesmen to various questionable nations to tout the benefits of such devices? Arms is an industry like any other. The only problems are it directly causes violence and death. Also being sold by those in positions of privilege and power. Also those in power directly benefit from Arms profits. I have a passionate fucking hatred for these things as most attacks on them become played as "unpatriotic" or "Not supporting the troops" or "jobs employment money" which is all a sack of crap because the reality still stands that these things cause little good, much bad and make things worse. Fuck anyone involved in such dealings, I can't reasonably talk to them on a human to human level. Mainly because said human is responsible for the suffering of others on a totally unknown scale. Who knows exactly what gear and deals get brokered and for whom? I can't give the benefit of the doubt on the basis of a private sulk and couple of quid thrown at kids.

One thing I will note though, the money is as good as dirty too:

QuoteThe Council now consists of Peter Cruddas, Patrick Passley, Heather Hancock, Michael Marks CBE and Lloyd Dorfman CBE. Like Charles Dunstone, Peter Cruddas is an Enterprise Fellow of the Prince's Trust which means that they are large donors, with Peter Cruddas having recently given £1.5 million.

Name might ring a bell. See other post about Director level dealings being full of this kind of shit.


As for him shrugging and living a life of indolence, well, be fair, he practically does. Again inherent privilege protects against the normal issues most have about day to day life. There's more here about inheritance and such and that whole system which is it's own bag of detestable fucked up in many ways with unforseen impacts everywhere (Housing etc).

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on February 05, 2015, 08:30:27 PM
Alrighty, that was a little bit unfair of me - I'll start with the justification for the royal family in general, and then explain why I have a soft spot for Charles in particular.

Firstly, I personally find the economic argument on both sides distasteful; I don't think money should have anything to do with it.

I don't buy the tourism explanation either. Tourism is fine, but people would come to see the palaces even if the royals weren't in them. The massive worldwide interest in the royal wedding is evidence that the royal family boosts the UK's worldwide profile, though. As a nation, we punch far above our weight on the international stage. Geopolitically, the UK's position has been weakening in absolute terms since the first world war - and yet we still cast a very long shadow in international affairs. Not nearly as much as we used to; nowhere near as much as the popular press would have us believe, but in terms of influence and soft power, the UK is given far more credence than it ought to have considering our economic and military strength compared to the likes of the real heavy hitters in China, the United States, Germany and so on.

I'd say that the royal family is a considerable part of that - we send these figureheads out about the world and they remind people of who we were. They are also able to act as mouthpieces to say what the government wants to say but can't in a sanctioned way. The downside to this, of course, is that they also draw attention to uncomfortable issues that are important to them. Or they're just pricks, like the younger Princes. They are portable spotlights if you like, and can be used to draw media attention in a way that other politicians have trouble managing. Think of them a bit like establishment-sanctioned celebrities in that sense.

So that's the utility of them in public discourse.

The more important use - in my opinion - is constitutionally. Whilst an American system which enshrines certain rights in an inalienable sense might be a better way of going about it, we do not have this system. The process of drawing up a constitution would be an inherently political event, and I don't know about you, but I don't trust the highly divided parliament we have to do it in a sensible way.

The reigning monarch has to sign all laws in order to make them binding. In practice, this is a rubber stamp process - but we have never been placed in a position where the theoretical monarchical veto needed to be exercised. As we don't have the kind of ironclad legal structure that other western nations have, this is the only current guarantee we have that a law couldn't be passed to - say - extend the terms of parliament to 500 years a piece, or grant the Prime Minister dictatorial powers. I think that having some kind of detached authority to ensure that politicians do not entirely have free reign to do what they will is vitally important, and although there are alternative ways of doing things which are probably much better, we have to live in the real world. As the monarch is a stable authority figure who has no vested interest beyond ensuring - in broad terms - the stability of the system as it is currently constituted, I think that's about as good as it is likely to get.

So my interest in the monarchy is largely as an instrument of influence in overseas affairs where 'real' politicians couldn't say what needs to be said so easily and as an oversight to stop the government going too far in case the fringe nutcases get into power one day. It is hard to be an ultra-nationalist party and justify coercing the monarchy because of everything else they symbolize. As to whether the monarch really would risk their life in the event it was necessary? Well, you never know until it happens, but just having them there means that there's less possibility of it being tested.

Now, as to Prince Charles in particular...

Whatever else you might think of him, he does not live a life of lazy luxury. He is extremely and passionately devoted to his causes. Now, some of them I find absolutely ridiculous (he's a big supporter of homeopathic medicine, for instance) others, I think are the vital challenges we face today (food security, environmental issues, social mobility amongst the young).

But critically, he doesn't do it by decree. He does it through persuasion, debate and lobbying - both publicly and in private. He's used his position of influence to build an extensive network of contacts which he uses on behalf of over 400 charities across the UK. Now, you can spin this as a corrupt web of privilege which operates for some nefarious purpose...

... but he cares about people. You can argue that these charities don't do as much as they say they do if you like? But we're talking about a 66 year old man who has been found collapsed at his desk after writing letters long into the night. This is a man who has spent decades engaging with people, using his privileged position to educate himself about the issues he cares about and trying to give back to society. He did not set up the institutions which got him into privilege; he could not dismantle them even if he wanted to, but having been given that position, he has chosen to use it to engage with the society that has elevated him and perform good work for it, rather than simply better himself and make himself comfortable.

I think that is admirable. And I think the fact that he's sometimes had to make statements he finds distasteful on behalf of the government of the day does very little to diminish the good work he's done.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 05, 2015, 08:33:25 PM
On the one hand, I have no love for the Royal Family and Charles in particular.

On the other hand, by virtue of being a Windsor he is essentially on permanent retainer for the state, and the business of the state is the arms trade.

On the other hand, he is compensated quite well for this deal.

On the other hand, he may have been forced to take part in a government policy he is not keen on.

But on the other hand, Charles frequently uses his own position to lobby government and civil service members, forcing interpretations of policy and intelligence gathering which would likely cause a constitutional crisis.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I'm Vishnu, and that while Charles likely has a point here, in the broader scheme of things he has little right to actually complain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on February 05, 2015, 10:25:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 05, 2015, 08:33:25 PM
On the one hand, I have no love for the Royal Family and Charles in particular.

On the other hand, by virtue of being a Windsor he is essentially on permanent retainer for the state, and the business of the state is the arms trade.

On the other hand, he is compensated quite well for this deal.

On the other hand, he may have been forced to take part in a government policy he is not keen on.

But on the other hand, Charles frequently uses his own position to lobby government and civil service members, forcing interpretations of policy and intelligence gathering which would likely cause a constitutional crisis.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I'm Vishnu, and that while Charles likely has a point here, in the broader scheme of things he has little right to actually complain.

Finally, incontrovertible proof that Cain has 5 hands . . .
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 06, 2015, 02:39:34 PM
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qmcdKvotQWk/VNTSE9eeoiI/AAAAAAAABuc/TkfKvfn9Eeo/w489-h600-no/Cainshiva.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 06, 2015, 03:20:43 PM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on February 06, 2015, 03:22:42 PM
I'd fap to worship that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Karapac on February 19, 2015, 01:24:59 PM
So, this is not a news story, but I didn't know where else to plonk it in. A good (in my limited view) piece explaining, well, what ISIS really wants. And what it wants is the Apocalypse.

http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/what-isis-really-wants/384980/

Quote(...)[M]uch of what [ISIS] does looks nonsensical except in light of a sincere, carefully considered commitment to returning civilization to a seventh-century legal environment, and ultimately to bringing about the apocalypse.

The most-articulate spokesmen for that position are the Islamic State's officials and supporters themselves. They refer derisively to "moderns." In conversation, they insist that they will not—cannot—waver from governing precepts that were embedded in Islam by the Prophet Muhammad and his earliest followers. They often speak in codes and allusions that sound odd or old-fashioned to non-Muslims, but refer to specific traditions and texts of early Islam.

To take one example: In September, Sheikh Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, the Islamic State's chief spokesman, called on Muslims in Western countries such as France and Canada to find an infidel and "smash his head with a rock," poison him, run him over with a car, or "destroy his crops." To Western ears, the biblical-sounding punishments—the stoning and crop destruction—juxtaposed strangely with his more modern-sounding call to vehicular homicide. (As if to show that he could terrorize by imagery alone, Adnani also referred to Secretary of State John Kerry as an "uncircumcised geezer.")

But Adnani was not merely talking trash. His speech was laced with theological and legal discussion, and his exhortation to attack crops directly echoed orders from Muhammad to leave well water and crops alone—unless the armies of Islam were in a defensive position, in which case Muslims in the lands of kuffar, or infidels, should be unmerciful, and poison away.

I found this part especially interesting:
QuoteThe Islamic State has attached great importance to the Syrian city of Dabiq, near Aleppo. It named its propaganda magazine after the town, and celebrated madly when (at great cost) it conquered Dabiq's strategically unimportant plains. It is here, the Prophet reportedly said, that the armies of Rome will set up their camp. The armies of Islam will meet them, and Dabiq will be Rome's Waterloo or its Antietam.

"Dabiq is basically all farmland," one Islamic State supporter recently tweeted. "You could imagine large battles taking place there." The Islamic State's propagandists drool with anticipation of this event, and constantly imply that it will come soon. The state's magazine quotes Zarqawi as saying, "The spark has been lit here in Iraq, and its heat will continue to intensify ... until it burns the crusader armies in Dabiq." A recent propaganda video shows clips from Hollywood war movies set in medieval times—perhaps because many of the prophecies specify that the armies will be on horseback or carrying ancient weapons.

Now that it has taken Dabiq, the Islamic State awaits the arrival of an enemy army there, whose defeat will initiate the countdown to the apocalypse. Western media frequently miss references to Dabiq in the Islamic State's videos, and focus instead on lurid scenes of beheading. "Here we are, burying the first American crusader in Dabiq, eagerly waiting for the remainder of your armies to arrive," said a masked executioner in a November video, showing the severed head of Peter (Abdul Rahman) Kassig, the aid worker who'd been held captive for more than a year. During fighting in Iraq in December, after mujahideen (perhaps inaccurately) reported having seen American soldiers in battle, Islamic State Twitter accounts erupted in spasms of pleasure, like overenthusiastic hosts or hostesses upon the arrival of the first guests at a party.

The Prophetic narration that foretells the Dabiq battle refers to the enemy as Rome. Who "Rome" is, now that the pope has no army, remains a matter of debate. But Cerantonio makes a case that Rome meant the Eastern Roman empire, which had its capital in what is now Istanbul. We should think of Rome as the Republic of Turkey—the same republic that ended the last self-identified caliphate, 90 years ago. Other Islamic State sources suggest that Rome might mean any infidel army, and the Americans will do nicely.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 19, 2015, 01:46:35 PM
Eh, it's a good article in some ways - "good enough for print journalism" good, I suppose - but there's a lot of presumptions, bad thinking and poor analogies bundled up in that piece, along with a focus on religion which significantly undermines the political component of ISIS's program.  Of course, their religious and political program are inextricably linked, but putting particular emphasis on one is, of course...suggestive.  Suggestive of "haha, those crazy Muslim bastards".

Also, completely missing from the discussion: economics.  Islamic State pays.  As did Al-Qaeda, once upon a time, although I daresay IS has far deeper pockets and more extensive resources.  To what extent is expansionism driven by the economics of conquest?  Something The Atlantic quite conspicously fails to ask.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Karapac on February 19, 2015, 02:05:57 PM
Oh, yeah. To take it without a huge grain of salt would be a mistake. The subtext here is also "those Muslim bastards are not just after Money like normal people. they take their religion shit seriously, and you should be scared."

Do you perhaps have any pieces that explain those other aspects of ISIS well?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 19, 2015, 04:46:36 PM
Not to hand, I'm afraid.  I mostly saved them onto my laptop, which is currently being repaired about 200 miles away.

However, I was the "ISIS expert" for a think tank, for a while.  I was writing on them when Fallujah fell, when pretty much no western journalists were paying attention to Iraq, because "everyone knew" Syria was where all the exciting stuff was happening (and of course, civil wars are really respectful of international borders).

One major, massive thing that he didn't talk about was how ISIS rebuilt itself after 2008, mostly due to the hamfisted and partisan politics of the Iraqi Prime Minister.  A lot of journalists simplify Iraq as being split between Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish blocs (with the occasional mention of minorities like the Yazidi and Turkomen Iraqis)...mostly because journalists aren't that bright and dont deal with the messy complexities of reality well.  As a very, very rough guide, that is broadly correct, but while there are religious connotations to the Sunni and Shiite groups, it also has to do with tribes, patronage groups, family clans, business cartels etc.

And what was happening in Iraq was that, broadly speaking, the Shiite faction were shitting all over the Sunni faction.  And by that, I mean "Shiite death squads targeting families of peaceful Sunni protestors" and "people being disappeared".  It was pretty nasty, but most journalists had their eyes on Syria, so minimal attention was paid to the whole thing...I suspect the whole "US client state" also played a strong role in that studied ignorance.

An uprising by elements of the Sunni "Awakening" Council, the paramilitary force that flipped sides in the Iraqi Civil War to work with the Americans against the jihadists, was hijacked by ISIS and their tribal allies.  In previous months, ISIS had clearly been laying the groundwork to take control in the event of any mass uprising...they'd been breaking their members out of jail, in addition to targeting Iraqi Army officials and journalists in northern Iraqi cities.

Where did ISIS suddenly get so sophisticated?  Sure, to an extent, arms and training and experience in Syria gave them advantages, but they were carrying out sophisticated, multi-stage attacks which recquired specialist training.  The sort of training special forces soldiers have.  Like, say, the former Saddam loyalists among the Republican Guard.  These guys are among the top ranks of ISIS, their elite military commanders.  They're not religious...Saddam used religion, rhetorically, but his regime was secular and he distrusted it among the ranks, and especially among the Republican Guard, who were chosen for personal and ideological loyalty to Saddam.  Broadly speaking these men came from "Sunni" backgrounds, but they're hardly religious in any conventional sense.

And yet there they are, commanding ISIS's forces in the field.  But to talk about that would also involve talking about the dubious politics of our Iraqi "ally"...the corruption, the authoritarianism, the torture and death squads.  They've actually unleashed the worst from Iraqs prisons now, to fight ISIS.  The Mahdi Army are tearing through Sunni villages, killing people essentially at random as suspected ISIS sympathisers.  The Iraqi Army cant be trusted to stand and fight on its own, because it's so badly run...the corrupt and graft is incredible, and you can bet senior Pentagon officials, current and former, alongside American contractors and arms dealers, profited from that situation.  Meaning they indirectly helped in the rise of ISIS, by weakening the Iraqi Army's capacity to fight.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 19, 2015, 05:03:42 PM
Also, interestingly, the author's depiction of Al-Qaeda as being less messianic is directly at odds with the reports of Syed Saleem Shahzad, a Pakistani journalist who had extenstive access to both Al-Qaeda commanders and Taliban leaders.  Given Shahzad was eventually assassinated for his reporting (prime suspect: Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence), while most western journalists tend to bloviate on what they get told by people who probably get their information from the ISI, I tend to place a higher premium on his reporting than I do on most others.

And he was talking, in 2010-11, about how "Mahdi fever" seemed to be gripping the ranks, complete with a lot of talk about the end times.  In Pakistan.

I strongly suspect the split between ISIS and AQ has a lot less to do with doctrinal differences, a post-hoc justification that suits both sides if I ever heard one - and more to do with Al-Qaeda refusing to bestow recognition on ISIS as the official Al-Qaeda franchise in Syria, back when ISIS was the name for a venture branch of the broader Islamic State of Iraq.  Al-Qaeda bestowed its recognition on Jabhat al-Nusra, mostly because the elements who made up the "Khorasan Group" and "Wolf Unit" at the heart of JaN were old pros with extensive links to Al-Qaeda in Pakistan.  By contrast, the Iraqi branch of Al-Qaeda had always been a rogue group who had existed mostly outside of Al-Qaeda's authority.  The groups origins were not even with Al-Qaeda - their leader, al-Zaqawi, struck a deal with AQ to use their name to add to his prestige, while allowing Bin Laden to pose at being at the forefront of resistance in Iraq to the Americans, at a time when he mostly wasn't.  Their severe sectarianism started with Zarqawi, and even back then it was sufficiently fanatical to disturb Al-Qaeda.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 19, 2015, 05:31:34 PM
And here's an article (https://krypt3ia.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/daesh-islamic-millenarians-or-just-propaganda/#rssowlmlink) by a blogger I know, who has a background in analysing jihadist web propaganda output, who makes the case that the Atlantic article is mistaking ISIS propaganda for reality.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Karapac on February 21, 2015, 06:16:29 PM
Thank you Cain, you're great.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 22, 2015, 01:25:01 PM
Not a problem.  Like I said, it's....it is a bad article, but it's bad in a special way that someone has actually done some research, but clearly not enough, and has quite the political agenda behind what they are saying.  Denying the political relevance of terrorist groups by concentrating on the emphera of their beliefs is a pretty old trick, and usually does little to advance real understanding.  Given the complex, multifaceted nature of political violence, the last thing we want is simplistic notions like "they hate our freedoms" or "they're religious nuts", which is what the latter boils down to.

I mean, the comparison with Koresh is very revealing, IMO.  You can't even begin to compare the Branch Davidians to ISIS.  One is an expanionist, conquering ideology.  The Branch Davidians wanted to be left alone to do their weird and creepy underage "spiritual marriage" things, their outlook was fundamentally defensive, if still militant.  Even the later federal report into the Waco disaster concedes this:

"The violent tendencies of dangerous cults can be classified into two general categories—defensive violence and offensive violence. Defensive violence is utilized by cults to defend a compound or enclave that was created specifically to eliminate most contact with the dominant culture. The 1993 clash in Waco, Texas at the Branch Davidian complex is an illustration of such defensive violence. History has shown that groups that seek to withdraw from the dominant culture seldom act on their beliefs that the endtime has come unless provoked."

But since Waco is considered, at least by mainstream Americans, as a case of crazy cultists with firearms attacking the US government, it's the perfect comparison for drawing out that kind of response.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 22, 2015, 05:13:20 PM
The other thing to consider is this: how stupid would it be for the American government to come out and confirm that Islamic State is really very Muslim and stuff?  Reaffirming enemy propaganda is not a very smart thing to do, which makes me question why the author suggests it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on February 22, 2015, 08:35:56 PM
This (http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/feb/20/people-stripped-benefits-charged-decision) is an interesting story. Most likely it will come to nothing now but:

QuotePeople who have been stripped of benefits could be charged by the government for trying to appeal against the decision to an independent judge.

QuoteEarlier this week figures showed that in the past year nearly 900,000 people have had their benefits stopped, the highest figure for any 12-month period since jobseeker's allowance was introduced in 1996. In recent months, however, 58% of those who wanted to overturn DWP sanction decisions in independent tribunals have been successful. Before 2010, the success rate of appeals was 20% or less.

This follows massive outcry against the slashes to legal aid - used by poor people to be able to afford representation in court and legal advice in general.

I can just imagine Ian Duncan Smith looking at the results of his changes, enjoying the 900,000 statistic and then trying to decide how best to get that appeal rate down. Hitting them in the wallet makes a lot of sense in that strategy.

Assuming you don't mind that the death rate is likely to raise from an estimate of 'dozens to hundreds' to 'thousands'. And why would you care? It isn't like the poor are people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Karapac on February 22, 2015, 08:48:47 PM
I'll be sure to digest what you said properly, and research deeper, you've given me a good starting point.

RE:Demolition Squid: That's just terrifying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on March 04, 2015, 01:56:05 PM
There's something about fairies. Apparently they speread like fungus. This is not the first infestation I have come across.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-30687171
Quote'Fairy control' to halt tiny doors in Somerset woods 4 March 2015

Wayford Woods, Somerset
"Fairy control" has had to be brought in at a woods in Somerset to curb the "profusion of elfin construction".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 17, 2015, 05:31:34 PM
In today's political circus news, Glenn Beck accuses Grover Norquist of being in the Muslim Brotherhood; NRA announces investigation. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/03/16/nra_investigates_grover_norquist_as_glenn_beck_says_he_is_a_muslim_brotherhood.html)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 17, 2015, 05:36:52 PM
Norquist has been fighting an uphill battle to get Muslims more acceptable to Republicans since the 1990s.  His wife is Muslim and, as he points out, Muslims generally agree more with Republicans on social and fiscal issues.  After 9/11, it's been all but impossible to convince Republicans they have a ready made voting bloc.

There is some amusement though, in today's loonies eating yesterdays loonies for being too insufficiently committed to the Cause.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 17, 2015, 05:47:31 PM
Ah.  So it actually makes some sort of sense, somewhat. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 17, 2015, 05:49:18 PM
Oh yeah.  Norquist has been banging on for years that Republicans should stop being such big meanies to Muslims.

Obviously, this makes him a Muslim sleeper agent.  Like Obama, or that guy from Homeland.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 18, 2015, 11:05:28 AM
This morning's Krugman was guest-posted by someone else, and it was the first I heard about what's going on in Hungary. 

I'm not sure I completely follow, but it appears the constitution says that a two-thirds vote is needed for most major policy changes, and the ruling party has had that majority for about five years, just losing it slightly in the last election.

While usually this would be good news, in forcing the ruling party to work with other coalitions to get things done, there's evidence they're now working with a far-right neo-fascist party in order to get laws passed.

Not sure what's going on here, but it sure smells bad.

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/17/hungary-without-two-thirds/?module=BlogPost-ReadMore&version=Blog Main&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body#more-38285
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 18, 2015, 11:11:04 AM
Hungary's been going badly for some time now (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-22/power-hungary-viktor-orban-europe-s-new-strongman).  Working with Jobbik is pretty much exactly what I would expect of Viktor Orban and his band of merry lunatics.

And guess who else Orban idolises?  Only Vladimir Putin.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 18, 2015, 11:23:54 AM
Fan-tas-tic.

And it looks like the Roma are still being treated like the Other.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 18, 2015, 01:53:46 PM
Yeah.  Them and Jews.

Europe is, as the article relates, doing fuck all about this.  America has at least imposed some measures....our failure to deal with Hungary should be a stain on the Union, if not for the fact there are now so many stains on the Union it's like one big stain at this point.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 18, 2015, 02:02:03 PM
American ignorance cropping up here: Is Hungary part of the EU? 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 18, 2015, 02:08:09 PM
Yup, and NATO too.

Which is another reason we should be looking very suspiciously at Orban and his friendship with Putin. 

I think Israel, which has previously had good relations with Hungary, will also become concerned...especially if Jobbik are now in the coalition.  They've previously tolerated Orban, though not without a certain level of unofficial suspicion...but this could be a red line.  Jobbik are one of the best organised fascist groups in Europe, with strong links to Hungarian nationalist paramilitary groups.  Oh, and close links with Russia, of course.

I'm not saying we necessarily should be going all "colour-coded revolution" here...I'm just saying it wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 20, 2015, 06:57:07 PM
lol Scott Walker

http://www.thenation.com/article/201817/these-republicans-want-take-away-your-weekend#

lol Party of Christianity
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on March 20, 2015, 08:18:49 PM
Quote from: Prince-of-Plots on March 20, 2015, 06:57:07 PM
lol Scott Walker

http://www.thenation.com/article/201817/these-republicans-want-take-away-your-weekend#

lol Party of Christianity

It's like they waited until Nigel left the country.


Walker is a tool, but an effective one in the hands of his Koched up masters.

Fuck him.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 01, 2015, 04:28:38 AM
Quote from: Cain on March 20, 2015, 06:57:07 PM
lol Scott Walker

http://www.thenation.com/article/201817/these-republicans-want-take-away-your-weekend#

lol Party of Christianity

Yeah, it lets workers choose to "voluntarily" waive their days off, like workers choose to "voluntarily" take below-living-wage jobs and "voluntarily" give up benefits like paid vacation, medical care, etc. I mean, all they have to do if they don't like it is find another job.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on April 01, 2015, 09:01:07 AM
I hate April Fool's Day.

I am loving the Guardian Liveblog for the tone the guy running it is taking though:

QuoteThis is interesting. I just looked up 'April Fools' Day' in the dictionary. Look what it says:

noun [C usually singular] UK /ˌeɪ.prəlˈfuːlzˌdeɪ/ ( UK also All Fools' Day) US

› 1 April, a day when people play tricks on other people

› The single worst day of Stuart Heritage's life, when every single sodding PR worker in the whole poxy country tweets him at the same time to say 'Here's a badly-Photoshopped picture of a hat made of spoons or whatever, thought this might be fun for your liveblog LOLOLOL YOLO LOL' until he starts crapping his pants and puking up blood at the same time in anger.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/apr/01/april-fools-day-jokes-2015-the-best-from-around-the-world
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 01, 2015, 03:35:14 PM
I've never been a fan of the day, myself. That or St. Patrick's Day, which is essentially COMPLETELY MEANINGLESS TO ME and yet people always insist on trying to impose it on me, ie. "What, you aren't wearing green?" YEAH THAT'S BECAUSE I DON'T GIVE A FUCK, JUST TRY TO PINCH ME MOTHERFUCKER, TRY.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on April 02, 2015, 01:09:16 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 01, 2015, 03:35:14 PM
I've never been a fan of the day, myself. That or St. Patrick's Day, which is essentially COMPLETELY MEANINGLESS TO ME and yet people always insist on trying to impose it on me, ie. "What, you aren't wearing green?" YEAH THAT'S BECAUSE I DON'T GIVE A FUCK, JUST TRY TO PINCH ME MOTHERFUCKER, TRY.
:lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on April 02, 2015, 03:36:09 PM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10455824_10200432439330243_1807448157850128331_n.jpg?oh=4b567e90603e63a55ab2c8907f58a97a&oe=55BCE83A&__gda__=1436520799_1d5e63d24f1d6f09715f35ff91ba72d2)

MURRICA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 03, 2015, 05:45:45 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on April 02, 2015, 03:36:09 PM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10455824_10200432439330243_1807448157850128331_n.jpg?oh=4b567e90603e63a55ab2c8907f58a97a&oe=55BCE83A&__gda__=1436520799_1d5e63d24f1d6f09715f35ff91ba72d2)

MURRICA

Jesus fucking fuck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: jonb on April 08, 2015, 11:21:47 PM
Is it true news of the Icelandic Revolution has been Banned in America?

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/01/11/why-did-media-keep-the-recent-peaceful-icelandic-revolution-quiet/ (http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/01/11/why-did-media-keep-the-recent-peaceful-icelandic-revolution-quiet/)

Certainly in Britain there is very little coverage, but I heard news of it is banned in the states. Can anyone enlighten me?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on April 09, 2015, 04:00:44 AM
Quote from: jonb on April 08, 2015, 11:21:47 PM
Is it true news of the Icelandic Revolution has been Banned in America?

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/01/11/why-did-media-keep-the-recent-peaceful-icelandic-revolution-quiet/ (http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/01/11/why-did-media-keep-the-recent-peaceful-icelandic-revolution-quiet/)

Certainly in Britain there is very little coverage, but I heard news of it is banned in the states. Can anyone enlighten me?

Try it on Facebook. They're super gullible there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on April 09, 2015, 09:49:09 AM
Quote from: jonb on April 08, 2015, 11:21:47 PM
Is it true news of the Icelandic Revolution has been Banned in America?

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/01/11/why-did-media-keep-the-recent-peaceful-icelandic-revolution-quiet/ (http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/01/11/why-did-media-keep-the-recent-peaceful-icelandic-revolution-quiet/)

Certainly in Britain there is very little coverage, but I heard news of it is banned in the states. Can anyone enlighten me?
What do you mean by Banned? I want a very specific and testable definition.

Also, no-one can enlighten you.
That is not a philosophical statement about self-enlightenment, I just think you are hopeless.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: jonb on April 09, 2015, 12:02:55 PM
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/03ea7c166cf7e25b7ed1b92b6a468c56/tumblr_mxbf5iiaih1sr1ki0o8_r2_250.gif)

What me hopeless?

I'm very hopeful indead!

QuoteWho knew that the revolution would start with those radical Icelanders? It does, though. One Frosti Sigurjonsson, a lawmaker from the ruling Progress Party, issued a report today that suggests taking the power to create money away from commercial banks, and hand it to the central bank and, ultimately, Parliament.

Can't see commercial banks in the western world be too happy with this. They must be contemplating wiping the island nation off the map. If accepted in the Iceland parliament , the plan would change the game in a very radical way. It would be successful too, because there is no bigger scourge on our economies than commercial banks creating money and then securitizing and selling off the loans they just created the money (credit) with.

Everyone, with the possible exception of Paul Krugman, understands why this is a very sound idea. Agence France Presse reports:

Iceland Looks At Ending Boom And Bust With Radical Money Plan

Iceland's government is considering a revolutionary monetary proposal – removing the power of commercial banks to create money and handing it to the central bank. The proposal, which would be a turnaround in the history of modern finance, was part of a report written by a lawmaker from the ruling centrist Progress Party, Frosti Sigurjonsson, entitled "A better monetary system for Iceland".

"The findings will be an important contribution to the upcoming discussion, here and elsewhere, on money creation and monetary policy," Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson said. The report, commissioned by the premier, is aimed at putting an end to a monetary system in place through a slew of financial crises, including the latest one in 2008.

According to a study by four central bankers, the country has had "over 20 instances of financial crises of different types" since 1875, with "six serious multiple financial crisis episodes occurring every 15 years on average". Mr Sigurjonsson said the problem each time arose from ballooning credit during a strong economic cycle.

He argued the central bank was unable to contain the credit boom, allowing inflation to rise and sparking exaggerated risk-taking and speculation, the threat of bank collapse and costly state interventions. In Iceland, as in other modern market economies, the central bank controls the creation of banknotes and coins but not the creation of all money, which occurs as soon as a commercial bank offers a line of credit. The central bank can only try to influence the money supply with its monetary policy tools.

Under the so-called Sovereign Money proposal, the country's central bank would become the only creator of money. "Crucially, the power to create money is kept separate from the power to decide how that new money is used," Mr Sigurjonsson wrote in the proposal. "As with the state budget, the parliament will debate the government's proposal for allocation of new money," he wrote.

Banks would continue to manage accounts and payments, and would serve as intermediaries between savers and lenders. Mr Sigurjonsson, a businessman and economist, was one of the masterminds behind Iceland's household debt relief programme launched in May 2014 and aimed at helping the many Icelanders whose finances were strangled by inflation-indexed mortgages signed before the 2008 financial crisis.
http://www.theautomaticearth.com/2015/03/iceland-to-take-back-the-power-to-create-money/ (http://www.theautomaticearth.com/2015/03/iceland-to-take-back-the-power-to-create-money/)

Or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-SiYQ8s_6I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-SiYQ8s_6I)

Or
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/nov/15/lessons-from-iceland-people-power (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/nov/15/lessons-from-iceland-people-power)

Or it is talked about a bit in blogs but not as far as I know the main paper, is there a reason for this?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/02/iceland-has-a-radical-plan-to-redefine-money/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/02/iceland-has-a-radical-plan-to-redefine-money/)

At the moment I am not seeking to define, I just would like to see other peoples perspectives.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on April 09, 2015, 01:44:36 PM
Quote from: jonb on April 09, 2015, 12:02:55 PM
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/03ea7c166cf7e25b7ed1b92b6a468c56/tumblr_mxbf5iiaih1sr1ki0o8_r2_250.gif)

What me hopeless?

I'm very hopeful indead!

QuoteWho knew that the revolution would start with those radical Icelanders? It does, though. One Frosti Sigurjonsson, a lawmaker from the ruling Progress Party, issued a report today that suggests taking the power to create money away from commercial banks, and hand it to the central bank and, ultimately, Parliament.

Can't see commercial banks in the western world be too happy with this. They must be contemplating wiping the island nation off the map. If accepted in the Iceland parliament , the plan would change the game in a very radical way. It would be successful too, because there is no bigger scourge on our economies than commercial banks creating money and then securitizing and selling off the loans they just created the money (credit) with.

Everyone, with the possible exception of Paul Krugman, understands why this is a very sound idea. Agence France Presse reports:

Iceland Looks At Ending Boom And Bust With Radical Money Plan

Iceland's government is considering a revolutionary monetary proposal – removing the power of commercial banks to create money and handing it to the central bank. The proposal, which would be a turnaround in the history of modern finance, was part of a report written by a lawmaker from the ruling centrist Progress Party, Frosti Sigurjonsson, entitled "A better monetary system for Iceland".

"The findings will be an important contribution to the upcoming discussion, here and elsewhere, on money creation and monetary policy," Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson said. The report, commissioned by the premier, is aimed at putting an end to a monetary system in place through a slew of financial crises, including the latest one in 2008.

According to a study by four central bankers, the country has had "over 20 instances of financial crises of different types" since 1875, with "six serious multiple financial crisis episodes occurring every 15 years on average". Mr Sigurjonsson said the problem each time arose from ballooning credit during a strong economic cycle.

He argued the central bank was unable to contain the credit boom, allowing inflation to rise and sparking exaggerated risk-taking and speculation, the threat of bank collapse and costly state interventions. In Iceland, as in other modern market economies, the central bank controls the creation of banknotes and coins but not the creation of all money, which occurs as soon as a commercial bank offers a line of credit. The central bank can only try to influence the money supply with its monetary policy tools.

Under the so-called Sovereign Money proposal, the country's central bank would become the only creator of money. "Crucially, the power to create money is kept separate from the power to decide how that new money is used," Mr Sigurjonsson wrote in the proposal. "As with the state budget, the parliament will debate the government's proposal for allocation of new money," he wrote.

Banks would continue to manage accounts and payments, and would serve as intermediaries between savers and lenders. Mr Sigurjonsson, a businessman and economist, was one of the masterminds behind Iceland's household debt relief programme launched in May 2014 and aimed at helping the many Icelanders whose finances were strangled by inflation-indexed mortgages signed before the 2008 financial crisis.
http://www.theautomaticearth.com/2015/03/iceland-to-take-back-the-power-to-create-money/ (http://www.theautomaticearth.com/2015/03/iceland-to-take-back-the-power-to-create-money/)

Or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-SiYQ8s_6I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-SiYQ8s_6I)

Or
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/nov/15/lessons-from-iceland-people-power (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/nov/15/lessons-from-iceland-people-power)

Or it is talked about a bit in blogs but not as far as I know the main paper, is there a reason for this?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/02/iceland-has-a-radical-plan-to-redefine-money/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/02/iceland-has-a-radical-plan-to-redefine-money/)

At the moment I am not seeking to define, I just would like to see other peoples perspectives.
None of those links contained the word Banned and you yourself have not given any definition.
See? Hopeless.
So you want our responses to hearsay? alright.
I think Iceland is doing something very cool, I don't know enough details to comment further.
About how it was handled in the USA? I don't know and don't really care.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 09, 2015, 01:56:08 PM
I'm not sure I even want to respond to this...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: jonb on April 09, 2015, 02:27:40 PM
Quote from: Reginald Ret on April 09, 2015, 01:44:36 PM
None of those links contained the word Banned and you yourself have not given any definition.
See? Hopeless.
So you want our responses to hearsay? alright.
I think Iceland is doing something very cool, I don't know enough details to comment further.
About how it was handled in the USA? I don't know and don't really care.

You have fulfilled to an extent one of my desires, I knew I was right to be hopeful thank you.

Everybody is dancing now!
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/jonber/david_zps84246f1d.gif?1428589342602)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on April 16, 2015, 09:05:51 AM
Fascinating, just not now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on April 21, 2015, 09:20:48 PM
Trolling now part of political mainstream. (http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/21/grant-shapps-accused-of-editing-wikipedia-pages-of-tory-rivals)

I'm sure this isn't the first example but it made me laugh.

If you don't know Grant Shapps, he's the douchebag who ran an internet marketing company (charitably) under the alias 'Michael Green' before becoming an MP. He then denied ever being Michael Green, whilst still being Michael Green, threatened to sue one of his constituents who exposed him, and was finally caught in the lie a few months ago.

Needless to say, he has faced no disciplinary or legal action for his bullying threats and deceit, and will probably still take his seat again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on April 26, 2015, 07:39:34 PM
Pyramids confirmed as giant spaceships. (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/24/liquid-mercury-mexican-pyramid-teotihuacan)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 26, 2015, 11:37:49 PM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on April 21, 2015, 09:20:48 PM
Trolling now part of political mainstream. (http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/21/grant-shapps-accused-of-editing-wikipedia-pages-of-tory-rivals)

I'm sure this isn't the first example but it made me laugh.

If you don't know Grant Shapps, he's the douchebag who ran an internet marketing company (charitably) under the alias 'Michael Green' before becoming an MP. He then denied ever being Michael Green, whilst still being Michael Green, threatened to sue one of his constituents who exposed him, and was finally caught in the lie a few months ago.

Needless to say, he has faced no disciplinary or legal action for his bullying threats and deceit, and will probably still take his seat again.

Calling it now, he's involved in the tickle conspiracy.

Seriously.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on April 26, 2015, 11:44:41 PM
I'm not touching that bet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on April 28, 2015, 02:23:59 AM
http://www.unilad.co.uk/articles/mayor-sued-after-blowing-budget-on-giant-robot-statue/

QuoteA Turkish politician who has been the Mayor of Ankara since 1994 is currently being sued after unveiling a 20-foot-tall metal robot in the city.

Taxpayers hit the roof when Mayor Melih Gökçek pulled the sheet off his Transformer-like masterpiece, saying it is an enormous waste of their money – and rightly so, as he blew a pretty big budget on it.

The off-the-wall mayor is now being sued by the Turkish Union of Engineers and Architects' Chambers, who have described the robot as a 'monstrosity'.

n 49853 1

After the public backlash, Gökçek simply replied 'Respect the robot', which surprisingly only made things worse.

(http://cdn.unilad.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/n_80743_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on April 28, 2015, 02:34:47 AM
MORE OF THIS SORT OF THING
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 28, 2015, 10:18:48 AM
The worrying thing is, with the way Turkish politics work, he's a strong contender for next PM.

Sure, he's pissed off his Ankara voters, but that will just make the rural, religious hicks love him even more.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on April 28, 2015, 12:18:56 PM
It's the centry of armymen progress, right?
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on April 28, 2015, 02:23:59 AM
http://www.unilad.co.uk/articles/mayor-sued-after-blowing-budget-on-giant-robot-statue/

QuoteA Turkish politician who has been the Mayor of Ankara since 1994 is currently being sued after unveiling a 20-foot-tall metal robot in the city.

Taxpayers hit the roof when Mayor Melih Gökçek pulled the sheet off his Transformer-like masterpiece, saying it is an enormous waste of their money – and rightly so, as he blew a pretty big budget on it.

The off-the-wall mayor is now being sued by the Turkish Union of Engineers and Architects' Chambers, who have described the robot as a 'monstrosity'.

n 49853 1

After the public backlash, Gökçek simply replied 'Respect the robot', which surprisingly only made things worse.

(http://cdn.unilad.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/n_80743_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on April 28, 2015, 12:33:14 PM
Aye means really, me Medz, Ye 'hurn's got nutn' do wit it :horrormirth:

It's not like actually seeing Ararat at the Angelica or anything, right: Transformers are always more than meets the eye.

[Ed., anyone catch last night's daily show, something about the correspondent's dinner court-jester... Totally unrelated, I think it's time for me to rest a little and sort out these impersonators ;]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on April 28, 2015, 04:39:46 PM
Ukip Also Homophobic As Well As Insane. (http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/28/ukip-christians-legal-protection-same-sex-marriage)

Quote from: UKIP ManifestoThe manifesto says: "We will not repeal the legislation, as it would be grossly unfair and unethical to 'un-marry' loving couples or restrict further marriages, but we will not require churches to marry same-sex couples. We will also extend the legal concept of 'reasonable accommodation' to give protection in law to those expressing a religious conscience in the workplace on this issue."

So basically, gay couples could be denied service at bakeries (as has happened and been overruled) or potentially just hounded/harassed by prejudiced workers because 'my religion says it is okay'.

There's zero chance of this going into law but I am now genuinely angry. I wanted to vote UKIP to unseat my local MP, now I'm going to have to vote Labour or Lib Dem purely to cut down the majority and hope UKIP don't get in and the Conservatives still get the message that she's costing them votes.

(I want her out largely because of her stance on gay issues too - the only times she's gone against the party line in 20 years have been to try and stop gay marriage/equal rights legislation)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 28, 2015, 04:47:56 PM
Remember though, UKIP is "libertarian".  It loves freedom. Gays however, are European and not British, and so they don't deserve freedom.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Zenpatista on May 01, 2015, 02:19:21 AM
hxxp://tucson.com/news/blogs/police-beat/police-find-metal-spikes-in-eastside-manhole-covers/article_cd90549a-ef73-11e4-813f-13738f606281.html?id=201408

Looks like someone ground the ends of some bolts into points and bolted them into manhole covers. Someone from a local tire company?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on May 03, 2015, 04:16:08 AM
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/03/05/391030925/respect-the-robot-giant-robots-oversee-traffic-in-kinshasa

QuotePerhaps, we will welcome our robot overlords after all.

The two giant robots who have directed traffic in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, since 2013 have company. Agence France-Presse reports three new robots — developed by Women's Technology, an association of female engineers — were positioned this week across the city of 9 million people to direct traffic.

The giant robots are solar-powered, have chests that rotate and are equipped with cameras that send real-time information back to the police station, AFP reports. It's unclear why this is any different than having traffic cameras — besides the fact they look much cooler (and more intimidating) — but the robots appear to be having the desired effect.

"There are certain drivers who don't respect the traffic police. But with the robot it will be different," taxi driver Poro Zidane told AFP. "We should respect the robot."

(http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2015/03/05/465170020_slide-6e0362585384ef8a2e7bdda7fde8ce412884188b-s800-c85.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 03, 2015, 04:24:58 AM
I, for one, welcome our robot overlords.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 03, 2015, 06:03:10 AM
Once, I stole a robot from a movie set.  It totally messed up continuity, and I had to give it back; or so I'm told.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on May 03, 2015, 10:29:23 AM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on May 03, 2015, 04:16:08 AM
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/03/05/391030925/respect-the-robot-giant-robots-oversee-traffic-in-kinshasa

QuotePerhaps, we will welcome our robot overlords after all.

The two giant robots who have directed traffic in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, since 2013 have company. Agence France-Presse reports three new robots — developed by Women's Technology, an association of female engineers — were positioned this week across the city of 9 million people to direct traffic.

The giant robots are solar-powered, have chests that rotate and are equipped with cameras that send real-time information back to the police station, AFP reports. It's unclear why this is any different than having traffic cameras — besides the fact they look much cooler (and more intimidating) — but the robots appear to be having the desired effect.

"There are certain drivers who don't respect the traffic police. But with the robot it will be different," taxi driver Poro Zidane told AFP. "We should respect the robot."

(http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2015/03/05/465170020_slide-6e0362585384ef8a2e7bdda7fde8ce412884188b-s800-c85.jpg)
Because people behave better if they are being watched, duh.
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140209-being-watched-why-thats-good
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 05, 2015, 05:54:59 AM
Quote from: Reginald Ret on May 03, 2015, 10:29:23 AM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on May 03, 2015, 04:16:08 AM
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/03/05/391030925/respect-the-robot-giant-robots-oversee-traffic-in-kinshasa

QuotePerhaps, we will welcome our robot overlords after all.

The two giant robots who have directed traffic in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, since 2013 have company. Agence France-Presse reports three new robots — developed by Women's Technology, an association of female engineers — were positioned this week across the city of 9 million people to direct traffic.

The giant robots are solar-powered, have chests that rotate and are equipped with cameras that send real-time information back to the police station, AFP reports. It's unclear why this is any different than having traffic cameras — besides the fact they look much cooler (and more intimidating) — but the robots appear to be having the desired effect.

"There are certain drivers who don't respect the traffic police. But with the robot it will be different," taxi driver Poro Zidane told AFP. "We should respect the robot."

(http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2015/03/05/465170020_slide-6e0362585384ef8a2e7bdda7fde8ce412884188b-s800-c85.jpg)
Because people behave better if they are being watched, duh.
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140209-being-watched-why-thats-good
My own recognizance is actually more circumspect and does not lack propriety.  Being watched obtains a kind of retroactive double jeopardy whereby I am free to commit crimes of which, inevitably,  I have  already been accused.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on May 11, 2015, 08:25:12 AM
htxp://boingboing.net/2015/05/10/what-did-the-courts-just-do-th.html
Whoa.
Who's lookin at my shoes now?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 11, 2015, 07:59:57 PM
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v37/n10/seymour-m-hersh/the-killing-of-osama-bin-laden

What the hell happened to Seymour Hersh?  It's almost as if he's fallen victim to ridiculous COINTELPRO stories.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 18, 2015, 08:11:39 AM
Yeah.  The official raid story doesn't add up, but neither does Hersh's.

Not to mention how much of it seems to come from this retired intelligence official.  Someone's running a disinfo campaign here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 28, 2015, 07:44:18 PM
The British are no longer allowed to mock American television. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/kim-shillinglaw-announces-new-commissions)

QuoteBBC Two explores the front line of our nation's low wage economy in this new series which follows Brits from across the country through a series of real-world jobs to find Britain's Hardest Worker.

These jobs will take place both out in the workplace and within the confines of a specially created factory, a warehouse space which over the course of five episodes will be transformed to cover the UK's largest blue collar sectors.

The contestants are all there for one reason: to make money. The least effective workers will be asked to leave until only one is left, to be declared Britain's Hardest Worker.

The series will tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time: why is British productivity low? Is the benefits system providing many with a reason not to work or hindering their working opportunity? Is the hidden truth about immigrants simply that they work harder than Brits – and we need them as much as they need us - or are they simply prepared to work for a lower wage? And have the young simply not inherited the work ethic of older generations or have working conditions just got too hard? Who in Britain still knows how to graft? It's time to find out.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 28, 2015, 08:16:36 PM
Soon, shit like this will have an unpaid internship waiting for the winner.

That's utterly fucking foul.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 28, 2015, 08:28:50 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention: The prize for winning is 23,000 pounds, what they consider to be "the average yearly worker's salary (outside London)".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on May 28, 2015, 10:08:52 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 28, 2015, 08:28:50 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention: The prize for winning is 23,000 pounds, what they consider to be "the average yearly worker's salary (outside London)".
That's quite a bit more than I make, even before taxes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Vanadium Gryllz on May 28, 2015, 11:28:10 PM
Quote from: Reginald Ret on May 28, 2015, 10:08:52 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 28, 2015, 08:28:50 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention: The prize for winning is 23,000 pounds, what they consider to be "the average yearly worker's salary (outside London)".
That's quite a bit more than I make, even before taxes.

Me too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 29, 2015, 02:41:14 AM
Well, are YOU the Hardest Worker in Britain?









Didn't think so.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on May 29, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 29, 2015, 02:41:14 AM
Well, are YOU the Hardest Worker in Britain?









Didn't think so.

Apparently We're not even a "average worker (outside London)".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 31, 2015, 01:41:22 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on May 28, 2015, 07:44:18 PM
The British are no longer allowed to mock American television. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/kim-shillinglaw-announces-new-commissions)

QuoteBBC Two explores the front line of our nation's low wage economy in this new series which follows Brits from across the country through a series of real-world jobs to find Britain's Hardest Worker.

These jobs will take place both out in the workplace and within the confines of a specially created factory, a warehouse space which over the course of five episodes will be transformed to cover the UK's largest blue collar sectors.

The contestants are all there for one reason: to make money. The least effective workers will be asked to leave until only one is left, to be declared Britain's Hardest Worker.

The series will tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time: why is British productivity low? Is the benefits system providing many with a reason not to work or hindering their working opportunity? Is the hidden truth about immigrants simply that they work harder than Brits – and we need them as much as they need us - or are they simply prepared to work for a lower wage? And have the young simply not inherited the work ethic of older generations or have working conditions just got too hard? Who in Britain still knows how to graft? It's time to find out.

Dear The British:  I take it back. (http://www.rawstory.com/2015/05/the-hunger-games-new-cbs-reality-show-exploits-poor-families-by-making-them-grovel-for-101000/)
QuoteCBS just debuted The Briefcase, a show which takes poverty porn, class anxiety, emotional manipulation and exploitation and packages them all neatly into a pretty despicable hour of primetime television.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 31, 2015, 04:06:27 PM
QuoteThe whole thing is, in a word, gross.

UK version coming in less than 6 months.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 02:05:20 PM
Coulson found "to have no case to answer" over the still ongoing phone hacking bullshit.

QuoteThe jury of nine men and six women returned to the court to discover that they would not be passing judgement on Andy Coulson after all.
During the Crown case they had heard evidence from Clive Goodman, Neville Thurlbeck and James Weatherup, all testifying that Mr Coulson had been aware of what Mr Weatherup called the "systematic culture of phone hacking at the News of the World".
But at the end of the day, the court ruled that whether that was true or not, it just didn't matter.
As Mr MacLeod underlined repeatedly in his legal submission, this trial had been about perjury, not phone hacking; and it was that which the Crown had failed to prove.

The fact that he had by all accounts committed a tremendous deal of perjury (Let's be realistic here, I knew [but could not prove] papers were hacking phones since mobile phones became a thing. Look at the headlines and sources and it's just fucking obvious.) during the phone hacking trial seems to be largely dismissed. Almost as if this were something of a political judgement.


Additionally, Charles Kennedy dead. Notable political achievements - Nil, as far as I can recall. I'm sure I'll be told at length over several days about all his wondrous works but I can't recall a single one beyond "Regularly pissed". I'm pretty sure he's the chap that originally gave us the euphemism of "tired and emotional" which invariably means "Screaming drunk and shitting themselves in the hallway".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 06:53:58 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 02:05:20 PM

Additionally, Charles Kennedy dead. [snip]

Nope. George Brown was the original "tired and emotional". But you probably don't know who he was. Also, as I'm sure you have realised by now if you listen to the news, if we had listened to Chatshow Charlie we wouldn't have gone to war in Iraq.

Which probably wouldn't have been a bad thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 07:01:11 PM
Quote from: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 06:53:58 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 02:05:20 PM

Additionally, Charles Kennedy dead. [snip]

Nope. George Brown was the original "tired and emotional". But you probably don't know who he was. Also, as I'm sure you have realised by now if you listen to the news, if we had listened to Chatshow Charlie we wouldn't have gone to war in Iraq.

Which probably wouldn't have been a bad thing.

Quite correct on the tired and emotional thing. Memory not what it was.


I've been woefully behind on the news for well over 6 months now. I would say that Kennedy was hardly the lone voice of dissent over Iraq so any credit there seems dubious at best. Or we can pretend he was the only one saying such things. Entirely up to you, really.

You seem to be overly upset about this entire thing. Why?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 03, 2015, 07:04:16 PM
He also abstained from the Lib Dem vote on joining a coalition government, opposed Blairs raise in tuition fees and a few other things.

A lot of this was pandering to the voters to the left of New Labour, and did not achieve much, but it was welcome regardless.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 08:05:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 07:01:11 PM
Quote from: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 06:53:58 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 02:05:20 PM

Additionally, Charles Kennedy dead. [snip]

Nope. George Brown was the original "tired and emotional". But you probably don't know who he was. Also, as I'm sure you have realised by now if you listen to the news, if we had listened to Chatshow Charlie we wouldn't have gone to war in Iraq.

Which probably wouldn't have been a bad thing.

Quite correct on the tired and emotional thing. Memory not what it was.


I've been woefully behind on the news for well over 6 months now. I would say that Kennedy was hardly the lone voice of dissent over Iraq so any credit there seems dubious at best. Or we can pretend he was the only one saying such things. Entirely up to you, really.

You seem to be overly upset about this entire thing. Why?
Because I am living in a world where the "undeserving rich" yanno the Osbournes, Mays, Camerons and that grotesque buffoon Boris Johnson are not suddenly dying too young and you are slashing the diss on Kennedy whowhile he was certainly not the only dissident voice re. Iraq pretty much was the only principled voice crying in the wilderness of Westminster. So, you are entitled to your opinion but from my perspective if you wanted to get a cheap laugh from him you might as well have gone the whole hog and done the "ginger Scots alcoholic - so no surprise there" route.
I hope you don't take this personally, it isn't meant as  a slapdown, more as a sly dig, but you did ask  :wink:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 03, 2015, 08:59:18 PM
I liked Charles Kennedy. He said stupid things less often than most other politicians and I was a little disappointed he lost his seat to the SNP.

There aren't many other politicians I'd say that about.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 04, 2015, 12:38:49 AM
Quote from: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 08:05:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 07:01:11 PM
Quote from: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 06:53:58 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 02:05:20 PM

Additionally, Charles Kennedy dead. [snip]

Nope. George Brown was the original "tired and emotional". But you probably don't know who he was. Also, as I'm sure you have realised by now if you listen to the news, if we had listened to Chatshow Charlie we wouldn't have gone to war in Iraq.

Which probably wouldn't have been a bad thing.

Quite correct on the tired and emotional thing. Memory not what it was.


I've been woefully behind on the news for well over 6 months now. I would say that Kennedy was hardly the lone voice of dissent over Iraq so any credit there seems dubious at best. Or we can pretend he was the only one saying such things. Entirely up to you, really.

You seem to be overly upset about this entire thing. Why?
Because I am living in a world where the "undeserving rich" yanno the Osbournes, Mays, Camerons and that grotesque buffoon Boris Johnson are not suddenly dying too young and you are slashing the diss on Kennedy whowhile he was certainly not the only dissident voice re. Iraq pretty much was the only principled voice crying in the wilderness of Westminster. So, you are entitled to your opinion but from my perspective if you wanted to get a cheap laugh from him you might as well have gone the whole hog and done the "ginger Scots alcoholic - so no surprise there" route.
I hope you don't take this personally, it isn't meant as  a slapdown, more as a sly dig, but you did ask  :wink:

I take it as neither and suggest you reconsider your view of the man and his accomplishments. Limited as they are, they helped set the stage for the shitshow we've just been through with the coalition so we'll call that smooth move #1.

Yes, the bottle was an easy and obvious joke, but please recall so was the largest part of his political career. His tendancies were hardly hidden or subtle and given the hilarious number of MP's that have had no problems for all kinds of drink-driving exploits it's a consistent reminder that there is a very obvious division in who and who can't get away with breaking the law. Keep turning up to your job drunk and see how long you last. Now please remember that you technically paid for him to do this for many years and the difference between him and say, Boris isn't as wide as you may like to imagine. People called him drinking himself to death years ago and while I haven't followed the fine detail it wouldn't surprise me to find them right. 

But he smiled and occasionally did the right thing. Occasionally even the thing on his manifesto though he had no real political power to actually force any significant changes. Being slightly less shitty than your peers does not make you worthy of adulation.

Although! He was against the Iraq War! Only sane man who saw that it might not have been smart.
http://en.metapedia.org/wiki/List_of_UK_MPs_who_voted_for_Iraq_War
Err. No.
QuoteAcross all members, it passed by a majority of 263, with 421 in favour and 263 against. All Liberal Democrats voted against the war; 244 Labour Party members voted in favour (and tabled the motion), as did 139 Conservative Party members

Wait, what?

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/feb/26/foreignpolicy.uk2

QuoteTony Blair tonight suffered the biggest Commons revolt of his premiership as 199 MPs rejected his course of action over Iraq.
A much higher than expected 121 Labour MPs broke a three-line whip to voice their concern that the case for military intervention was "as yet unproven".

Wait, What?

QuoteLeading the case for the rebels, Labour MP Alan Simpson - fresh from a trip to the US where he attempted to inspect America's weapons of mass destruction - said he regarded the government motion and the war rhetoric that surrounded it as a "real low-point" in contemporary British politics.

"It marks a sense of the disconnection of this house from the society we claim to represent," he said.

The government was increasingly looking for a pretext for war, rather than for the avoidance of one, he argued. "We appear to produce dossiers of mass deception, whose claims are dismissed as risible almost as soon as they are released.

Urging ministers to listen to "our other allies" such as France and Germany, he said: "We need inspections, not invasions."

I think some Blair cabinet ministers may have quit too. Hardly saints, but that takes FAR more balls and sends and much larger message than the leader of an irrelevant party.

I suppose when Galloway dies, we will whip this out as proof he's a living saint too:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-goes-war-iraq---4330312
QuoteRespect's George Galloway also said no to RAF bombers based on Cyprus hitting militant targets in the Middle Eastern country.
Isis, but the point stands.

The people of the UK seem to have some kind of bizarre obsession with magnifying the positive attributes of the dead to near mythic proportions. The classic is Diana but the same kind of shit is whipped out for anyone above a certain level of fame.

The sad reality is that he could have probably had far more of an impact and been far less likely to succumb to the bottle if he was an MP for either Labour or the Tories. A political career with no real political power is quite tragic.

Please forgive any mis-spellings, I typed this in crayon.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 07, 2015, 05:22:29 PM
http://wishtv.com/ap/cops-pennsylvania-man-ran-fake-dui-checkpoint-while-drunk/

QuotePolice say a man who set up a drunken-driving checkpoint complete with road flares while pretending to be a Pennsylvania state trooper was drunk.

Troopers say 19-year-old Logan Shaulis, of Somerset, parked his vehicle diagonally across state Route 601 and set up road flares at about 4 a.m. Saturday.

A motorist who stopped says Shaulis claimed he was a trooper and demanded to see a driver's license, registration and insurance papers.

That's got to be one of the best drunk tank conversations ever.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 07, 2015, 05:46:04 PM
http://thesmokinggun.com/buster/florida/walmart-stuffed-animal-defiler-657903

QuoteAccording to a police report, Sean Johnson, 19, "selected a brown, tan, and red stuffed horse from the clearance shelf in the garden department." He then went to the comforter aisle in the housewares section, "proceeded to pull out his genitals," and "proceeded to hump the stuffed horse utilizing short fast movements." The lewd act was captured by surveillance cameras.

Bronies fandom takes another disturbing step.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 07, 2015, 06:09:56 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 07, 2015, 05:46:04 PM
http://thesmokinggun.com/buster/florida/walmart-stuffed-animal-defiler-657903

QuoteAccording to a police report, Sean Johnson, 19, "selected a brown, tan, and red stuffed horse from the clearance shelf in the garden department." He then went to the comforter aisle in the housewares section, "proceeded to pull out his genitals," and "proceeded to hump the stuffed horse utilizing short fast movements." The lewd act was captured by surveillance cameras.

Bronies fandom takes another disturbing step.

Florida, man.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 07, 2015, 11:21:04 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 04, 2015, 12:38:49 AM
Quote from: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 08:05:25 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 07:01:11 PM
Quote from: MMIX on June 03, 2015, 06:53:58 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 03, 2015, 02:05:20 PM

Additionally, Charles Kennedy dead. [snip]

Nope. George Brown was the original "tired and emotional". But you probably don't know who he was. Also, as I'm sure you have realised by now if you listen to the news, if we had listened to Chatshow Charlie we wouldn't have gone to war in Iraq.

Which probably wouldn't have been a bad thing.

Quite correct on the tired and emotional thing. Memory not what it was.


I've been woefully behind on the news for well over 6 months now. I would say that Kennedy was hardly the lone voice of dissent over Iraq so any credit there seems dubious at best. Or we can pretend he was the only one saying such things. Entirely up to you, really.

You seem to be overly upset about this entire thing. Why?
Because I am living in a world where the "undeserving rich" yanno the Osbournes, Mays, Camerons and that grotesque buffoon Boris Johnson are not suddenly dying too young and you are slashing the diss on Kennedy whowhile he was certainly not the only dissident voice re. Iraq pretty much was the only principled voice crying in the wilderness of Westminster. So, you are entitled to your opinion but from my perspective if you wanted to get a cheap laugh from him you might as well have gone the whole hog and done the "ginger Scots alcoholic - so no surprise there" route.
I hope you don't take this personally, it isn't meant as  a slapdown, more as a sly dig, but you did ask  :wink:

I take it as neither and suggest you reconsider your view of the man and his accomplishments. Limited as they are, they helped set the stage for the shitshow we've just been through with the coalition so we'll call that smooth move #1.

Yes, the bottle was an easy and obvious joke, but please recall so was the largest part of his political career. His tendancies were hardly hidden or subtle and given the hilarious number of MP's that have had no problems for all kinds of drink-driving exploits it's a consistent reminder that there is a very obvious division in who and who can't get away with breaking the law. Keep turning up to your job drunk and see how long you last. Now please remember that you technically paid for him to do this for many years and the difference between him and say, Boris isn't as wide as you may like to imagine. People called him drinking himself to death years ago and while I haven't followed the fine detail it wouldn't surprise me to find them right. 

But he smiled and occasionally did the right thing. Occasionally even the thing on his manifesto though he had no real political power to actually force any significant changes. Being slightly less shitty than your peers does not make you worthy of adulation.

Although! He was against the Iraq War! Only sane man who saw that it might not have been smart.
http://en.metapedia.org/wiki/List_of_UK_MPs_who_voted_for_Iraq_War
Err. No.
QuoteAcross all members, it passed by a majority of 263, with 421 in favour and 263 against. All Liberal Democrats voted against the war; 244 Labour Party members voted in favour (and tabled the motion), as did 139 Conservative Party members

Wait, what?

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/feb/26/foreignpolicy.uk2

QuoteTony Blair tonight suffered the biggest Commons revolt of his premiership as 199 MPs rejected his course of action over Iraq.
A much higher than expected 121 Labour MPs broke a three-line whip to voice their concern that the case for military intervention was "as yet unproven".

Wait, What?

QuoteLeading the case for the rebels, Labour MP Alan Simpson - fresh from a trip to the US where he attempted to inspect America's weapons of mass destruction - said he regarded the government motion and the war rhetoric that surrounded it as a "real low-point" in contemporary British politics.

"It marks a sense of the disconnection of this house from the society we claim to represent," he said.

The government was increasingly looking for a pretext for war, rather than for the avoidance of one, he argued. "We appear to produce dossiers of mass deception, whose claims are dismissed as risible almost as soon as they are released.

Urging ministers to listen to "our other allies" such as France and Germany, he said: "We need inspections, not invasions."

I think some Blair cabinet ministers may have quit too. Hardly saints, but that takes FAR more balls and sends and much larger message than the leader of an irrelevant party.

I suppose when Galloway dies, we will whip this out as proof he's a living saint too:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-goes-war-iraq---4330312
QuoteRespect's George Galloway also said no to RAF bombers based on Cyprus hitting militant targets in the Middle Eastern country.
Isis, but the point stands.

The people of the UK seem to have some kind of bizarre obsession with magnifying the positive attributes of the dead to near mythic proportions. The classic is Diana but the same kind of shit is whipped out for anyone above a certain level of fame.

The sad reality is that he could have probably had far more of an impact and been far less likely to succumb to the bottle if he was an MP for either Labour or the Tories. A political career with no real political power is quite tragic.

Please forgive any mis-spellings, I typed this in crayon.

Nah, your spelling is fine - its a bit of a weird colour though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 08, 2015, 07:10:29 PM
I'll take that as "I concede on all points as I am unable to even bother with a counter-argument", shall I?

Poor show, no points awarded, 3 deducted for substandard effort.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 08, 2015, 08:15:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 08, 2015, 07:10:29 PM
I'll take that as "I concede on all points as I am unable to even bother with a counter-argument", shall I?

Poor show, no points awarded, 3 deducted for substandard effort.

Fuck you I've spent the day in surgery and had better things to do with my time than shoot the shit with you - also I've been under anaesthetic most of the day so conversation not an option.
My points stand, (and I didn't say anything much different than Cain btw), if you had a point to make beyond the "He's dead so I will piss on him" schtick (kind of the reverse of the Princess Di effect) about the relationship of British politicians and alcohol then there is an interesting discussion to be had:-
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/charles-kennedy-death-why-mps-are-still-in-denial-over-their-drinking-culture-10301445.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 08, 2015, 08:33:25 PM
Dude. Everyone's got problems and that response was a good while ago. It looked rather like you had nothing further to say as you had, in fact, said nothing further for several days. I'll raise your day in surgery with more than you could possibly imagine and I'm still being relatively fucking civil.

I'll get the tabloids to run with black tops until you recover appropriately.

ETA - 2nd paragraph of my response discussed alcohol. Final para's the Di effect. You may want to recover fully before straining that reading comprehension beyond picking up on a mistake and acting like you're the smartest monkey around.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 08, 2015, 09:41:33 PM
I still maintain that Kennedy was one of our better politicians - and I promise it isn't just because he is now dead.

I was actually saying on election night it was a pity he lost his seat. Most of the people who did deserved it, but Kennedy had consistently seemed like a reasonable, principled man - and there aren't many of them left.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 08, 2015, 10:30:40 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 08, 2015, 08:33:25 PM
Dude. Everyone's got problems and that response was a good while ago. It looked rather like you had nothing further to say as you had, in fact, said nothing further for several days. I'll raise your day in surgery with more than you could possibly imagine and I'm still being relatively fucking civil.

I'll get the tabloids to run with black tops until you recover appropriately.

ETA - 2nd paragraph of my response discussed alcohol. Final para's the Di effect. You may want to recover fully before straining that reading comprehension beyond picking up on a mistake and acting like you're the smartest monkey around.

Nope none of your paras actually discuss anything. My original point was and continues to be that your first comment on Kennedy was a cheap slur on a guy who managed to be less than a total dick despite being a career politician and an alcoholic. (And I'm not the only one around here who seems rather sorry that our political class has lost one of its good guys.) If you are only interested in throwaway oneliners which raise interesting issues like the role of alcohol in the parliamentary process or the remarkable phenomenon which was the Princess Diana effect your only point being to slag off politicos and royals because it makes you feel good or something then fair dos have at it and get your jollies. But don't be surprised if someone argues back that your scatter gun is too blunt an implement [yeah badly mixed metaphor there, long day, no real excuse]. So back to your original point
QuoteAdditionally, Charles Kennedy dead. Notable political achievements - Nil, as far as I can recall. I'm sure I'll be told at length over several days about all his wondrous works but I can't recall a single one beyond "Regularly pissed". I'm pretty sure he's the chap that originally gave us the euphemism of "tired and emotional" which invariably means "Screaming drunk and shitting themselves in the hallway".
Except to make the "tired and emotional" connection [which you now admit was wrong] what the hell was the point of the comment other than to say the guy was an alcoholic and he's dead in a rather snide way? It didn't read like a comment on the invidious position of the 3rd party in a basically 2 party system or the inadvisabilty of shoring up a minority Tory government. It certainly doesn't look like an invitation to a discussion on the evils of alcohol in the modern world. Despite that I'm gonna try
True story: back in the day we took a pack of uni students to do some anthropology fieldwork out in Africa. It was great fun; we taught a full semester's course in theoretical and practical preparation for an brief ethnographic study . Sadly it was only 2 weeks but with a big team and a lot of preparation you can still get a lot done.Everybody was really keen and looking forward to this unique experience. So we got out there and had a great time. There was only one problem. The people we went to meet were strict moslems and the area was a no alcohol zone. So here's the kicker - 2 days before the end of the expedition everyone except my partner and I [not teetotal but only very very occasional drinkers] pissed off to the capital city because they needed a drink. And I really mean that - they needed a drink. Even our department head who had wanted to visit this area the whole of her life left early because she needed a drink. Being only a very occasional drinker in a society where living life with a glass of booze in your hand is the norm gives you a very interesting perspective on the use and abuse of alcohol.

Mind experiment:
Imagine your life without alcohol


Also
QuoteI'll take that as "I concede on all points as I am unable to even bother with a counter-argument", shall I?

Poor show, no points awarded, 3 deducted for substandard effort.
Dude I ain't got a dick and I'm not into pissing contests - take that any way you like.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 08, 2015, 11:01:55 PM
I don't drink. Imagining life without alcohol is rather simple.

Another 2 points deducted for missing all points.

Here's it as simple as I can make it:

I work in an environment where turning up drunk gets you in serious shit, very, very quickly. The reason is simple enough that you may yet grasp it - Impaired judgements can have fatal consequences.


Regardless of your feelings, the man had some degree of political power and his judgements were impaired frequently while on the job. We paid for that. For years. If you think that it's OK because you had a drink in Africa or something once then bully for you. You've got the political system you deserve. I'd rather have every politician, royal and financial services worker piss tested twice a day than continue under the current system. If you get power you should be competent to be trusted with it. If you are unable or unwilling to be competent with the power you have, it must be removed from you. If you are responsible for others (As politicians are) then you must act in a responsible manner. (Varies radically with little mechanism to enforce. I wonder why.)


You know, kind of like most other working environments. It also becomes rather more important the more weight your decisions have.

Tell you what, go get some evidence for us. Turn up to work steaming drunk with a pipe in hand and explain that it's groovy because you're "less than a total dick", "one of the good guys", thought Iraq would end badly and any of the other bullshit justifications you whipped out for him. Let me know how employed you remain.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 09, 2015, 12:00:43 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 08, 2015, 11:01:55 PM
I don't drink. Imagining life without alcohol is rather simple.

Another 2 points deducted for missing all points.

Here's it as simple as I can make it:

I work in an environment where turning up drunk gets you in serious shit, very, very quickly. The reason is simple enough that you may yet grasp it - Impaired judgements can have fatal consequences.


Regardless of your feelings, the man had some degree of political power and his judgements were impaired frequently while on the job. We paid for that. For years. If you think that it's OK because you had a drink in Africa or something once then bully for you. You've got the political system you deserve. I'd rather have every politician, royal and financial services worker piss tested twice a day than continue under the current system. If you get power you should be competent to be trusted with it. If you are unable or unwilling to be competent with the power you have, it must be removed from you. If you are responsible for others (As politicians are) then you must act in a responsible manner. (Varies radically with little mechanism to enforce. I wonder why.)


You know, kind of like most other working environments. It also becomes rather more important the more weight your decisions have.

Tell you what, go get some evidence for us. Turn up to work steaming drunk with a pipe in hand and explain that it's groovy because you're "less than a total dick", "one of the good guys", thought Iraq would end badly and any of the other bullshit justifications you whipped out for him. Let me know how employed you remain.

You do realise that we are both essentially on the same side, don't you? NB The mind excercise is not for you per se but for "You" generic.
Now you have explained it more full I totally get the vehemence of your anti-alcoholic reaction. Fact is Kennedy really was one of the good guys [yes I do realise that this is a totally subjective opinion]. And the Independent thing I linked indicates just how big a problem alcohol is within the body politic. I sincerely hope that Kennedy's early and unneccessary death actually opens up debate on the place of alcohol in Parliament in particular and society in general. That would be a hell of a legacy - if society's unhealthy dependence on alcohol got discussed because of ChampagneCharley's death.
also
QuoteIf you think that it's OK because you had a drink in Africa or something once then bully for you.
wtf mate, did you even read what I said? Lol If I didn't know better I'd say you'd been drinking  :wink:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 06:17:00 AM
Not sure I agree we paid for it for years. I don't think his alcoholism had any real effect on his voting record. It definitely had a major effect on his career and lifespan, which is unfortunate, but there we go.

Addiction is a pretty awful thing to struggle with - especially when you have to operate in a context where your drug of choice is on offer constantly. No person is perfect, and writing off his achievements because he had a flaw just seems like sour grapes. There are many politicians who have - and are still - working to do things that will cost us for years, whether that's dismantling the NHS and education system, taking us into wars, or drafting laws that will come back to fuck us all in new and exciting ways.

Kennedy was not one of them. Knowing where and when to have contempt is important, lest your contempt lose all meaning.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 09, 2015, 09:26:56 AM
I have learned through bitter experience to hold any and all persons holding political power in equal contempt. Every second you start thinking "they're on our side" or any such things is a second you spend deluded.

QuoteNot sure I agree we paid for it for years. I don't think his alcoholism had any real effect on his voting record. It definitely had a major effect on his career and lifespan, which is unfortunate, but there we go.

Well, we paid his salary and expenses. There's also those subsidised bars so technically, yes, we literally all paid for it. He was often obviously drunk in parliament on more than a few occasions. Are we actually saying with a straight face that he will have made all the best arguments and decisions possible while impaired?


I'm moderately sorry for writing off his achievements, but I really am struggling to see that many. For example, the ones in the thread so far :
-Right about iraq (Who fucking wasn't. Even I called that as a bullshit clusterfuck.)
-said stupid things less often than others (Given the company he's competed with, not hard.)
-Abstained from a vote on coalition (that went well)
-Opposed blair raising tuition fees (Went well too)
-Pandered to demographic (Pretty much his job)
-grew lib-dem party (credit due here, but kind of irrelevant since clegg royally fucked it all up. Politically this is probably his most notable and it's one that I fucking raised.)
-had morals and principles (So let's get out the fucking medals.)

Others?



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 09, 2015, 11:01:11 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 09, 2015, 09:26:56 AM
I'm moderately sorry for writing off his achievements, but I really am struggling to see that many. For example, the ones in the thread so far :
-Right about iraq (Who fucking wasn't. Even I called that as a bullshit clusterfuck.)
That would be Government and the Opposition, you are pretty much outvoted and outgunned there
-said stupid things less often than others (Given the company he's competed with, not hard.)
Yanno mostly the other guys are saying things which are not "stupid" but are socially divisive, destructive in unpleasantly partisan ways, self serving and often downright evil so that puts Kennedy on the side of the angels
-Abstained from a vote on coalition (that went well)
"(that went well)" do you mean Kennedy's abstention or the formation of the coalition because they are not actually commensurable
-Opposed blair raising tuition fees (Went well too)
Same problem
-Pandered to demographic (Pretty much his job)
wtf does that even mean and have you got any evidence to support it?
-grew lib-dem party (credit due here, but kind of irrelevant since clegg royally fucked it all up. Politically this is probably his most notable and it's one that I fucking raised.)
no you fucking didn't, also you can't make a value judgement on Kennedy's achievement in growing the party based on what happened ex post facto under a different leader - my perception is that Kennedy was moving the LibDems out to the left well past Labour at the time almost offering a valid left wing alternative. Its a shame he drank himself to death because now we will never know
-had morals and principles (So let's get out the fucking medals.)
You really want it both ways don't you? You slag off ALL politicos as shysters and self servers and when you do tentatively acknowledge the possibilty that maybe some of them are principled you try to turn that into a negative too.

Others?

The thing about Charley Kennedy is that [with the possible exception of you :wink:] he was well liked by the public and by a wide spectrum of other politicians. I really hope that his death will make people think about the devastating impact of alcohol on society
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 11:15:37 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 09, 2015, 09:26:56 AM
I have learned through bitter experience to hold any and all persons holding political power in equal contempt. Every second you start thinking "they're on our side" or any such things is a second you spend deluded.

QuoteNot sure I agree we paid for it for years. I don't think his alcoholism had any real effect on his voting record. It definitely had a major effect on his career and lifespan, which is unfortunate, but there we go.

Well, we paid his salary and expenses. There's also those subsidised bars so technically, yes, we literally all paid for it. He was often obviously drunk in parliament on more than a few occasions. Are we actually saying with a straight face that he will have made all the best arguments and decisions possible while impaired?


I'm moderately sorry for writing off his achievements, but I really am struggling to see that many. For example, the ones in the thread so far :
-Right about iraq (Who fucking wasn't. Even I called that as a bullshit clusterfuck.)
-said stupid things less often than others (Given the company he's competed with, not hard.)
-Abstained from a vote on coalition (that went well)
-Opposed blair raising tuition fees (Went well too)
-Pandered to demographic (Pretty much his job)
-grew lib-dem party (credit due here, but kind of irrelevant since clegg royally fucked it all up. Politically this is probably his most notable and it's one that I fucking raised.)
-had morals and principles (So let's get out the fucking medals.)

Others?

Looking at his track record? Yes, the bolded is exactly what I'm saying.

Other than his alcoholism, there weren't many things I disagreed with him on - and those I did, I can understand his reasons for. I might not agree, but I respected him - unlike the majority of politicians who seem to have no reasoning other than their own benefit. If he wanted to work purely for his own gain, it would have been laughably easy for him to do so. He didn't. That deserves respect.

And if you really hold all politicians in contempt, then you should just stop paying attention altogether. There's no point in trying to engage with the system if you'll immediately write anyone involved off on the basis that they are involved. Not all politicians are equally worthy of our scorn; Kennedy was one of the very few who was worth listening to on a regular basis IMO. You need to take a step back from your prejudices here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 09, 2015, 11:27:00 AM
Also ^ this
Demolition Squid has the right of it
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 09, 2015, 04:34:44 PM
Sigh.


QuoteLooking at his track record? Yes, the bolded is exactly what I'm saying.

Well we I guess we should all work pissed then. As long as you are less shitty than others in the same role then you're a saint.

We've set our standards rather low when this is what we laud. Let's line the trading floors with meth labs and get the crack shipments sent directly to #10 because success will surely follow.

Quote-had morals and principles (So let's get out the fucking medals.)
You really want it both ways don't you? You slag off ALL politicos as shysters and self servers and when you do tentatively acknowledge the possibilty that maybe some of them are principled you try to turn that into a negative too.

I'll try and make it simple for you again : You do not get a shiny badge of greatness for just being a decent human. You do not get a free pass just because you have morals and principles and happened to stick to them. Just because you agreed with him on some points does not really change the fact the he did essentially fuck all with his political power. Seriously, while you two may think that he was worth listening to, his peers, you know, those folk who he actually needed to listen to him in order to enact political changes, did not. At all. Your principles are worth fuck all without the political will to enact them. 

I'll gladly drop my prejudices when the pair of you feel like dropping the rose tinted glasses.



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 04:46:19 PM
You've yet to give a single example of an actual decision he made that you can point to as a bad thing. You've just spouted a bunch of assumptions about the fact that he was a politician therefore he had to be bad - oh and he was an addict and that makes him a bad human being.

If having addiction problems is enough to damn you as a person then you're setting the bar very high. I would say unreasonably high.

You also seem very eager to trivialize alcoholism into being a character flaw - just a low level of willpower, maybe? I don't know. Do you think people with depression should just cheer up, too?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Rev Thwack on June 09, 2015, 07:21:42 PM
There's a good reason to set the bar low when it comes to politics... Have you ever seen the people involved in politics? We're actually quite lucky that they're so horrible at getting things done, outside of lining their pockets. Considering the things politicians often back, imagine if they actually were good at pushing change.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 09, 2015, 07:29:05 PM
QuoteYou also seem very eager to trivialize alcoholism into being a character flaw - just a low level of willpower, maybe? I don't know. Do you think people with depression should just cheer up, too?

What the fuck? Show me where I said anything like this. I consider it a serious health matter, like any other addiction. I have more than a passing knowledge of alcoholism. I'm taking the stance that those with serious health problems should maybe not be in charge of political office. Particularly if one of the obvious side effects of your health problem is impaired fucking judgement. Some, apparently just me, would say that it's not the best idea to have those with power making decisions while intoxicated.

Some, again apparently just me, would have to question all of their decisions and if they were in a competent state to make this. FFS, name 3 other occupations where being drunk to that level, that frequently, would not have severe repercussions. Even Musicians throw other members out of bands where the problem has escalated to the point where it affects their abilities.



Examples of bad things -
Quote-Abstained from a vote on coalition
- Should have kicked, screamed and fought loud and hard against it, going as far as possible to the point of resignation. He had loads of morals and stuff so that's a no-brainer. His gift of prophecy that activated pre-iraq should have told him exactly how badly everything he had worked for to date was about to get fucked over. Oh well.

Next, I know I'm beating a horse that you all seem to find totally irrelevant, but he turned up regularly to his place of employment in an unfit state to work. This is a bad decision. In MANY, MANY other places, this would be classed as gross misconduct= fuck you= fuck off.

You say he did good work while in this state. I really have to question this as it is tantamount to claiming that he would have been just as good if he was sober. So all that pesky research by science on alcohol impairing judgement must be absolute tripe. After all, who hasn't made all their best decisions and arguments while pissed? Must be me being crazy again along with these silly ideas like "People in public office should be held to higher standards than the general population". I have a simple reason - You have a compensated job that you hold in order to serve the public who elected you to the best of your abilities. If you are unable or unwilling to preform that job at the required standard, you are simply not fit for the post.

The political classes in general have enough power and influence. I really don't think "Turn up sober and do your job" is asking a lot. While he may have been alright as a human (Questionable, and I really don't care for opinion unless you knew him personally) he was by any standards a terrible employee (If you take the view of politicians being employed by the people) and far from a great politician, as the lack of real achievements in the past couple of pages demonstrate.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 08:18:18 PM
Where you are doing it is evident right in that post. You're screeching about how terrible it was he was drunk at times, ignoring the fact that he was seeking treatment for and fighting his illness from 2005. It takes time to recognize there is a problem. Upon recognizing it, he sought treatment for it. Given that he was still a better politician drunk than most of them sober, in his case, I don't see the problem. You're acting as though this illness were a moral failing which should bar him from office. No. I disagree. You can keep screeching at me about it but it isn't going to change my mind.

Because hey, guess what, not all situations are equal and I'll hold a train driver to higher standards regarding his eyesight than a politician too. Or should David Blunkett have been banned from the office on the basis of his blindness? Should Paul Maynard resign because he has to take special measures to be able to vote due to his cerebral palsy?

As for the coalition vote, that is exactly what I meant. I agree with you; he should have voted against it. However, his reasons for NOT doing so were equally clear; he spoke about it at the time and he didn't just do it because it seemed like the easy option. He was able to form a decent, rational explanation for his actions.

And it wasn't just about being selfish or bettering himself. If he had wanted it, there is little doubt in my mind he could have easily gotten a cabinet position and done very nicely out of the coalition. He didn't. You'll need to find some far stronger arguments regarding his failures as a human being - especially if you're using that, of all time periods, to try and back up the idea his drinking was the issue in play there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 09, 2015, 09:11:30 PM
Well, you need to find some better arguments for his successes as a politician.

I understand that you like the guy, but the pair of you seem to be treating him like some kind of idol/martyr based on what, exactly? A few good soundbites and alcohol issues? On a human to human level, he might have been an OK guy. Or not. I don't know or care because he never contacted me on a personal level. As such, I can only really judge the man based on how I know him and what is presented to me.

I know him because he's a politician. What is presented to me often sounded nice but there was never any chance of any of it coming to pass. How do you feel about people who offer things they can't provide? Trust them? I fucking don't.

QuoteYou're acting as though this illness were a moral failing which should bar him from office.

No, I'm saying he was often physically and mentally not able to undertake the tasks of office. That's the problem. You can try and tell me that he made good calls drunk but we both know it's not the point. The point is that if he were sober there would be no question about any of this, he would have done a good a job as possible to the fullest extent of his abilities. The problem is that there is that very question. Did he really argue all his points to the best of his abilities? Did he make the best decisions at all times? Did he tick the box he intended to tick each vote? It may sound petty but it's a simple question of competence. As a really fucking solid rule of thumb, 99.9% of companies will judge you as incompetent to do your job if you keep turning up drunk.

QuoteAs for the coalition vote, that is exactly what I meant. I agree with you; he should have voted against it. However, his reasons for NOT doing so were equally clear; he spoke about it at the time and he didn't just do it because it seemed like the easy option. He was able to form a decent, rational explanation for his actions.

Err, I'd go further than that and say he shouldn't have just voted against it but loudly walked the fuck away in protest. You know, like those Labour MP's I mentioned earlier regarding the Iraq thing. It just seems like a more moral and principled thing to do.

Do you have that explanation handy? While we will probably have different reads on it, I'd prefer to talk about them directly as they will probably have use in a larger discussion about UK politics. If it amounts to "changing the system from within" it's going to be depressing as he really should have learnt by then that this is not going to occur from within the existing system.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 09:14:38 PM
No, I don't have the explanation handy - and to be honest I'm now bored of reading the same thing over and over again. You can chalk this one up as a 'victory' if you like because I'm out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Rev Thwack on June 09, 2015, 09:16:43 PM
Is it a victory when your opponent quits due to frustrations with trying to explain simple concepts to you?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 09:22:06 PM
In the spirit of random news stories - here's another that demonstrates the continued failure of private business in the prison system I predicted would blow up last year.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/09/yarls-wood-immigration-removal-centre-women-children

QuoteYarl's Wood immigration removal centre is holding vulnerable women and children for too long in conditions that are causing them serious distress and are not suitable for those with mental health problems, according to a damning independent report.
...
It describes a "serious deterioration" in the centre's healthcare service. While Yarl's Wood is run by the contractor Serco, from September its health service has been provided by another private firm, G4S, on behalf of NHS England. While detainees had previously complained about the rude attitude of healthcare staff, the report says, during 2014 this reportedly worsened into "a failure to take detainees' complex physical and mental needs seriously". Specific incidents included one woman waiting almost three weeks for blood tests for a medical condition, and a family left without asthma and diabetes medication for a week.

So here's a double whammy of failing detention AND failing private healthcare.

My boss has some strong opinions around G4S. They are, of course, the people who fucked up the olympic security contract. For a while they were blacklisted from public contracts, but it didn't last long - he believes mostly because G4S upper management is largely composed of people with oxbridge/private education ties, which lets them get into central government contracts regardless of their actual suitability for the jobs.

Naturally such a thing would be unthinkable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 09, 2015, 09:52:19 PM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 09:14:38 PM
No, I don't have the explanation handy - and to be honest I'm now bored of reading the same thing over and over again. You can chalk this one up as a 'victory' if you like because I'm out.

Fuck it, I'm out too. So much for actually trying to move the conversation to a different subject.

Anyway,

+3 points for a nice Maynard reference and tone in general.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 09, 2015, 09:57:41 PM
It's definitely something along those lines, but worse than you think, why G4S keeps getting contracts.

Two of the parent companies that went on to form G4S are the British security company Securicor and the American security company Wackenhut.  Wackenhut was notorious in its a day as being essentially the private sector's answer to McCarthyism - staffed with extremely right wing and politically connected former police officers, FBI agents and intelligence personnel.  Securicor is a sort of British answer to that - typically understated and less notorious than the American version, but staffed by former Met officers and MI5 officers too, with a fairly similar worldview.

G4S also commands one of the largest private miliary companies in the world, though this is carefully disguised as many companies are still referred to by their former names, with their actual divisions only being referred to in-house.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 09, 2015, 10:02:13 PM
Huh, interesting.

Thanks for that insight Cain - I knew they were big, but I didn't realize they were that big.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 09, 2015, 10:09:38 PM
620,000 employees in 125 nations worldwide.  The exact extent of their private military numbers isn't fully known...but for example, Armour Group is one of the many companies G4S owns, and they have 9000+ on the payroll.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 10, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Hey, remember we have to stop Iran from building nuclear reactors because they'll give uranium to terrorists who will make dirty bombs?

Well... (http://news.yahoo.com/report-israel-built-exploded-dirty-bomb-nuclear-test-175345314.html)

QuoteIsrael built and exploded so-called "dirty bombs," explosives laced with nuclear material, to examine how such explosions would affect the country if it were to be attacked by the crude radioactive weapons, the Haaretz daily newspaper reported Monday.

Israeli defense officials and scientists refused to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press. However, Israel has what is widely considered to be an extensive nuclear weapons program that it has never declared.

The Haaretz report, which included photographs, said the project conducted 20 detonations with explosives laced with a radioactive substance. Mini-drones measured radiation levels and sensors logged the force of the explosions, Haaretz reported.

Researchers quoted in the Haaretz report said the Israeli tests were for defensive purposes only. They said high radiation was found at the center of blasts while small particles carried by wind didn't pose serious danger, except for the psychological effect of such an attack.

The newspaper said the project, code-named "Green Field" and conducted by staff from Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona, ended in 2014 after four years of tests. Most were conducted in Israel's Negev Desert and one in a closed facility, it said.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 10, 2015, 05:21:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 10, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Hey, remember we have to stop Iran from building nuclear reactors because they'll give uranium to terrorists who will make dirty bombs?

Well... (http://news.yahoo.com/report-israel-built-exploded-dirty-bomb-nuclear-test-175345314.html)

QuoteIsrael built and exploded so-called "dirty bombs," explosives laced with nuclear material, to examine how such explosions would affect the country if it were to be attacked by the crude radioactive weapons, the Haaretz daily newspaper reported Monday.

Israeli defense officials and scientists refused to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press. However, Israel has what is widely considered to be an extensive nuclear weapons program that it has never declared.

The Haaretz report, which included photographs, said the project conducted 20 detonations with explosives laced with a radioactive substance. Mini-drones measured radiation levels and sensors logged the force of the explosions, Haaretz reported.

Researchers quoted in the Haaretz report said the Israeli tests were for defensive purposes only. They said high radiation was found at the center of blasts while small particles carried by wind didn't pose serious danger, except for the psychological effect of such an attack.

The newspaper said the project, code-named "Green Field" and conducted by staff from Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona, ended in 2014 after four years of tests. Most were conducted in Israel's Negev Desert and one in a closed facility, it said.

But that's Israel, so it's different. They're white.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Rev Thwack on June 10, 2015, 05:29:30 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 10, 2015, 05:21:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 10, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Hey, remember we have to stop Iran from building nuclear reactors because they'll give uranium to terrorists who will make dirty bombs?

Well... (http://news.yahoo.com/report-israel-built-exploded-dirty-bomb-nuclear-test-175345314.html)

QuoteIsrael built and exploded so-called "dirty bombs," explosives laced with nuclear material, to examine how such explosions would affect the country if it were to be attacked by the crude radioactive weapons, the Haaretz daily newspaper reported Monday.

Israeli defense officials and scientists refused to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press. However, Israel has what is widely considered to be an extensive nuclear weapons program that it has never declared.

The Haaretz report, which included photographs, said the project conducted 20 detonations with explosives laced with a radioactive substance. Mini-drones measured radiation levels and sensors logged the force of the explosions, Haaretz reported.

Researchers quoted in the Haaretz report said the Israeli tests were for defensive purposes only. They said high radiation was found at the center of blasts while small particles carried by wind didn't pose serious danger, except for the psychological effect of such an attack.

The newspaper said the project, code-named "Green Field" and conducted by staff from Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona, ended in 2014 after four years of tests. Most were conducted in Israel's Negev Desert and one in a closed facility, it said.

But that's Israel, so it's different. They're white.
Yea, but they're the wrong white. You need the blonde haired, blue eyed white people. Any German from the 1930's could have told you that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 18, 2015, 12:10:18 AM
On a re-read and re-assessment, I've probably been a bit of a dick about Kennedy there.

Apologies where appropriate.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2015, 12:41:39 AM
Quote from: Rev Thwack on June 10, 2015, 05:29:30 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 10, 2015, 05:21:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 10, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Hey, remember we have to stop Iran from building nuclear reactors because they'll give uranium to terrorists who will make dirty bombs?

Well... (http://news.yahoo.com/report-israel-built-exploded-dirty-bomb-nuclear-test-175345314.html)

QuoteIsrael built and exploded so-called "dirty bombs," explosives laced with nuclear material, to examine how such explosions would affect the country if it were to be attacked by the crude radioactive weapons, the Haaretz daily newspaper reported Monday.

Israeli defense officials and scientists refused to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press. However, Israel has what is widely considered to be an extensive nuclear weapons program that it has never declared.

The Haaretz report, which included photographs, said the project conducted 20 detonations with explosives laced with a radioactive substance. Mini-drones measured radiation levels and sensors logged the force of the explosions, Haaretz reported.

Researchers quoted in the Haaretz report said the Israeli tests were for defensive purposes only. They said high radiation was found at the center of blasts while small particles carried by wind didn't pose serious danger, except for the psychological effect of such an attack.

The newspaper said the project, code-named "Green Field" and conducted by staff from Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona, ended in 2014 after four years of tests. Most were conducted in Israel's Negev Desert and one in a closed facility, it said.

But that's Israel, so it's different. They're white.
Yea, but they're the wrong white. You need the blonde haired, blue eyed white people. Any German from the 1930's could have told you that.

Most of the israelis I know ARE blond and blue eyed... because they're of German Jewish stock.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Rev Thwack on June 18, 2015, 01:04:20 AM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2015, 12:41:39 AM
Quote from: Rev Thwack on June 10, 2015, 05:29:30 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 10, 2015, 05:21:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 10, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Hey, remember we have to stop Iran from building nuclear reactors because they'll give uranium to terrorists who will make dirty bombs?

Well... (http://news.yahoo.com/report-israel-built-exploded-dirty-bomb-nuclear-test-175345314.html)

QuoteIsrael built and exploded so-called "dirty bombs," explosives laced with nuclear material, to examine how such explosions would affect the country if it were to be attacked by the crude radioactive weapons, the Haaretz daily newspaper reported Monday.

Israeli defense officials and scientists refused to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press. However, Israel has what is widely considered to be an extensive nuclear weapons program that it has never declared.

The Haaretz report, which included photographs, said the project conducted 20 detonations with explosives laced with a radioactive substance. Mini-drones measured radiation levels and sensors logged the force of the explosions, Haaretz reported.

Researchers quoted in the Haaretz report said the Israeli tests were for defensive purposes only. They said high radiation was found at the center of blasts while small particles carried by wind didn't pose serious danger, except for the psychological effect of such an attack.

The newspaper said the project, code-named "Green Field" and conducted by staff from Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona, ended in 2014 after four years of tests. Most were conducted in Israel's Negev Desert and one in a closed facility, it said.

But that's Israel, so it's different. They're white.
Yea, but they're the wrong white. You need the blonde haired, blue eyed white people. Any German from the 1930's could have told you that.

Most of the israelis I know ARE blond and blue eyed... because they're of German Jewish stock.
We're taking the 40's German perspective here... Jews don't count because we're only counting people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on June 18, 2015, 04:23:54 AM
Quote from: Cain on June 10, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Hey, remember we have to stop Iran from building nuclear reactors because they'll give uranium to terrorists who will make dirty bombs?

Well... (http://news.yahoo.com/report-israel-built-exploded-dirty-bomb-nuclear-test-175345314.html)

QuoteIsrael built and exploded so-called "dirty bombs," explosives laced with nuclear material, to examine how such explosions would affect the country if it were to be attacked by the crude radioactive weapons, the Haaretz daily newspaper reported Monday.

Israeli defense officials and scientists refused to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press. However, Israel has what is widely considered to be an extensive nuclear weapons program that it has never declared.

The Haaretz report, which included photographs, said the project conducted 20 detonations with explosives laced with a radioactive substance. Mini-drones measured radiation levels and sensors logged the force of the explosions, Haaretz reported.

Researchers quoted in the Haaretz report said the Israeli tests were for defensive purposes only. They said high radiation was found at the center of blasts while small particles carried by wind didn't pose serious danger, except for the psychological effect of such an attack.

The newspaper said the project, code-named "Green Field" and conducted by staff from Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona, ended in 2014 after four years of tests. Most were conducted in Israel's Negev Desert and one in a closed facility, it said.
:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Reginald Ret on June 18, 2015, 07:13:33 AM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 18, 2015, 12:41:39 AM
Quote from: Rev Thwack on June 10, 2015, 05:29:30 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 10, 2015, 05:21:06 PM
Quote from: Cain on June 10, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Hey, remember we have to stop Iran from building nuclear reactors because they'll give uranium to terrorists who will make dirty bombs?

Well... (http://news.yahoo.com/report-israel-built-exploded-dirty-bomb-nuclear-test-175345314.html)

QuoteIsrael built and exploded so-called "dirty bombs," explosives laced with nuclear material, to examine how such explosions would affect the country if it were to be attacked by the crude radioactive weapons, the Haaretz daily newspaper reported Monday.

Israeli defense officials and scientists refused to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press. However, Israel has what is widely considered to be an extensive nuclear weapons program that it has never declared.

The Haaretz report, which included photographs, said the project conducted 20 detonations with explosives laced with a radioactive substance. Mini-drones measured radiation levels and sensors logged the force of the explosions, Haaretz reported.

Researchers quoted in the Haaretz report said the Israeli tests were for defensive purposes only. They said high radiation was found at the center of blasts while small particles carried by wind didn't pose serious danger, except for the psychological effect of such an attack.

The newspaper said the project, code-named "Green Field" and conducted by staff from Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona, ended in 2014 after four years of tests. Most were conducted in Israel's Negev Desert and one in a closed facility, it said.

But that's Israel, so it's different. They're white.
Yea, but they're the wrong white. You need the blonde haired, blue eyed white people. Any German from the 1930's could have told you that.

Most of the israelis I know ARE blond and blue eyed... because they're of German Jewish stock.

Most Germans aren't blond, so ancestry can't be the only reason.
There must be another reason why blond haired Jews were more likely to survive the Holocaust...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Light_hair_coloration_map.png)
Light hair distribution in Europe, from 2006 study European hair and eye color a case of frequency-dependent sexual selection? by Peter Frost     
Bright yellow: 80%+ light hair     
Dark yellow: 50-79% light hair       
Light brown: 20-49% light hair     
Middle brown:  1-19% light hair
Dark brown: not defined, probably less that 1% light hair
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on June 29, 2015, 01:04:18 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/27/old-oswestry-hill-fort-housing-development

QuoteAt stake is the ancient rural surroundings of the hill fort, an elaborate, 3,000-year-old earthwork dubbed "the Stonehenge of the Iron Age". It is said to have been the birthplace of Queen Ganhumara – Guinevere of Arthurian legend – and was familiar to first world war poet Wilfred Owen, who is thought to have trained in trench fighting there before his posting to the western front.

Shropshire council is intent on pushing through a housing development abutting the fringe of the hill fort – which is a scheduled ancient monument in the care of Historic England – citing government targets for new builds. Land immediately surrounding the 13-acre hill fort has no statutory protection.

Earlier this month, the planning inspectorate approved an application to build 117 homes just metres from the outer perimeter of the fort, despite a petition opposing the scheme signed by 8,000 local people, and a large body of expert opinion on the exceptional importance of the site and its surrounding landscape.

A fort which is older than the entire United Kingdom is being put at risk because the council needs to meet housing targets. Reminds me of the stone age sites which are under threat for the development of a new road near Stonehenge.

I really don't know what we can do to stop this stuff happening. It seems to be coming thicker and faster in the past few years. It is depressing; contrary to popular belief, MOST of the island has not yet been concreted, but we're determined to ruin the bits that actually are important and avoid redeveloping dilapidated brown field sites and other industrial land for as long as possible - presumably because they are further from expensive areas and cost more to clean up?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on June 29, 2015, 01:32:19 PM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on June 29, 2015, 01:04:18 PM
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/27/old-oswestry-hill-fort-housing-development

QuoteAt stake is the ancient rural surroundings of the hill fort, an elaborate, 3,000-year-old earthwork dubbed "the Stonehenge of the Iron Age". It is said to have been the birthplace of Queen Ganhumara – Guinevere of Arthurian legend – and was familiar to first world war poet Wilfred Owen, who is thought to have trained in trench fighting there before his posting to the western front.

Shropshire council is intent on pushing through a housing development abutting the fringe of the hill fort – which is a scheduled ancient monument in the care of Historic England – citing government targets for new builds. Land immediately surrounding the 13-acre hill fort has no statutory protection.

Earlier this month, the planning inspectorate approved an application to build 117 homes just metres from the outer perimeter of the fort, despite a petition opposing the scheme signed by 8,000 local people, and a large body of expert opinion on the exceptional importance of the site and its surrounding landscape.

A fort which is older than the entire United Kingdom is being put at risk because the council needs to meet housing targets. Reminds me of the stone age sites which are under threat for the development of a new road near Stonehenge.

I really don't know what we can do to stop this stuff happening. It seems to be coming thicker and faster in the past few years. It is depressing; contrary to popular belief, MOST of the island has not yet been concreted, but we're determined to ruin the bits that actually are important and avoid redeveloping dilapidated brown field sites and other industrial land for as long as possible - presumably because they are further from expensive areas and cost more to clean up?

Well  that seems like a bad idea...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on June 29, 2015, 06:09:27 PM
The Profit Motive








eta: Though sometimes there's a chink of light -
Council blocks Little Plumpton fracking application
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-33313084
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Demolition Squid on July 05, 2015, 07:56:14 AM
I really enjoyed this. Stewart Lee's rants often remind me of stuff I'd read here. (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/05/too-late-to-save-world-heathrow-runway-stewart-lee)

QuoteIn Norfolk on Thursday, the tarmac melted, and ducklings became trapped in sticky blackness. When a lioness whelped in an ancient Roman street, Caesar thought something was up. Here, solid matter transmuted to hot liquid and swallowed baby birds whole. How surreal do the signs and warnings have to become before we stop in our tracks? Are whales required to fall from the sky? Does Tim Henman have to give birth to a two-headed cat on Centre Court?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 06, 2015, 05:39:40 AM
Quote from: Demolition Squid on July 05, 2015, 07:56:14 AM
I really enjoyed this. Stewart Lee's rants often remind me of stuff I'd read here. (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/05/too-late-to-save-world-heathrow-runway-stewart-lee)

QuoteIn Norfolk on Thursday, the tarmac melted, and ducklings became trapped in sticky blackness. When a lioness whelped in an ancient Roman street, Caesar thought something was up. Here, solid matter transmuted to hot liquid and swallowed baby birds whole. How surreal do the signs and warnings have to become before we stop in our tracks? Are whales required to fall from the sky? Does Tim Henman have to give birth to a two-headed cat on Centre Court?

That was a rant of the highest caliber!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 25, 2015, 02:54:26 PM
Bye Felicia!

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/26/us/boehner-will-resign-from-congress.html?smid=tw-bna&_r=1
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on September 25, 2015, 03:47:38 PM
Quote from: LMNO on September 25, 2015, 02:54:26 PM
Bye Felicia!

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/26/us/boehner-will-resign-from-congress.html?smid=tw-bna&_r=1

Dear god, the only  thought I can muster is that they'll replace him with someone much, much worse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 25, 2015, 04:15:54 PM
Probably.  You should see all the Teabagger sites lambasting him as a RINO
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 25, 2015, 04:28:48 PM
I have to admit, I do want to see him escorted out by the "SHAME" nuns from Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on November 14, 2015, 04:53:00 AM
Remember facebook fucking with peoples feed to make them happy or sad?

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-08-20/how-google-could-rig-2016-election

QuoteAmerica's next president could be eased into office not just by TV ads or speeches, but by Google's secret decisions, and no one—except for me and perhaps a few other obscure researchers—would know how this was accomplished.

Research I have been directing in recent years suggests that Google, Inc., has amassed far more power to control elections—indeed, to control a wide variety of opinions and beliefs—than any company in history has ever had. Google's search algorithm can easily shift the voting preferences of undecided voters by 20 percent or more—up to 80 percent in some demographic groups—with virtually no one knowing they are being manipulated, according to experiments I conducted recently with Ronald E. Robertson.

Given that many elections are won by small margins, this gives Google the power, right now, to flip upwards of 25 percent of the national elections worldwide. In the United States, half of our presidential elections have been won by margins under 7.6 percent, and the 2012 election was won by a margin of only 3.9 percent—well within Google's control.

There are at least three very real scenarios whereby Google—perhaps even without its leaders' knowledge—could shape or even decide the election next year. Whether or not Google executives see it this way, the employees who constantly adjust the search giant's algorithms are manipulating people every minute of every day. The adjustments they make increasingly influence our thinking—including, it turns out, our voting preferences.

What we call in our research the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME) turns out to be one of the largest behavioral effects ever discovered. Our comprehensive new study, just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), includes the results of five experiments we conducted with more than 4,500 participants in two countries. Because SEME is virtually invisible as a form of social influence, because the effect is so large and because there are currently no specific regulations anywhere in the world that would prevent Google from using and abusing this technique, we believe SEME is a serious threat to the democratic system of government.

According to Google Trends, at this writing Donald Trump is currently trouncing all other candidates in search activity in 47 of 50 states. Could this activity push him higher in search rankings, and could higher rankings in turn bring him more support? Most definitely—depending, that is, on how Google employees choose to adjust numeric weightings in the search algorithm. Google acknowledges adjusting the algorithm 600 times a year, but the process is secret, so what effect Mr. Trump's success will have on how he shows up in Google searches is presumably out of his hands.

***

Our new research leaves little doubt about whether Google has the ability to control voters. In laboratory and online experiments conducted in the United States, we were able to boost the proportion of people who favored any candidate by between 37 and 63 percent after just one search session. The impact of viewing biased rankings repeatedly over a period of weeks or months would undoubtedly be larger.

In our basic experiment, participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups in which search rankings favored either Candidate A, Candidate B or neither candidate. Participants were given brief descriptions of each candidate and then asked how much they liked and trusted each candidate and whom they would vote for. Then they were allowed up to 15 minutes to conduct online research on the candidates using a Google-like search engine we created called Kadoodle.

Each group had access to the same 30 search results—all real search results linking to real web pages from a past election. Only the ordering of the results differed in the three groups. People could click freely on any result or shift between any of five different results pages, just as one can on Google's search engine.

When our participants were done searching, we asked them those questions again, and, voilà: On all measures, opinions shifted in the direction of the candidate who was favored in the rankings. Trust, liking and voting preferences all shifted predictably.

More alarmingly, we also demonstrated this shift with real voters during an actual electoral campaign—in an experiment conducted with more than 2,000 eligible, undecided voters throughout India during the 2014 Lok Sabha election there—the largest democratic election in history, with more than 800 million eligible voters and 480 million votes ultimately cast. Even here, with real voters who were highly familiar with the candidates and who were being bombarded with campaign rhetoric every day, we showed that search rankings could boost the proportion of people favoring any candidate by more than 20 percent—more than 60 percent in some demographic groups.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 14, 2015, 04:08:35 PM
This is why I'm voting for Starbucks for President.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 14, 2015, 04:17:31 PM
Slogan: more likely to give you a pay raise than Donald Trump.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on November 24, 2015, 07:30:22 PM
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/20/40-of-millennials-ok-with-limiting-speech-offensive-to-minorities/

Quote
American Millennials are far more likely than older generations to say the government should be able to prevent people from saying offensive statements about minority groups, according to a new analysis of Pew Research Center survey data on free speech and media across the globe.

U.S. Millennials More Likely to Support Censoring Offensive Statements About MinoritiesWe asked whether people believe that citizens should be able to make public statements that are offensive to minority groups, or whether the government should be able to prevent people from saying these things. Four-in-ten Millennials say the government should be able to prevent people publicly making statements that are offensive to minority groups, while 58% said such speech is OK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 26, 2015, 12:21:39 AM
Quote from: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on November 24, 2015, 07:30:22 PM
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/20/40-of-millennials-ok-with-limiting-speech-offensive-to-minorities/

Quote
American Millennials are far more likely than older generations to say the government should be able to prevent people from saying offensive statements about minority groups, according to a new analysis of Pew Research Center survey data on free speech and media across the globe.

U.S. Millennials More Likely to Support Censoring Offensive Statements About MinoritiesWe asked whether people believe that citizens should be able to make public statements that are offensive to minority groups, or whether the government should be able to prevent people from saying these things. Four-in-ten Millennials say the government should be able to prevent people publicly making statements that are offensive to minority groups, while 58% said such speech is OK.

I find it fascinating that this is the issue you have decided to focus your interest in.












Wait, actually, come to think of it, no I don't.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 06, 2015, 03:15:30 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVWSJ--UEAAdmru.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 06, 2015, 04:04:05 PM
He must've read this article (http://www.yourtango.com/2015273381/no-shit-why-pooping-in-front-of-your-spouse-is-the-new-i-love-you).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: themanwhocreatedjazz on December 13, 2015, 06:14:10 PM
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/thai-man-faces-32-years-prison-liking-facebook-post-mocking-countrys-king-1533074
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: QueenThera on December 16, 2015, 09:57:32 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcTKWiZ8sI

Not sure if this qualifies for its own thread, but it certainly is news to me. China is implementing a game that shows off how good a citizen you are. Same kind of thing as a credit score is in America.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on January 06, 2016, 02:44:31 AM
Armed militant "Fluffy Unicorn" complains about backlash:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/oregon-militants-black-lives-matter_568aaad9e4b014efe0db065c

I hate it when armed militants complain about backlash.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on January 16, 2016, 09:12:45 PM
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/bundy-bodyguard-arrested

http://usuncut.com/news/police-make-first-arrest-bundy-militia-steal-federal-vehicle/

I wonder if  "Fluffy Unicorn" will be charged with "desertion in the face of the enemy" by the Bundy Militia.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 17, 2016, 05:48:00 AM
LOL
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on January 18, 2016, 12:09:57 AM
Irony Alert! Irony Alert! Irony Alert!

"Quit acting as militia and stirring up fear," armed Bundy Militia spokesperson Lavoy Finicum said of the FBI, adding, "This isn't Russia. This isn't the Berlin Wall."

http://www.kptv.com/story/30977923/armed-occupiers-of-oregon-wildlife-refuge-we-would-like-to-ask-the-fbi-to-go-home



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 18, 2016, 05:19:20 AM
Quote from: Gray Area on January 18, 2016, 12:09:57 AM
Irony Alert! Irony Alert! Irony Alert!

"Quit acting as militia and stirring up fear," armed Bundy Militia spokesperson Lavoy Finicum said of the FBI, adding, "This isn't Russia. This isn't the Berlin Wall."

http://www.kptv.com/story/30977923/armed-occupiers-of-oregon-wildlife-refuge-we-would-like-to-ask-the-fbi-to-go-home

Holy shit

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

That's amazing!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on January 20, 2016, 07:18:09 AM
Buy 'em books, send 'em to college, and look at what you get for your money:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/19/politics/judge-judy-supreme-court-poll/index.html?sr=twCNN01191619/politics/judge-judy-supreme-court-poll/index.html%200618PMStoryLink&linkId=20488642

It's scary to even think about how US 'high school only' graduates would respond to that survey.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 21, 2016, 04:36:35 AM
Quote from: Gray Area on January 20, 2016, 07:18:09 AM
Buy 'em books, send 'em to college, and look at what you get for your money:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/19/politics/judge-judy-supreme-court-poll/index.html?sr=twCNN01191619/politics/judge-judy-supreme-court-poll/index.html%200618PMStoryLink&linkId=20488642

It's scary to even think about how US 'high school only' graduates would respond to that survey.

I can attest to the fact that a significant proportion of people who manage to obtain a college degree are stupid as fuck.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on January 22, 2016, 08:33:25 AM
The Bundy Militia certainly has some interesting members.

Take Robert "LaVoy" Finicum for instance: The Powers That Be™ removed foster children from the home of the armed Bundy Militia spokesperson, thus depriving him of an estimated six-figure annual income from The Powers That Be™.

http://www.opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-militia-news-updates/militant-says-foster-children-were-pulled-from-his-home-lavoy-finicum-burns-oregon/

Perhaps The Powers That Be™, when the situation was brought to their attention, decided that "boys often landed there from mental hospitals, drug rehabs and group homes for emotionally distressed youth" might be safer in the home of someone who is not an armed militant?

And then we have Neil Sigurd Wampler: Wampler was accused of killing his own father, who was asleep in his bed at the time, with a 16-inch long eye bolt. He was convicted of second-degree murder in 1977.

"Wampler has been outspoken about gun rights. In 2013, he wrote a letter to the editor in The San Luis Obispo Tribune commending the local sheriff's stance 'against any federal infringement of our Second Amendment rights...' In the letter, he wrote, 'We gun owners in San Luis Obispo owe a big thank you' to the sheriff."

http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-standoff/2016/01/oregon_standoff_among_the_prot.html

What a guy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 22, 2016, 09:07:13 AM
I don't often make use of the term "entitled manbabies", because it would give me nothing to use in situations like this.

"The government who I consider illegitimate and who I am currently bearing arms against wont let me keep my free source of labour that they pay me for!  It won't let me exclusively use land that is intended for public use!  Waaaaaaaah!  Tyranny!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 23, 2016, 11:39:48 PM
They are truly a shining example of what Libertarianism has to offer.

I'm not being sarcastic, I think they're pretty representative from what I've seen.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on January 24, 2016, 06:49:45 AM
"Bundy Boy Jon Ritzheimer Gives A Lecture On The Constitution And Gets It Wrong"

"This is the same man who was willing to die a couple of weeks ago while defending his right to lay claim to federal lands where birds live."

http://crooksandliars.com/2016/01/bundy-boy-jon-ritzheimer-gives-lecture

So, he's willing to die defending a document he can't comprehend.

The Bundy Militia has some truly interesting members.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on January 25, 2016, 03:41:29 AM
Quote from: Gray Area on January 24, 2016, 06:49:45 AM
"Bundy Boy Jon Ritzheimer Gives A Lecture On The Constitution And Gets It Wrong"

"This is the same man who was willing to die a couple of weeks ago while defending his right to lay claim to federal lands where birds live."

http://crooksandliars.com/2016/01/bundy-boy-jon-ritzheimer-gives-lecture

So, he's willing to die defending a document he can't comprehend.

The Bundy Militia has some truly interesting members.

Isn't it so nice that they're here in Oregon. Just lovely.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on February 02, 2016, 10:26:31 AM
"Living near a pub makes you happier ..."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/12119342/living-near-a-pub-makes-you-happier.html?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link

I'll drink to that!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 02, 2016, 06:56:08 PM
Quote from: Gray Area on February 02, 2016, 10:26:31 AM
"Living near a pub makes you happier ..."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/12119342/living-near-a-pub-makes-you-happier.html?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link

I'll drink to that!

It makes sense; a nearby community gathering area where people go to relax and socialize would tend to have a positive effect.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 02, 2016, 07:18:25 PM
Living near a pub would actually annoy me.  People, being drunk and noisy, the 11pm exodus....I did live within 10 minutes of a pub once before, but it was down the end of a long road, with a field behind me.  I never saw or heard anyone after 8pm, and I liked it that way.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on February 05, 2016, 10:04:25 PM
"San Diego School District's New 18-Ton Armored Vehicle Creates Stir"

(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f5/ExoMani/San%20Diego%20MRAP.jpg) (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/ExoMani/media/San%20Diego%20MRAP.jpg.html)

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/09/13/348242448/san-diego-school-district-s-new-15-ton-armored-vehicle-creates-stir

Why am I not surprised by that news? And, it raises the additional question for someone like me who is unfamiliar with the 'So Cal' lifestyle: Exactly what are they trying to teach in that school district?

My curiosity being aroused, I did a little research and found the following:

"Limitations of the MRAP

MRAP has acquired a well-deserved reputation as the "most survivable" vehicle, with casualty rates at a very low six-percent. However, the heavy weight and large size of the MRAP imposes limitations, including:

Poor maneuverability makes it difficult, sometimes impossible to use in an urban environment (Bold print mine.)
Poor off-road performance
Prone to tipping
70% of world's bridges can't hold MRAPs
Too wide for many roads
High fuel consumption—approximately 3 mpg (Bold print mine.)
Can only be airlifted by U.S. Air Force's C-17 and C-5, and Russia's AN-124
Do not fit on the Marine's pre-positioning ships"

Here's the link to that, if anyone is interested:

http://olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_mrap.php

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on February 08, 2016, 09:20:35 AM
"Spanish Man's Secret to a Long Life: Never Drink Water"

http://www.snopes.com/2016/02/04/secret-life-never-water/

After reading this article, I hereby pledge that I too am willing to take on the heavy burden, and make the necessary sacrifice for a long and healthy life.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on February 10, 2016, 12:39:10 AM
"Coastal California Firestorm"

Tomorrow, I think, foreign interests will try to oust Californa's Coastal Comissioner from office for doing his job, namely, protecting the natural patrimony of the United States' Pacific Coast.  The attempt is hostile and probably I'll fated, yet the fact that such ignorant audacity is given a chance in court, well, welcome firestorm.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/us/california-coastal-commission.html?_r=0 (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/us/california-coastal-commission.html?_r=0)

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-85666834/ (http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-85666834/)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 15, 2016, 01:06:24 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35542708

Quoteundreds of letters and photographs that tell the story of Pope John Paul II's close relationship with a married woman, which lasted more than 30 years, have been shown to the BBC.
The letters to Polish-born American philosopher Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka had been kept away from public view in the National Library of Poland for years.
The documents reveal a rarely seen side of the pontiff, who died in 2005.
There is no suggestion the Pope broke his vow of celibacy.

I can't help but recall the figure relating to celibacy in the Church - Around 50% break their vow.

QuoteShe appeared to have revealed intense feelings for him because his letters immediately afterwards suggest a man struggling to make sense of their friendship in Christian terms.
In one, dated September 1976, he writes: "My dear Teresa, I have received all three letters. You write about being torn apart, but I could find no answer to these words."

Hmm.

QuoteMarsha Malinowski, a rare manuscripts dealer who negotiated the sale of the letters, says she believes Ms Tymieniecka fell in love with Cardinal Wojtyla in the early days of their relationship. "I think that it's completely reflected in the correspondence," she told the BBC.

Hmm.

QuoteAfter becoming Pope he wrote: "I am writing after the event, so that the correspondence between us should continue. I promise I will remember everything at this new stage of my journey."
Cardinal Wojtyla had a number of female friends, including Wanda Poltawska, a psychiatrist with whom he also corresponded for decades.
But his letters to Ms Tymieniecka are at times more intensely emotional, sometimes wrestling with the meaning of their relationship.

Yes, apparently there is no suggestion at all that the pope broke his vow. What are we looking for exactly? Used rubbers, photo evidence and "I FUCKED HER" graffiti-ed around the Vatican?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 15, 2016, 01:20:58 PM
In other news, Richard Dawkins has had a stroke.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed.







I've been waiting since Thatcher was last seriously ill to use that line and it's working wonders. Try it and watch the rage fly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 15, 2016, 03:59:18 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 15, 2016, 01:20:58 PM
In other news, Richard Dawkins has had a stroke.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed.







I've been waiting since Thatcher was last seriously ill to use that line and it's working wonders. Try it and watch the rage fly.

:lulz: Beautiful.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 15, 2016, 04:02:35 PM
I feel like it gives a bit of credence to my hypothesis that his increasingly erratic and offensive behavior over recent years has been due to a series of mini-strokes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on February 15, 2016, 10:40:52 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 15, 2016, 04:02:35 PM
I feel like it gives a bit of credence to my hypothesis that his increasingly erratic and offensive behavior over recent years has been due to a series of mini-strokes.

That would explain a lot
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 02, 2016, 11:16:35 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35696238

QuoteMore than 70 doctors and academics are calling for a ban on tackling in rugby matches played in UK and Irish schools.
In an open letter to ministers, they say injuries from this "high-impact collision sport" can have lifelong consequences for children.
They argue two thirds of injuries in youth rugby and most concussions are down to tackles and urge schools to move to touch and non-contact rugby.
Supporters say rugby builds character and other forms are less challenging.

So today, we have this tedious heap of shit.

Rugby, for the uninitiated, is essentially American Football without any of the protective gear. It's typically used in UK schools to give those who have hit puberty quickly the opportunity to beat those who have not.

What caught my eye was this bullshit around "Building character".

I(had no choice but to) put up with a lot of bullshit and this reasoning is always around, regardless of what the actual task or results of task are.

Running in the rain? Character building.
Rugby in the snow? Character building.
Tedious shitwork? Character building.
Team projects? Character building.  You actually increase Character exponentially for each member of the team that doesn't bother.
Getting up early? Character building.

It seems that people have a strong desire to inflict shit on kids that they know will not really benefit them. (No-one likes fucking rugby apart from that guy who has a full beard at 12 and STD's at 13) All this seems to be to me is the insistence on perpetuation of a system because you went through it. I suffered, so they shall also suffer and behold! They will somehow be better people for it and not resentful of this waste of fucking time that they've had to endure.

It's almost worth it's own thread because I'm sure we've all been put through some shit at some point with this bullshit justification.

Even the article isn't able to get away from the nonsense (As in, it's not measurable, quantifiable or remotely able to be proven) about character. They even quote the renowned bastion of knowledge, the PE teacher.

Quote"Contact rugby helps build character. They are putting their body on the line in a match. The risk factor is part of it," he says.

Can we quantify or measure the risk?

QuoteOne of the signatories of the open letter is Prof Allyson Pollock, from Queen Mary University of London, who has long campaigned about the dangers of rugby.
She said evidence collected over 12 years showed rugby players up to the age of 18 or 19 had a 28% chance of getting injured over a season of 15 matches.
"If you're thinking of a million children playing every year with this risk of injury you're looking at 300,000 extra injuries a year, including up to 100,000 concussions," she said.
She added that 90% of injuries resulted in more than seven days lost from school.

I bet the government is able to take a smart line though, right?

QuoteA spokesman for the Department for Education in England said: "Team sports, such as rugby, play an important role in developing character.

What a shock.

When this is the best reasoning you can come up with, whatever the thing is, it's probably a total waste of fucking time and effort.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 03, 2016, 11:54:58 AM
Horrormirth?

http://www.nj.com/passaic-county/index.ssf/2016/03/state_police_lab_tech_allegedly_faked_results_in_p.html#incart_river_index

QuoteA lab technician for the State Police allegedly faked results in a drug case, and has drawn into question 7,827 criminal cases on which he worked, according to state officials.

Kamalkant Shah worked as a laboratory technician for the State Police laboratory in Little Falls and was found to have "dry labbed" suspected marijuana, according to a Feb. 29 memo to Public Defender Joseph Krakora from Deputy Public Defender Judy Fallon. Shah's essentially accused of making up data.

"Basically, he was observed writing 'test results' for suspected marijuana that was never tested," Fallon said in the memo.

That's the impact of one lab tech. I'd be fucking astonished if this was the only one working like that.

I guess this means that more than a few people in prison were actually genuinely innocent.

QuoteIt's unclear what impact the disclosure will have on thousands of drugs convictions, but several attorneys who deal with criminal matters said Wednesday that it wouldn't likely affect the large number of defendants who pleaded guilty to drug possession.

Because fuck those guys, right? Must have been guilty to plead guilty. Not like they were faced with a shitty no-choice situation.

Quote"In Passaic County alone, the universe of cases possibly implicated in this conduct is 2,100," Fallon said in the memo.

I'm not saying that all of these were obviously faked. I just know that people take the easy path where possible. Why fuck about with the testing when you get paid the same regardless of result? I'd guess that there's a touch of corruption to find with cops telling the guy that the sample MUST be positive because they wouldn't have taken it unless they were SURE. And not giving back the "right" result would naturally lead to this dangerous maniac being able to be back on the streets.

It's actually still somewhat amazing to me to see these little parts of the X to prison pipeline reveal themselves. Just when you think you've got a good handle on it, another element of the system exposes itself as fucking broken and corrupt.

I have no idea on the laws and regs, but I bet that those samples can't be re-tested. And if they can be, would you trust the result? 

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 03, 2016, 04:41:04 PM
Happened in Boston, too.

http://www.wbur.org/tags/drug-lab-scandal
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 05, 2016, 03:59:07 PM
When you make the War on Drugs the latest capitalist venture, of course you end up with conviction fraud.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Vanadium Gryllz on March 06, 2016, 09:39:27 PM
http://wlos.com/news/local/bogus-parking-tickets-surface-in-downtown-asheville
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on March 11, 2016, 07:19:28 PM
"Christian 'prophet' loses his buttocks to a hungry lion while trying to prove God would save him"

Here's the link, but be advised, the video is just a collection of unrelated big cat photos:

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/03/christian-prophet-loses-his-buttocks-to-a-hungry-lion-while-trying-to-prove-god-would-save-him/

The expression "getting one's ass handed to one" is popular. And, the expression "getting an ass chewing" used to be popular. But somehow, I don't think "getting one's ass clawed" has much of a ring to it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 14, 2016, 02:22:23 PM
http://wtop.com/dc/2016/03/reagan-airport-says-1-person-filed-6500-noise-complaints/

QuoteOut of the 8,670 noise complaints Washington's Reagan National Airport received last year, officials say a whopping 6,500 of them came from the same person.

That's impressively insane.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 14, 2016, 03:09:03 PM
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/firms-pranks-bombs-and-feces/

QuoteOver the course of several years, an Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association employee played pranks on co-workers by building and detonating bombs near them, attempting to defecate on them while they worked, and placing bags of his own feces in their lunches.

The general manager of the association knew about the employee's behavior and, rather than discipline or terminate him, promoted him.

QuoteEnglish admitted during the hearing he pulled pranks on co-workers for years, including shooting them with a "potato gun" he made out of PVC pipe on work time and building and detonating bombs on company time and with company materials. Some of the bombs were set to explode when his co-workers got into a work truck and turned the ignition switch on.

At one point, English was disclosing so much information about the bombs and how they exploded that the judge advised him of his Fifth Amendment rights about self-incrimination.

Bailey testified that in one instance, a bomb exploded with enough force to buckle the hood of a truck, and the explosion damaged his right ear. In another instance, he said he saw a pipe bomb explode while English was building it on a welding bench at work. He said the explosion sent shrapnel into the shop's ceiling, and that English laughed because he was "glad it didn't blow his arms off."

English admitted to other pranks. He filled milk jugs with an accelerant and hid them in ditch banks, so when co-workers were clearing brush from the banks using blowtorches the jugs would explode. He also placed bags of his own feces in co-workers' lunches and tried to defecate on co-workers as they worked in ditches.

Much of Fletcher's testimony indicated he was either unaware of many of English' pranks, or knew about them but did little to stem them. English testified that Fletcher approached him around 2009 when he was working as a ditch rider and asked him to stop building bombs because complaints had been filed.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 14, 2016, 05:07:37 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 14, 2016, 02:22:23 PM
http://wtop.com/dc/2016/03/reagan-airport-says-1-person-filed-6500-noise-complaints/

QuoteOut of the 8,670 noise complaints Washington's Reagan National Airport received last year, officials say a whopping 6,500 of them came from the same person.

That's impressively insane.

I'm pretty sure that's the guy I work with.

OK, he doesn't live in DC.  But he does have at least 20 current greivances put in against the company, and has put in greivances about how his greivances are being handled.  In the space of a week I saw him put in 4 greivances.  He totally has the motivation to put in 6500 noise complaints.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on March 16, 2016, 09:31:12 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 14, 2016, 03:09:03 PM
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/firms-pranks-bombs-and-feces/

QuoteOver the course of several years, an Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association employee played pranks on co-workers by building and detonating bombs near them, attempting to defecate on them while they worked, and placing bags of his own feces in their lunches.

The general manager of the association knew about the employee's behavior and, rather than discipline or terminate him, promoted him.

QuoteEnglish admitted during the hearing he pulled pranks on co-workers for years, including shooting them with a "potato gun" he made out of PVC pipe on work time and building and detonating bombs on company time and with company materials. Some of the bombs were set to explode when his co-workers got into a work truck and turned the ignition switch on.

At one point, English was disclosing so much information about the bombs and how they exploded that the judge advised him of his Fifth Amendment rights about self-incrimination.

Bailey testified that in one instance, a bomb exploded with enough force to buckle the hood of a truck, and the explosion damaged his right ear. In another instance, he said he saw a pipe bomb explode while English was building it on a welding bench at work. He said the explosion sent shrapnel into the shop's ceiling, and that English laughed because he was "glad it didn't blow his arms off."

English admitted to other pranks. He filled milk jugs with an accelerant and hid them in ditch banks, so when co-workers were clearing brush from the banks using blowtorches the jugs would explode. He also placed bags of his own feces in co-workers' lunches and tried to defecate on co-workers as they worked in ditches.

Much of Fletcher's testimony indicated he was either unaware of many of English' pranks, or knew about them but did little to stem them. English testified that Fletcher approached him around 2009 when he was working as a ditch rider and asked him to stop building bombs because complaints had been filed.
Yup, that delivery dude never lugged those 5 Gallon glass coolers right to my door, because of the incline.  The one time they did, shit blew up in my hands and flooded the living room. :evilmad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 17, 2016, 03:39:50 PM
Have you been sniffing glue?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 17, 2016, 05:46:30 PM
Some HA?

http://conservativedisabilitygroup.org.uk/

QuoteThis website is temporarily closed owing to Disability Cuts.

Needed to correct a misquote no other member of the group was involved in my action or was aware of it until after it happened

The domain name will be transfered when the group secure new hosting.

The owner of the hosting package Graeme Ellis has resigned over disability cuts from the group and will no longer develop or host this site

I laughed firstly because this even existed. Now I can't stop laughing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 01, 2016, 01:33:56 PM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/31/mississippis-senate-just-approved-a-sweeping-religious-liberty-bill-that-critics-say-is-the-worst-yet-for-lgbt-rights/?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link

QuoteMississippi's House Bill 1523 says, among other things, that public employees, businesses, and social workers cannot be punished for denying services based on the belief that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman. Same goes for people who act on the belief that "sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage" and that gender is determined at birth. It says the government can't prevent businesses from firing a transgender employee, clerks from refusing to license a same-sex marriage, or adoption agencies from refusing to place a child with a couple who they believe may be having premarital sex.

QuoteSen. John Hohrn (D-Jackson) told his colleagues that measures like HB 1523 were the reason people "think badly" of the state.

"Why do we keep doing this to ourselves?" he asked.

I suspect Hohrn was Sisyphus in a previous life.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on April 05, 2016, 01:24:48 AM
What a bunch of bullshit. The government can prevent businesses from doing anything it wants. That's what makes it the government.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on April 07, 2016, 08:50:09 AM
When every interaction is commercially mediated, whoa.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 13, 2016, 12:38:22 PM
Today I again remind you all that Rope, Fuel and matches are all relatively inexpensive things.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36031743

QuoteLabour has called for Culture Secretary John Whittingdale to withdraw from press regulation decisions after news of his relationship with a sex worker.
Four newspapers knew about the relationship, which ended in 2014, but decided not to publish the story.

QuoteMr Whittingdale, who said he had not known she was a sex worker, said it had not affected any of his decisions.

Quote"This is an old story which was a bit embarrassing at the time. The events occurred long before I took up my present position and it has never had any influence on the decisions I have made as culture secretary."

QuoteThe accusation from Labour and Hacked Off is that the reason newspapers chose not to publish was to keep it as a threat over the head of John Whittingdale to pressurise him against taking any further steps with the Leveson process.

QuoteFour newspapers - the People, part of the Mirror Group, the Mail on Sunday, from the Daily Mail group, the Sun, part of News UK, and the now-closed Independent - had investigated the claims but had concluded the story was not in the public interest, Newsnight reported.
James Cusick, a former Independent reporter who looked at the story for five months, said: "If this individual is making these decisions - decisions that would affect the way people look at newspapers, the way newspapers behave, the way the BBC is allowed to be - you have a right to know about this man's private life and whether there is something in it he is trying to hold back from you."
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the question for Mr Whittingdale was not about his relationship, but about his role in regulating the press when the newspapers had a story about his private life.

QuoteDiane Abbott said it had long been her view that Mr Whittingdale's close relationship with the Murdochs (whose company News UK publishes the Sun) made him an "unsuitable person to deal with press regulation".
Quote

QuoteHowever, Brian Cathcart, from the Hacked Off campaign group, insisted Mr Whittingdale was "compromised".
He believes the newspapers "stocked up" the story for future use and as a way to possibly put "pressure on him".
"Lo and behold, we see that he has made three really important decisions reversing government policy which work entirely in the favour of the press and, frankly, in my view at least, contrary to the public," he added.
Dr Evan Harris, executive director of Hacked Off, said: "John Whittingdale now needs to be clear about whether he knew that newspapers had this story and were not running it, and if so why he did not tell the prime minister on his appointment to the cabinet that this potential and glaring personal conflict of interest existed."

It's nothing particularly shocking or unusual. What it is, is yet another example of a horribly broken system that allows influence between parties where there should be none. It's obvious to anyone who has ever even read one of the 4 named papers exactly what the game was here, Blackmail is a favoured pastimes in the UK after all. You could also quite reasonably question what credentials the man actually has to hold the office that he does.

All I want you to do here is remember that my rule, while arbitrary and terrible, will also be hilarious and you won't see this kind of shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 14, 2016, 01:54:15 PM
QuoteYou could also quite reasonably question what credentials the man actually has to hold the office that he does.

Credentials? I'd figured the only credentials you need to hold any office is having fucked the right pig?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 14, 2016, 03:34:36 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on April 14, 2016, 01:54:15 PM
QuoteYou could also quite reasonably question what credentials the man actually has to hold the office that he does.

Credentials? I'd figured the only credentials you need to hold any office is having fucked the right pig?

Well, yes. I'm sorry, I should have been clearer there.

The question here is, who's he got a picture of? And/Or who has a picture of him?

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 18, 2016, 11:07:09 AM
China issues report on Human rights in the USA:

QuoteThere were a total of 51,675 gun violence incidents in the United States in 2015 as of December 28, leaving 13,136 killed and 26,493 injured. U.S. police shot dead 965 people last year as of December 24.

No substantial progress concerning the economic and social rights of U.S. citizens were made, the report says. In 2015, more than 560,000 people nationwide were homeless, and there were still 33 million people in the United States with no healthcare insurance.

It also quotes figures to show that the United States continued to trample on human rights in other countries, causing tremendous civilian casualties.

From August 2014 to December 2015, the United States launched 3,965 air strikes in Iraq and 2,823 in Syria, causing an estimated number of civilian deaths between 1,695 and 2,239.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2016-04/14/content_24543320.htm

That last figure seems remarkably low.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on April 20, 2016, 09:25:07 PM
We have a weird way of counting casualties, so most appear as combatants, not as civilians.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 20, 2016, 10:00:25 PM
i.e. If a drone killed them, they were combatants. Mostly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 21, 2016, 10:17:57 AM
http://www.earthnutshell.com/stopping-all-stations-the-pyongyang-metro/

Detailed photo guide to the metro system in North Korea, Propaganda connoisseurs are in for a treat.

(http://www.earthnutshell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/53-pyongyang-metro-kimilsung-mosaic-hyoksin.jpg)

Quote"Maximise increased production and saving of money" Kim Il-Sung giving an inspirational speech of efficiency to those working in fields of industry. Hyoksin Station, Hyoksin line.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 21, 2016, 05:54:51 PM
Everything I've heard about North Korea suggests it read 1984 as a guide book.  Or else, Eric Blair was actually a time traveller who based his books on what he had experienced while travelling in contemporary DPRK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 21, 2016, 06:14:53 PM
It really does impress me that this has all been done seemingly without any trace of irony. You often hear about NK propaganda but this really shows how prevalent it is within the culture.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on April 21, 2016, 06:41:11 PM
Never underestimate the programmability of human beings. Most of them seem to actually prefer it to thinking. Homosapiens huge fucking brain has high energy requirements. Maybe natural selection is biased in favour of those who only use it for emergencies?  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on April 21, 2016, 07:41:22 PM
Well, what's missing from that picture is a time-piece.
Quote from: Cain on April 21, 2016, 05:54:51 PM
Everything I've heard about North Korea suggests it read 1984 as a guide book.  Or else, Eric Blair was actually a time traveller who based his books on what he had experienced while travelling in contemporary DPRK.
How are they supposed to know it's not 1984 :lulz:




Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 27, 2016, 12:16:46 PM
Hmm.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/26/vicar-causes-anger-among-congregation-with-life-of-brian-screeni/

Quotevicar has sparked controversy among his congregation by charging people £10 to watch controversial Monty Python film The Life of Brian in church.

OK.

QuoteHe said: "Just as church buildings were the centre of all sorts of community activities in medieval times, we hope the film will bring in people who wouldn't normally think of entering this spectacular place.

"The Life of Brian caused upset when it was released almost 40 years ago. Most of us have grown up since then.

Good.

QuoteHalf of the profits from ticket sales will go towards the continued upkeep and maintenance of the 174-year-old church.

....Where do the other half go?

On the whole, seems fairly admirable. While I wouldn't pay for the privilege, at least this is an attempt to do something with buildings that are pretty much irrelevant to the vast majority of people.

I'm kind of hoping for a bit of religious conflict out of this. If it works it would be great for them to show say, "Spotlight" or somesuch.

It's also just a cheap excuse to remind you all of this magnificent interview. How Cleese and Palin kept their temper is quite the feat. The looks that they exchange throughout it are just perfect.

"I'm suggesting Malcom, that we've made an advance...."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl8acXl3qVs

The Bishop featured is an interesting guy too. By "interesting" I mean "horrible scrote".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 27, 2016, 01:29:23 PM
Any church which doesn't show a viewing of The Life of Brian is a church I don't want to be going to.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Q. G. Pennyworth on April 27, 2016, 04:06:40 PM
http://gothamist.com/2016/04/26/labeouf_lookalike_roughed_up.php
QuoteI didn't even see the guy. I just see his fist coming towards me. It knocked me, and while I was falling down the stairs, all I hear was, "This is because you look exactly like Shia LaBeouf!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 27, 2016, 04:40:05 PM
SHIA SURPRISE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 29, 2016, 12:04:52 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-36167299

QuoteAn MEP who dishonestly claimed almost £500,000 in expenses has been jailed for four years.
Peter Skinner, 56, who was Labour MEP for the South East from 1999 to 2014, was found guilty of three charges after a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
He claimed thousands of pounds for support staff, which actually funded jewellery, restaurants and hotel stays.
Skinner, of Snodland in Kent, claimed he had been confused over the rules, blaming European Parliament procedures

As far as excuses go, this one isn't the best.


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 29, 2016, 01:06:51 PM
He obviously didn't get the latest Labour Party memo - that the J00S are to blame for everything.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 30, 2016, 12:58:07 AM
Daikatana 2 on kickstarter:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36158610

QuoteTwo gaming veterans who helped create iconic title Doom are seeking cash to make a "classic" first-person shooter.
John Romero and Adrian Carmack are seeking $700,000 (£480,000) on Kickstarter to make a game called Blackroom Daikatana 2, Electric boogaloo.

If you're gullible enough to give Romero any more money, you don't deserve to have it.

Others have written in detail about the shitshow that was daikatana's production and mechanics ("Of course every weapon should also unavoidably hurt the player. This is a game for PROS") so it will probably we worth watching this just to behold an onslaught of fuckups and failures. And many, many tears.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 30, 2016, 01:01:38 AM
2BRUTAL5CASUELS

I mean, that stuff is pretty fucking cingeworthy on its own.  Especially when Dark Souls manages to actually deliver without the devs (or, more amazingly, most of the player base) being complete douchebags.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 30, 2016, 03:23:54 PM
Best assassination of Romero/Daikatana. Anyone responsible for these decisions should be barred from making future ones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiJNuG2pII0

http://lparchive.org/Daikatana/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 02, 2016, 09:47:36 AM
News#1 - Bitcoin still a thing.

News#2 -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36168863

QuoteAustralian entrepreneur Craig Wright has publicly identified himself as Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.

Quoten December 2015, two magazines, Wired and Gizmodo, named Mr Wright as a candidate after receiving documents believed to be stolen from him that revealed his involvement with the project.
Soon after these stories were published, authorities in Australia raided the home of Mr Wright. The Australian Taxation Office said the raid was linked to a long-running investigation into tax payments rather than Bitcoin.
Questioned about this raid, Mr Wright said he was cooperating fully with the ATO.
"We have lawyers negotiating with them over how much I have to pay," he said.

QuoteSatoshi Nakamoto is believed to amassed about one million Bitcoins which would give him a net worth, if all were converted to cash, of about $450m.

Legal fuckery ahoy. Should be amusing and filled with unintended consequences.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 02, 2016, 08:12:35 PM
Bitcoin enthusiasts don't believe him  :lulz:

This is what happens when you cater a product to pathological conspiracy theorists
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 04, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
Never saw that coming.

In other news:
http://spioenkop.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/the-islamic-state-going-diy-inside-diy.html

QuoteA video obtained by VICE News and uploaded on the 27th of April 2016 shows off spectacular footage taken by the headcam of an Islamic State fighter as he and his comrades fight their way to Peshmerga positions near Naweran while under heavy enemy fire. The attack, which took place North of Mosul, clearly shows the panic and chaos that occur while on the battlefield, a completely different picture from the one presented in the videos published by the Islamic State's media department, which almost exclusively shows well-trained fighters of the Islamic State defeating their opponents without any fear or regard to their own safety.

The footage offers a rare glimpse into the attacks that Peshmerga forces have been facing ever since the fall of Mosul, but now from the perspective of the Islamic State. This video doesn't offer the whole story however, and because this attack has been documented extremely well by both the Islamic State and Peshmerga, we will attempt to break down the footage and images released by both parties and paint a clearer picture of this attack conducted by the Islamic State.

While VICE News claims the footage was taken in March this year, the depicted attack actually occurred in mid December 2015. As the Islamic State's resulting defeat was widely reported on in Iraqi Kurdistan and abroad, it is not entirely clear how the supposed date got mixed up and suddenly ended up being March 2016.

Pretty long, pretty good. Plenty of pictures for those curious about what the front line fighting realities are.

I did start to think by around halfway through that Abu Hajaar is likely to be a CIA agent or somesuch. There's a few points where it just feels like he's fucking with them for his own amusement.

The blog in general seems pretty good for IS related news too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 04, 2016, 05:08:10 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 04, 2016, 10:15:57 AM
Never saw that coming.

In other news:
http://spioenkop.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/the-islamic-state-going-diy-inside-diy.html

QuoteA video obtained by VICE News and uploaded on the 27th of April 2016 shows off spectacular footage taken by the headcam of an Islamic State fighter as he and his comrades fight their way to Peshmerga positions near Naweran while under heavy enemy fire. The attack, which took place North of Mosul, clearly shows the panic and chaos that occur while on the battlefield, a completely different picture from the one presented in the videos published by the Islamic State's media department, which almost exclusively shows well-trained fighters of the Islamic State defeating their opponents without any fear or regard to their own safety.

The footage offers a rare glimpse into the attacks that Peshmerga forces have been facing ever since the fall of Mosul, but now from the perspective of the Islamic State. This video doesn't offer the whole story however, and because this attack has been documented extremely well by both the Islamic State and Peshmerga, we will attempt to break down the footage and images released by both parties and paint a clearer picture of this attack conducted by the Islamic State.

While VICE News claims the footage was taken in March this year, the depicted attack actually occurred in mid December 2015. As the Islamic State's resulting defeat was widely reported on in Iraqi Kurdistan and abroad, it is not entirely clear how the supposed date got mixed up and suddenly ended up being March 2016.

Pretty long, pretty good. Plenty of pictures for those curious about what the front line fighting realities are.

I did start to think by around halfway through that Abu Hajaar is likely to be a CIA agent or somesuch. There's a few points where it just feels like he's fucking with them for his own amusement.

The blog in general seems pretty good for IS related news too.

My son has told me that the ISIS freaks do not seem to be under any real direction at all.  There are rumors of ISIS giving sub-unit commanders the chop for attacks failing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 06, 2016, 12:00:33 PM
Quote from: Cain on April 30, 2016, 01:01:38 AM
2BRUTAL5CASUELS

I mean, that stuff is pretty fucking cingeworthy on its own.  Especially when Dark Souls manages to actually deliver without the devs (or, more amazingly, most of the player base) being complete douchebags.

It gets a little funnier, Romero pulled the thing until he has a working demo. Apparently potential backers were somewhat reluctant to commit.

The fact that there were even ANY potential backers is mildly stunning. Its quite worrying that there are apparently people that remember daikatana fondly. This was a FPS so broken it was actually frequently impossible to progress without console commands. A FPS so retarded that it included a shotgun that fires 6 times, every time. A Shooter that would make the current SJW crowd shit itself in disbelief at some of the incredible stereotypes exhibited. If there is any kind of God of Games, I'd put decent money on Romero being his anti-thing. That isn't even touching his previous attempts at marketing/PR.

The eventual trainwreck should be that year's version of gaming horrormirth.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 06, 2016, 05:35:00 PM
Its weird though, because you'd think someone who was there with Id Software right at the beginning would at least have some idea of how to make a decent FPS.   I guess John Carmack was the creative genius of that operation.  Actually, that would make sense, since the new Wolfenstein games are actually pretty damn decent.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 06, 2016, 08:03:46 PM
John Carmack was, and I think still is the guy who was actually pushing stuff. I'm pretty sure there were a few articles about how he tends to release a new game as part of a new video engine upgrade which is where the odd development cycles (Rage to Doom 4) start happening. Carmacks games have always been solid, if not exceptional. He's also had a hand in VR along the way too. The man gets shit done. 

Romero amuses me because he was(is) such a cracking example of dunning-kruger. The whole Diakatana fiasco is a great example as the logic basically ran "I was involved in making a few doom levels and converting metal songs to 8bit versions ergo I was involved in making Doom, ergo I know exactly what you must do to make a FPS as successful as Doom. Give me money." And people did. In droves. Despite every red flag being waved at them. Silly cars, ridiculous offices, "Rockstar Developer" bullshit and the terrible, terrible marketing guaranteed failure. That the eventual product was terrible was no surprise, it's actually practically inevitable. It's very telling that he keeps referring to 20+ year old projects as he has literally done nothing of worth in the interim. Assuming his next effort comes out anyt ime near one of Carmack's the comparisons will be immediate and I know who my money is on for the better reviews.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 17, 2016, 02:33:18 PM
Trump meets Kissinger. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/05/16/donald-trump-to-meet-with-henry-kissinger-gops-foreign-policy-eminence-2/) 

I am rapidly approaching horrormirth.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 17, 2016, 03:49:27 PM
Would that be Henry "Kissinger is a friend, and I relied on his counsel when I served as secretary of state" Kissinger?

Also, it could be worse.  I mean, you may remember this conversation:

QuoteNixon: I still think we ought to take the North Vietnamese dikes out now. Will that drown people?

     Kissinger: About two hundred thousand people.

    Nixon: No, no, no, I'd rather use the nuclear bomb. Have you got that, Henry?

    Kissinger: That, I think, would just be too much.

    Nixon: The nuclear bomb, does that bother you?...I just want you to think big, Henry, for Christsakes.

And we're all still alive.  Somehow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 17, 2016, 04:41:05 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 17, 2016, 03:49:27 PM
Would that be Henry "Kissinger is a friend, and I relied on his counsel when I served as secretary of state" Kissinger?

Also, it could be worse.  I mean, you may remember this conversation:

QuoteNixon: I still think we ought to take the North Vietnamese dikes out now. Will that drown people?

     Kissinger: About two hundred thousand people.

    Nixon: No, no, no, I'd rather use the nuclear bomb. Have you got that, Henry?

    Kissinger: That, I think, would just be too much.

    Nixon: The nuclear bomb, does that bother you?...I just want you to think big, Henry, for Christsakes.

And we're all still alive.  Somehow.

There are some conversations that make you less human just for being a part of them. This is one of these.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 18, 2016, 04:57:59 PM
In other news, Boko Haram has never stopped being a thing despite everyone stopping giving a fuck a couple of years back,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-36321249

QuoteOne of the missing Chibok schoolgirls has been found in Nigeria, activists say, the first to be rescued since their capture two years ago.

Glad to see that hashtag was effective. Also nice to see how much actual effort has been put in to bothering to fucking do anything here. It's actually a little strange to me as given the natural resources in Nigeria and surrounding areas I would have thought that someone would have thrown a little more effort at the problem for a longer term gain.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 22, 2016, 11:51:22 PM
Well then.

By this time tomorrow night, Austria may have voted the Freedom Party's candidate in as President.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Freedom Party, it is probably one of Europe's best known "fascism-lite" parties, its first leader a former Nazi party official no less (Anton Reinthaller, Minister of Agriculture in the Seyss-Inquart administration in Austria, and member of the SS).  It was almost single-handedly responsible for turning immigration into a political issue in Austria, historically advocating pan-Germanism and castigating the welfare state.  It is closely aligned with the French Front National, Vlaams Belang, Swedish Democrats, Danish Freedom Party, Alternative for Germany...the usual suspects.

In theory, Austria's presidency is a figurehead, a ceremonial figure...but on paper, the office has powers more comparable to, say, France or Russia's semi-presidential system than say Israel or Ireland.  These powers have not been used in the past much...but that may change.  The Freedom Party already forms part of a coalition government with the more traditionally conservative Austrian People's Party, and in theory the next Parliamentary elections are in 2018.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36353200
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 23, 2016, 02:41:52 AM
Every hundred years, we gotta do this.

Because humans are dumb.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2016, 04:20:51 AM
The alternative candidate, incidentally, is a former Dean of the Social Sciences and Economics faculty of the University of Vienna, a member of the Green Party and a self-proclaimed "son of refugees" (his family fled the Soviet invasion of Estonia).

The polls are close enough that it's down the postal vote count tomorrow...but it really could go either way. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 23, 2016, 12:36:27 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 22, 2016, 11:51:22 PM
Well then.

By this time tomorrow night, Austria may have voted the Freedom Party's candidate in as President.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Freedom Party, it is probably one of Europe's best known "fascism-lite" parties, its first leader a former Nazi party official no less (Anton Reinthaller, Minister of Agriculture in the Seyss-Inquart administration in Austria, and member of the SS).  It was almost single-handedly responsible for turning immigration into a political issue in Austria, historically advocating pan-Germanism and castigating the welfare state.  It is closely aligned with the French Front National, Vlaams Belang, Swedish Democrats, Danish Freedom Party, Alternative for Germany...the usual suspects.

In theory, Austria's presidency is a figurehead, a ceremonial figure...but on paper, the office has powers more comparable to, say, France or Russia's semi-presidential system than say Israel or Ireland.  These powers have not been used in the past much...but that may change.  The Freedom Party already forms part of a coalition government with the more traditionally conservative Austrian People's Party, and in theory the next Parliamentary elections are in 2018.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36353200

Forgive my ignorance, but how does a known member of the SS not get put on trial for war crimes?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2016, 02:15:05 PM
It's a good question, given the SS was in and of itself made a proscribed organization after the war.

Basically, he had friends in high places.  The Austrian post-war government charged him with treason over the Anschluss, and he was convincted on lesser charges related to that.  He got 3 years jail time.  His age also may have been a factor...he was 50 by the end of the war, 55 by the end of the trial, and had served as a junior officer in WWI. 

Some of his pre-war opinions may also have helped him here...he was known for being a more "moderate" Nazi when it came to questions of violence, and voiced the opinion that anti-Semitism harmed the Nazi movement internationally, well before the Holocaust was ever on the cards.  It may have been a political calculation that the far-right in Austria was better off with him leading it than some other Austrians with even worse political views (Austria was under joint Allied-Soviet occupation until 1955, and the British were secretly preparing the Austrian military for conflict during this time).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 23, 2016, 03:08:25 PM
Thanks for that.  I can see political expediency and realpolitik having a say in the matter.  Still.... :shudder:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 23, 2016, 03:09:34 PM
While we've got you on the line, how much is the lifting of the Vietnam embargo is really about China?  All of it?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2016, 03:43:29 PM
Pretty much, though edging Russia out of the Vietnam arms market is also a factor (Russia being the main supplier of Vietnamese arms).

But it's like 95% about China.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2016, 03:54:18 PM
Surprisingly good news: Austria elected the Green candidate.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36362505

QuoteThe official result is expected to be announced shortly.

Mr Hofer had led Mr Van der Bellen by 51.9% to 48.1%, the interior ministry said, after counting on Sunday.

But the 750,000 postal votes - roughly 12% of Austria's 6.4 million registered voters - swayed the result.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 23, 2016, 04:20:44 PM
Let the experiment begin!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 23, 2016, 06:30:31 PM
Well, lets not count our chickens before they've hatched.

The UK referendum on the EU has yet to happen.  If that goes badly, as I'm fearing it might, then everything will go to shit.  The effects might not be immediate, but give it 5-10 years and I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of Europe looking a lot more like Austria had the Freedom Party won.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 02, 2016, 01:50:43 PM
In other news, Erdogan's been called a sheep fucker in poem form, Turkey and Germany have procedeed to lose their shit over it.

I suspect this guy went the the Chris Morris school of media relations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6hmermann_affair
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on June 17, 2016, 10:24:48 AM
DoNT know if it's already news, but supposedly discordianosm is having a resurgence, according to vice :lulz:
https://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-discordian-revival-chaos-festival
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 17, 2016, 11:04:51 AM
No problems with the festival's T+C's. Co-op's are cool, right?
http://festival23.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Articles-of-Association-NotWork-23-Ltd.pdf

Quote84. Any Director may act in a professional capacity for the Co-operative and
s/he or her/his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional
services.
Provided that nothing shall authorise a Director or their firm to
act as auditor of the Co-operative.
85. The Co-operative may pay any reasonable expenses which the Directors
properly incur in connection with their attendance at meetings or
otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the
discharge of their responsibilities in relation to the Co-operative.

Nothing suspicious there. The list of people involved are practically non-entities so I'm figuring this is just some easy grift for a few of them. 92/93 aren't much better covering application of surplus and dissolution. 110 implies members may be hit for money because reasons which can then just be used to pay directors as per 84.

Can't say i'll be surprised if the thing just falls apart and all the cash vanishes. It's practically set up that way.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Vanadium Gryllz on June 17, 2016, 04:01:31 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 17, 2016, 11:04:51 AM
No problems with the festival's T+C's. Co-op's are cool, right?
http://festival23.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Articles-of-Association-NotWork-23-Ltd.pdf

Quote84. Any Director may act in a professional capacity for the Co-operative and
s/he or her/his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional
services.
Provided that nothing shall authorise a Director or their firm to
act as auditor of the Co-operative.
85. The Co-operative may pay any reasonable expenses which the Directors
properly incur in connection with their attendance at meetings or
otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the
discharge of their responsibilities in relation to the Co-operative.

Nothing suspicious there. The list of people involved are practically non-entities so I'm figuring this is just some easy grift for a few of them. 92/93 aren't much better covering application of surplus and dissolution. 110 implies members may be hit for money because reasons which can then just be used to pay directors as per 84.

Can't say i'll be surprised if the thing just falls apart and all the cash vanishes. It's practically set up that way.

It sounds like it could be interesting - unfortunately I am otherwise engaged that weekend and £84 for what sounds like a bunch of stoned 'individuals' expressing their creativity sounds somewhat steep. You may well be right about it being some kind of scam.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 17, 2016, 05:27:41 PM
(http://hidden-highgate.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Malcolm-McLaren-Cash-from-Chaos-still-from-The-Great-Rock-n-Roll-Swindle-c-John-Tiberi.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on June 17, 2016, 11:29:12 PM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on June 17, 2016, 05:27:41 PM
(http://hidden-highgate.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Malcolm-McLaren-Cash-from-Chaos-still-from-The-Great-Rock-n-Roll-Swindle-c-John-Tiberi.jpg)
:spitake:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on June 17, 2016, 11:48:20 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on June 17, 2016, 11:04:51 AM
No problems with the festival's T+C's. Co-op's are cool, right?
http://festival23.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Articles-of-Association-NotWork-23-Ltd.pdf

Quote84. Any Director may act in a professional capacity for the Co-operative and
s/he or her/his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional
services.
Provided that nothing shall authorise a Director or their firm to
act as auditor of the Co-operative.
85. The Co-operative may pay any reasonable expenses which the Directors
properly incur in connection with their attendance at meetings or
otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the
discharge of their responsibilities in relation to the Co-operative.

Nothing suspicious there. The list of people involved are practically non-entities so I'm figuring this is just some easy grift for a few of them. 92/93 aren't much better covering application of surplus and dissolution. 110 implies members may be hit for money because reasons which can then just be used to pay directors as per 84.

Can't say i'll be surprised if the thing just falls apart and all the cash vanishes. It's practically set up that way.
There's something of the spirit of discordia that's being denied - I mean it's like with all that dillegence, and they're still neglecting to invite Eris.  Oh Well.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 23, 2016, 11:51:33 AM
In other news, there's new news about Micheal Jackson.

Various sources, but it's not looking good overall. Possibly worth it's own thread given the clusterfuck to come here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 23, 2016, 12:38:33 PM
Ew.  Dead rich creepy guy with serious childhood issues is rich, creepy, dead.

Not sure if there's much to add other than poking the corpse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 23, 2016, 12:52:53 PM
That's what we said about Jimmy Savile. It's part of the horrible fun with shit like this, you never quite know where or to who it may lead. 

In all honesty, all I'm really hoping for out of this is a smoking gun with "Woody Allen" carved on the handle. Unlikely, but I can hope.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on June 23, 2016, 01:36:59 PM
Something flashed up on one of my feeds yesterday about a bunch of doors being kicked in. Didn't pay much attention but is it looking like the US is doing their own Yewtree?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 23, 2016, 04:52:23 PM
Someone just tried shooting up a German cinema.

Not much info thus far, except that German police shot the guy dead.  Could be robbery, could be political.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 23, 2016, 05:48:24 PM
I just read between 20 and 50 people killed.  Damn.

[Edit: Fell victim to my own pet peeve.  Wounded, not killed, and most likely from tear gas.]
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 24, 2016, 04:35:18 PM
With all the bad news in Europe right now, it is worth noting that a ceasefire as prelude to a peace process has kicked off in Colombia.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 05, 2016, 01:17:34 PM
Everyone's quitting:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36714792
QuoteBMA junior doctor leader Johann Malawana has resigned.

Taking bets on the next to go.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on July 11, 2016, 04:29:34 AM
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2016/07/09/in_search_of_liberty_shuts_down_after_crew_unionizes.html (http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2016/07/09/in_search_of_liberty_shuts_down_after_crew_unionizes.html)   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on July 11, 2016, 05:05:07 AM
Quote from: Trivial <insert joke> on July 11, 2016, 04:29:34 AM
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2016/07/09/in_search_of_liberty_shuts_down_after_crew_unionizes.html (http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2016/07/09/in_search_of_liberty_shuts_down_after_crew_unionizes.html)   :lulz:

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 22, 2016, 06:57:44 PM
David Duke is running for Senate. (http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ex-kkk-leader-david-duke-says-he-plans-to-run-for-us-senate/ar-BBuFkXy?ocid=ansmsnnews11)

On the "Make America White Again" platform, apparently.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on July 22, 2016, 06:58:28 PM
Quote from: LMNO on July 22, 2016, 06:57:44 PM
David Duke is running for Senate. (http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ex-kkk-leader-david-duke-says-he-plans-to-run-for-us-senate/ar-BBuFkXy?ocid=ansmsnnews11)

On the "Make America White Again" platform, apparently.

He sees his brethren coming out of the woodwork.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 22, 2016, 07:05:46 PM
It's mourning in America.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on July 25, 2016, 03:20:30 PM
Roger Ailes is having a bad time and has apparently resigned.

What a shame.

Murdoch taking over in the interim. I'm sure the quality of journalism won't suffer.

ETA - https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jul/21/roger-ailes-sexual-harassment-accusations-fox-news#

Quote"Gretchen's legal team started hearing (mainly through calls and emails) from people with their own stories of harassment almost immediately the day that the lawsuit was filed and first reported on," Garger said.

The lawyers believes Ailes has several other accusers with whom they haven't spoken, he added. Some allegations published by the Daily Beast, for example, bear no resemblance to the 20-plus accusations they have already fielded.

That would bring the number of women who are publicly or anonymously claiming to be victims of Ailes's sexual harassment to nearly two dozen.

I think we know how this song goes. I'm guessing 60+ by the end of the month or so.

Amusingly, Trump is apparently supportive of Ailes. If you were ever inclined to judge someone through the company they keep...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on July 30, 2016, 10:13:20 PM
'Hold that blueberry pie; the Oregon state fair is now judging best marijuana'

"To the list of breakthroughs in an ever-changing world where cars drive themselves, faces are surgically transplanted and Russian hackers are accused of manipulating the U.S. presidential campaign, add this development: marijuana growers can now compete for blue ribbons in the state fair."

Here's the link:   http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-state-fair-marijuana-20160728-snap-story.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 15, 2016, 03:05:29 PM
Probably one of the best court transcripts you'll ever read:

http://imgur.com/a/skffp

QG - There's a shitload of potential marginalia and quotes in there.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 16, 2016, 04:32:38 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 15, 2016, 03:05:29 PM
Probably one of the best court transcripts you'll ever read:

http://imgur.com/a/skffp

QG - There's a shitload of potential marginalia and quotes in there.

:lulz: This is even better than the video.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2016, 10:53:53 AM
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602201/security-experts-agree-the-nsa-was-hacked/?set=602199

QuoteA group of hackers known as the Shadow Brokers is currently selling off cyber-spying tools, which it claims belong to the U.S. government, in an online auction. Now, analysis of software that the group made freely available to prove its legitimacy suggests that it's authentic, and likely to belong to the National Security Agency.

The Shadow Brokers claimed that their initial public release of the software included tools that could be used to break into firewall systems from companies like Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks. Just days later, Cisco has urgently announced that it's going to patch two vulnerabilities in its firewall systems, which may have been exploited since as early as 2013. Security experts had claimed that the espionage tools appeared to be old, but Cisco appears to be seeing some of them for the first time.

QuoteEven with evidence suggesting this freely published software is genuine, it remains unclear exactly what tools lurk in the software the Shadow Brokers have put up for sale. The highest bidder will get to find out.

My initial assumption was that this is likely a con of some sort, but this could be worth watching. It may also just be advertising for Cisco as it's quite an achivement for them to only be 3 years behind rather than their usual 5.

Edit to fix link.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 19, 2016, 11:25:24 AM
The Shadow Brokers were being pretty coy on Twitter regarding any links they may have with "Guccifer 2.0", aka ATP 29, aka, "some dudes locked in a basement by the FSB".  I'm not the only one to have voiced this suspicion (http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/17/12519804/shadow-brokers-russia-nsa-hack-equation-group).

Also, the NSA are confirmed scrubs.  The Shadow Broker isn't hard to beat, even on the highest difficulty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8WmOcMguSY).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2016, 11:57:50 AM
I considered and dismissed a Russian angle as unlikely as its just too overt and seemed to be a bit of an obvious suspect after the DNC stuff. That said, the obvious suspect is guilty as often as not, and if not Russia, who? China would be my favourite as it looks like a good time to get some fuckery in while letting everyone blame Russia. 

I'll throw a quid on North Korea too, just for fun.



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2016, 12:05:54 PM
In other news...

http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/19/12550722/cern-human-sacrifice-video-prank

QuoteOfficials at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) have launched an internal investigation after someone filmed a fake human sacrifice ritual at its Geneva headquarters, home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In the video, posted online this week, a group of people wearing dark robes stand in front of a Hindu statue before "stabbing" a woman, purportedly as some sort of ritual. It was filmed from afar, and the person who shot it pretended to freak out and ran away after the stabbing.

A CERN spokesperson tells the AFP that the prank video was shot without permission on its Geneva campus, and that the people who orchestrated it had badge access to the site. The spokesperson did not identify the people responsible for it, describing the investigation as an "internal matter."

I really hope that the people involved did this as a reply to the crazy shit RT and various others keep releasing about CERN.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 19, 2016, 12:36:53 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 19, 2016, 11:57:50 AM
I considered and dismissed a Russian angle as unlikely as its just too overt and seemed to be a bit of an obvious suspect after the DNC stuff. That said, the obvious suspect is guilty as often as not, and if not Russia, who? China would be my favourite as it looks like a good time to get some fuckery in while letting everyone blame Russia. 

I'll throw a quid on North Korea too, just for fun.

The broken English did seem a bit too....bad Bond film Russian.  But if it was a state hack, then I would expect them to be at least somewhat sophisticated enough to pass the details over to a linguist who could effectively make any statements from the group look like they were from the patsy state.  So I dunno, best to base the guesses around technical information and tools used rather than something so open to deception as that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 19, 2016, 01:17:24 PM
They can't be that smart, if they're only accepting bids in bitcoin.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 19, 2016, 01:58:16 PM
Depends what you want them for.

Non-state actors wanting bitcoin because "lolfuckdaman"...yeah, pretty dumb.

State actors wanting bitcoins so they can trace previous transactions involving the sort of people who are willing to use bitcoins to buy unpatched vulnerabilities acquired from a hack of the NSA?  Potentially quite smart.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 19, 2016, 02:02:14 PM
Of course, all this assumes this isn't some kind of NSA mindgame in the first place (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/1/inside-the-ring-843880610/#ixzz3gMAEdJUb). 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 19, 2016, 03:49:11 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 19, 2016, 01:58:16 PM
Depends what you want them for.

Non-state actors wanting bitcoin because "lolfuckdaman"...yeah, pretty dumb.

State actors wanting bitcoins so they can trace previous transactions involving the sort of people who are willing to use bitcoins to buy unpatched vulnerabilities acquired from a hack of the NSA?  Potentially quite smart.

Which would equally apply if it was NSA or FSB (or any other 3 letter), though for radically different ends.

And surely anyone halfway savvy would realise this and run a fucking mile? Which gets me back to scam/con/data fishing for people of possible interest.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 20, 2016, 08:08:37 AM
Oh, I also forgot something.

Remember when the FBI seized all those bitcoins in the Silk Road bust?

https://krypt3ia.wordpress.com/2016/08/19/shadowbrokers-bitcoin-transactions-now-theres-some-taint-for-you/

QuoteSo I was looking at the bitcoin status of the #ShadowBrokers account and something interesting began to take shape. What I noticed, with the help of my trusty Maltego (@paterva) was that some transactions with "tainted" bitcoins was happening. Of course I am using the word taint in it's original form here in that there be some funky shit going on. It seems that not only that ShadowBrokers are WAY short of the eleventy billion bitcoins they want (at about $990.00 last night) but that if I am reading this right, some of the bitcoin payments are coming from the seized Silk Road bitcoins and account.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 06, 2016, 01:00:29 PM
Keith Vaz, married father of 2 and Long standing scumbag being reported to have been caught with 2 male prostitutes.

Quotehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37283328
At the weekend, the Sunday Mirror published pictures it said showed Mr Vaz with male sex workers in a flat in north London that he owns. Illegal drugs were mentioned during a secretly recorded conversation

The 59-year-old has also described it as a "privilege" to be the chairman of the select committee, which monitors crime and drugs policy, for the past nine years.

Corbyn, lucas and livingstone quick to make comments ignoring it as "private matter".

So there's 3 that have likely used the services of prostitutes. It's also bizarre as there's an easy and obvious argument for this being in the public interest. I'm not sure how Vaz has survived this long with his record of sleaze but with any luck this will be an end to the fucker. 

ETA - He's gone. Superb. Not the end of him yet but a damn good start.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 06, 2016, 03:49:06 PM
Vaz has survived exactly because of the way in which he plied his corruption.  A man to whom the Hindujah brothers owe favours is a man not lightly dismissed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 06, 2016, 07:25:26 PM
True. Will be interesting to see who else jumps out to defend him though. I do hope the police find a criminal angle or two out of it. I'm pretty sure they still owe him a kick or two for his bullshit over the years.

Salman Rushdie must be laughing his tits off.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 19, 2016, 09:29:15 PM
Sheriff Joe is headed to court:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/18/us/sheriff-joe-arpaio-arizona.html

Not even taking bets on this one. The man is made of teflon so there will be a lovely riot when he walks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on October 19, 2016, 09:42:06 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on October 19, 2016, 09:29:15 PM
Sheriff Joe is headed to court:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/18/us/sheriff-joe-arpaio-arizona.html

Not even taking bets on this one. The man is made of teflon so there will be a lovely riot when he walks.

No there won't.  He is worshiped as a living god in Tempe/Phoenix.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 19, 2016, 10:44:51 PM
I know, but a man can dream.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 21, 2016, 03:50:14 PM
This is relevant due to ballot questions.
https://www.brookings.edu/research/massachusetts-charter-cap-holds-back-disadvantaged-students/

Simply put, there's a question whether to raise the charter school cap on underperforming (read: urban/minority) districts.

The above study says that charter schools have been shown to help urban students, but have no-to-negative impact on suburban (white) students.

I started out against the idea of more charter schools, for several, kinda thought out, reasons.  But this evidence, added to the language of the ballot, is persuading my otherwise.

Any thoughts on the validity of the Brookings Institute, this study, or charter schools in general?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 22, 2016, 05:14:32 PM
Brookings has a reputation for being a solid left-centrist think tank, if that's helpful at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Eater of Clowns on October 22, 2016, 05:39:11 PM
While that is good news, I still believe I'll be voting No to expand Charters.

Even if it passes the total amount of them cannot exceed 1% that of other public schools, which is not a high enough percentage to enact meaningful education reform even for underperforming districts. Ideally, a No vote could signal lawmakers that a significant investment is needed in public schools, rather than a series of charter bandages.

And while I realize this is significantly less solid basis than an actual study, I have a shit ton of teacher friends and they are all voting against it as well.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on October 23, 2016, 01:04:12 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on October 22, 2016, 05:39:11 PM
While that is good news, I still believe I'll be voting No to expand Charters.

Even if it passes the total amount of them cannot exceed 1% that of other public schools, which is not a high enough percentage to enact meaningful education reform even for underperforming districts. Ideally, a No vote could signal lawmakers that a significant investment is needed in public schools, rather than a series of charter bandages.

And while I realize this is significantly less solid basis than an actual study, I have a shit ton of teacher friends and they are all voting against it as well.

Generally, "No" votes on any school funding signify to legislators that the public is unwilling to fund schools at that level, so they try to ask for even less next go.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 23, 2016, 05:47:30 PM
I would've said Brookings was far more postwar liberal centrist myself.

The only reason it looks leftish is because of the insane rightwing think tanks like Heritage which were explicitly set up to drag the conversation right of said postwar liberal consensus, and it's actually frequently cited by conservatives (http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/polisci/faculty/groseclose/pdfs/MediaBias.pdf).  They've got some notable PNAC neocons kicking around the place, as well (O'Hanlon, anyone?).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 24, 2016, 03:29:47 PM
Thanks, all.  The wife and I had a good talk about this last night, and the info you provided helped.  I need to look at the text of the ballot question to confirm if the cap rally is only being lifted on urban centers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: xXRon_Paul_42016Xxx(weed) on November 14, 2016, 06:52:12 PM
https://jacobbacharach.com/blog/

Quote
What I felt when Donald Trump won the presidential election last night was weirdly akin to what I felt on 9/11—yes, that 9/11: not terror at a catastrophe whose suddenness and magnitude were unprecedented in the history of the world, but rather sad, weary recognition of a smaller, more acute disaster whose antecedents and precedents were all too obvious, an inevitable result—I won't hesitate to use that word—of a long series of choices that we'd made. I didn't predict the hour, and I was very, very surprised when it arrived. But I wasn't shocked.

We are in for a long and unproductive argument about whether or not Trump's victory represents the revenge of the economically forgotten against the managerial political class or the petit-bourgeois revolt of classic fascism or some stinking eructation of the perpetual sin of American racism. I think it is at once all and none of these things. All of them are symptoms of the deliberate disorder of an unequal society in which the power, wealth, and influence—the real power, wealth, and influence—accrue endlessly to the same tiny sliver of the population, leaving hollow communities in the wake. Even people who are doing well by American standards—I am personally doing very well by American standards—are mostly doing so at greater personal expense to themselves and their families, their friends, and their communities.

This isn't meant to be a defense of racism and sexism and homophobia and all the other sins against identity, which are evil and wrong. But just as we recognize that terrorism, which is evil and wrong, has roots in the deliberate policies of the American government, so are we obligated to recognize that the persistence of prejudice, even as it tilts into violence, is not the result of some inexplicable defect in the innate character of human beings, but the savage, misdirected lashing out against nearer, vulnerable targets when the real enemy is so impossibly powerful and distant. Wrongs have explanations; they even have reasons.

I didn't know Trump was coming, but I knew a Trump was coming when I saw the response to the financial crisis. There are plenty of other ills of the American empire, but that was so viciously unjust and so close to home. (I anticipated a Trump as long ago as high school, when I saw what America had done to the old coal town where I grew up, but that was just an inchoate dread that turned me into some kind of political radical.) Sooner or later, I thought, all the useless pablum about everyone getting a bachelor's and learning to code while the Blankfeins of the world walked free, prospered even more than before, would bring this upon us. It was like a magic spell. It was a misdirected prayer to a trickster god, and here we are living in the accidental fulfillment of our vain rulers' stupid wish.

Sure Trump was lying—bullshitting is probably a better word, since I don't suspect he tells untruths instrumentally; he just lives in a collapsed distinction between true and false. But he acknowledged the material circumstances of the country out there, all those people, poor and middle-class alike, who are outside of the communion. Is their rage pathological? Yes. But he had the wherewithal to diagnose it and turn the endemic into a contagion. It got him just enough bodies. Meanwhile, a vaccine existed. The mildest—I mean, the mildest—sort of redistribution would have done it. Instead, we said: go be a programmer, as if everyone could, as if that would do anything for the people who'd still remain in Uniontown, PA.

I happen to believe our civilization will survive this. The Romans managed plenty of crises without collapsing; we focus on the ending only because it appears in retrospect the most spectacular. (In fact, it was slow and almost imperceptible to those who lived it.) Inertia is a powerful thing. I guess I counsel something like a cautious vigilance. I do however think we should stop pretending it's all malice without cause. It's shameful; it's embarrassing; it will be dangerous, and we should be prepared. But no matter who they are, let's not collapse on the old canard that they simply hate our freedom.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on November 21, 2016, 07:43:50 PM
Wtf is this, we already talked about this, right?

https://heathenwomen.com/2016/10/19/order-out-of-chaos-magic-the-discordian-origins-of-the-alt-right/

I can't even be bothered to read it now, I got St. Paul on the line, long distance.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on November 21, 2016, 08:17:56 PM
Eh, it's Starbuck's pebbles, and poorly connected, at that.  Gets origin dates and influences wrong and backwards, and really, really misses the joke and intent.

I have no doubt that a Thelemite who dabbles in chaos magick and has a passing knowledge of RAW can also be a bigot.  I can believe that quite easily, in fact.  And the fact that most of the Alt-right backstory is retconned is completely missed by the author.  All in all, not very interesting.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 22, 2016, 02:49:30 PM
Today's HA HA:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/homeopathy-treatments-must-be-labelled-to-say-they-do-not-work-us-government-orders-a7429776.html?cmpid=facebook-post

QuoteThere is a huge market in the US for homeopathic remedies. In 2007 alone, it was estimated Americans spent more than $3bn on a controversial system of alternative medicine created in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, and which has long been dismissed by mainstream science.

Now, the US government is requiring that producers of such items ensure that if they want to claim they are effective treatments, then they need to make available the proof. Otherwise, they will need to point out that there is "no scientific evidence that the product works".

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on November 22, 2016, 03:50:33 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 22, 2016, 02:49:30 PM
Today's HA HA:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/homeopathy-treatments-must-be-labelled-to-say-they-do-not-work-us-government-orders-a7429776.html?cmpid=facebook-post

QuoteThere is a huge market in the US for homeopathic remedies. In 2007 alone, it was estimated Americans spent more than $3bn on a controversial system of alternative medicine created in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, and which has long been dismissed by mainstream science.

Now, the US government is requiring that producers of such items ensure that if they want to claim they are effective treatments, then they need to make available the proof. Otherwise, they will need to point out that there is "no scientific evidence that the product works".

:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 27, 2016, 12:24:37 AM
Huge protests in south Korea for the 5th week running. Favours for friends and corruption, the usual. Some amazing pictures though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 29, 2016, 01:32:15 AM
UK sending 150 soldiers to Poland to "deter Russian aggression".

I'm sure that'll be plenty. The UK did just win lose two wars recently so I'm sure Russia will be suitably terrified. Of our 150 soldiers.

It would be cheaper just to send Putin a Gift Card for the acme target warehouse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 29, 2016, 01:41:39 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 29, 2016, 01:32:15 AM
UK sending 150 soldiers to Poland to "deter Russian aggression".

I'm sure that'll be plenty. The UK did just win lose two wars recently so I'm sure Russia will be suitably terrified. Of our 150 soldiers.

It would be cheaper just to send Putin a Gift Card for the acme target warehouse.

That's just enough to create an outrage when they're overrun.

Just saying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 29, 2016, 01:55:23 AM
I know, but the gesture is worthless. If Russia pulls some shit, they're fucking directly with the eu. That can't lead anywhere good.

It would also take this government about 2 years to figure out a response, assuming they even notice or care in the first place. Still no official statement on Castro. Not expecting one at this point.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on November 29, 2016, 02:22:02 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 29, 2016, 01:55:23 AM
I know, but the gesture is worthless. If Russia pulls some shit, they're fucking directly with the eu. That can't lead anywhere good.

It would also take this government about 2 years to figure out a response, assuming they even notice or care in the first place. Still no official statement on Castro. Not expecting one at this point.

You think the EU is going to go to war for Eastern Europe?  Or for England?

I'm a long way away, but from over here, it looks like the EU is now "France, Germany, and some horrible debtors that live in tiny countries."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on November 29, 2016, 02:37:29 AM
Yes, and they're largely in debt to Germany. Cain will know this shit in more detail but I have a horrible feeling there's a treaty or two that will push things to escalate. And with a bunch of Right wingers in charge there will be no political will to cool shit down.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on November 29, 2016, 02:45:00 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on November 29, 2016, 02:37:29 AM
Yes, and they're largely in debt to Germany. Cain will know this shit in more detail but I have a horrible feeling there's a treaty or two that will push things to escalate. And with a bunch of Right wingers in charge there will be no political will to cool shit down.

Another predictable market crash would probably be highly desirable to the folks hooked in from the last ones. I remember some shit vis a vis France calling for "hard brexit" to show Euro solidarity and strength or some shit. Two man con methinks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on December 02, 2016, 11:17:49 AM
Meanwhile, in my neck of the woods, we keep it classy (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/absolutely-disgusting-judge-condemns-man-9373759)

Quoteat one point he could been seen on CCTV taking an empty chewing gum container out of a bin, performing a sex act into it, and putting it on one of the women's desks.
:ffs:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on December 02, 2016, 05:23:24 PM
http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-breitbart-kelloggs-advertisers-20161130-story.html

QuoteThe cereal company said that it advertises on a large number of websites, "so occasionally something is inadvertently missed. In this case, we learned from consumers that ads were placed on Breitbart.com and decided to discontinue advertising there."

QuoteOn Wednesday, some of Breitbart's top brass took to social media to take aim at the advertising defectors, describing Kellogg as "bigotry for breakfast."

Yeah, that's definitely the best way to handle advertisers, Breitbart. :golfclap:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 02, 2016, 05:28:46 PM
It's even funnier when you know a little about the history of Kellogg. Batshit insane doesn't even start to cover it.

There's a dollop that covers it perfectly, shit machine and all.

ETA - http://thedollop.libsyn.com/46-live-w-patton-oswalt-the-cereal-men

100 mins, it's worth it.

Also, if you're not listening to the dollop you're seriously missing out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Salty on December 02, 2016, 05:35:27 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 02, 2016, 05:28:46 PM
It's even funnier when you know a little about the history of Kellogg. Batshit insane doesn't even start to cover it.

There's a dollop that covers it perfectly, shit machine and all.

lol, it's hilarious to watch Kellogg be the calm, rational party.

I just love how, as far as I can tell, Kellogg didn't even realize they were advertising on Breitbart. Somebody in some office somewhere got an email and went, "Oops, well, we better just nip that in the bud" and Breitbart went immediately for the throat.

Hopefully, this trend will continue.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 02, 2016, 05:41:12 PM
The fun bit about this is that the 1st protects speech from government reprisals, not corporations pulling their advertising.

The MORE fun bit is now Bannon IS government, and he's trying to control Kellogs' freedom of speech.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 02, 2016, 07:29:15 PM
Quote from: Just Alty, Please on December 02, 2016, 05:35:27 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 02, 2016, 05:28:46 PM
It's even funnier when you know a little about the history of Kellogg. Batshit insane doesn't even start to cover it.

There's a dollop that covers it perfectly, shit machine and all.

lol, it's hilarious to watch Kellogg be the calm, rational party.

I just love how, as far as I can tell, Kellogg didn't even realize they were advertising on Breitbart. Somebody in some office somewhere got an email and went, "Oops, well, we better just nip that in the bud" and Breitbart went immediately for the throat.

Hopefully, this trend will continue.

It's going to be hilarious if it does. Mass-market advertisers are going to go where the money is, and it isn't on alt-right sites.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 02, 2016, 09:35:07 PM
It's going to be fun to see what advertisers they manage to retain or end up using in 12 months from now.

A broken shovel says it's largely going to be porn and "cool offensive t-shit" places. Mainly porn.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on January 18, 2017, 10:27:57 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 02, 2016, 09:35:07 PM
It's going to be fun to see what advertisers they manage to retain or end up using in 12 months from now.

A broken shovel says it's largely going to be porn and "cool offensive t-shit" places. Mainly porn.

Gold and reverse mortgages.

Wait, alt-rights are younger.  Just gold then.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 16, 2017, 08:51:42 PM
Hey Roger,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38986804

QuoteUS border patrol agents have found a medieval-style catapult mounted on the border wall with Mexico, designed to launch bundles of drugs into the US.
The device was discovered last week, southeast of Tucson, Arizona, when agents spotted a group of men scattering as they approached.
A closer look turned up two bundles of cannabis weighing a combined 47lb (21kg), which had yet to be launched.

Anything you want to tell me?

On a different note, I can only assume there's some epic devices being constructed now in preparation for the idiots wall. I can see a 2017 headline being something like "mexicans bombard state with drugs with mortar". Or similar.

Hell, If I ran a cartel I'd do that for fun and distraction while I shoved 99% of the shit through a tunnel like what happens now. At some point you've made enough cash so fucking with the border patrol and DEA will be cheap entertainment. Doing this with meth and crack would probably build a huge market and let you hike prices too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 16, 2017, 08:55:44 PM
Quote from: Trivial <insert joke> on January 18, 2017, 10:27:57 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on December 02, 2016, 09:35:07 PM
It's going to be fun to see what advertisers they manage to retain or end up using in 12 months from now.

A broken shovel says it's largely going to be porn and "cool offensive t-shit" places. Mainly porn.

Gold and reverse mortgages.

Wait, alt-rights are younger.  Just gold then.

Out of morbid curiosity, I loaded up breitbart. 16 blocked ads. Turning off adblocker (the masochism!) and about half seemed to load which were crappy clickbait like "Learn this amazing financial secret" crap.

They're also selling t-shirts so I'll take that as being right on the offensive shirt front. Another 6 months and it'll be scat porn and worse.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 16, 2017, 09:03:31 PM
Also, for anyone wondering what the current calm, considered reporting at breitbart is currently like:

QuoteTrump Slams 'Dishonest' Press for 'Tremendous Disservice' to the America People
5995 comments - 2 hours ago
Trump Vows to Catch 'Low Life Leakers' in Washington D.C.
5560 comments - 8 hours ago
Trump Welcomes Wife of Venezuelan Political Prisoner, Keeping Vow to Oppressed Latinos
2062 comments - 5 hours ago
Evan McMullin: President Donald Trump Is a 'Domestic Enemy'
10253 comments - 24 hours ago
Virgil: The Deep State Bumps Off General Flynn. Who's the Next Target?
5822 comments - 16 hours ago
Lena Dunham Annoyed That People Read Breitbart
1425 comments - 5 hours ago
'Great Wall' Star Matt Damon: 'I'm Not a Believer in Walls'
938 comments - 4 hours ago
VIDEO: French Police Flee Armed Mob as Week-Long Paris Riots Spread to City Centre
1399 comments - 5 hours ago
Jeremy Scahill Accuses MILO of 'Inciting Violence,' Refuses To Appear On Bill Maher
5044 comments - 20 hours ago
House Intelligence Committee Chair: Leakers of Flynn Call 'Belong in Jail'

There's something of a theme here, just can't put my finger on it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 16, 2017, 09:16:42 PM
Maybe some of the comments will help me narrow it down:

QuoteSo the question then begs itself, who runs CNN and the rest of the media?

Jeff Zucker - PresidentCNN - Jewish
Mark Zuckerberg - Chairman & CEO Facebook - Jewish
Susan Wojcicki - CEO Youtube - Jewish
Sergey Brin - co-CEO Alphabet (which holds Google) - Jewish
Larry Page - co-CEO Alphabet which holds Google) - Jewish
Marissa Meyer - CEO Yahoo - Jewish
Sumner Redstone - Chairman Emeritus CBS Corp - Jewish
Leslie Moonves - CEO & Pres CBS - Jewish
Mark Hoffman, Chairman CNBC - Jewish
Steve Burke CEO NBC Universal - Jewish
Noah Oppenheim - President NBC News - Jewish
Andrew Lack, Chairman NBC News and MSNBC - Jewish
Mark Lazarus, Chairman NBC Broadcasting & Sports - Jewish
Arthur Sulzberger, Chairman The New York TImes - Jewish.
Michael Golden, Vice Chairman The NYT - Jewish
Donald Graham, CEO The Washington Post, is Jewish.
Jeff Bezos owner The Washington Post - Jewish
Steve Swartz, CEO Hearst Communications - Jewish
Mark Aldam, President, Hearst Newspapers - Jewish
Jordan Wertlieb, President, Hearst Television Inc. - Jewish
Ellen Levine, Editorial Director, Hearst Magazines - Jewish
Sumner Redstone - Owner of Viacom (Nickelodeon etc) - Jew

Bob Iger - CEO Disney - Jewish
Rich Ross - Chairman Disney Studios - Jewish
Alan Bergman - President Disney Studios - Jewish
Barry Meyer - Chairman & CEO Warner Bros. - Jewish
Alan Horn - President Warner Bros. - Jewish
Jeff Robinov - President Warner Pictures - Jewish
Brad Grey - CEO Paramount - Jewish
Adam Goodman - President Paramount Films - Jewish
Michael Lynton - Chairman & CEO Sony/Columbia - Jewish
Amy Pascal - Co-Chairman Sony/Columbia - Jewish
Ron Meyer - President & CEO Universal Studios - Jewish
Adam Fogelson - President and CEO Universal Pictures - Jew
Gary Barber - Co-Chairman & CEO MGM - Jewish
Roger Birnbaum - Co-Chairman & CEO MGM - Jewish
Jonathan Glickman - President MGM Motion Pictures - Jewis
Terry Press Marx - President CBS Films - Jewish
Robert Friedman - Co-Chair & CEO Summit - Jewish
Patrick Wachsberger - Co-Chair & President Summit - Jewish
John Feltheimer - CEO Lionsgate - Jewish
David Geffen - co-founder Dreamworks - Jewish
Jeffrey katzenberg - co-founder Dreamworks - Jewish
Steven Spielberg - co-founder Dreamworks - Jewish
Harvey Weinstein - Co-Chair The Weinstein Company - Jewish
Bob Weinstein - Co-Chair The Weinstein Company - Jewish
Tom Ortenberg - CEO Open Road Films - Jewish
Rupert Murdoch - CEO Fox News Corp - Crypto-Jew
Rupert Murdoch - Exec Co-Chair 20th C Fox - Crypto-Jew
Lachlan Murdoch - Exec Co-Chair 20th C Fox - Crypto-Jew
James Murdoch - CEO 20th Century Fox - Crypto-Jew
Stacey Snider - Chair & CEO 20th C Fox Film - Jewish

Still can't place it. It must be because I'm a crypto-jew like those murdoch chaps.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 16, 2017, 10:03:28 PM
I fucking know I'm going to hate myself for asking this but crypto-jew?  :?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 16, 2017, 10:37:03 PM
Thats the exact kind of question a crypto-jew would ask.


Honestly, I have no real idea. Cain, little help? Jew-in-disguise? Secret jew sympathiser?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 17, 2017, 12:21:34 AM
Guy who manages secure communications channels between Jews?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 17, 2017, 12:26:35 AM
Aha:

Wikipedia defines it as:
QuoteThe term crypto-Jew is also used to describe descendants of Jews who maintain some Jewish traditions of their ancestors while publicly adhering to other faiths. The term is especially applied historically to European Jews who—outwardly or forcedly—professed Catholicism,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto-Judaism

Secret jew, basically.

I'm glad we don't have any lunatics in power who might be persuaded of such nonsense.


Oh.




Oh shit.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on February 17, 2017, 12:43:39 AM
Yeah, well I guess you could just stick to good old vanilla wiki but this is more fun
http://www.texemarrs.com/022006/george_w_bush_zionist_double_agent.htm
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 17, 2017, 01:04:53 AM
EIR....oh dear.  Not even going to read beyond that.

By the way, the fashionable way of saying crypto-Jew nowadays is Cultural Marxist.  I mean, I suspect a lot of people who use the term may not overtly realise that, but...yeah.  Also, perhaps ironically, a term coined by the owner of Executive Intelligence Review, aka Lyndon LaRouche. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on February 17, 2017, 01:33:40 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 17, 2017, 01:04:53 AM
EIR....oh dear.  Not even going to read beyond that.

By the way, the fashionable way of saying crypto-Jew nowadays is Cultural Marxist.  I mean, I suspect a lot of people who use the term may not overtly realise that, but...yeah.  Also, perhaps ironically, a term coined by the owner of Executive Intelligence Review, aka Lyndon LaRouche.

You know I feel like I'm permanently on the verge of hysteria of late. It is strangely liberating and I'm finding that I can read all sorts of unbelievable dross and yet still find the mirth in the horror. Indeed it seems true to say that nonsense as salvation has something going for it. I never really got that before so I guess I should thank Gove and Boris and Ancient Orange for that, if nothing else.
also I have been trying to get a handle on Cultural Marxism for several months. I haven't really got much beyond it being a generic insult meaning that Your politics are inferior to Mine
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 17, 2017, 02:55:22 AM
It's basically a conspiracy theory that the Frankfurt School was a way to spread Marxism via culture and that now all the universities and tv stations and vidya games are dominated by closet leftists seeking to ruin society by undermining traditional families and Christian values.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on February 17, 2017, 07:32:44 AM
Is based on the somewhat flawed premise that mainstream culture wasn't puerile,  retarded garbage as far back as the 5th century AD
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 24, 2017, 03:28:51 AM
There really are no words.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/899?utm_content=bufferdaca7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: TheEldritchGod on February 24, 2017, 08:24:50 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 17, 2017, 02:55:22 AM
It's basically a conspiracy theory that the Frankfurt School was a way to spread Marxism via culture and that now all the universities and tv stations and vidya games are dominated by closet leftists seeking to ruin society by undermining traditional families and Christian values.

https://www.youtube.com/user/LaughingAtLiberals

Lose a few hours on that youtube channel and you'll be hard pressed to think its not a conspiracy. Alas, it's not. You're just seeing what happens after the machine chewed up all the leaders of the conspiracy and now there are just armies useful idiots with no leaders. The rampaging mouth breathing mobs are more like a self-replicating memetic virus then a social movement. I wish there was a conspiracy. It'd mean that somewhere there is a face that one could justify punching.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 24, 2017, 02:33:09 PM
I dealt with the history and use of cultural marxism significantly in my masters dissertation, thanks.  I don't need a random Youtube channel to tell me about it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 24, 2017, 03:52:08 PM
What's most annoying for me is there is some decent content on YouTube but these cretins never link to that. It's always just the same shit like "the real troof about mooslems".

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 24, 2017, 08:13:34 PM
Maybe I should set up a random Youtube channel, so I too can be considered an expert.

I just have all these worthless "degrees" from "accredited universities".  Obviously I could stand to learn a lot from this guy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Strickland_%28blogger%29).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 24, 2017, 08:35:36 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on February 24, 2017, 03:28:51 AM
There really are no words.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/899?utm_content=bufferdaca7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

:eek:

You can't get much more straight forward that the text.

seems they're shooting for this by the end of 2018. Would this basically mean that the mid-term election could be unable to reverse the bill because Trump could just veto any new legislation if this gets passed?


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 24, 2017, 09:42:13 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 24, 2017, 08:13:34 PM
Maybe I should set up a random Youtube channel, so I too can be considered an expert.

I just have all these worthless "degrees" from "accredited universities".  Obviously I could stand to learn a lot from this guy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Strickland_%28blogger%29).

Seriously consider that. I for one would watch the hell out of it.

If random racists can make decent cash from it you should be able to get a few quid out of it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 24, 2017, 09:45:12 PM
You should click the link, if you haven't already.  It's quite enlightening.

And I honestly doubt it.  The internet economy runs on clickbait, which I am not especially interested in pursuing.  Also people who do Youtube videos about politics from their bedroom are invariably douchebags.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: MMIX on February 24, 2017, 10:04:47 PM
Or irony junkies:
                          "Guilty: Man who pulled gun out at 'Don't Shoot PDX' protest"

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 24, 2017, 10:13:33 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 24, 2017, 09:45:12 PM
You should click the link, if you haven't already.  It's quite enlightening.

And I honestly doubt it.  The internet economy runs on clickbait, which I am not especially interested in pursuing.  Also people who do Youtube videos about politics from their bedroom are invariably douchebags.

I did. Imagine my face of surprise.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 25, 2017, 12:40:42 AM
Quote from: TheEldritchGod on February 24, 2017, 08:24:50 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 17, 2017, 02:55:22 AM
It's basically a conspiracy theory that the Frankfurt School was a way to spread Marxism via culture and that now all the universities and tv stations and vidya games are dominated by closet leftists seeking to ruin society by undermining traditional families and Christian values.

https://www.youtube.com/user/LaughingAtLiberals

Lose a few hours on that youtube channel and you'll be hard pressed to think its not a conspiracy. Alas, it's not. You're just seeing what happens after the machine chewed up all the leaders of the conspiracy and now there are just armies useful idiots with no leaders. The rampaging mouth breathing mobs are more like a self-replicating memetic virus then a social movement. I wish there was a conspiracy. It'd mean that somewhere there is a face that one could justify punching.

Yeah, I mean "years of study" and "original Graduate research" and "advanced degrees in political science" don't have anything on some Youtuber's conspiracy videos.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 25, 2017, 12:46:06 AM
Just IMAGINE everything we could learn if we just spent hours upon hours watching Youtube videos in our moms' rec room instead of wasting all this time with University? Rigor, pfffft, give me passive absorption of random people saying whatever they think.

Because I mean, if someone THINKS it, it's probably just as valid as anything these so-called "academics" concoct with their "facts" and "statistics".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 25, 2017, 02:46:42 AM
Quote from: TheEldritchGod on February 24, 2017, 08:24:50 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 17, 2017, 02:55:22 AM
It's basically a conspiracy theory that the Frankfurt School was a way to spread Marxism via culture and that now all the universities and tv stations and vidya games are dominated by closet leftists seeking to ruin society by undermining traditional families and Christian values.

https://www.youtube.com/user/LaughingAtLiberals

Lose a few hours on that youtube channel and you'll be hard pressed to think its not a conspiracy. Alas, it's not. You're just seeing what happens after the machine chewed up all the leaders of the conspiracy and now there are just armies useful idiots with no leaders. The rampaging mouth breathing mobs are more like a self-replicating memetic virus then a social movement. I wish there was a conspiracy. It'd mean that somewhere there is a face that one could justify punching.

So long, AKK.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on February 27, 2017, 11:37:01 PM
BUT THERE IS NO WHITE SUPREMACIST PROBLEM IN AMERICA, AMIRITE?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/02/24/get-out-of-my-country-kansan-reportedly-yelled-before-shooting-2-men-from-india-killing-one/?utm_term=.5da2f9aa26fe
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 28, 2017, 01:12:42 AM
And another Jewish graveyard has been vandalised. 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on February 28, 2017, 05:53:27 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 28, 2017, 01:12:42 AM
And another Jewish graveyard has been vandalised.

Also more bomb threats.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 28, 2017, 05:22:45 PM
Still no word from Trump on that, of course
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 03, 2017, 01:33:45 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/01/mcdonalds-fight-for-15-memphis-police-lawsuit

QuoteThe suit alleges that a campaign of harassment began after Memphis workers participated in a nationwide day of protest on 4 September 2014. Since then, police officers have repeatedly threatened workers with arrest during protests, at one point telling them they had "authorization from the president of McDonald's to make arrests". On "multiple occasions" officers "seemed to take direction from McDonald's", the complaint charges.

Last November, police officers stepped behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant to prevent workers from signing petitions calling for better working conditions, the protesters' lawyers claim. They also allege that officers have enforced local permit laws on the predominantly black workers in the Fight for $15, while allowing protests by mostly white crowds to continue unabated.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 03, 2017, 04:38:14 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 03, 2017, 01:33:45 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/01/mcdonalds-fight-for-15-memphis-police-lawsuit

QuoteThe suit alleges that a campaign of harassment began after Memphis workers participated in a nationwide day of protest on 4 September 2014. Since then, police officers have repeatedly threatened workers with arrest during protests, at one point telling them they had "authorization from the president of McDonald's to make arrests". On "multiple occasions" officers "seemed to take direction from McDonald's", the complaint charges.

Last November, police officers stepped behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant to prevent workers from signing petitions calling for better working conditions, the protesters' lawyers claim. They also allege that officers have enforced local permit laws on the predominantly black workers in the Fight for $15, while allowing protests by mostly white crowds to continue unabated.

But what we need is someone who runs the country like a business.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on March 03, 2017, 05:20:23 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on March 03, 2017, 01:33:45 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/01/mcdonalds-fight-for-15-memphis-police-lawsuit

QuoteThe suit alleges that a campaign of harassment began after Memphis workers participated in a nationwide day of protest on 4 September 2014. Since then, police officers have repeatedly threatened workers with arrest during protests, at one point telling them they had "authorization from the president of McDonald's to make arrests". On "multiple occasions" officers "seemed to take direction from McDonald's", the complaint charges.

Last November, police officers stepped behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant to prevent workers from signing petitions calling for better working conditions, the protesters' lawyers claim. They also allege that officers have enforced local permit laws on the predominantly black workers in the Fight for $15, while allowing protests by mostly white crowds to continue unabated.

At least they're not taking orders from the president of the united states
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on March 14, 2017, 02:04:52 PM
So, about this whole Kellyanne "Microwaves are cameras" thing?  Yeah, it's funny, but:

University of Utah engineers showed that a wireless network of radio transmitters can track people moving behind solid walls. The system could help police, firefighters and others nab intruders, and rescue hostages, fire victims and elderly people who fall in their homes. It also might help retail marketing and border control. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012084217.htm)

Dated 2009.

Yes, it's 'radio waves' rather than 'microwaves', but that's just classifications about wavelength.

So, be careful how you make fun of her on this one, because whether or not she meant to, she did get relatively close to the target.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 14, 2017, 05:00:16 PM
Stopped clock syndrome, I say.

I strongly suspect that the microwave comment was part of a bet by interns. Let's face it, news channels aren't inviting her for facts or reason. She's there to spout crazy to a degree that fox is starting to find uncomfortable. By her own admission: "evidence isn't my job".

When your occupation becomes "joke" expect people to laugh.


Seriously though, news networks should be refusing to deal with her in any fashion. Your time would be better spent listening to opinions from an asylum. Inmates there at least have a passing familiarity with reality.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 14, 2017, 10:43:17 PM
The British intelligence services spied on the Russian embassy by using a device to read vibrations from microwave energy in the room and translate them via the mirrors into surveillance transcripts.

However, I think Kellyanne Conway is just inhabiting the universe where the Bowling Green Massacre happened.  Again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on March 15, 2017, 12:14:07 AM
I sometimes wonder if being Kellyanne Conway is a lot like being on a lot of drugs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 17, 2017, 01:03:59 AM
Turkey has followed the worldwide trend of fucking itself over for the forseeable future.

Next up - France.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 05, 2017, 11:10:57 AM
http://globalnews.ca/news/3428049/venezuelan-tanks-plow-through-crowds-as-2-month-protest-continues/

The provided videos are pretty special. I'm not fully up on what the fuck is going on here, because, well, it's hard enough to keep track of UK/USA/French and syrian crap. If anyone has been following this in detail, shout up because it's looking grim.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: tyrannosaurus vex on May 05, 2017, 05:29:00 PM
Quote from: Junkenstein on May 05, 2017, 11:10:57 AM
http://globalnews.ca/news/3428049/venezuelan-tanks-plow-through-crowds-as-2-month-protest-continues/

The provided videos are pretty special. I'm not fully up on what the fuck is going on here, because, well, it's hard enough to keep track of UK/USA/French and syrian crap. If anyone has been following this in detail, shout up because it's looking grim.

Don't worry, this movie is coming to a 1st world country near you sooner than you might expect.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 05, 2017, 09:55:39 PM
Basically oil prices crashed, ruining Venezuela's experiment in petrochemical driven luxury space communism.

And Chavez's successor is pretty much a massive dick, who responds to people asking "yo, when are we going to get paid" with riot police.  More recently, it looks like the government leaned on the courts to try and do a power grab from the (opposition controlled) legislature.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 05, 2017, 11:24:18 PM
Appreciated as always, gives those videos much more context. Any predictions? Escalation seems likely without a substantial change to oil prices.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on May 18, 2017, 03:11:00 PM
Huh.  Roger Ailes died.

http://money.cnn.com/2017/05/18/media/roger-ailes-dies/index.html

Glad he was disgraced beforehand.  Imagine if he had died with some shred of perceived integrity.  Fucker would be lionized.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 19, 2017, 01:22:58 AM
Quote from: LMNO on May 18, 2017, 03:11:00 PM
Huh.  Roger Ailes died.

http://money.cnn.com/2017/05/18/media/roger-ailes-dies/index.html

Glad he was disgraced beforehand.  Imagine if he had died with some shred of perceived integrity.  Fucker would be lionized.

He's on my Top 20 List.

And now he has given me the opportunity to scratch him off that list.  :banana:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 20, 2017, 10:25:35 PM
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/14/nyregion/new-york-polices-use-of-restraining-bag-during-arrest-draws-criticism.html?_r=0
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 21, 2017, 03:57:41 AM
Bag'em and tag'em.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 23, 2017, 03:52:12 AM
http://www.rawstory.com/2017/05/white-supremacist-converts-to-islam-then-kills-neo-nazi-pals-for-disrespecting-his-new-faith-police/

:notfunny:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on July 20, 2017, 03:25:50 PM
White County Inmates Given Reduced Jail Time If They Get A Vasectomy - NewsChannel 5 Nashville ( http://tinyurl.com/y9tjez24 )

Quote
Inmates in White County, Tennessee have been given credit for their jail time if they voluntarily agree to have a vasectomy or birth control implant, a popular new program that is being called "unconstitutional" by the ACLU.

On May 15, 2017 General Sessions Judge Sam Benningfield signed a standing order that allows inmates to receive 30 days credit toward jail time if they undergo a birth control procedure.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on July 31, 2017, 01:44:53 AM
Russian censorship law bans proxies and VPNs
It's also requiring that you link your phone number to chat apps. (https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/30/russian-censorship-law-bans-proxies-and-vpns/)

QuotePresident Putin has signed a law that, as of November 1st, bans technology which lets you access banned websites, including virtual private networks and proxies. Internet providers will have to block websites hosting these tools. The measure is ostensibly meant to curb extremist content, but that's just pretext -- this is really about preventing Russians from seeing content that might be critical of Putin, not to mention communicating in secret.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 31, 2017, 08:46:45 AM
Well, lets be honest here, VPNs are going to be banned for people not hacking on behalf of the Russian state.

There will be loopholes, and people will find them.  Without a Great Firewall of China style system, you can only do so much.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Freeky on September 11, 2017, 11:04:17 PM
http://thehill.com/homenews/media/350032-fox-news-compares-9-11-memorial-to-confederate-statues

Quote"Do you worry 100 years from now someone's going to try to take that memorial down like they're trying to remake our memorials today?" Kilmeade asked Zinke, who is attending a ceremony in Shanksville on Monday.

"Well I'm one that believes that, you know, we should learn from history," Zinke replied. "And I think our monuments are part of our country's history. We can learn from it.

"Since we don't put up statues of Jesus, everyone's going to fall morally short. And I think reflecting on our history, both good and bad, is a powerful statement and part of our DNA."

sorry if this is the wrong spot
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 12, 2017, 05:31:16 PM
Ted Cruz likes twitter porn

http://www.newsweek.com/ted-cruz-twitter-porn-clip-fervent-speculation-ensues-663267
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: POFP on September 12, 2017, 06:27:19 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 12, 2017, 05:31:16 PM
Ted Cruz likes twitter porn

http://www.newsweek.com/ted-cruz-twitter-porn-clip-fervent-speculation-ensues-663267

Huh, even presidential almost-nominees subject themselves to pornographic mediocrity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on September 13, 2017, 12:03:27 AM
I can't even really process this one.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/posted-facebook-neo-nazi-klansman-no-son-prime-minister-israel-173038216.html (https://www.yahoo.com/news/posted-facebook-neo-nazi-klansman-no-son-prime-minister-israel-173038216.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on September 21, 2017, 09:55:23 PM
Quote from: Freeky on September 11, 2017, 11:04:17 PM
http://thehill.com/homenews/media/350032-fox-news-compares-9-11-memorial-to-confederate-statues

Quote"Do you worry 100 years from now someone's going to try to take that memorial down like they're trying to remake our memorials today?" Kilmeade asked Zinke, who is attending a ceremony in Shanksville on Monday.

"Well I'm one that believes that, you know, we should learn from history," Zinke replied. "And I think our monuments are part of our country's history. We can learn from it.

"Since we don't put up statues of Jesus, everyone's going to fall morally short. And I think reflecting on our history, both good and bad, is a powerful statement and part of our DNA."

sorry if this is the wrong spot

I think society's optimal response to this kind of bullshit is to call their bluff and instead of taking the statues down start putting up commemorative statues of people who either deserted and/or stole supplies from the confederate army because that's history too, and it's worth commemorating. (on a similar note we also need statues of axis deserters)

Also someone needs to spin the last part as Zinke promoting idolatry
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on September 24, 2017, 11:52:28 PM
Disregard source, read letter:
https://boingboing.net/2017/09/18/antifeatures-for-all.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on September 26, 2017, 05:35:53 PM
With a little luck it'll be cracked in a day

(with a lot of luck no one will adopt it, though I'm not holding my breath on that one, big content has a stranglehold on seemingly everything these days. Death to the MPAA! Death to the RIAA! Death to ALL supporters of intellectual property law! Popular culture to the people!)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 26, 2017, 06:08:53 PM
I feel weird that I'd rather have Luthe Strange in office than Ray Moore, in that I'm agreeing with Trump.


Or is having an unhinged assbat in the senate somehow better than a guy that will rubber stamp Trump's whims?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 26, 2017, 07:19:28 PM
What does Trump find so objectionable about Moore?  I mean, his views aren't that far from Trump's, if he's posting Britain First videos.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on September 26, 2017, 08:16:13 PM
In a barn in Alabama, Bannon came full out in support for Moore. Moore also had firearm he pulled out as a demonstration of his second amendment rights.

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/25/alabama-senate-bannon-strange-moore-243131
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 26, 2017, 08:53:59 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 26, 2017, 07:19:28 PM
What does Trump find so objectionable about Moore?  I mean, his views aren't that far from Trump's, if he's posting Britain First videos.

He likes Strange better, because Strange supported him during the election/primaries, I believe.

Loyalty, et al.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on September 26, 2017, 11:18:06 PM
Quote from: LMNO on September 26, 2017, 06:08:53 PM
I feel weird that I'd rather have Luthe Strange in office than Ray Moore, in that I'm agreeing with Trump.


Or is having an unhinged assbat in the senate somehow better than a guy that will rubber stamp Trump's whims?

It would seem to me that an assbat working at cross purposes with the existing assbat would be less dangerous than an assbat working in concert wih him
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 27, 2017, 11:34:44 AM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/09/26/steve-bannons-remarkable-admission-trump-is-easily-duped/

QuoteThe information that President Trump sees has been a major subplot of the White House's internal drama. Aides often privately describe the president as highly susceptible to acting upon the last piece of information he's seen — no matter how dubious. And controlling that flow of information is a big part of new White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly's effort to right the ship and keep the Oval Office on-task.

But rarely do you see someone close to the president just come out and admit how unsophisticated he is as a consumer of information.

That's what Stephen K. Bannon did Monday night, though not quite in so many words. While chatting with Fox News's Sean Hannity, the former White House chief strategist suggested that Trump was essentially duped into supporting appointed Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.) in Tuesday's Alabama special-election runoff. And it wasn't really all that subtle.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on September 27, 2017, 02:22:08 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 27, 2017, 11:34:44 AM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/09/26/steve-bannons-remarkable-admission-trump-is-easily-duped/

QuoteThe information that President Trump sees has been a major subplot of the White House's internal drama. Aides often privately describe the president as highly susceptible to acting upon the last piece of information he's seen — no matter how dubious. And controlling that flow of information is a big part of new White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly's effort to right the ship and keep the Oval Office on-task.

But rarely do you see someone close to the president just come out and admit how unsophisticated he is as a consumer of information.

That's what Stephen K. Bannon did Monday night, though not quite in so many words. While chatting with Fox News's Sean Hannity, the former White House chief strategist suggested that Trump was essentially duped into supporting appointed Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.) in Tuesday's Alabama special-election runoff. And it wasn't really all that subtle.

The depressing thing is that this will probably come as news to a lot of people. And, when I say "people" what I mean is organic material currently covering a lot of the surface of the continental united states. And when I say "come as news" what I mean is travel past said organic material in the form of sound waves.

:facepalm:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on October 19, 2017, 02:21:49 AM
Another Prophet Profiteer Not Accepted in His Own Country

"Disgraced evangelist Jim Bakker warns critics they will face God's wrath for making fun of him"

QuoteIn video captured by Right Wing Watch, disgraced evangelist Jim Bakker raged at his critics saying, they will face the wrath of God for mocking his End Time warnings and making fun of him throughout his checkered career.

Not mentioning his time in the wilderness, after he spent time in prison after bilking his followers out of $158 million, Bakker boasted that he has made many predictions — including 9/11 — that have come true, and that he is not being treated like the prophet he is.

"When God says something to you, you don't always know the exact time it's going to happen," Bakker thundered. "[So] stop beating up the prophets because God says, 'Woe unto you when you beat up on the prophets.'"

Bakker then threatened damnation on those who have ridiculed him over the years.

Here's the link, all you Sinners: https://www.rawstory.com/2017/10/disgraced-evangelist-jim-bakker-warns-critics-they-will-face-gods-wrath-for-making-fun-of-him/

So, I guess that means woe unto me. Again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on October 20, 2017, 04:00:31 AM
"Cub Scouts kick out 11-year-old boy after he asked Colorado Republican 'hard' questions"

QuoteAn 11-year-old Cub Scout in Colorado has been kicked out of his den after he asked a local Republican lawmaker about controversial remarks she made about black people in 2013.

The Denver Post reports that 11-year-old Cub Scout Ames Mayfield asked Colorado state Sen. Vicki Marble about a past statement in which she seemed to suggest that black Americans had poor health because they ate a lot of barbecued chicken.

"I was astonished that you blamed black people for poor health and poverty because of all the chicken and barbecue they eat," Ames said to Marble, who was visiting his den's meeting.

QuoteIn 2013, Marble remarked that "when you look at life expectancy, there are problems in the black race. Sickle-cell anemia is something that comes up. Diabetes is something that's prevalent in the genetic makeup, and you just can't help it," and then added that, "I've got to say I've never had better barbecue and better chicken and ate better in my life than when you go down South and you, I mean, I love it."

Here's the link: https://www.rawstory.com/2017/10/cub-scouts-kick-out-11-year-old-boy-after-he-asked-colorado-republican-hard-questions/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on October 28, 2017, 12:31:41 AM
so this is concerning: https://www.rt.com/business/407789-us-petro-dollar-yuan/ & this: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/27/pence-north-korea-troops-be-ready-244250

I know, I know, RT but as far as I can tell, they have no reason to lie about this.  Are we hitting NK this weekend to maintain economic hegemony?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on November 21, 2017, 11:34:43 PM
@thedailybeast :: A small group of Iraqi hackers fought ISIS with porn https://t.co/H15A4C1ZtD

QuoteBEIRUT—Six young Iraqis are taking a strategy straight out of the Kremlin's mischievous playbook, but with no thanks to Moscow. They're using hacked accounts to attack the so-called Islamic State and fake news to disrupt its "virtual caliphate."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on December 08, 2017, 11:57:10 PM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on October 19, 2017, 02:21:49 AM
Another Prophet Profiteer Not Accepted in His Own Country

"Disgraced evangelist Jim Bakker warns critics they will face God's wrath for making fun of him"

QuoteIn video captured by Right Wing Watch, disgraced evangelist Jim Bakker raged at his critics saying, they will face the wrath of God for mocking his End Time warnings and making fun of him throughout his checkered career.

To be fair, since the election I could totally see these being the end times. And if they are it means that Trump will only serve three and a half years of his term of office (Revelation 13:5)

EDIT:
Though on the other hand the end times predictions in the books of the subgenius posit that government by evil clowns will last for many years
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 11, 2017, 11:01:43 PM
Putin announced intention to stand for re-election in 2018.

In other news, Putin wins 2018 election.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 18, 2017, 07:57:31 PM
McConnell is refusing to seat Jones prior to the tax bill.  As expected.  :tgrr:

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 18, 2017, 08:16:36 PM
Naturally.  It's not like they held up an entire Supreme Court nomination recently or anything...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 18, 2017, 08:26:51 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 18, 2017, 08:16:36 PM
Naturally.  It's not like they held up an entire Supreme Court nomination recently or anything...

He is in fact the man I hate most in US politics.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on December 24, 2017, 08:54:54 PM
https://www.avclub.com/steven-seagal-has-written-an-action-novel-starring-him-1821529875 (https://www.avclub.com/steven-seagal-has-written-an-action-novel-starring-him-1821529875)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on December 25, 2017, 01:52:23 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on December 18, 2017, 08:26:51 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 18, 2017, 08:16:36 PM
Naturally.  It's not like they held up an entire Supreme Court nomination recently or anything...

He is in fact the man I hate most in US politics.

More than Trump, Pence, and Ryan?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 27, 2017, 03:58:06 AM
Quote from: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on December 25, 2017, 01:52:23 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on December 18, 2017, 08:26:51 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 18, 2017, 08:16:36 PM
Naturally.  It's not like they held up an entire Supreme Court nomination recently or anything...

He is in fact the man I hate most in US politics.

More than Trump, Pence, and Ryan?

More than all three of those cunts put together.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 27, 2017, 09:01:46 AM
Understandably, since he's been doing major damage to US politics for longer than the rest of those shitweasels, and they couldn't get away with it to the extent they do if he was actually at least somewhat responsible in discharging his duties.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on December 28, 2017, 12:15:43 AM
https://www.wsj.com/articles/two-bags-of-cash-for-boko-haram-the-untold-story-of-how-nigeria-freed-its-kidnapped-girls-1513957354

QuoteNigerian officials complained bitterly of social media's intrusion and the compromises it forced them to consider. Some believed the girls' fame only prolonged their captivity. Others resented the lack of focus placed on tens of thousands of other children the insurgents had abducted or murdered.

Then there is the matter of the ransom, which has never before been disclosed. Nigeria's government hasn't publicly detailed what it offered Boko Haram, or where any funds came from. Several senior officials confirmed that the swap included the release of five captured militants and a total of three million euros, delivered in two drop-offs.

"We had no choice," said one cabinet minister. "And if we had to pay the same price again, we would."

To a threadbare insurgency that had been driven into the mountains, the two payments in 2016 and 2017 represented a timely windfall. Since they collected the money, the group has stepped up its terrorist attacks. The number of suicide bombs detonated in Nigeria, most strapped to children, has seen a fourfold increase from the previous year.

No HA HA here, just a pretty grim outlook for the region for the next 5-10 years or so at least.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on December 28, 2017, 06:13:48 AM
If they were smart they would have contaminated the bills with something
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on May 30, 2018, 07:45:34 PM
And then the Jill Stein hilarity continued.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/what-happened-to-jill-stein's-recount-millions/ar-AAy0XiB?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on June 02, 2018, 05:10:57 PM
A Virgina man is running for Congress he's pro-rape, pro-incest, runs an incel website, and is pro-pedophelia.


He's running on the Libertarian ticket.

What a country!


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2018/06/01/hes-pro-incest-pedophilia-and-rape-hes-also-running-for-congress-from-his-parents-house/?utm_term=.84d28f1f3879
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 03, 2018, 03:29:19 AM
I'm only surprised he's not on the Republican ticket, since "pedophile incestuous incel white supremacist" is going to be their base in another decade.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on June 03, 2018, 06:12:06 PM
Quote from: LMNO on June 02, 2018, 05:10:57 PM
A Virgina man is running for Congress he's pro-rape, pro-incest, runs an incel website, and is pro-pedophelia.


He's running on the Libertarian ticket.

What a country!


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2018/06/01/hes-pro-incest-pedophilia-and-rape-hes-also-running-for-congress-from-his-parents-house/?utm_term=.84d28f1f3879

You left out pro-Hitler and pro-Taliban, and honestly those are the worst ones
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 02, 2018, 11:17:43 PM
You might be serious about havin' a good time, but you'll never be THIS serious about havin' a good time.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/topless-woman-34-drives-stolen-bulldozer-across-montana-town-and-crashes-into-an-apartment-complex/ar-AAzuvBh?ocid=spartanntp


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 03, 2018, 01:19:48 AM
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/395176-ron-paul-tweets-racist-cartoon-faces-backlash
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on July 03, 2018, 06:17:14 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on July 02, 2018, 11:17:43 PM
You might be serious about havin' a good time, but you'll never be THIS serious about havin' a good time.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/topless-woman-34-drives-stolen-bulldozer-across-montana-town-and-crashes-into-an-apartment-complex/ar-AAzuvBh?ocid=spartanntp (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/topless-woman-34-drives-stolen-bulldozer-across-montana-town-and-crashes-into-an-apartment-complex/ar-AAzuvBh?ocid=spartanntp)

:lulz: You only live once :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 19, 2018, 01:52:51 AM
Someone at the WaPo woke up (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/isis-is-making-a-comeback-in-iraq-less-than-a-year-after-baghdad-declared-victory/2018/07/17/9aac54a6-892c-11e8-9d59-dccc2c0cabcf_story.html) and noticed that for a "defeated" group, ISIS seem to be doing an awful lot of damage in northern Iraq.

Good job morons, it's only been reported on in Iraqi and Kurdish media for months.  I know, because I've been collating their reports and writing reports for an English-language audience on it.  You don't dare travel through the Hamrin mountains without a heavily armed escort, and they all better be from the higher class PMCs, if you haven't got the Iraqi Army or PMFs along for the ride.  Local sheikhs and militia commanders who fought ISIS are assassinated in broad daylight.  Kirkuk governate is contested territory everywhere outside of Kirkuk itself.  Markets in Baghdad are bombed every other week, despite having some of the toughest security in the country.  And this has all been going on since January.

But no, ISIS have staged a "comeback".  Just now. 

I want to punch the subeditor responsible for that title.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2018, 01:55:20 AM
Quote from: Cain on July 19, 2018, 01:52:51 AM
Someone at the WaPo woke up (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/isis-is-making-a-comeback-in-iraq-less-than-a-year-after-baghdad-declared-victory/2018/07/17/9aac54a6-892c-11e8-9d59-dccc2c0cabcf_story.html) and noticed that for a "defeated" group, ISIS seem to be doing an awful lot of damage in northern Iraq.

Good job morons, it's only been reported on in Iraqi and Kurdish media for months.  I know, because I've been collating their reports and writing reports for an English-language audience on it.  You don't dare travel through the Hamrin mountains without a heavily armed escort, and they all better be from the higher class PMCs, if you haven't got the Iraqi Army or PMFs along for the ride.  Local sheikhs and militia commanders who fought ISIS are assassinated in broad daylight.  Kirkuk governate is contested territory everywhere outside of Kirkuk itself.  Markets in Baghdad are bombed every other week, despite having some of the toughest security in the country.  And this has all been going on since January.

But no, ISIS have staged a "comeback".  Just now. 

I want to punch the subeditor responsible for that title.

I was pretty confident that we hadn't heard the last of those swine.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 19, 2018, 02:02:27 AM
Violence in Iraq has remained pretty steady since December 2017, and ISIS has been responsible for the majority of it, even accounting for and removing the death tallies due to the mass graves that the Iraqi Army keeps uncovering.

And it's not like this wasn't predictable.  What did they do in 2008-9?  Retreat to the remote areas of Ninewa and Diyala governorates, establish zones of control and income (protection rackets, kidnapping, smuggling and hijacking).  Use those to fund attacks on outposts and assassinations of local political, military and religious figures.  Put in place a shadow government, build up forces until sufficient manpower allows for the overthrow of the state. It's classic guerilla warfare, Mao style.  They dominate the countryside, then infiltrate the cities, then establish parallel control.

The Iraqi security services all know this, of course.  The PMF commanders in particular are under no illusions - they know they're marked for death by ISIS assassins. But try getting anyone in any actual newspaper in Europe or North America to take notice.  Nope, "mission accomplished" time to pack up shit and pay attention to something else.  Again, just like 2008-9, when most foreign correspondents pulled out of Iraq.  And then they were surprised when ISIS took Fallujah and Mosul, claiming "no-one" could have predicted it, when *ahem* some of us did.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2018, 02:05:56 AM
Quote from: Cain on July 19, 2018, 02:02:27 AM
Violence in Iraq has remained pretty steady since December 2017, and ISIS has been responsible for the majority of it, even accounting for and removing the death tallies due to the mass graves that the Iraqi Army keeps uncovering.

And it's not like this wasn't predictable.  What did they do in 2008-9?  Retreat to the remote areas of Ninewa and Diyala governorates, establish zones of control and income (protection rackets, kidnapping, smuggling and hijacking).  Use those to fund attacks on outposts and assassinations of local political, military and religious figures.  Put in place a shadow government, build up forces until sufficient manpower allows for the overthrow of the state. It's classic guerilla warfare, Mao style.  They dominate the countryside, then infiltrate the cities, then establish parallel control.

The Iraqi security services all know this, of course.  The PMF commanders in particular are under no illusions - they know they're marked for death by ISIS assassins. But try getting anyone in any actual newspaper in Europe or North America to take notice.  Nope, "mission accomplished" time to pack up shit and pay attention to something else.  Again, just like 2008-9, when most foreign correspondents pulled out of Iraq.  And then they were surprised when ISIS took Fallujah and Mosul, claiming "no-one" could have predicted it, when *ahem* some of us did.

My son was on the ground in our last action there, and he's pretty pissed off that it was allowed to go back to shit.  He has a hatred of ISIS and other Nazis that makes ME look reasonable, and he thought there might be a CHANCE that the Kurds, etc, could stop this shit if we gave them a boost.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 19, 2018, 02:14:41 AM
Well, at least Maliki is no longer in charge.  That was a serious complicating factor, and going by how much everyone in Iraq hates his guts, he's never getting back into power again.

Surprisingly, our best friend in all of this might be Moqtada al-Sadr.  Not a sentence I ever imagined typing, but his "Iraq first" nationalism has the advantages of being non-sectarian, and he's politically savvy enough to see benefits in keeping Haider al-Abadi in office as PM.  He'll kick Iranian influence to the curb without favouring Sunni chauvinism in the process, and he won't suck up to Saudi Arabia either.

Sure, he also doesn't like Americans because, you know, the occupation, but he keeps Iraq out of wider sectarian conflicts, while promoting an Iraqi nationalism that runs directly counter to ISIS sectarianism.  He also has some arguments with the especially pro-Iranian elements of the PMFs, which is a shame because otherwise the PMFs have a similar view of "Iraq first" that meshes well with his own, and are generally, as a group, well-regarded by the Iraqi population.

Unfortunately, corruption in the KRG was always going to be a drain on their ability to fight ISIS.  That and the very strong Turkish military presence in the Kurdistan region, which I'm sure was in no way complicit in helping ISIS as a quid quo pro against the PKK and YPG.  The PKK and YPG would have been a better bet, but Turkey would have screamed bloody murder, and they have enough congressmen on the take to cause trouble for whoever is in the White House.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 19, 2018, 02:17:17 AM
Quote from: Cain on July 19, 2018, 02:14:41 AM
Well, at least Maliki is no longer in charge.  That was a serious complicating factor, and going by how much everyone in Iraq hates his guts, he's never getting back into power again.

Surprisingly, our best friend in all of this might be Moqtada al-Sadr.  Not a sentence I ever imagined typing, but his "Iraq first" nationalism has the advantages of being non-sectarian, and he's politically savvy enough to see benefits in keeping Haider al-Abadi in office as PM.  He'll kick Iranian influence to the curb without favouring Sunni chauvinism in the process, and he won't suck up to Saudi Arabia either.

Sure, he also doesn't like Americans because, you know, the occupation, but he keeps Iraq out of wider sectarian conflicts, while promoting an Iraqi nationalism that runs directly counter to ISIS sectarianism.  He also has some arguments with the especially pro-Iranian elements of the PMFs, which is a shame because otherwise the PMFs have a similar view of "Iraq first" that meshes well with his own, and are generally, as a group, well-regarded by the Iraqi population.

Unfortunately, corruption in the KRG was always going to be a drain on their ability to fight ISIS.  That and the very strong Turkish military presence in the Kurdistan region, which I'm sure was in no way complicit in helping ISIS as a quid quo pro against the PKK and YPG.  The PKK and YPG would have been a better bet, but Turkey would have screamed bloody murder, and they have enough congressmen on the take to cause trouble for whoever is in the White House.

Iraq will never love us, and I can't blame them.  I'd hate us, too.

I'd just like to see a little stability.  And yeah, Turkey is against that for short-sighted reasons of their own.

My son says that the ONLY way that place will settle the hell down is to redraw lines based on ethnicity instead of the arbitrary crap left there by the Brits.  Give the Kurds something they can grab onto, and watch the fun.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 19, 2018, 02:28:00 AM
That would help, but with everything that's gone on, drawing a fair line at this point would be impossible.  Refugee flows on top of the existing mix mean the ethnic border in the north is pretty porous these days.  That said I'm actually surprised Iraq got Kirkuk back.

On the plus side, if ISIS can be pacified, there's going to be a lot of oil and gas being traded between northern Iraq, Kurdistan and Iran.  Enough money being made, and I think those differences will become a lot less important.  Southern Iraq has oil money and it is, recent riots aside, mostly prosperous and from a security perspective stable environment to do business in.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 03, 2018, 01:14:32 AM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/madden-19-appears-to-edit-colin-kaepernick-reference-out-of-soundtrack/ar-BBLq22A?ocid=spartanntp

History has been corrected and is now safe for Patriotic NFL Fans™.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on August 05, 2018, 04:01:12 AM
The National Rifle Association, America's most powerful lobby, claims it's in financial crisis. What?

As per the article:

'The National Rifle Association (NRA), the premier pro-gun lobby in the United States and arguably one of the country's most powerful interest groups on any policy topic, says that efforts to fight it by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) could make it "unable to exist as a not-for-profit or pursue its advocacy mission."

In the July 20 amended complaint, first reported by the New York Law Journal's Dan M. Clark and embedded at the bottom of this article, the NRA accuses Cuomo, as well as New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Maria Vullo, of issuing a "series of threats to financial institutions that DFS ... will exercise its extensive regulatory power against those entities that fail to sever ties with the NRA."

The threats amount to a series of warnings and regulatory actions by the New York state government targeting insurance companies and other financial entities doing business with the NRA, warning that working with the group would put financial businesses in legal jeopardy or damage their public reputation. While it's in the NRA's interest to exaggerate the danger Cuomo and his allies' actions pose to the group (so as to strengthen the lawsuit's case), the complaint argues that Cuomo's actions could wind up threatening the NRA's continued existence.

These threats, the complaint goes on to argue, endanger the financial viability of the organization by putting its access to financial services at risk. Cuomo could, the complaint states, "imminently deprive the NRA of basic bank-depository services, corporate insurance coverage, and other financial services essential to the NRA's corporate existence and its advocacy mission."'

Here's the link: https://www.vox.com/2018/8/3/17648960/nra-national-rifle-association-companies-support-boycott-new-york-lawsuit

Apparently all of that Russian money still isn't enough to keep those guys afloat.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 05, 2018, 04:51:39 AM
This works for them in several ways.  The first and most obvious ways being:

1.  Their faithful bust out the checkbook, and

2.  They have a better than average chance of telling a state government to shut its face and go fuck themselves.

It's worth mentioning that they've been poor-mouthing for a couple of years, now.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 05, 2018, 06:09:10 AM
And they're likely to have some expensive court cases coming up fairly soon too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 05, 2018, 12:46:24 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 03, 2018, 01:14:32 AM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/madden-19-appears-to-edit-colin-kaepernick-reference-out-of-soundtrack/ar-BBLq22A?ocid=spartanntp

History has been corrected and is now safe for Patriotic NFL Fans™.

That is both hilariously petty and another great example of EA's incompetent business practises. Did you hear about the guy who used the GDPR to get EA to reveal his spending on a couple of sports games and it was around $16K? That's got to be a kick in the balls to find that out and then have to legally disclose it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on August 06, 2018, 12:22:40 PM
Hardline U.S. 'gundamentalists' pressure NRA from within

As per the article:

'(Reuters) - About 100 protesters, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "NRA = Not Real Activists," marched through the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in Dallas in May to slam the powerful gun lobby as too conciliatory on gun rights and rally for their candidate for the board.'

Here's the link: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guns-nra/hardline-u-s-gundamentalists-pressure-nra-from-within-idUSKBN1KQ09H

So, the NRA is "too conciliatory on gun rights." Who knew?

Anyway, what I really love is gundamentalists. Guns, mental, and fundamentalist all combined into one word; I love it and have stolen it!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 06, 2018, 07:20:29 PM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on August 06, 2018, 12:22:40 PM
Hardline U.S. 'gundamentalists' pressure NRA from within

As per the article:

'(Reuters) - About 100 protesters, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "NRA = Not Real Activists," marched through the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in Dallas in May to slam the powerful gun lobby as too conciliatory on gun rights and rally for their candidate for the board.'

Here's the link: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guns-nra/hardline-u-s-gundamentalists-pressure-nra-from-within-idUSKBN1KQ09H

So, the NRA is "too conciliatory on gun rights." Who knew?

Anyway, what I really love is gundamentalists. Guns, mental, and fundamentalist all combined into one word; I love it and have stolen it!

Don't you just LOVE people being devoured by the monsters they created?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on August 06, 2018, 08:17:59 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 06, 2018, 07:20:29 PM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on August 06, 2018, 12:22:40 PM
Hardline U.S. 'gundamentalists' pressure NRA from within

As per the article:

'(Reuters) - About 100 protesters, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "NRA = Not Real Activists," marched through the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in Dallas in May to slam the powerful gun lobby as too conciliatory on gun rights and rally for their candidate for the board.'

Here's the link: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guns-nra/hardline-u-s-gundamentalists-pressure-nra-from-within-idUSKBN1KQ09H

So, the NRA is "too conciliatory on gun rights." Who knew?

Anyway, what I really love is gundamentalists. Guns, mental, and fundamentalist all combined into one word; I love it and have stolen it!

Don't you just LOVE people being devoured by the monsters they created?


I admit that I hadn't thought about it in those terms. But, now that you've been kind enough to bring it to my attention, I do love it!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on August 12, 2018, 03:49:30 AM
QuoteHe had all the proper security credentials [...]
until he was taxiing down the runway and taking off
in a stolen passenger plane

https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-stolen-plane-crash-20180811-story.html#nt=tertiarynavbar (https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-stolen-plane-crash-20180811-story.html#nt=tertiarynavbar)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on August 16, 2018, 11:41:22 AM
https://m.fark.com/comments/10129539/Why-isnt-Paul-Manafort-wearing-socks
:mittens:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 25, 2018, 02:13:59 AM
Um.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/hong-kong-doctor-is-accused-of-killing-his-wife-and-daughter-with-a-gas-filled-yoga-ball-heres-what-to-know-about-the-case/ar-BBMnfqk?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 28, 2018, 11:53:32 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/parents-of-jacksonville-shooting-suspect-had-been-desperate-to-find-psychiatric-care-for-son/ar-BBMyAvE?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 31, 2018, 08:53:39 PM
I has a jealous.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/giant-lizard-in-florida-evades-capture-torments-family-its-terrifying-to-look-at/ar-BBMI4v6?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 12, 2018, 08:53:28 PM
Big Tobacco has had enough and has apparently hired RWHN.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/fda-declares-youth-vaping-an-epidemic-announces-investigation-new-enforcement/ar-BBNe0AR?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on September 15, 2018, 10:38:20 PM
Cant read the article on this computer. Putting here to read later. Something about viruses and ICO's.

https://www.ccn.com/john-mcafee-told-his-followers-to-flood-the-secs-inbox-it-didnt-go-well/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on September 20, 2018, 04:34:04 AM
China announces plans to institute the survaillance system from 1984 and Paranoia by 2020

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-18/china-social-credit-a-model-citizen-in-a-digital-dictatorship/10200278

EDIT:
I think that the rap and metal music industries ought to co-opt this and reach out to the people in China with the absolute lowest scores and turn them into stars
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on September 26, 2018, 02:34:00 PM
Is Your Local Lawmaker A 'Fossil Fool?' Sierra Club Targets Environmental Foes In Midterms

As per the article: 'The Sierra Club, the nation's oldest environmental group, is targeting nearly a dozen lawmakers it wants to defeat in November's midterm elections in order to help elect candidates working to address climate change and other green interests.

The group launched a new campaign on Tuesday in which it labeled 10 congressional candidates "Fossil Fools" for supporting the oil and gas industry with a simple message: "We have an opportunity to send them home."'

Here's the link: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/fossil-fools-sierra-club-midterms_us_5ba9c509e4b0375f8f9ff19f

Personally, I would have called them "Fossil Tools," as they're not doing what they do for the oil and gas industry for free. But, that's just me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 26, 2018, 03:07:43 PM
That's what I like to call "Insult by Committee" -- no single person could come up with a phrase that lackluster and corny.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 26, 2018, 05:32:02 PM
Quote from: LMNO on September 26, 2018, 03:07:43 PM
That's what I like to call "Insult by Committee" -- no single person could come up with a phrase that lackluster and corny.

This is a fact.  That is the kind of painfully banal slogan you get out of teamwork committees.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on September 28, 2018, 08:38:45 PM
Cable new commentator fired for being too gross, even for Fox News

As per the article:

"Now-former Fox News commentator Kevin Jackson, who managed to successfully find the line that not even his employers would be willing to cross in regards to attacking women willing to stand up to powerful men, specifically with some of his Twitter commentary today about Dr. Christine Blasey Ford."

and:

"The network is presumably now casting around for someone capable of expressing their unease at the idea of female autonomy in the more gentle, chipperly smiling form to which its viewers are accustomed."

Here's the link: https://news.avclub.com/cable-news-commentator-fired-for-being-too-gross-even-1829376861
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 05, 2018, 07:35:32 PM
Um, Cain?  What's going on, here?

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-interpol-missing/french-investigate-wherabouts-of-interpol-chief-after-wife-reports-him-missing-idUSKCN1MF1BC

QuoteThe president of Interpol, the entity that connects police forces internationally, is missing
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 05, 2018, 07:36:22 PM
Quote from: LMNO on October 05, 2018, 07:35:32 PM
Um, Cain?  What's going on, here?

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-interpol-missing/french-investigate-wherabouts-of-interpol-chief-after-wife-reports-him-missing-idUSKCN1MF1BC

QuoteThe president of Interpol, the entity that connects police forces internationally, is missing

The Russian dude that arranged the Trump tower meeting just fell off of his balcony.  Probably not related.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 05, 2018, 07:48:15 PM
Quote from: LMNO on October 05, 2018, 07:35:32 PM
Um, Cain?  What's going on, here?

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-interpol-missing/french-investigate-wherabouts-of-interpol-chief-after-wife-reports-him-missing-idUSKCN1MF1BC

QuoteThe president of Interpol, the entity that connects police forces internationally, is missing

It's OK, he probably just owes some taxes (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/03/chinese-movie-star-fan-bingbing-ordered-pay-massive-fines-high/).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 07, 2018, 08:05:01 PM
You asked (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-45777681#), LMNO...

QuoteChina has confirmed it is holding the missing head of Interpol, Meng Hongwei.

Beijing said he was under investigation by the country's anti-corruption body for unspecified breaches of the law.

Mr Meng, also a vice-minister of public security in China, was reported missing after travelling from the city of Lyon in France, where Interpol is based, to China on 25 September.

QuoteChina's National Supervision Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants, said Mr Meng was under investigation in a statement on its website.

Mr Meng is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaires and even an A-list celebrity have vanished in recent months.

Earlier this week, actress Fan Bingbing, who disappeared in China in July, emerged with a public apology and a fine of 883 million yuan ($129m; £98.9m) for tax evasion and other offences.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 08, 2018, 09:15:59 PM
Just a quick dose of horror for you.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/newsfeature/a-transgender-girl-was-barred-from-taking-shelter-in-her-school-locker-rooms-during-a-safety-drill-because-teachers-couldn't-decide-which-one-she-should-go-in/ar-BBO7p0Q?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 08, 2018, 11:02:56 PM
I'm assuming the implicit signal here of "if you're transgender you're going to die" is a feature and not a bug.

"Sorry kid, all life is sacred and all that but we can't have you potentially raping the real girls, so off to the gym bleachers to get shot at."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 08, 2018, 11:09:00 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 08, 2018, 11:02:56 PM
I'm assuming the implicit signal here of "if you're transgender you're going to die" is a feature and not a bug.

"Sorry kid, all life is sacred and all that but we can't have you potentially raping the real girls, so off to the gym bleachers to get shot at."

Oh, it's even more than that.  Everyone knew this was a drill.

The message is "You are not a person, we're just making that clear."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on October 09, 2018, 02:34:37 AM
I'm more troubled by the idea that being in the correct locker room would be a priority in an emergency situation. It's barely a legitimate concept when it isn't an emergency. Regardless of whether you accept this person's identity it seems to me that the correct locker room to take shelter in during an emergency, for anyone, would be "whichever one is closest".

It's less a trans issue and much more of a general gender issue. The more important issue is that they're teaching people that not only does it mateer if you're a man or a woman, but that it matters more than prudently getting to safety in an emergency. Which is total bullshit. The only time it legitimately matters whether you're a man or a woman is during sexual intercourse and certain medical procedures
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 09, 2018, 01:24:20 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 07, 2018, 08:05:01 PM
You asked (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-45777681#), LMNO...

QuoteChina has confirmed it is holding the missing head of Interpol, Meng Hongwei.

Beijing said he was under investigation by the country's anti-corruption body for unspecified breaches of the law.

Mr Meng, also a vice-minister of public security in China, was reported missing after travelling from the city of Lyon in France, where Interpol is based, to China on 25 September.

QuoteChina's National Supervision Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants, said Mr Meng was under investigation in a statement on its website.

Mr Meng is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaires and even an A-list celebrity have vanished in recent months.

Earlier this week, actress Fan Bingbing, who disappeared in China in July, emerged with a public apology and a fine of 883 million yuan ($129m; £98.9m) for tax evasion and other offences.

Yeah, I heard that this morning.  Not sure if this is just business (grift) as usual, or if it's rising above the baseline of things to worry about.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 09, 2018, 01:42:47 PM
It's business as usual in the sense China is cracking down hard.  They've brought their "social credit" system online, whereby citizens are rated as to ther trustworthiness.  Do the right thing...you get cheaper loans, better medical care, better access to higher level jobs.  Do the wrong things...you get penalized financially, maybe dragged off to a detention centre for "re-education".

They're using an extreme version of this in Xinjiang, where they're cracking down heavily on any expressions of Islamic faith.  Uighur citizens already get an automatically lower score than ethnic Han, and these are significantly lowered by, for example, praying, covering one's hair, being a man between 18-45 or having studied overseas.  There are CCTVs with facial recognition programs on every street corner and microphones in most public places.  It's the world's largest open air concentration camp, which is made even worse by the actual concentration camps many Uighur are being taken to for "re-education".  It's estimated between 500,000 and 1 million are currently in these camps, and they are expanding.

Basically, someone in the Politburo watched the final two seasons of Person Of Interest and said "Samaritan, what a brilliant idea!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 09, 2018, 01:48:57 PM
Yikes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 09, 2018, 05:45:16 PM
Quote from: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on October 09, 2018, 02:34:37 AM
I'm more troubled by the idea that being in the correct locker room would be a priority in an emergency situation.

That's because you aren't thinking like a pinhead.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on October 09, 2018, 07:36:51 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 09, 2018, 01:42:47 PM
It's business as usual in the sense China is cracking down hard.  They've brought their "social credit" system online, whereby citizens are rated as to ther trustworthiness.  Do the right thing...you get cheaper loans, better medical care, better access to higher level jobs.  Do the wrong things...you get penalized financially, maybe dragged off to a detention centre for "re-education".

They're using an extreme version of this in Xinjiang, where they're cracking down heavily on any expressions of Islamic faith.  Uighur citizens already get an automatically lower score than ethnic Han, and these are significantly lowered by, for example, praying, covering one's hair, being a man between 18-45 or having studied overseas.  There are CCTVs with facial recognition programs on every street corner and microphones in most public places.  It's the world's largest open air concentration camp, which is made even worse by the actual concentration camps many Uighur are being taken to for "re-education".  It's estimated between 500,000 and 1 million are currently in these camps, and they are expanding.

Basically, someone in the Politburo watched the final two seasons of Person Of Interest and said "Samaritan, what a brilliant idea!"

I was thinking it was more like the setting from Paranoia
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on October 10, 2018, 03:22:34 AM
"If people break their promises they won't be able to move an inch."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on October 10, 2018, 03:23:12 AM
Rand Paul's wife says she keeps loaded gun by her bed over fear of liberals https://www.newsweek.com/paul-wife-loaded-gun-liberal-attacks-1160029

Quote"We've updated all of our security systems at home. I sleep with a loaded gun by my bed. I'm home alone a lot, obviously when Rand is [in Washington], and so I've got deadbolts all around my house so that if someone's in my house when I go to bed I'm deadbolted in three different levels," Paul told Breitbart for an interview published Monday.

She also commented about the recent rash of protestors heckling prominent politicians at restaurants in Washington. The most recent example was Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and his wife last month as protestors forced the couple to leave a restaurant after chants against Cruz's support of now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on October 10, 2018, 08:26:44 PM
Quote from: Bu☆ns on October 10, 2018, 03:23:12 AM
Rand Paul's wife says she keeps loaded gun by her bed over fear of liberals https://www.newsweek.com/paul-wife-loaded-gun-liberal-attacks-1160029

Quote"We've updated all of our security systems at home. I sleep with a loaded gun by my bed. I'm home alone a lot, obviously when Rand is [in Washington], and so I've got deadbolts all around my house so that if someone's in my house when I go to bed I'm deadbolted in three different levels," Paul told Breitbart for an interview published Monday.

She also commented about the recent rash of protestors heckling prominent politicians at restaurants in Washington. The most recent example was Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and his wife last month as protestors forced the couple to leave a restaurant after chants against Cruz's support of now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
At least, at least "any sea-dwelling mammal can actually sleep with half a brain."
*pops a fanTa*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: axod on October 10, 2018, 08:44:21 PM
Quote[...]  There are CCTVs with facial recognition programs on every street corner and microphones in most public places [...]

Quote from: LuciferX on October 10, 2018, 03:22:34 AM
"If people break their promises they won't be able to move an inch."

ah, yes, the good 'ol days, before people wouldnt even leave the house without their own personal self-surveillance systems on the ready and always running, not even an inch away.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 13, 2018, 05:58:09 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/macron-says-its-unclear-who-in-iran-ordered-french-bomb-plot/ar-BBOhHIR?ocid=spartanntp

This is an interesting read.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 13, 2018, 09:48:29 PM
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard make a lot of money off of Iran being internationally isolated.  It's classic "better to rule in hell" logic, they'd rather dominate the smoking crater of the Iranian economy with global sanctions arrayed against them, then be just one player among many in a globally integrated Iranian economy.

Hence why the Revolutionary Guard keep kidnapping people from countries that do business in Iran.

And since the Qoms Brigade of the Revolutionary Guard often handles the terrorist side of things...I'm sure you can see where I'm going here?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 13, 2018, 10:10:11 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 13, 2018, 09:48:29 PM
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard make a lot of money off of Iran being internationally isolated.  It's classic "better to rule in hell" logic, they'd rather dominate the smoking crater of the Iranian economy with global sanctions arrayed against them, then be just one player among many in a globally integrated Iranian economy.

Hence why the Revolutionary Guard keep kidnapping people from countries that do business in Iran.

And since the Qoms Brigade of the Revolutionary Guard often handles the terrorist side of things...I'm sure you can see where I'm going here?

Well, yes.  America is doing the same thing, in a more subtle manner.  All this yammering about tariffs and whatnot is still all part of the isolation game.

You think there's any chance the Iranian government will be able to get control of this?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 13, 2018, 10:24:02 PM
Not any time soon. Rouhani has been neutered by the conservative clerics, and they won't move against the Revolutionary Guard.  The war talk being pushed by Bolton also, of course, empowers the military factions over there as well, so even if some were willing, they'd say now is not the time.

I was rather hoping economic forces would render them less dangerous in the long run, but that does rely on the US lifting sanctions at some point.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 13, 2018, 10:37:44 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 13, 2018, 10:24:02 PM
Not any time soon. Rouhani has been neutered by the conservative clerics, and they won't move against the Revolutionary Guard.  The war talk being pushed by Bolton also, of course, empowers the military factions over there as well, so even if some were willing, they'd say now is not the time.

I was rather hoping economic forces would render them less dangerous in the long run, but that does rely on the US lifting sanctions at some point.

Which we won't do, because Iran is the only functional enemy we have left that hasn't got nukes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 13, 2018, 10:46:43 PM
Yeah.  It's really stupid though, it's ceding the oil fields to other countries, and with the secondary sanctions, specifically to Russia and China.

It's also the one Middle Eastern state that has a chance of becoming a functional democracy anytime soon, and could actually help in Iraq, Afghanistan and checking local Russian influence.  So of course, Trump will do his damndest to push them away, aided and abetted by the usual neocon suspects who have proven to be such strategic geniuses in the past.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 13, 2018, 11:10:08 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 13, 2018, 10:46:43 PM
Yeah.  It's really stupid though, it's ceding the oil fields to other countries, and with the secondary sanctions, specifically to Russia and China.

It's also the one Middle Eastern state that has a chance of becoming a functional democracy anytime soon, and could actually help in Iraq, Afghanistan and checking local Russian influence.  So of course, Trump will do his damndest to push them away, aided and abetted by the usual neocon suspects who have proven to be such strategic geniuses in the past.

John Bolton.  That is all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on October 16, 2018, 03:35:29 AM
Brainy Crows Trained to Pick Up Trash at Theme Park

As per the article:

"A team of trained birds will really clean up at a French theme park, where they will collect and discard cigarette butts and other bits of trash."

Here's the link: https://www.livescience.com/63320-crows-pick-up-trash-theme-park.html

This article has been out there for a while. But, I thought it would be nice to post something "uplifting," while we endure our daily onslaught of political horror.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Ziegejunge on October 16, 2018, 07:19:29 PM
Thanks for that, Brother. Crows are pretty darn fascinating.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on October 18, 2018, 08:11:07 PM
VOTER SUPPRESSION LINK ROUNDUP

North Dakota ensuring thousands of Native Americans can't vote - https://www.npr.org/2018/10/13/657125819/many-native-ids-wont-be-accepted-at-north-dakota-polling-places

Indiana illegally purging 20k voters https://www.snopes.com/news/2018/10/15/indiana-state-officials-accused-violating-court-order-improperly-purging-voters/

Florida - voter reg website went down a week before the deadline. The state says it's working fine, but thousands of people say they can't register. (not to mention the republicans fighting tooth and nail against extending the registration deadline to account for Hurricane Michael) https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2018/10/09/a-mess-floridas-online-voter-registration-system-panned-641953

Georgia - where the race is a dead heat and the south could potentially get its first black female senator... They froze over 50k registrations, 70% of which are African American. (African Americans are over 30% of the state) https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2018/10/09/a-mess-floridas-online-voter-registration-system-panned-641953

Georgia Also closed hundreds of polling places in black communities "to save money" - http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/sl-polling-place-close-ahead-of-november-elections-black-voters.html

Just today, GA threw a bunch of black people off a bus headed for the polls, for some reason I still don't understand: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/black-senior-citizens-georgia-ordered-off-bus-bound-for-polls-stacey-abrams-brian-kemp/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab6a&linkId=58376821

Nevada purged 90k people from voter rolls using a postcard removal scheme - https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/at-least-90000-voters-purged-from-nevada-voter-rolls-voting-rights-group-claims/

Texas purged 2K because the applications didn't have "a handwritten signature", which isn't actually a law https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Texas-rejects-2-400-online-voter-registrations-as-13282058.php

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 18, 2018, 08:30:59 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on October 18, 2018, 08:11:07 PM
VOTER SUPPRESSION LINK ROUNDUP

North Dakota ensuring thousands of Native Americans can't vote - https://www.npr.org/2018/10/13/657125819/many-native-ids-wont-be-accepted-at-north-dakota-polling-places

Indiana illegally purging 20k voters https://www.snopes.com/news/2018/10/15/indiana-state-officials-accused-violating-court-order-improperly-purging-voters/

Florida - voter reg website went down a week before the deadline. The state says it's working fine, but thousands of people say they can't register. (not to mention the republicans fighting tooth and nail against extending the registration deadline to account for Hurricane Michael) https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2018/10/09/a-mess-floridas-online-voter-registration-system-panned-641953

Georgia - where the race is a dead heat and the south could potentially get its first black female senator... They froze over 50k registrations, 70% of which are African American. (African Americans are over 30% of the state) https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2018/10/09/a-mess-floridas-online-voter-registration-system-panned-641953

Georgia Also closed hundreds of polling places in black communities "to save money" - http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/sl-polling-place-close-ahead-of-november-elections-black-voters.html

Just today, GA threw a bunch of black people off a bus headed for the polls, for some reason I still don't understand: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/black-senior-citizens-georgia-ordered-off-bus-bound-for-polls-stacey-abrams-brian-kemp/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab6a&linkId=58376821

Nevada purged 90k people from voter rolls using a postcard removal scheme - https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/at-least-90000-voters-purged-from-nevada-voter-rolls-voting-rights-group-claims/

Texas purged 2K because the applications didn't have "a handwritten signature", which isn't actually a law https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Texas-rejects-2-400-online-voter-registrations-as-13282058.php

The bus thing was because political parties can't transport people to the polls, and someone called the bus in, so county officials decided that, based on what they were told by an anonymous tipster, BLM is part of the democratic party.

Real reason:  Black people in Georgia.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 18, 2018, 09:43:06 PM
And this is how you become a dictatorship.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on October 18, 2018, 11:42:32 PM
What we really need is another march to the sea
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 19, 2018, 02:07:05 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 18, 2018, 09:43:06 PM
And this is how you become a dictatorship.

Well, yes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on October 19, 2018, 06:03:20 AM
Seattle Motorists Stunned As 2-Pound Metal Balls Roll Down Street
The two-pound balls damaged several cars during their brief roll of terror. (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/metal-balls-seattle-street-weird_us_5bc91b45e4b055bc947ee4df)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 19, 2018, 01:49:03 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on October 19, 2018, 02:07:05 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 18, 2018, 09:43:06 PM
And this is how you become a dictatorship.

Well, yes.

Oh, I know.  It's just disappointing, that it's happening at the hands of some banal, tanned egomaniac who struggles to string a coherent sentence together.  He doesn't even have good dress sense.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 19, 2018, 04:33:47 PM
Quote from: Cain on October 19, 2018, 01:49:03 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on October 19, 2018, 02:07:05 AM
Quote from: Cain on October 18, 2018, 09:43:06 PM
And this is how you become a dictatorship.

Well, yes.

Oh, I know.  It's just disappointing, that it's happening at the hands of some banal, tanned egomaniac who struggles to string a coherent sentence together.  He doesn't even have good dress sense.

I wanted someone like Sulla or Octavian.  :(
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 19, 2018, 05:00:04 PM
Even the Brazilian guy would be something.

(https://www.usnews.com/dims4/USNEWS/186e441/2147483647/thumbnail/640x420/quality/85/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.beam.usnews.com%2Fdd%2Fddea75b5c77583a77157c6fb00a278%2Ftag%3Areuters.com%2C2018%3Anewsml_LYNXNPEE4G1NB%3A12018-05-17T194401Z_1_LYNXNPEE4G1NB_RTROPTP_3_BRAZIL-POLITICS-BOLSONARO.JPG)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on October 19, 2018, 05:10:37 PM
https://twitter.com/JeremyPoxon/status/1053037595771338753?s=19

Worth actually reading the paper. There's no bad or shaky conclusions being drawn here, it's legitimately the case. Hard to say showing support for "a strong leader" who "ignores parliament/congress" isn't showing authoritarian beliefs.

UK spags might be interested in seeing the horrormirth of the chart of UK attitudes in one of the appendices: everyone else has a v notch on a near linear line, or an overall M shaped response to the questions.

The UK has a goddamn U shaped graph. Only the self identified political fringes are sane on (I forget what topic, I think immigration or civil rights?), anyone who doesn't describe themselves as far-left/right cannot be trusted. It was like a 10% drop between far right and center right for fucks sake.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 19, 2018, 05:23:08 PM
And that 10% difference between the center and far-right is pretty consistent along the variety of questions.

It's a strong indicator that the centre-right has been radicalised, while the far-right have somewhat moderated their position, for the most part.  That fertile "populist right" ground between the two has seen a lot of cross-pollination over the years, while at the same time the American right, of both varieties, have been forging strong links with their European counterparts.

Incidentally, the UK attitude to immigration has been terrible for decades.  I would argue up until quite recently it has been a lot worse than the US, and it's been fed by decades of tabloid fear-mongering, that since 9/11 has steadily moved into the broadsheet press (Times, Telegraph, sometimes the Guardian or Observer).   Immigration was the wedge issue on which popular anti-EU sentiment was built, as evidenced by the Brexit debate's focus on "taking back control of our border" as opposed to "this will economically ruin us all".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on October 19, 2018, 05:43:21 PM
The world's never going to be right again until people forget 9/11
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on October 19, 2018, 11:45:53 PM
Julian Assange sues Ecuador for 'violating his rights'

As per the article:

"The accusations against Ecuador come after a document was leaked earlier this week revealing a new set of house rules Assange must adhere to in London from December 1.

The memo, which was written in Spanish and first published by Ecuadorean website Codigo Vidrio, specifies that Assange must pay for his own expenses like food, medical and laundry, that visitors must have prior authorization, and that he must not only keep the spaces inside the embassy clean, but also take care of his cat. It also reiterates the position that he is not allowed to interfere in any other country's political matters."

Here's the link: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/19/uk/julian-assange-ecuador-intl/index.html


I think the idiom "biting the hand that feeds him" still applies, even if Ecuador is going to make Assange "pay for his own expenses like food," starting December 1.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 19, 2018, 11:53:36 PM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on October 19, 2018, 11:45:53 PM
and that he must not only keep the spaces inside the embassy clean, but also take care of his cat.
:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on October 23, 2018, 03:54:20 AM
Well, this happened.

https://apple.news/Au-KjGa2jT-iEjChIcCvv4A

I am legitimately surprised that it took this long and yet ever happened at all. I figured it would have been all or nothing for this fucking swine.

I guess he's letting us know where we're heading. Barbed wire and ammunition futures truly are the smart investments, boys and girls.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on October 23, 2018, 09:01:21 AM
Quote from: nullified on October 23, 2018, 03:54:20 AM
Well, this happened.

https://apple.news/Au-KjGa2jT-iEjChIcCvv4A (https://apple.news/Au-KjGa2jT-iEjChIcCvv4A)

I am legitimately surprised that it took this long and yet ever happened at all. I figured it would have been all or nothing for this fucking swine.

I guess he's letting us know where we're heading. Barbed wire and ammunition futures truly are the smart investments, boys and girls.

Being a nationalist, he could always still appeal to the socialist demographic
*checks data...*
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 23, 2018, 12:50:59 PM
Quote from: nullified on October 23, 2018, 03:54:20 AM
Well, this happened.

https://apple.news/Au-KjGa2jT-iEjChIcCvv4A

I am legitimately surprised that it took this long and yet ever happened at all. I figured it would have been all or nothing for this fucking swine.

I guess he’s letting us know where we’re heading. Barbed wire and ammunition futures truly are the smart investments, boys and girls.

:news:

This just in: Nothing Matters, No One Cares, Welcome to New Future.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 23, 2018, 06:22:02 PM
Quote from: LuciferX on October 23, 2018, 09:01:21 AM
Quote from: nullified on October 23, 2018, 03:54:20 AM
Well, this happened.

https://apple.news/Au-KjGa2jT-iEjChIcCvv4A (https://apple.news/Au-KjGa2jT-iEjChIcCvv4A)

I am legitimately surprised that it took this long and yet ever happened at all. I figured it would have been all or nothing for this fucking swine.

I guess he's letting us know where we're heading. Barbed wire and ammunition futures truly are the smart investments, boys and girls.

Being a nationalist, he could always still appeal to the socialist demographic
*checks data...*

Fuck right off.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on October 27, 2018, 01:06:34 AM
https://apple.news/AIiTRuw_UQEKbWev4dBCocw

I can forget finding work, I suppose. I'm not Quality People enough to be able to keep any job I get.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on October 27, 2018, 03:07:54 AM
Quote from: nullified on October 27, 2018, 01:06:34 AM
https://apple.news/AIiTRuw_UQEKbWev4dBCocw

I can forget finding work, I suppose. I'm not Quality People enough to be able to keep any job I get.

Thinking on this, it's likely this will lead to a precipitous decrease in trans folks with housing. In other words: the vast majority of an entire minority demographic is about to be homeless. If the DOJ says that they're not a protected class and the first state level lawsuit turns up with state protections not overriding federal law, the whole demographic might end up unemployed, nationwide, with very very limited exceptions.

This is genuinely apocalyptic for people like me. I'm still alive because other trans people have been sending me enough cash to stay afloat. I'm not alone in this, either, most of my friends can't help me because they're on someone else's lifeline or they're helping several other people already.

I predict a sudden rash of suicides in my demographic, with a long, fat tail. The more I think about this, the worse it gets.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on October 27, 2018, 11:21:31 PM
https://apple.news/ATPTCHzuJRjKDSSJPW24cOw

On the bright side, in Azerbaijan, it's possible that human equivalent intelligences regardless of physical provenance might have personhood. Yeah, yeah, it's a PR stunt, but it's a PR stunt that makes it more likely they're granted rights automatically in that country at least.

This is a pretty middle of the road chatbot inside an uncanny valley body with some basic tasks it's capable of, and poor motor skills. Imagine something with the intelligence level, ability to learn and motor skills of an average cat, and a robust chatbot front-end. You point at this thing and go "why can't the new one have rights if that glorified telephone voice agent can?"

Strange Times indeed. The weirdest of all possible futures.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on October 28, 2018, 07:32:30 PM
https://apple.news/AY3_xU7AHTRei-uLXd1jKMg

This isn't concerning one bit. The timing is entirely innocent, as is just about everything to do with it. There is no way in hell anyone could get the idea that there's a state of combat readiness in the neo-Nazi community. This is absolutely a re-enactment plane and in no way would ever potentially be used for any other purposes.

Put bluntly, the truth is way less concerning to me than the appearance is. I know what's realistic, and I know what is going to create more fucking terror in a country where significant minorities already feel a loaded gun to the back of their head.

And so, while the chances are slim that it is the case, I am choosing to believe that the pilot is a neo-fascist in the absence of evidence to the contrary, because it will prepare me for how everyone else is going to react.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on December 18, 2018, 04:48:19 PM
If nunchucks are outlawed, only outlaws will have nunchucks.

https://apple.news/AmeuhyCCgQY2IPoZweyNmlA
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 18, 2018, 05:00:30 PM
I am in favour of nunchuks being legal because then I know which wannabe ninjas I do not have to take seriously.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 22, 2019, 05:35:30 PM
In today's news, a reminder than you can never, ever trust the country with anything like your sexuality or gender.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/supreme-court-revives-transgender-ban-for-military-service/ar-BBSArFt?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on February 24, 2019, 12:16:17 AM
Lightsaber duelling registered as official sport in France

As per the article:

"It's now easier than ever in France to act out Star Wars fantasies. The country's fencing federation has officially recognised lightsaber duelling as a competitive sport, granting the weapon from George Lucas's space saga the same status as the foil, epee and sabre, the traditional blades used at the Olympics."

Here's the link: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/feb/19/light-saber-duelling-official-sport-france-star-wars

I was going to post this in the High Wierdness board, before realizing that it was bound to happen sooner or later.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 28, 2019, 06:34:18 PM
Antivaxxer scum in action.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/health-news/anti-vaxxers-are-targeting-doctors-with-online-abuse/ar-BBUc91d?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on March 01, 2019, 02:34:07 AM
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/neo-nazi-group-s-new-leader-black-man-who-vows-n977956

QuoteOne of the nation's largest neo-Nazi groups appears to have an unlikely new leader: a black activist who has vowed to dismantle it.

Court documents filed Thursday suggest James Hart Stern wants to use his new position as director and president of the National Socialist Movement to undermine the Detroit-based group's defense against a lawsuit.

Quote"I have personally targeted eradicating the (Ku Klux Klan) and the National Socialist Movement, which are two organizations here in this country which have all too long been given privileges they don't deserve," Stern said in a video posted on his site.

This guy's a pro....

Quote
Stern served a prison sentence for mail fraud at the same facility as onetime Ku Klux Klan leader Edgar Ray Killen, who was convicted in the "Mississippi Burning" killings of three civil rights workers. Killen died in January 2018.

In 2012, Stern claimed Killen signed over to him power of attorney and ownership of 40 acres of land while they were serving prison terms together. A lawyer for Killen asked a judge to throw out the land transfer and certify that Killen and his family owned the property.

Sainthood?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on March 01, 2019, 06:50:35 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/health-news/an-american-got-sick-in-taiwan-he-came-back-with-a-tale-of-the-horrors-of-socialized-medicine/ar-BBUeeK1?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on March 02, 2019, 03:18:12 PM
https://apple.news/A9QiskHCbRMWBYS9M5CGW8Q
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on March 07, 2019, 03:47:11 PM
https://www.npr.org/2019/03/06/700651500/crypto-mystery-quadrigas-wallets-are-empty-putting-fate-of-137-million-in-doubt?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20190306&fbclid=IwAR0NvLBbKlHady88AGCrLwc27BXfWbi135oNocIaMvIvHabvlFuBbJyxSEQ

I love the smell of Fraud and deceit in the morning!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Al Qədic on March 09, 2019, 12:22:06 AM
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/vegan-parents-accused-of-almost-starving-baby-to-death-with-potato-formula/news-story/1aaf5641fde5307f27c46718ce7ef129

Potatoes are amazing, but Jayzus tapdancing Christ some parents shouldn't be parents.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on March 15, 2019, 08:41:43 PM
Sanders loses fight with bathroom fixture:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/sanders-gets-stitches-after-run-in-with-glass-shower-door/ar-BBUPa3B?ocid=spartanntp
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Telarus on March 16, 2019, 02:54:53 AM
I practice my martial arts (silat) in the shower all the time. I could probably give him some good tips. Its a terribly slippery environment, after all....


:lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on March 16, 2019, 04:21:54 AM
I lost a fight with a shopping cart, once.  I still have the scar.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on March 16, 2019, 02:35:27 PM
Quote from: Telarus on March 16, 2019, 02:54:53 AM
I practice my martial arts (silat) in the shower all the time. I could probably give him some good tips. Its a terribly slippery environment, after all....


:lulz:

:lulz: :lulz:

Just had a sudden image of Sanders doing some of the Silat movements that I saw from the videos you used to do on FB... In the shower (ew)... Slipping, falling, cutting himself on the door, and using a Life Alert because he couldn't get up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 03, 2019, 07:26:54 PM
Caption this: $7M worth of crystal meth accidentally shipped to elderly Australian couple

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/03/asia/elderly-australian-couple-meth-haul-intl-trnd/index.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on May 03, 2019, 08:46:20 PM
that is one hell of a fuck up, jesus. somebody is going to be very, very angry about losing $14m worth of meth.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on May 03, 2019, 08:52:11 PM
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/24/us/woman-smiling-photo-islamophobic-trnd-scli-intl/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 05, 2019, 08:48:26 AM
I love the stupidity of the man's sign, decrying Islam as a religion of blood and then following immediately with a deranged tirade about the blood of jesus
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on May 05, 2019, 05:45:57 PM
Well, the "blood of Jesus" is meant to be taken more symbolically than literally, like, communion is following the tradition set during the Last Supper, and not USUALLY an attempt by the ritual's facilitator to turn the congregation into vampires.

That said, this crowd definitely looks a few tires short of a monster truck rally. I think this woman is cool for finding a peaceful and classy way to prove them wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 05, 2019, 07:58:21 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 05, 2019, 05:45:57 PM
Well, the "blood of Jesus" is meant to be taken more symbolically than literally

I don't want to sound like I'm nitpicking here, but Catholic doctrine says it is literally the blood and literally the flesh of Jesus.

Obviously Catholics aren't a majority in America, but globally speaking, that's the accepted view.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on May 05, 2019, 09:14:19 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2019, 07:58:21 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 05, 2019, 05:45:57 PM
Well, the "blood of Jesus" is meant to be taken more symbolically than literally

I don't want to sound like I'm nitpicking here, but Catholic doctrine says it is literally the blood and literally the flesh of Jesus.

Obviously Catholics aren't a majority in America, but globally speaking, that's the accepted view.

It's a religious Schrodinger game for rituals and beliefs, its simultaneously literal and symbolic until one has to defend a posture or make an argument.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on May 05, 2019, 09:54:34 PM
Not true. The doctrine of transubstantiation is pretty consistent and solid. It is literally and physically his flesh and blood, with only the superficial appearance ("accident") of bread and wine. This has been explained to death by the church, and even before the Catholic Church as we know it it was a commonly discussed topic. Weirdly, it was universally agreed upon before Martin Luther according to the research I've done. Gnostics appear not to have taken part in the sacrament at all, and so had no doctrine on it, and I can't find any other heresies around the sacrament before the Reformation.

There is also "consubstantiation" (the flesh and blood coexists with the bread and wine), and "sacramental union" (ritual identification of the bread and wine with Christ's flesh and blood), which are heresies in Catholicism. I know of no actual denomination that believes in consubstantiation, and the Lutherans (as in Martin Luther) are the only ones I know who follow sacramental union, but both are regardless Catholic heresies.

I've been doing a lot of research lately into early Protestant Christianity (for some reason I'm super obsessed with the Calvinists right now, they're all completely bugfuck in basically the most harmless way) so I happened to have all of this either fresh in my mind or right in front of me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on May 05, 2019, 10:08:33 PM

Quote from: nullified on May 05, 2019, 09:54:34 PM
Not true. The doctrine of transubstantiation is pretty consistent and solid. It is literally and physically his flesh and blood, with only the superficial appearance ("accident") of bread and wine. This has been explained to death by the church, and even before the Catholic Church as we know it it was a commonly discussed topic. Weirdly, it was universally agreed upon before Martin Luther according to the research I've done. Gnostics appear not to have taken part in the sacrament at all, and so had no doctrine on it, and I can't find any other heresies around the sacrament before the Reformation.

There is also "consubstantiation" (the flesh and blood coexists with the bread and wine), and "sacramental union" (ritual identification of the bread and wine with Christ's flesh and blood), which are heresies in Catholicism. I know of no actual denomination that believes in consubstantiation, and the Lutherans (as in Martin Luther) are the only ones I know who follow sacramental union, but both are regardless Catholic heresies.

I've been doing a lot of research lately into early Protestant Christianity (for some reason I'm super obsessed with the Calvinists right now, they're all completely bugfuck in basically the most harmless way) so I happened to have all of this either fresh in my mind or right in front of me.

I mean, im not questioning both of yous knowledge and veracity towards doctrine, im speaking about the commoners take on it and the practical/political uses they make of it.

(And not to derail too much but, protestantism is pretty interesting, Max Weber and his "The protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism" and all that... not that i remember much about it, but this Caroline Merchant seems to take inspiration from it in her "The Death of Nature", arguing how science, capitalism and religion are so tightly intertwined since around the XVth century.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on May 05, 2019, 10:18:05 PM
Oh, I was just infodumping. "Hey, I know this topic! Maybe someone can learn something cool." No interpretation of your words meant, just a response in case someone wanted to know.

I haven't gotten that far along, I'm still looking at pre-Enlightenment groups. But the theology is baffling/mesmerizing anyway. Next level bullshittery. Calvinism, I think, would be really unlikely to have anything to do with what you're mentioning, but I'll keep an eye open as I continue.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on May 06, 2019, 02:07:21 AM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 05, 2019, 05:45:57 PM
Well, the "blood of Jesus" is meant to be taken more symbolically than literally, like, communion is following the tradition set during the Last Supper, and not USUALLY an attempt by the ritual's facilitator to turn the congregation into vampires.

That said, this crowd definitely looks a few tires short of a monster truck rally. I think this woman is cool for finding a peaceful and classy way to prove them wrong.

That's a matter of serious dispute among Christians.  Catholics and Orthodox are actually drinking blood, according the the local Catholic priest, who preached about it a lot.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on May 06, 2019, 02:43:33 AM
I thought you were wrong about the Orthodox Church, so I looked it up. Turns out, you were right.

What I remembered as a debate surrounding the body and blood of Christ was about the exact moment of transubstantiation, not whether it occurred at all or not. Cool. Christianity is fucking wacky and I am growing to love the shit, the Baptists are the boring outliers in a nightmare menagerie of insanity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on May 06, 2019, 04:12:52 AM
Quote from: nullified on May 06, 2019, 02:43:33 AM
I thought you were wrong about the Orthodox Church, so I looked it up. Turns out, you were right.

What I remembered as a debate surrounding the body and blood of Christ was about the exact moment of transubstantiation, not whether it occurred at all or not. Cool. Christianity is fucking wacky and I am growing to love the shit, the Baptists are the boring outliers in a nightmare menagerie of insanity.

Bro, youre discordian, who are you to judge  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on May 06, 2019, 04:27:28 AM
Who says I'm judging? I'm enamored of this shit. :lulz:

I might make a topic about it, I have a lot of opinions and don't want to pull this any further off topic. But if you want to hear the craziest shit you've heard all week, look up Calvinist doctrine (not the watered down Presbyterian stuff but actually hardcore Calvinism) and the Batenburgers. That's crazy you can't buy, it's handcrafted by the fucking masters.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 06, 2019, 10:42:36 PM
I prefer to promulgate the idea that Jesus is just so much of an alcoholic that his blood is basically the same as wine to begin with
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: P3nT4gR4m on May 08, 2019, 08:08:16 AM
Jesus came back from the dead.
Jesus is a zombie.
Catholics are drinking zombie blood.
The only way to kill a catholic is to completely destroy the brain 8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on May 08, 2019, 09:00:08 AM
Quote from: P3nT4gR4m on May 08, 2019, 08:08:16 AM
Jesus came back from the dead.
Jesus is a zombie.
Catholics are drinking zombie blood.
The only way to kill a catholic is to completely destroy the brain 8)

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 08, 2019, 05:03:59 PM
It's very simple. Jesus is a drunkard and his blood alcohol content is about 15%. Normally that would kill a person but he already got that out of the way
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AM
Look, ok, in my view, the bible IS truth... in the way an elder educates a toddler. That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The toddler is now grown, to believe in Santa Claus is fucking foolish, well, except there's the whole regiment of Santa's Little Inquisition, which will nail you for heresy if you believe that Santa exists more in the symbolic sense to encourage us to be more generous with eachother.

I got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 14, 2019, 09:08:10 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AMI got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"

We all start out as ignorant as the ancients when we're born. They'd just need to talk to the children that can still be educated
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on May 15, 2019, 04:51:34 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AMI got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"
my deeply catholic mother has always described the bible, especially parts of the old testament, as basically bed time stories for pretty much the same reason. which is probably not the line as per the Church but the american heresy is a thing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on May 17, 2019, 04:32:47 PM
Yeah, my grandmother was freaking nuts, hook line and sinker nuts way over the deep end. She was convinced I was a prophet, and I was just a child. She made me study the bible, she taught me divination and how to decode the "secret messages" hidden in everything... even when every other christian turned on me for having sympathy for the devil, and the damned, she was ok with that. She told me it was symbolic, that it wasn't the actual blood and body, but a thing one does in rememberance of the last supper, and of the acts of christ. Granted, she wasn't your typical christian by any means. If people actually take it literally, well, I didn't know that, but I guess they do.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 18, 2019, 08:50:12 AM
I kind of want to see someone do a Last Supper themed ad for menstural cups. "This is the cup of my blood"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on May 18, 2019, 12:41:59 PM
It's a shame Jesus wasn't a girl.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 18, 2019, 03:20:21 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AM
Look, ok, in my view, the bible IS truth... in the way an elder educates a toddler. That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The toddler is now grown, to believe in Santa Claus is fucking foolish, well, except there's the whole regiment of Santa's Little Inquisition, which will nail you for heresy if you believe that Santa exists more in the symbolic sense to encourage us to be more generous with eachother.

I got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"

I am pretty sure most religion is basically a very primitive attempt at science, in which crude observations of natural laws are attributed to an invisible hand. It's a lot like Libertarian economic logic.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 18, 2019, 04:26:25 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 18, 2019, 12:41:59 PM
It's a shame Jesus wasn't a girl.

In this commercial I'm proposing he would be
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on May 19, 2019, 04:04:53 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 18, 2019, 03:20:21 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AM
Look, ok, in my view, the bible IS truth... in the way an elder educates a toddler. That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The toddler is now grown, to believe in Santa Claus is fucking foolish, well, except there's the whole regiment of Santa's Little Inquisition, which will nail you for heresy if you believe that Santa exists more in the symbolic sense to encourage us to be more generous with eachother.

I got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"

I am pretty sure most religion is basically a very primitive attempt at science, in which crude observations of natural laws are attributed to an invisible hand. It's a lot like Libertarian economic logic.

Well, you can say the same about alchemy, and you know Isaac Newton was totally into that shit. You can't turn lead into gold, but alchemy actually makes sense if you assume they're talking about something other than, literal lead, and literal gold. I'm a bit biased, I'm actually convinced there is a God and that Jesus Christ was the Messiah...I know, it sounds crazy, maybe it IS crazy. Last night I was talking with my neighbor, and he cackled delightedtly when I was like, "What makes all this stupidity worth it is when, ok, imagine this, these good ol' boy hateful southern racist christians are going to die, get to heaven, and realize God is a black man."...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 20, 2019, 04:38:11 AM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 19, 2019, 04:04:53 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 18, 2019, 03:20:21 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AM
Look, ok, in my view, the bible IS truth... in the way an elder educates a toddler. That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The toddler is now grown, to believe in Santa Claus is fucking foolish, well, except there's the whole regiment of Santa's Little Inquisition, which will nail you for heresy if you believe that Santa exists more in the symbolic sense to encourage us to be more generous with eachother.

I got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"

I am pretty sure most religion is basically a very primitive attempt at science, in which crude observations of natural laws are attributed to an invisible hand. It's a lot like Libertarian economic logic.

Well, you can say the same about alchemy, and you know Isaac Newton was totally into that shit. You can't turn lead into gold, but alchemy actually makes sense if you assume they're talking about something other than, literal lead, and literal gold. I'm a bit biased, I'm actually convinced there is a God and that Jesus Christ was the Messiah...I know, it sounds crazy, maybe it IS crazy. Last night I was talking with my neighbor, and he cackled delightedtly when I was like, "What makes all this stupidity worth it is when, ok, imagine this, these good ol' boy hateful southern racist christians are going to die, get to heaven, and realize God is a black man."...

Yeah, everybody starts somewhere. It doesn't start to get weird until the state of discovery is way beyond those early starting points, but people cling to the early works and deny the later ones have validity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Prelate Diogenes Shandor on May 20, 2019, 10:49:08 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 19, 2019, 04:04:53 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 18, 2019, 03:20:21 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AM
Look, ok, in my view, the bible IS truth... in the way an elder educates a toddler. That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The toddler is now grown, to believe in Santa Claus is fucking foolish, well, except there's the whole regiment of Santa's Little Inquisition, which will nail you for heresy if you believe that Santa exists more in the symbolic sense to encourage us to be more generous with eachother.

I got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"

I am pretty sure most religion is basically a very primitive attempt at science, in which crude observations of natural laws are attributed to an invisible hand. It's a lot like Libertarian economic logic.

Well, you can say the same about alchemy, and you know Isaac Newton was totally into that shit. You can't turn lead into gold, but alchemy actually makes sense if you assume they're talking about something other than, literal lead, and literal gold. I'm a bit biased, I'm actually convinced there is a God and that Jesus Christ was the Messiah...I know, it sounds crazy, maybe it IS crazy. Last night I was talking with my neighbor, and he cackled delightedtly when I was like, "What makes all this stupidity worth it is when, ok, imagine this, these good ol' boy hateful southern racist christians are going to die, get to heaven, and realize God is a black man."...

He was Jewish, not black (and that might even have a bigger impact on them)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on May 21, 2019, 01:15:50 AM
In the interest of fixing the derail I am partially responsible for:

https://apple.news/Aq_mVmz6ETVKJq5Lj0N28pQ

Some good news in the fight against anti-vaxxers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 18, 2019, 10:09:10 PM
Another incel loses his shit:

https://washingtonpress.com/2019/06/17/an-alt-right-incel-was-just-killed-after-rushing-a-dallas-federal-building-with-an-assault-rifle/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on June 19, 2019, 06:05:09 PM
Quote from: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 18, 2019, 03:20:21 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on May 11, 2019, 03:23:06 AM
Look, ok, in my view, the bible IS truth... in the way an elder educates a toddler. That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The toddler is now grown, to believe in Santa Claus is fucking foolish, well, except there's the whole regiment of Santa's Little Inquisition, which will nail you for heresy if you believe that Santa exists more in the symbolic sense to encourage us to be more generous with eachother.

I got in this discussion in a bar last night with an atheist, and I'm like, "Look, dude, think about the target audience, how do you think society would be different if the angel of the lord just started rambling about dinosaurs and explosions to begin with?"

I am pretty sure most religion is basically a very primitive attempt at science, in which crude observations of natural laws are attributed to an invisible hand. It's a lot like Libertarian economic logic.

Common mistake by Atheists.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on June 20, 2019, 02:57:44 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 18, 2019, 10:09:10 PM
Another incel loses his shit:

https://washingtonpress.com/2019/06/17/an-alt-right-incel-was-just-killed-after-rushing-a-dallas-federal-building-with-an-assault-rifle/

Like, I genuinely find it funny that the hyperlink describes him as an Incel, but isnt that kind of shitty reporting?  :lulz:

Wouldnt 4-chan'ner be a more accurate description based on the info they provided themselves?

We've discussed it already, but reporters and article writers are such fucking amateurs, its silly.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 20, 2019, 04:08:55 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on June 20, 2019, 02:57:44 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 18, 2019, 10:09:10 PM
Another incel loses his shit:

https://washingtonpress.com/2019/06/17/an-alt-right-incel-was-just-killed-after-rushing-a-dallas-federal-building-with-an-assault-rifle/

Like, I genuinely find it funny that the hyperlink describes him as an Incel, but isnt that kind of shitty reporting?  :lulz:

Wouldnt 4-chan'ner be a more accurate description based on the info they provided themselves?

We've discussed it already, but reporters and article writers are such fucking amateurs, its silly.

This is America.  Shitty reporting is the only kind we have.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 20, 2019, 06:20:37 AM
He posted about being an incel on social media. Like, a lot.

He also posted about Qanon.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on June 30, 2019, 02:39:44 AM
(https://www.newsweek.com/bishop-holy-water-helicopter-1445828)  Life imitates discussions had at our D&D table.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 01, 2019, 10:00:46 PM
I warned the humans.  You heard me do it.

https://www.apnews.com/65694195c91d4b62b275bd14a6955b4c
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Frontside Back on August 01, 2019, 10:13:04 PM
Welp, at least I didn't have time to grow attached to this planet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 01, 2019, 10:14:51 PM
You're going to get melted to a patch of rock, that's plenty of time and attachment.

Well, under it's under sea level.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 01, 2019, 10:25:24 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 01, 2019, 10:14:51 PM
You're going to get melted to a patch of rock, that's plenty of time and attachment.

Well, under it's under sea level.

Well, what's really awesome is the permafrost around the glacier.  Melt that, you get tons and tons of methane, which is carbon dioxide's big ugly brother when it comes to greenhouse gasses.

Not to mention the change in the ocean's alkalinity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 01, 2019, 10:28:08 PM
Yeah, and that's when we hit a 5C global temperature rise and civilization becomes impossible to sustain.

There's also this thing where methane gas gets trapped under the water, and comes up in giant, "kill everything" death bubbles.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 02, 2019, 01:34:28 AM
Quote from: Cain on August 01, 2019, 10:28:08 PM
Yeah, and that's when we hit a 5C global temperature rise and civilization becomes impossible to sustain.

There's also this thing where methane gas gets trapped under the water, and comes up in giant, "kill everything" death bubbles.

Thing is, it's a race between the ocean currents destabilizing and then the big freeze, or the ocean going acidic and everything dying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on August 02, 2019, 03:24:08 AM

It's a funny thought, that out of all the adjectives one could utilize to define the global transnational elite, besides "pigs", greedy, psychopathic, narcissistic, etc etc... one could add "nihilistic" to the list.

I know im a bit of a Nietzsche fanboy, but could this be the ultimate consequences of the "Death of God"? Ecological suicide, that is? I cant even grasp the whole implications or ramifications of this idea. On first thoughts this is the logical conclusion of mechanistic ideology, but what is that ideology but a slow and gradual replacement of religion as the centerpiece.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 02, 2019, 08:19:42 AM
There's a very Christian train of thought that says the earth was put here to be exploited by mankind, and that ecological disaster doesn't matter because only Heaven matters.

I think it comes from Calvinism, though I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 02, 2019, 03:08:40 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 02, 2019, 08:19:42 AM
There's a very Christian train of thought that says the earth was put here to be exploited by mankind, and that ecological disaster doesn't matter because only Heaven matters.

I think it comes from Calvinism, though I could be wrong.

Southern Baptists, really, at least as far as I have noticed.  Calvinists instead say that God did this on purpose to punish poor people with a declining standard of living.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 02, 2019, 03:09:09 PM
Meanwhile, Captain Obvious has weighed in.

https://www.apnews.com/197dc9f0d2b44a5c8bbaea66ca7e9e2e
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 02, 2019, 04:13:55 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 02, 2019, 03:08:40 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 02, 2019, 08:19:42 AM
There's a very Christian train of thought that says the earth was put here to be exploited by mankind, and that ecological disaster doesn't matter because only Heaven matters.

I think it comes from Calvinism, though I could be wrong.

Southern Baptists, really, at least as far as I have noticed.  Calvinists instead say that God did this on purpose to punish poor people with a declining standard of living.

That could be it. I know it's bound up in that prosperity gospel bullshit either way.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on August 02, 2019, 06:36:42 PM
It started with the Baptists, the original ones. The crazy bastards today come in a few flavors, including: God won't let the Earth die, and the excellently Manichaean "this is paving the way to heaven on Earth by destroying the sin of the earth and we have to destroy it all before the Rapture."

In practice they're a mere step from the Batenburgers. Look them up. They'd be right at home in the USA.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 02, 2019, 09:55:43 PM
Quote from: nullified on August 02, 2019, 06:36:42 PM

In practice they're a mere step from the Batenburgers.

At least they make nice cakes

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/sites/default/files/styles/recipe/public/recipe_images/recipe-image-legacy-id--545469_11.jpg?itok=7f8It82W)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on August 04, 2019, 03:41:25 PM
https://apple.news/AWGJEBBvmTQe7XJU8hI8Iag

With the mass shootings going on, the continued encroachment of fascism, and our burning governments (U.K. more than US, sorry britspags), I really needed this.

Actually working homelessness intervention from fucking HUD. Based around treating people like humans, and taking a customer service-inclined approach. (Except the upsell is trying to get people into better neighborhoods, and fuck the wealthy bastards whining about poor people.)

Really hope to see this roll out nationwide. Homelessness is on the rise and HUD has been such a miserable option that a lot of people (self included) just choose not to bother. An improvement of this magnitude has to be worth having an eye on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on August 05, 2019, 10:30:41 AM
Nice NRA shill they managed to get their hands on.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 05, 2019, 03:48:37 PM
Quote from: The Johnny on August 05, 2019, 10:30:41 AM
Nice NRA shill they managed to get their hands on.

Yeah, because there's no difference at all between someone dying of illness or accident vs someone being arbitrarily murdered by a maniac.

Fucking Tyson.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 05, 2019, 03:53:02 PM
You may think 500,000 Syrians dying due to the civil war is terrible, but the Black Death killed between 75 and 200 million people in the 14th century.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on August 05, 2019, 04:29:19 PM
Quote from: Cain on August 05, 2019, 03:53:02 PM
You may think 500,000 Syrians dying due to the civil war is terrible, but the Black Death killed between 75 and 200 million people in the 14th century.

Well gee dude, did you know 18 million people die each year worldwide of cardiovascular disease???

"oFtEn OUr eMOtiOnS rEsPonD MOre tO SPEcTacLe THaN tO dAtA."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on August 05, 2019, 04:35:41 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 05, 2019, 03:48:37 PM
Quote from: The Johnny on August 05, 2019, 10:30:41 AM
Nice NRA shill they managed to get their hands on.

Yeah, because there's no difference at all between someone dying of illness or accident vs someone being arbitrarily murdered by a maniac.

Fucking Tyson.  :lulz:

As each month passes by, I get more and more the belief that hard-science scientists are for the most part autism spectrum tools, like latent psychopaths that are just one federal government unethical human research grant away from actually becoming one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 06, 2019, 09:52:22 PM
Quote from: The Johnny on August 05, 2019, 04:35:41 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on August 05, 2019, 03:48:37 PM
Quote from: The Johnny on August 05, 2019, 10:30:41 AM
Nice NRA shill they managed to get their hands on.

Yeah, because there's no difference at all between someone dying of illness or accident vs someone being arbitrarily murdered by a maniac.

Fucking Tyson.  :lulz:

As each month passes by, I get more and more the belief that hard-science scientists are for the most part autism spectrum tools, like latent psychopaths that are just one federal government unethical human research grant away from actually becoming one.

Or the right job offer.   8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on August 07, 2019, 08:12:08 PM
Man goes viral as #GreenShirtGuy after laughing at Trump supporters protesting Arizona 'sanctuary city' resolution (https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/456561-man-goes-viral-as-greenshirtguy-after-laughing-at-trump)

TITCM
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on August 07, 2019, 11:29:40 PM
So this seems strange if true...

Quote from: https://twitter.com/VickerySec/status/1158455886509035520?s=20

@VickerySec :: Here it is.
This site is owned/run by a leading GOP digital operative. He runs systems on servers physically located in Russia, and advertised it.
Mitch McConnell is a client. Ben Carson is a client. Gingrich is a client. And many more.

Tell the world.

@fbi
@fbi
@fbi

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBOpeiwUIAAK2S5?format=png&name=900x900)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBOpeixUIAAOq0k?format=jpg&name=medium)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on August 08, 2019, 01:10:28 AM
Whoaaaa.

That is big. Holy goddamn. Even if it's misinfo, the fact someone's shopping that around is big in and of itself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on August 10, 2019, 11:34:00 PM
So Epstein is dead now. Im sure youve heard.  Although i s watching this documentary about Lawrence King and its almost a complete mirror of the Epstein case. https://youtu.be/AY-F5JoHoho
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on August 23, 2019, 08:03:47 PM
Bullet dodged.

https://www.apnews.com/7e9e77a5701d40fc9e83c39d83e0bd4c

Ginsburg's pancreatic cancer seems to be gone.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on August 25, 2019, 01:55:35 PM
https://twitter.com/mooncult/status/1163589661677125632?s=19

So here's a pretty fucking crazy Epstein conspiracy take...

Haven't corroborated shit but definitely makes one get out the tinfoil  :tinfoilhat:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 25, 2019, 04:31:26 PM
Well it was definitely photoshopped. The Daily Mail's reporters did a deep dive on the metadata and other problems in the photo.

They also had their own scoop that she was hiding out with friends in New York, and they pride themselves on their photography team (which is, admittedly, actually very good), so they had professional reasons to go after this.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on August 26, 2019, 02:32:48 AM
Quote from: Cain on August 25, 2019, 04:31:26 PM
Well it was definitely photoshopped. The Daily Mail's reporters did a deep dive on the metadata and other problems in the photo.

They also had their own scoop that she was hiding out with friends in New York, and they pride themselves on their photography team (which is, admittedly, actually very good), so they had professional reasons to go after this.

Interesting. The airline technical outage also rubs me the wrong way...but that my just be my grey cells tingling
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on August 26, 2019, 07:46:53 PM
Federal Election Commission to effectively shut down. Now what? – Center for Public Integrity ( http://tinyurl.com/yxhpwtak )

:eek:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on August 27, 2019, 08:55:05 AM
Quote from: Bu☆ns on August 07, 2019, 11:29:40 PM
So this seems strange if true...

Quote from: https://twitter.com/VickerySec/status/1158455886509035520?s=20

@VickerySec :: Here it is.
This site is owned/run by a leading GOP digital operative. He runs systems on servers physically located in Russia, and advertised it.
Mitch McConnell is a client. Ben Carson is a client. Gingrich is a client. And many more.

Tell the world.

@fbi
@fbi
@fbi

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBOpeiwUIAAK2S5?format=png&name=900x900)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBOpeixUIAAOq0k?format=jpg&name=medium)



Interesting follow up to this...
https://twitter.com/visionsurreal/status/1165437837652766721?s=19

QuoteTHREAD:

GOP operative Ron Robinson who used Russian servers likely did *something* for McConnell, and I've a *strong* lead as to what.

There's a decent chance Ron got his hands on all the "GOP Data Center" voter profiles for the state of Kentucky.

I'll explain why. /1
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Pergamos on August 27, 2019, 05:39:03 PM
Quote from: Bu☆ns on August 25, 2019, 01:55:35 PM
https://twitter.com/mooncult/status/1163589661677125632?s=19

So here's a pretty fucking crazy Epstein conspiracy take...

Haven't corroborated shit but definitely makes one get out the tinfoil  :tinfoilhat:

It doesn't make any sense to me, who are these people?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 27, 2019, 10:28:17 PM
Ghislaine Maxwell is a British socialite and former girlfriend/procurer of young girls for Epstein.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 12, 2019, 09:16:39 PM
T Boone Pickens died.  :(

https://www.apnews.com/588a6427d1b24e6dba4587847d4cc209

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 17, 2019, 12:56:53 PM
The data for the entire population of Ecuador has been leaked online. (https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/17/americas/ecuador-data-leak-intl-hnk-scli/index.html)

I'm sure there's no need to panic.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on September 17, 2019, 01:03:31 PM
Quote from: LMNO on September 17, 2019, 12:56:53 PM
The data for the entire population of Ecuador has been leaked online. (https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/17/americas/ecuador-data-leak-intl-hnk-scli/index.html)

I'm sure there's no need to panic.
Uh Oh! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxECJNYPuA)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 17, 2019, 01:15:33 PM
I have to admit, my initial thought was disgruntled Assange fans but I'm glad to see that was not the case.

Still though, stop using goddamn outside contractors for handling every single bit of data, for fuck's sake people.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on September 18, 2019, 04:48:33 AM
In local news, workers have removed 619 tonnes of pigeon poop from beneath one of our bridges.  Barriers have been placed to prevent this poopage from reoccurring, and 2300 pigeons have been delivered to their eternal reward.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/bird-poop-removal-bridge-1.5279525
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on September 18, 2019, 04:56:52 AM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on September 18, 2019, 04:48:33 AM
In local news, workers have removed 619 tonnes of pigeon poop from beneath one of our bridges.  Barriers have been placed to prevent this poopage from reoccurring, and 2300 pigeons have been delivered to their eternal reward.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/bird-poop-removal-bridge-1.5279525

Can pigeon poop melt steel beams? Sounds like an inside job!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on September 18, 2019, 05:16:57 AM
Right, inside mah butthole.

EDIT: I met a dude in a text-based game who's gotcha phrase was always "Those cunts couldn't plan breakfast.", in that, as in many cases, the best and brightest are surprisingly incapable. He was right.

EDIT ALSO: Must add the "c" word is not meant to devalue females in any way, if anything, they are our superiors and will rule the world once nuclear war has destroyed male-dominated society. I for one welcome our women overlords.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 18, 2019, 03:13:25 PM
Quote from: Fujikoma on September 18, 2019, 05:16:57 AM


EDIT: I met a dude in a text-based game who's gotcha phrase was always "Those cunts couldn't plan breakfast.", in that, as in many cases, the best and brightest are surprisingly incapable. He was right.


Capable of what?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fujikoma on September 18, 2019, 04:51:16 PM
Well, we know they're incapable of breakfast. Complex machinations are likely to be out of their reach.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on October 01, 2019, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: Bu☆ns on August 07, 2019, 11:29:40 PM
So this seems strange if true...

Quote from: https://twitter.com/VickerySec/status/1158455886509035520?s=20

@VickerySec :: Here it is.
This site is owned/run by a leading GOP digital operative. He runs systems on servers physically located in Russia, and advertised it.
Mitch McConnell is a client. Ben Carson is a client. Gingrich is a client. And many more.

Tell the world.

@fbi
@fbi
@fbi

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBOpeiwUIAAK2S5?format=png&name=900x900)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBOpeixUIAAOq0k?format=jpg&name=medium)



New Yorker article surrounding this...

https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-wild-west-of-online-political-operatives
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on October 04, 2019, 03:12:20 AM
This was funny:
Quote from: http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/10/elizabeth-warren-jacob-wohl-cougars-tweet-kelvin-whelly.htmlFirst, there was an announcement that Wohl and former U.S. Marine Jack Burkman were to hold a press conference on Burkman's driveway. There was a photo of an outdoor stairwell that had a large poster with Warren's face and a caption that read, "Elizabeth Warren Cougar?" The term "cougar" was obviously a ploy trying to state Warren was an older woman who had an affair with a younger man.

(https://i.imgur.com/AcT7zUn.png)

Quote from: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/warren-trolls-conspiracy-theorist-jacob-wohl-after-odd-press-conferenceWohl and Burkman have in the past made false claims of sexual assault about Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former special counsel Robert Mueller.

The claim against Warren began to fall apart, like the other conspiracy theories, soon after the press conference concluded.

(https://i.imgur.com/GIkF8eD.png)

But the best part of the story isn't that these jackasses got busted only SECONDS after pulling the shit, it was Warren's response...

(https://i.imgur.com/3rz8PGh.png)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on October 04, 2019, 02:38:15 PM
Also, "Liz Warren can still pull the D" isn't exactly the worst campaign slogan.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 04, 2019, 03:04:50 PM
If anything, it'll make her more popular with Republican men, especially in the Senate.

You can't tell me that Mitch McConnell isn't into financial domination.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 09, 2019, 03:15:59 PM
2 dead and a graveyard hand-grenaded on an attack outside a synagogue in Halle, Germany. One suspect is in custody at this time, but other(s) are believed to be on the run.

No word on the motivations of the suspects, but it is Yom Kippur and one of the gunmen appeared to be dressed up in some kind of German military uniform. So...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 09, 2019, 03:38:10 PM
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/09/two-people-killed-in-shooting-in-german-city-of-halle
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on October 09, 2019, 05:59:15 PM
I haven't seen it, but there's a 35 minute video of one of the Halle attackers where he rants about Jews being the source of all the world's evils just before carrying out the attack. Both SITE Intel and Spiegel are reporting the same thing, and while the former's ethics are often suspect, their information is always very credible.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 09, 2019, 09:49:45 PM
from the I'm SHOCKED, I SAY Department:

https://www.apnews.com/0c141af785d14862825bcce63ac71180
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 15, 2019, 07:39:31 PM
This is so violently America.

https://apnews.com/2ca2fcc1aa254be78e24f33e017202b0
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 29, 2019, 06:28:39 PM
I have said a million times, climate change isn't an event, it's a process.  There is no magic date.  Here is further proof.

https://apnews.com/12e72ec86f92484296137cb45cb7e475
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on October 29, 2019, 10:26:58 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on October 29, 2019, 06:28:39 PM
I have said a million times, climate change isn't an event, it's a process.  There is no magic date.  Here is further proof.

https://apnews.com/12e72ec86f92484296137cb45cb7e475

5 days. You guys are really testing that 3 meals from collapse thing. Starting to think you want to find out what mad max world looks like but you can't pick which state to sacrifice.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on October 30, 2019, 05:38:44 PM
QuoteThe committee's top Republican, Sam Graves of Missouri, said he wasn't absolving Boeing of mistakes but suggested that foreign pilots were partly to blame.

Graves noted the safety record of U.S. aviation — no fatal crashes since 2009 — and a preliminary report on the second Max crash, which revealed that the Ethiopian Airlines pilots were flying so fast it might have hindered their ability to overcome an MCAS malfunction.

"I guess we're going to have to start building airplanes to the lowest common denominator ... if we're going to export" planes, Graves said.

https://apnews.com/35c022a20a894129bbb4dfc7941ceb0d

Missouri:  Setting the bar.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 04, 2019, 02:17:55 PM
I told everyone the problem is worse and more widespread than it looked.

https://apnews.com/24628f49af1e45219ee4b06c0a9a1229

QuoteMONTREAL (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have been unwittingly exposed to high levels of lead in their drinking water, with contamination in several cities consistently higher than they ever were in Flint, Michigan, according to an investigation that tested drinking water in hundreds of homes and reviewed thousands more previously undisclosed results.

Residents in some homes in Montreal, a cosmopolitan city an hour north of the U.S.-Canada border, and Regina, in the flat western prairies, are among those drinking and cooking with tap water with lead levels that exceed Canada's federal guidelines. The investigation found some schools and daycares had lead levels so high that researchers noted it could impact children's health. Exacerbating the problem, many water providers aren't testing at all.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on November 04, 2019, 03:24:59 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 04, 2019, 02:17:55 PM
I told everyone the problem is worse and more widespread than it looked.

https://apnews.com/24628f49af1e45219ee4b06c0a9a1229

QuoteMONTREAL (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have been unwittingly exposed to high levels of lead in their drinking water, with contamination in several cities consistently higher than they ever were in Flint, Michigan, according to an investigation that tested drinking water in hundreds of homes and reviewed thousands more previously undisclosed results.

Residents in some homes in Montreal, a cosmopolitan city an hour north of the U.S.-Canada border, and Regina, in the flat western prairies, are among those drinking and cooking with tap water with lead levels that exceed Canada's federal guidelines. The investigation found some schools and daycares had lead levels so high that researchers noted it could impact children's health. Exacerbating the problem, many water providers aren't testing at all.

I've just started uncritically believing whatever you say on stuff like that (public infrastructure). The disappointment is greatly diminished that way.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on November 04, 2019, 09:16:00 PM

I mean, Burns, Cain, Faust and Roger (sorry if im missing someone) are good and reliable benchmarks for information, but we always need to rely on ourselves ultimately if its a topic we really care about.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on November 04, 2019, 09:22:15 PM
Cain and Roger have the kind of track record that comes only from Holy Knowledge, and so I never doubt them. (Also they probably have put my entire life span into research of their respective fields, and I'm just not going to beat that. It's the same thing as "I read about Quantum Physics on Wikipedia and now I can argue with the experts.")

But I do my own research on a lot of things.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 04, 2019, 10:18:14 PM
I encourage everyone to fact check me. 

Holy Writ™ is invariably garbage, eventually.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on November 05, 2019, 02:11:38 AM
The thing is, if YOU are wrong, it's a pleasant surprise. If THOSE OTHER GUYS are wrong, your asshole ends up attached to your arm and your face starts duplicating itself all over your torso. In a bad way, I mean.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 14, 2019, 06:29:18 PM
Today's mass shooting:

https://apnews.com/a403abbf520b4f84971c034c18fe14cd
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 14, 2019, 08:29:24 PM
Bevins finally quit.

https://apnews.com/357f0e6196414923acee9ee7aebdf8b8
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 16, 2019, 01:34:26 AM
THIS IS MY UNITED STATES OF WHATEVER

https://www.npr.org/2019/11/14/779339897/3-indiana-judges-suspended-after-white-castle-brawl-that-left-2-of-them-wounded

QuoteBack in May, three Indiana judges got into a fight. It was the crescendo of an incident brimming with colorful details: a gaggle of judges drinking the night before a judicial conference, a failed attempt to visit a strip club called the Red Garter, a brawl in the parking lot of an Indianapolis White Castle.

The altercation apparently started sometime after 3 a.m., when one of the judges, Sabrina Bell, raised a middle finger at two men yelling from a passing SUV, and ended after one of those men shot two of the judges.

In between, the three judges took a number of actions that "discredited the entire Indiana judiciary," according to an opinion posted by the Indiana Supreme Court this week, suspending the judges.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on November 16, 2019, 02:10:17 AM
Yeah I saw that and was kind of just cackling this morning. You know, like a swamp witch brewing a potion.

The future: everyone's crazy becomes impossible to hide — not due to a surveillance society, but because we're all too fucking stupid to keep that shit off the news and out of the police reports.

The idea of anyone being a "serious, sober member of society" becomes first a nigh-mythical state attainable only by the very old, then (as the coffins pile up and the bullshit rolls out) a laughable fairy tale.

Finally, we will walk around with our asses out in public, like the apes we are. Fucking finally.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 19, 2019, 06:41:55 PM
Holy shit.  Kavenaugh did something right.

https://apnews.com/9be9d02ff2c04beb959f766d4a7480d4
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on November 19, 2019, 07:30:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 19, 2019, 06:41:55 PM
Holy shit.  Kavenaugh did something right.

https://apnews.com/9be9d02ff2c04beb959f766d4a7480d4

Wrong link, goes to the Warren vs white nationalists story.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 20, 2019, 02:07:24 AM
Quote from: nullified on November 19, 2019, 07:30:57 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 19, 2019, 06:41:55 PM
Holy shit.  Kavenaugh did something right.

https://apnews.com/9be9d02ff2c04beb959f766d4a7480d4

Wrong link, goes to the Warren vs white nationalists story.

I think I must have been hallucinating.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 22, 2019, 06:06:59 PM
And then, suddenly and without warning, Ohio:

https://apnews.com/404a5fa3cb33492bb27220cd3e2d7f2c
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on November 22, 2019, 06:12:28 PM
Oh, Jesus. No, this wasn't suddenly and without warning. All of Ohio, most of Indiana, and the majority of both Pennsylvania and New York are just Like That.

How do I know?

This isn't the only crazy PETA lady I know of from that area. In fact, there are TWO in Beaver County, one in Butler, and I have heard tell of a FIFTH in upstate New York.

Most of them settle for slashing tires and leaving dead animals on doorsteps, of course, because Ohio snorted the special sauce when the USA was formed out of the primordial void by Our Uncle Sam Who Art In Heaven and so it gets attacks of madness that make Florida blush.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on November 22, 2019, 11:31:34 PM

"Animal rights militia"...

On one hand it's one of the logical/practical ramifications of PETA that one could see coming from a 1000 miles... on the other hand im here shaking my head and repeating the words and can't help think

QuoteO wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 23, 2019, 03:38:46 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 22, 2019, 11:31:34 PM

"Animal rights militia"...

On one hand it's one of the logical/practical ramifications of PETA that one could see coming from a 1000 miles... on the other hand im here shaking my head and repeating the words and can't help think

QuoteO wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't.

You have to remember that everyone between Mexico and Canada is bugshit crazy in one way or another.  I have explained the REASON for this, not sure if you were around at the time.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on November 23, 2019, 12:15:06 PM
PETA is well known for having links to the Earth Libertation Front and some other eco-terrorist groups. And we're talking, like, going back into the 1990s here.

That said, most of those groups probably wouldn't contenance stabbing someone for wearing fur, at least historically.

Nowadays though...well, in the current media environment, any form of crazy seems permissible.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on November 26, 2019, 04:02:24 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 23, 2019, 03:38:46 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 22, 2019, 11:31:34 PM

"Animal rights militia"...

On one hand it's one of the logical/practical ramifications of PETA that one could see coming from a 1000 miles... on the other hand im here shaking my head and repeating the words and can't help think

QuoteO wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't.

You have to remember that everyone between Mexico and Canada is bugshit crazy in one way or another.  I have explained the REASON for this, not sure if you were around at the time.

Well, I have several reasons I can think of, but if you can break it down to a single one I'd like to hear it  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 26, 2019, 06:40:33 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 26, 2019, 04:02:24 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 23, 2019, 03:38:46 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 22, 2019, 11:31:34 PM

"Animal rights militia"...

On one hand it's one of the logical/practical ramifications of PETA that one could see coming from a 1000 miles... on the other hand im here shaking my head and repeating the words and can't help think

QuoteO wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't.

You have to remember that everyone between Mexico and Canada is bugshit crazy in one way or another.  I have explained the REASON for this, not sure if you were around at the time.

Well, I have several reasons I can think of, but if you can break it down to a single one I'd like to hear it  :lulz:

Europe dumped all their crazy people here and then "lost" the revolution and left us.  Basically, they're bad parents.

Just think of the USA as a gigantic emotionally-compromised teenager with nukes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on November 26, 2019, 04:55:58 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 26, 2019, 06:40:33 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 26, 2019, 04:02:24 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 23, 2019, 03:38:46 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 22, 2019, 11:31:34 PM

"Animal rights militia"...

On one hand it's one of the logical/practical ramifications of PETA that one could see coming from a 1000 miles... on the other hand im here shaking my head and repeating the words and can't help think

QuoteO wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't.

You have to remember that everyone between Mexico and Canada is bugshit crazy in one way or another.  I have explained the REASON for this, not sure if you were around at the time.

Well, I have several reasons I can think of, but if you can break it down to a single one I'd like to hear it  :lulz:

Europe dumped all their crazy people here and then "lost" the revolution and left us.  Basically, they're bad parents.

Just think of the USA as a gigantic emotionally-compromised teenager with nukes.

It's like you guys ran away in a tantrum to the woods and were never looked after. 

But then Australia it's like they got sent off to a permanent time-out in the trodden down backyard shed. :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: PopeTom on November 26, 2019, 10:16:45 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 26, 2019, 06:40:33 AM

Europe dumped all their crazy people here and then "lost" the revolution and left us.  Basically, they're bad parents.

Just think of the USA as a gigantic emotionally-compromised teenager with nukes.

"No, you go on ahead.  We'll send the Aprilflower (with the thinkers) and the Juneflower (with the doers) later.  We want you there first to make sure the telephones are clean." - Europe circa 1620
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 26, 2019, 11:15:09 PM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 26, 2019, 04:55:58 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 26, 2019, 06:40:33 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 26, 2019, 04:02:24 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 23, 2019, 03:38:46 AM
Quote from: The Johnny on November 22, 2019, 11:31:34 PM

"Animal rights militia"...

On one hand it's one of the logical/practical ramifications of PETA that one could see coming from a 1000 miles... on the other hand im here shaking my head and repeating the words and can't help think

QuoteO wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't.

You have to remember that everyone between Mexico and Canada is bugshit crazy in one way or another.  I have explained the REASON for this, not sure if you were around at the time.

Well, I have several reasons I can think of, but if you can break it down to a single one I'd like to hear it  :lulz:

Europe dumped all their crazy people here and then "lost" the revolution and left us.  Basically, they're bad parents.

Just think of the USA as a gigantic emotionally-compromised teenager with nukes.

It's like you guys ran away in a tantrum to the woods and were never looked after. 

But then Australia it's like they got sent off to a permanent time-out in the trodden down backyard shed. :lulz:

And they are even nuttier than us, in all respects.  It's just that there's only a couple of them and they're WAY THE FUCK OVER THERE.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on November 26, 2019, 11:15:35 PM
Quote from: PopeTom on November 26, 2019, 10:16:45 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on November 26, 2019, 06:40:33 AM

Europe dumped all their crazy people here and then "lost" the revolution and left us.  Basically, they're bad parents.

Just think of the USA as a gigantic emotionally-compromised teenager with nukes.

"No, you go on ahead.  We'll send the Aprilflower (with the thinkers) and the Juneflower (with the doers) later.  We want you there first to make sure the telephones are clean." - Europe circa 1620

Such a shame!  Have to go!  Ta ta!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 06, 2019, 02:49:15 PM
And then Russia.

https://apnews.com/3bf3aab500b73b68016d4c1f0472d625
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 06, 2019, 02:51:07 PM
Yeah, that was pretty clearly a Russian hit once you looked into it.

Not that Russia doesn't also have form for having hit teams wandering Europe and the Middle East looking for defectors and enemies of the regime.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on December 06, 2019, 02:52:07 PM
QuoteJust one week after the murder, which targeted a Georgian man by the name of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, DER SPIEGEL and its partners reported that the identity of the alleged perpetrator had been faked. Berlin police arrested a Russian citizen claiming the name Vadim Sokolov shortly after the murder. But there was nobody by that name registered in the Russian passport system. Furthermore, he had provided a false address in his Schengen visa application. His passport had been issued by a division of the Russian Interior Ministry that has also issued passports to agents of the GRU, the Russian military secret service, in the past.

The Georgian victim fought against Russia in the second Chechen war. Later, he spent years working as an informant and intermediary for the Georgian and Ukrainian anti-terror agencies. U.S. officials also profited from his contacts in the difficult-to-access Caucasus region. Following constant threats and an attack on his person, he initially fled to Ukraine and then onward to Germany.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 06, 2019, 02:52:54 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 06, 2019, 02:51:07 PM
Yeah, that was pretty clearly a Russian hit once you looked into it.

Not that Russia doesn't also have form for having hit teams wandering Europe and the Middle East looking for defectors and enemies of the regime.

The moment it said a Georgian was slain in Berlin, I knew it was Russia.  The adorable part is that they're angry that Germany cared.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on December 23, 2019, 01:56:27 PM
https://apnews.com/55954f982c56744b4b0f6e4b2d8ff2be

Saudi Arabia condemns 5 to death over Kashoggi.

The odds of these 5 people being the ones who did it are between zero and potato.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 02, 2020, 04:49:58 PM
So, what happens when everyone makes category errors driven by paranoia and butthurt?

https://apnews.com/5c01f233f4a80281e8b65259352a878c
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 02, 2020, 04:59:06 PM
Oh, the usual. The brutally violent deaths of people who aren't white.

Followed shortly by the ... third? Fourth? Resurgence of the Islamic State... or whatever terror group is smart enough to stick their ass in the power vacuum first.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 02, 2020, 06:20:45 PM
Quote from: altered on January 02, 2020, 04:59:06 PM
Oh, the usual. The brutally violent deaths of people who aren't white.

Followed shortly by the ... third? Fourth? Resurgence of the Islamic State... or whatever terror group is smart enough to stick their ass in the power vacuum first.

I have stopped using the term "terror group," because it is now redundant.  Everyone from the Taliban to the US government routinely uses terror as the go-to solution for everything, because they've forgotten how to do anything else.

Imagine a century where James Polk would be considered a statesman and a diplomat.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 02, 2020, 06:35:04 PM
Mmmm. Fair. I guess what I meant to say is non-state actor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 02, 2020, 06:47:55 PM
It'll be ISIS. They're still active in northern Iraq, and likely actively recruiting from those who are dismayed at seeing the Iraqi protest movement being violently put down.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 02, 2020, 07:07:19 PM
JUST LIKE IN 2010.

Oh yes, this has happened before.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 02, 2020, 07:09:36 PM
I'd say it's arguably been going on a lot longer than that.

But we haven't learned from our mistakes and continue to shit on other people's kitchen counters like a bunch of reprobates.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 02, 2020, 08:07:25 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 02, 2020, 07:07:19 PM
JUST LIKE IN 2010.

Oh yes, this has happened before.

There should be a term for "doing stupid or evil shit because you can't remember how to do anything else."

Also, "You have so much blood on your hands that you can no longer remember what it smells like."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 02, 2020, 09:13:02 PM
Irreviolence. Covers both.

It's a dumb punmanteau, but that's what we deserve.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 02, 2020, 09:56:41 PM
Quote from: altered on January 02, 2020, 09:13:02 PM
Irreviolence. Covers both.

It's a dumb punmanteau, but that's what we deserve.

And people wonder why I accepted a job inventing a new potential extinction event.   :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 03, 2020, 02:11:50 AM
Annnnd we just knocked off a Shai militia leader.


And the Baghdad airport got hit with rockets.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on January 03, 2020, 03:26:53 AM
This isn't going to blow up at all, is it?.~
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 03, 2020, 03:34:50 AM
Quote from: Juana on January 03, 2020, 03:26:53 AM
This isn't going to blow up at all, is it?.~

It's going to be a flaming shit show.

Iran is no more capable of letting this go unanswered as we would be.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 03, 2020, 03:48:07 AM
Not just a militia leader, Qassem Soleimani as well.

That's the commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. He essentially coordinates or oversees all of Iran's foreign, covert military and terrorist aid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 03, 2020, 04:35:38 AM
Quote from: Cain on January 03, 2020, 03:48:07 AM
Not just a militia leader, Qassem Soleimani as well.

That's the commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. He essentially coordinates or oversees all of Iran's foreign, covert military and terrorist aid.

Yeah, as I understand it, he more or less was the head of the Iranian equivalent of SOCOM.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 03, 2020, 12:32:02 PM
Yes. The Quds Force is pretty much exactly that, along with a dash of the CIA's paramilitary units (only with less exploding cigars).

It's bad, in other words. Especially since the Iranian government barely controls the IRGC on a good day.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on January 03, 2020, 02:46:50 PM
Oh boy.


Do y'all reckon 45 started this for the whole "this'll save the election!!" thing I've seen suggested?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 03, 2020, 02:55:46 PM
I mean, there were attacks in Iraq against American forces, I don't think that's disputable (though the numbers seem quite high, so I wouldn't be surprised if that had been fudged).

But assassinating Qassem Soleimani? I think he wanted his "we got Bin Laden" moment. I bet it rankled him no end that Obama did that. And now he's got a scalp that's almost as impressive.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on January 03, 2020, 02:57:44 PM
Ah, so it's his infantile need to one up Obama?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 03, 2020, 02:59:48 PM
That's my gut feeling, yeah. That it might cause a war with Iran is probably considered a plus though, at least by some people in the administration.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on January 03, 2020, 03:06:15 PM
Interesting! Thank you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on January 03, 2020, 03:52:07 PM
John Bolton's tweeting (https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1213044218689720321) about how this is the first step in Iranian regime change.

:cheney:
:putin:
:winning:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 03, 2020, 05:09:13 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on January 03, 2020, 03:52:07 PM
John Bolton's tweeting (https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1213044218689720321) about how this is the first step in Iranian regime change.

:cheney:
:putin:
:winning:

Bolton is a cartoon villain.  Seriously.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 10, 2020, 02:07:27 PM
Hi there.

https://apnews.com/a104be68ede71c99f26c4e765d244e0e
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 10, 2020, 02:17:42 PM
Amazing how they managed to keep El Chapo, McVeigh etc alive but this guy just happens to snuff it and all the details about the way in which it happened seemed to be wrong but all the evidence seems to be destroyed.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bu🤠ns on January 10, 2020, 05:03:24 PM
https://www.military.com/off-duty/iran-may-have-fleet-communist-killer-dolphins.html

QuoteIn 2000, the Islamic Republic acquired a number of dolphins from Russia, ones specially trained to attack enemy ships, according to the BBC. The dolphins had originally been trained by the Soviet Union. When funding for the project ran out, the dolphins were acquired by their former trainer, who moved them to a dolphinarium.

Quote1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the dolphin unit was sent to the Crimean Peninsula from a base in the Russian Pacific area. There, the dolphins were trained to kill enemy frogmen using harpoons mounted on their backs. They would also swim at enemy ships in suicide attacks while carrying explosive sea mines, as they were able to distinguish between Russian and American submarines by the sounds their propulsion systems make underwater
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 14, 2020, 03:24:54 PM
Rich folks now moving money due to climate change:

https://apnews.com/7eb6a90050b6eceed6a4e8c24f36c892
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 14, 2020, 07:15:59 PM
Placing my bet on "lack of chemical sequestration":

https://apnews.com/257642828aa6546b2a4afc3ef62d1c9f
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on January 26, 2020, 10:57:28 PM
https://grassrootsdempolitics.com/index.php/2019/03/31/what-is-mcconnell-hiding-in-his-military-records/ (https://grassrootsdempolitics.com/index.php/2019/03/31/what-is-mcconnell-hiding-in-his-military-records/)



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on January 29, 2020, 09:13:13 PM
oh look at this, the house is getting ready to think about repealing the patriot act's AUMF..

ah, the check and balance system! It was nice while it lasted, maybe it'll come back some day.


https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/29/politics/khanna-lee-aumf-preview/index.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on January 30, 2020, 03:32:08 AM
QAnon Influencers Are Encouraging Their Followers to Drink Bleach to Stave Off Coronavirus (http://"http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/01/qanon-supporters-are-drinking-bleach-to-fend-off-coronavirus.html?fbclid=IwAR3kpDrgMSbXOw_8B5hSbq_EOJjxq-FsJyhFPcZj2rAzZEI02sX_LAqlzdA")
:lulz: of course they are.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 31, 2020, 03:03:58 AM
Quote from: Juana on January 30, 2020, 03:32:08 AM
QAnon Influencers Are Encouraging Their Followers to Drink Bleach to Stave Off Coronavirus (http://"http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/01/qanon-supporters-are-drinking-bleach-to-fend-off-coronavirus.html?fbclid=IwAR3kpDrgMSbXOw_8B5hSbq_EOJjxq-FsJyhFPcZj2rAzZEI02sX_LAqlzdA")
:lulz: of course they are.

I can't bring myself to be a fact checker.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 31, 2020, 10:03:09 AM
They were previously giving their kids bleach to "cure" them of autism, too.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on February 01, 2020, 10:38:15 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 31, 2020, 10:03:09 AM
They were previously giving their kids bleach to "cure" them of autism, too.

From the viewpoint that certain type of people are a disease, it's perfect logic.

Not my viewpoint, for the record.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 03, 2020, 02:17:33 PM
Yeah, I just feel bad for the kids whose parents are buying into this bullshit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on February 07, 2020, 05:46:09 PM
https://www.theadvocates.org/2020/01/apple-caves-in-to-fbi-demand-for-backdoor-access/

Apple caves, gives FBI tools to break encryption



   THINK DIFFERENT, CITIZEN
                     \
:america:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 07, 2020, 06:25:33 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on February 07, 2020, 05:46:09 PM
https://www.theadvocates.org/2020/01/apple-caves-in-to-fbi-demand-for-backdoor-access/

Apple caves, gives FBI tools to break encryption



   THINK DIFFERENT, CITIZEN
                     \
:america:

Shocking.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 07, 2020, 07:51:13 PM
I have a sneaking suspicion that the endgame here is federal licensing for encryption and STEEP penalties for unlicensed possession and use of encryption software and other methods of the practice. Any licensed entity will have to sign a contract with the feds allowing access under VERY broad terms indeed.

"What have you got to hide if you're not doing anything wrong?"

The solitaire algorithm may be the only way to carry a hard encryption key, uh, low key so to speak.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 07, 2020, 08:02:37 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 07, 2020, 07:51:13 PM
I have a sneaking suspicion that the endgame here is federal licensing for encryption and STEEP penalties for unlicensed possession and use of encryption software and other methods of the practice. Any licensed entity will have to sign a contract with the feds allowing access under VERY broad terms indeed.

"What have you got to hide if you're not doing anything wrong?"

The solitaire algorithm may be the only way to carry a hard encryption key, uh, low key so to speak.

The only way to reliably have secure communications without attracting attention these days is to speak around the subject.  Which only works with people you know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 07, 2020, 08:21:34 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on February 07, 2020, 08:02:37 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 07, 2020, 07:51:13 PM
I have a sneaking suspicion that the endgame here is federal licensing for encryption and STEEP penalties for unlicensed possession and use of encryption software and other methods of the practice. Any licensed entity will have to sign a contract with the feds allowing access under VERY broad terms indeed.

"What have you got to hide if you're not doing anything wrong?"

The solitaire algorithm may be the only way to carry a hard encryption key, uh, low key so to speak.

The only way to reliably have secure communications without attracting attention these days is to speak around the subject.  Which only works with people you know.

Somehow Italians tend to do this naturally with other Italians. I'm pretty good at it. It's nearly impossible to convey specific data though.

"Pauly, he ain't doing so good after that thing. He's gonna need to have a sit down real soon or he could fall  over pretty hard, capice?"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on February 07, 2020, 11:20:52 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on February 07, 2020, 06:25:33 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on February 07, 2020, 05:46:09 PM
https://www.theadvocates.org/2020/01/apple-caves-in-to-fbi-demand-for-backdoor-access/

Apple caves, gives FBI tools to break encryption



   THINK DIFFERENT, CITIZEN
                     \
:america:

Shocking.

Really, its just standard "give-and-take" relationship... recently the FBI helped hunt and shut down unofficial repair shops of Iphones.

Or was it the DHS? I dont remember, but the point is that theyre so deep inside each other's pants and massaging their balls mutually and consentually.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 14, 2020, 03:20:16 AM
So, apparently Jordan Peterson went on an all beef diet, got a benzo addiction and went to Russia to get put into a coma for a week to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Now he can't use his legs.

I've got no source beyond "I was told this" and I'm not looking for one either because it's fucking hilarious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on February 14, 2020, 03:44:01 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 14, 2020, 03:20:16 AM
So, apparently Jordan Peterson went on an all beef diet, got a benzo addiction and went to Russia to get put into a coma for a week to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Now he can't use his legs.

I've got no source beyond "I was told this" and I'm not looking for one either because it's fucking hilarious.
This is all true, although I hadn't heard about the beef diet.

Also, his daughter said they went to Russia because doctors here 'didn't have the guts' to treat withdrawal by putting him in a coma.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on February 14, 2020, 04:42:51 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 14, 2020, 03:20:16 AM
So, apparently Jordan Peterson went on an all beef diet, got a benzo addiction and went to Russia to get put into a coma for a week to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Now he can't use his legs.

I've got no source beyond "I was told this" and I'm not looking for one either because it's fucking hilarious.

Usually I feel bad about making fun of stories of addiction and its consequences, but ever since I was kinda forced to see the  Zizek vs. Peterson debate, this is hilarious - fucking pseudo humanist christian neoliberal shitlord Mr. GoodyPants.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 14, 2020, 04:52:51 AM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on February 14, 2020, 03:44:01 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 14, 2020, 03:20:16 AM
So, apparently Jordan Peterson went on an all beef diet, got a benzo addiction and went to Russia to get put into a coma for a week to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Now he can't use his legs.

I've got no source beyond "I was told this" and I'm not looking for one either because it's fucking hilarious.
This is all true, although I hadn't heard about the beef diet.

Also, his daughter said they went to Russia because doctors here 'didn't have the guts' to treat withdrawal by putting him in a coma.

That and Russian doctors aren't in thrall to Big Pharma like US ones. If you have any passing knowledge of medicine in Russia, you'll know that this is hilarious.

It's also suspect as fuck.

Rich people in Russia don't get treated in Russia. They go to London, or New York or LA, or some fancy, quiet hotel in Montenegro and get the doctor flown in. And Peterson was pulling, what was it, 80k a month just in Patreon subs? Never mind speaking engagements, whatever forward and profits he got from 12 Rules and so on.

There is no way you would go to Russia to treat addiction with his kind of money. Now if you were looking to covertly feed an addiction on the other hand...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 14, 2020, 05:39:08 AM
I just can't stop laughing about this most elegant example of dunning kruger. Everything else just adds to the delight.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on February 14, 2020, 05:41:39 AM
Also, 80 grand/month from paetreon? Jesus wept. My kingdom for that suckers list. Also money laundering implications about and "coma" and "loss of legs" take new possibilities.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 05:50:19 AM
Quote from: Cain on February 14, 2020, 04:52:51 AM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on February 14, 2020, 03:44:01 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on February 14, 2020, 03:20:16 AM
So, apparently Jordan Peterson went on an all beef diet, got a benzo addiction and went to Russia to get put into a coma for a week to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Now he can't use his legs.

I've got no source beyond "I was told this" and I'm not looking for one either because it's fucking hilarious.
This is all true, although I hadn't heard about the beef diet.

Also, his daughter said they went to Russia because doctors here 'didn't have the guts' to treat withdrawal by putting him in a coma.

That and Russian doctors aren't in thrall to Big Pharma like US ones. If you have any passing knowledge of medicine in Russia, you'll know that this is hilarious.

It's also suspect as fuck.

Rich people in Russia don't get treated in Russia. They go to London, or New York or LA, or some fancy, quiet hotel in Montenegro and get the doctor flown in. And Peterson was pulling, what was it, 80k a month just in Patreon subs? Never mind speaking engagements, whatever forward and profits he got from 12 Rules and so on.

There is no way you would go to Russia to treat addiction with his kind of money. Now if you were looking to covertly feed an addiction on the other hand...

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/benzodiazepine/overdose

Side effects of benzo overdose

Weakness, lack of coordination (neurological damage, may be permanent)

Hypotonia (muscle degeneration)

Coma

Possibly Death, but usually actual death is from other drugs like opiates respiratory suppression in a much weaker system thanks to the benzos hypotonia for example.

My bet is massive overdose resulted in prolonged coma and neurological damage and muscle deterioration making him unable to walk.

It's the only explanation other than badly tainted anesthesia that he would come out of a relatively short term coma unable to walk.

Jordan Petersen is fallen far from the light, and he can't get up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on February 14, 2020, 08:45:16 AM
I should feel bad for saying so, but I hope this gets worse for him. I hope his fans turn on him now that he is weak and powerless, and I hope he becomes a cautionary tale to scare off teenagers from becoming fascists. I hope he is mocked and derided till his dying day. I hope someone Dremels a penis onto his headstone. I hope someone Dremels a penis onto his head, actually.

I should feel bad, but instead I feel delight.

If I am a bad person for this, then I do not want to be good.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 14, 2020, 11:21:18 AM
From what I've heard from both doctors and drug-taking friends, benzo addictions are fucking horrible. Like, the best case scenario is that he's already got a severely reduced lifespan as a result of the addiction.

But then you remember he had to know it was pretty bad, months and months before now. He'd have to be preaching self-discipline and tidying your room and literally blacking out, at this level of dependency. There's no way he couldn't have known just what a massive hypocrite he was being.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on February 14, 2020, 11:30:11 AM

Wikipedia states that Peterson has been on rehab since September 2019... I dont understand why this wasnt news before???

Like literally I heard about this thing yesterday in here, and like 2 days ago in facebook but i thought it was an onion article.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 14, 2020, 11:32:36 AM
It was reported a while back, but it's taken a long time for these particular details to come to light. I believe his wife's cancer was also considered to be the proximate trigger for that, at the time, so people were willing to cut some slack.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 12:02:56 PM
Quote from: Cain on February 14, 2020, 11:21:18 AM
From what I've heard from both doctors and drug-taking friends, benzo addictions are fucking horrible. Like, the best case scenario is that he's already got a severely reduced lifespan as a result of the addiction.

But then you remember he had to know it was pretty bad, months and months before now. He'd have to be preaching self-discipline and tidying your room and literally blacking out, at this level of dependency. There's no way he couldn't have known just what a massive hypocrite he was being.

I saw a YouTube video in which he and some video blogger discussed Kek and the "power of chaos" specifically in terms of ignorance and deception, which is the power of The Darkness specifically and not at all the wholeness of Chaos which includes that but is much more in essence.

The blogger seemed to convince Petersen of this power and the rightness of its use to win their battles or whatever. Though apparently reluctant he came into tacit covenant with it by the end of the vid.

Whatever Petersen has since become it is not a person of rationality, much less functional Reason.

Jordan Petersen cannot see himself in the Darkness he has allowed into himself. If there remains a part of him able to recognize his own hypocrisy it is riding in the trunk of his ontological vehicle bound, gagged, and... heavily sedated. He is at an existential level of ontological crisis.

It will either kill him, or worse hollow out what remains of his humanity and take full control, or it will change him forever. IF he can survive and eventually SEE WHAT HE HAS BECOME he may yet turn into a very bright light, but my spiritual prognosis is.. Not good.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on February 14, 2020, 12:35:08 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 12:02:56 PM

...

Whatever Petersen has since become it is not a person of rationality, much less functional Reason.

Jordan Petersen cannot see himself in the Darkness he has allowed into himself. If there remains a part of him able to recognize his own hypocrisy it is riding in the trunk of his ontological vehicle bound, gagged, and... heavily sedated. He is at an existential level of ontological crisis.

It will either kill him, or worse hollow out what remains of his humanity and take full control, or it will change him forever. IF he can survive and eventually SEE WHAT HE HAS BECOME he may yet turn into a very bright light, but my spiritual prognosis is.. Not good.

Hey, delicious metaphor buddy

I would give you a mittens or clap emote, but the site is a bit sluggish for a couple days now and i dont know the shortcuts.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on February 14, 2020, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 12:02:56 PM
It will either kill him, or worse hollow out what remains of his humanity and take full control, or it will change him forever. IF he can survive and eventually SEE WHAT HE HAS BECOME he may yet turn into a very bright light, but my spiritual prognosis is.. Not good.


yeah, I would not bet on this dark experience transforming him into a source of compassion and understanding.

if anything, when he pulls through, he's going to be more stubborn, judgmental, and defensive of patriarchy.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 05:42:37 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on February 14, 2020, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 12:02:56 PM
It will either kill him, or worse hollow out what remains of his humanity and take full control, or it will change him forever. IF he can survive and eventually SEE WHAT HE HAS BECOME he may yet turn into a very bright light, but my spiritual prognosis is.. Not good.


yeah, I would not bet on this dark experience transforming him into a source of compassion and understanding.

if anything, when he pulls through, he's going to be more stubborn, judgmental, and defensive of patriarchy.

Yeah.  Sometimes, I would say often, the processes of spiritual alchemy yield only dross and scrap.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on February 14, 2020, 10:16:52 PM
There's no way a man like that improves from an experience like this.

And I don't want him to.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on February 14, 2020, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on February 14, 2020, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 12:02:56 PM
It will either kill him, or worse hollow out what remains of his humanity and take full control, or it will change him forever. IF he can survive and eventually SEE WHAT HE HAS BECOME he may yet turn into a very bright light, but my spiritual prognosis is.. Not good.


yeah, I would not bet on this dark experience transforming him into a source of compassion and understanding.

if anything, when he pulls through, he's going to be more stubborn, judgmental, and defensive of patriarchy.

What I do know is that users that go clean and have a forum, usually turn into this obnoxious narcissistic blowhard persona "February 12, 2020, 2:44pm, I lost motor function from my legs, and that's when I knew I had hit rock bottom - you see man, I did enough drugs to kill 20 horses in one sitting, but i saw the light..."

All this Born Again Christian, AA meeting language and attitude where they want to convince you theyre clean and a role model while either still secretly using or being a "dry addict".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 11:32:18 PM
Quote from: The Johnny on February 14, 2020, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on February 14, 2020, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 12:02:56 PM
It will either kill him, or worse hollow out what remains of his humanity and take full control, or it will change him forever. IF he can survive and eventually SEE WHAT HE HAS BECOME he may yet turn into a very bright light, but my spiritual prognosis is.. Not good.


yeah, I would not bet on this dark experience transforming him into a source of compassion and understanding.

if anything, when he pulls through, he's going to be more stubborn, judgmental, and defensive of patriarchy.

What I do know is that users that go clean and have a forum, usually turn into this obnoxious narcissistic blowhard persona "February 12, 2020, 2:44pm, I lost motor function from my legs, and that's when I knew I had hit rock bottom - you see man, I did enough drugs to kill 20 horses in one sitting, but i saw the light..."

All this Born Again Christian, AA meeting language and attitude where they want to convince you theyre clean and a role model while either still secretly using or being a "dry addict".

What is a dry addict?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on February 14, 2020, 11:40:06 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 11:32:18 PM
Quote from: The Johnny on February 14, 2020, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on February 14, 2020, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 12:02:56 PM
It will either kill him, or worse hollow out what remains of his humanity and take full control, or it will change him forever. IF he can survive and eventually SEE WHAT HE HAS BECOME he may yet turn into a very bright light, but my spiritual prognosis is.. Not good.


yeah, I would not bet on this dark experience transforming him into a source of compassion and understanding.

if anything, when he pulls through, he's going to be more stubborn, judgmental, and defensive of patriarchy.

What I do know is that users that go clean and have a forum, usually turn into this obnoxious narcissistic blowhard persona "February 12, 2020, 2:44pm, I lost motor function from my legs, and that's when I knew I had hit rock bottom - you see man, I did enough drugs to kill 20 horses in one sitting, but i saw the light..."

All this Born Again Christian, AA meeting language and attitude where they want to convince you theyre clean and a role model while either still secretly using or being a "dry addict".

What is a dry addict?

The original term is "dry drunk" which im mutating to speak about addicts ("dry addict").

Meaning of original term is refering to alcoholics which stop drinking alcohol, without doing any of the work to change personality or their way of relating to others:

1) They stopped using, but think about using every single moment and are miserable for it, and usually replace drinking with another type of addiction (gambling, sex, games, opiates, prescriptions... or desperatly drown in coffee and ciggarrettes)

2) They are angry and rage at any slight inconvenience.

3) They need to constantly "escape" from themselves thru distractions and never being comftable alone.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on February 14, 2020, 11:51:07 PM
Cool The Johnny. Thanks for the clarification.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 20, 2020, 03:07:22 PM
So, the latest German shooter seems more "self-confessed Neo-Nazi" than "alt-right shitposter with a gun".

He's a lot older, for starters, either in his late 40s or early 50s. He wrote a long eugenicist screed about how certain nations have to be destroyed (all, coincidentally, Muslim majority countries). About the only thing that distinguishes him from the old school Neo-Nazi crowd is he's an incel. Or technically, a volcel as he says it is by choice.

I don't have a translated version of the document in front of me, so I can't say whether this was explicitly referred to, or just happened to be part of his biographical background, a common feature of most manifestos.

Either way, coming just on the back of the German police arrests of another far-right cell preparing to undertake a terrorist attack, things still do not look great on the terrorism front in Germany.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on February 20, 2020, 08:29:15 PM
Germany's fall to far right horseshit has been very interesting for me. I was VERY interested in Germany as a teenager, and was fascinated by the laws against Nazi resurgence, rehabilitation and so forth. (Out of concerns of "free speech", of course, being an edgy gamer kid.) It seemed, even as I grew up, like it would be very difficult for Nazis to find a foothold in their home country.

Now it's become abundantly clear that is false.

Germany was PREPARED for this shit, and they have been losing ground. On particularly bad days, I wonder what that means for the rest of us.

On good days, I remind myself of the principles of natural and artificial selection, and hope we can eradicate our homegrown Nazis with overwhelming force before they evolve resistances.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 20, 2020, 09:29:51 PM
https://apnews.com/b5736c3dba1d677e89ef947bcf5ab213

QuoteKadir Kose, who runs a cafe nearby, said he was shocked at the extent of the violence: "This is a whole other level, something we hear about from America."

I spent some time a few years back in Hanau.  It is all the best parts of Germany in one town.   :sad:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 20, 2020, 09:33:07 PM
QuoteSeparately, he sought help last year in finding out who was allegedly observing him from a Austrian man, Bernd Gloggnitzer, who teaches "remote viewing," a practice that adherents claim gives them the ability to sense the unseen.

"I didn't reply because I could tell from the email that he was a nutcase," Gloggnitzer told The Associated Press.

:lulz:

TMW the remote viewing dude calls you a nutcase.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on February 24, 2020, 12:59:47 PM
Remember that guy who was trying to make a rocket to prove the Earth is flat?  He's dead, now.   :|

https://nationalpost.com/news/world/daredevil-mad-mike-hughes-dies-in-crash-of-his-homemade-rocket-in-california
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 24, 2020, 02:33:11 PM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on February 24, 2020, 12:59:47 PM
Remember that guy who was trying to make a rocket to prove the Earth is flat?  He's dead, now.   :|

https://nationalpost.com/news/world/daredevil-mad-mike-hughes-dies-in-crash-of-his-homemade-rocket-in-california

Yeah, the last independent mad scientist.  :(

This was his third launch.  I expect he had parachute issues.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 24, 2020, 06:10:02 PM
Weinstien is off to prison.

https://apnews.com/67057b46fcd3f1183cf6a699a399c886
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 24, 2020, 07:12:33 PM
Three rusty hex bolts say he gets pardoned a month after sentencing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 24, 2020, 08:54:16 PM
Quote from: LMNO on February 24, 2020, 07:12:33 PM
Three rusty hex bolts say he gets pardoned a month after sentencing.

I ain't touching that money.  Word is that Trump might pardon Bernie Madoff.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 25, 2020, 05:21:24 AM
I'm just hoping Weinstein has to share a cell with a really big (in both senses of the word) fan of Rose McGowan's acting career.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on February 25, 2020, 07:27:31 AM
This is fine

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/world/asia/south-korea-coronavirus-shincheonji.html?fbclid=IwAR0WStyVx8RwBs-atm5jWeKpnrETAo4XTfyF6SINkDXpmQ98kKl3zS39FXs

QuoteAt meetings of the secretive Shincheonji Church of Jesus, worshipers sit packed together on the floor, forbidden to wear glasses — or face masks. They come to church even when sick, former members say. After services, they split up into groups for Bible study, or to go out into the streets and proselytize.

After the first coronavirus infection was reported among its members, they were told to lie about being followers, though the church later said that was not its policy.

Now, health officials are zeroing in on the church's practices as they seek to contain South Korea's alarming coronavirus outbreak, in which members of Shincheonji, along with their relatives and others who got the virus from them, account for more than half of the confirmed infections. On Saturday, the number of cases in the country soared to 346 — second only to mainland China, if the outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship is excluded from Japan's count.

More than 1,250 other church members have reported potential symptoms, health officials said, raising the possibility that the nation's caseload could soon skyrocket further. In response, the government is shutting down thousands of day-care facilities, nursing homes and community centers, even banning the outdoor political rallies that are a feature of life in downtown Seoul.

As of Saturday, more than 700 members of Shincheonji, which mainstream South Korean churches consider a cult, still could not be reached, according to health officials, who were frantically hoping to screen them for signs of infection.

Especially when you take all of this into account

https://twitter.com/Spainkiller/status/1231869865205620742

QuoteThe Coronavirus Chronicles keep getting weirder and weirder.

You've probably heard about the sudden outbreak of the virus in South Korea. Well, did you also know that this is, in large part, to thank to an actual death cult? It's called #Shincheonji, and it's super scary.

QuoteMost dangerously, Lee Man-hee is very eschatology-focused, in such a way that people within Schincheonji have claimed that they are not simply beholding the End Times, but are actively *bringing it about*.

This is also why some believe that they've purposefully spread the virus.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 25, 2020, 01:09:23 PM
Isn't this how 12 Monkeys happened?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 25, 2020, 01:55:00 PM
Quote from: LMNO on February 25, 2020, 01:09:23 PM
Isn't this how 12 Monkeys happened?

Nope.  Remember, that turned out to be one crazy dude.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: PopeTom on February 25, 2020, 09:03:30 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on February 25, 2020, 01:55:00 PM
Quote from: LMNO on February 25, 2020, 01:09:23 PM
Isn't this how 12 Monkeys happened?

Nope.  Remember, that turned out to be one crazy dude.

ie. Terry Gilliam
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Juana on February 26, 2020, 03:01:19 AM
Oh good.~
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 27, 2020, 05:44:57 PM
Some good news.

https://apnews.com/b30726d8f647d4319ee3f0ca4ca2342a
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 27, 2020, 08:27:48 PM
Additional good news.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/02/marine-general-orders-removal-confederate-flag-paraphernalia-bases-installations-white-nationalism.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 27, 2020, 08:34:33 PM
Quote from: LMNO on February 27, 2020, 08:27:48 PM
Additional good news.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/02/marine-general-orders-removal-confederate-flag-paraphernalia-bases-installations-white-nationalism.html

When I was in the army, a confederate flag got you thrown out.  Nazi symbolism meant you spent 90 days in the stockade on your way out.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on February 27, 2020, 08:39:23 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on February 27, 2020, 08:34:33 PM
Quote from: LMNO on February 27, 2020, 08:27:48 PM
Additional good news.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/02/marine-general-orders-removal-confederate-flag-paraphernalia-bases-installations-white-nationalism.html

When I was in the army, a confederate flag got you thrown out.  Nazi symbolism meant you spent 90 days in the stockade on your way out.

Ye Goode Olde Days
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on February 27, 2020, 08:40:35 PM
Quote from: LMNO on February 27, 2020, 08:39:23 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on February 27, 2020, 08:34:33 PM
Quote from: LMNO on February 27, 2020, 08:27:48 PM
Additional good news.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/02/marine-general-orders-removal-confederate-flag-paraphernalia-bases-installations-white-nationalism.html

When I was in the army, a confederate flag got you thrown out.  Nazi symbolism meant you spent 90 days in the stockade on your way out.

Ye Goode Olde Days

Yeah, we've come down in the world since then.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on March 02, 2020, 06:23:42 PM
Okay, this is worse than that stupid virus stuff.

https://apnews.com/defd2707ebab61143346b2f91c245f2f
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on March 02, 2020, 06:30:21 PM
:cramstipated:
what the FUCK
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Bruno on March 07, 2020, 06:26:25 PM
"Erik Prince Recruits Ex-Spies to Help Infiltrate Liberal Groups"

https://nyti.ms/2PVLjit
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 13, 2020, 09:44:54 PM
Just waiting on proper details of what Nelson manedlas nephew's axe rampage involved.

No, ive not made that up. It was in his Palace. Apparently he's a king. Who knew?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on March 13, 2020, 10:30:16 PM
He's a fun guy. Highlights from Wikipedia:

QuoteIn May 2005, he was indicted for fraud, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and arson at the Mthatha High Court, and was subsequently convicted.

QuoteIn July 2014, a group of Thembu chiefs wrote to President Jacob Zuma requesting that Dalindyebo be removed, claiming he was an "evil king" and "not fit to rule".

QuoteDalindyebo has since been customarily dethroned, and is expected to be administratively dethroned in the near future.The Presidency has now apparently withdrawn his kingship, while no decision has as yet been taken on a replacement. The Dalindyebo family has been evicted from the royal household and Dalindyebo has now been removed from the payroll as King

QuoteAccording to reports in local newspapers the deposed king arrived at the royal residence, called The Great Place, at 2am on the morning of 13 March 2020 carrying an axe and proceeded to attack the current acting king Azenathi and his wife, who was later hospitalised. In an attempt to escape Azenathi reportedly jumped out of the window of the palace.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on March 14, 2020, 12:35:37 PM
Wikipedia was about as far as I got, so now 60 open tabs on shit I have no idea about. It's a system I've never really looked at and as always it seems to be utterly hilarious.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on April 02, 2020, 12:50:19 PM
What the fuck is wrong with people?

https://abc7.com/officials-engineer-tried-to-smash-train-into-usns-mercy/6069395/?fbclid=IwAR3AVItHa9iCf6sR08QvisC7fVHHV5xWyRAZb8pMoFHgC6YLD7IuO3R-urw
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 02, 2020, 01:14:01 PM
When a paranoid nation built on "you can't tell me what to do" and is drip-thread conspiracy theories about "experts" for 30 years, suddenly gets told it has to do something...
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Wizard Joseph on April 07, 2020, 03:44:11 PM
This shit is buck wild. Home invader fights UFC contender for FIVE MINUTES straight and walks out apparently without stealing anything. Five minutes of no holds barred life or death struggle is a LOT.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/anthony-smith-ufc-light-heavyweight-nebraska-home-invasion-040914890.html
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on April 07, 2020, 05:56:20 PM
Quote from: Cain on April 02, 2020, 01:14:01 PM
When a paranoid nation built on "you can't tell me what to do" and is drip-thread conspiracy theories about "experts" for 30 years, suddenly gets told it has to do something...

Ahem.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-52198946 this article doesn't mention reptoids once. Questionable journalism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on April 07, 2020, 08:05:56 PM
Shoddy journalism everywhere, these days
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 09, 2020, 09:47:24 PM
Here's an interesting one:

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-04-09/california-declares-independence-from-trump-s-coronavirus-plans


Governor of CA has begun describing CA as a "nation-state"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on April 09, 2020, 09:56:19 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on April 09, 2020, 09:47:24 PM
Here's an interesting one:

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-04-09/california-declares-independence-from-trump-s-coronavirus-plans


Governor of CA has begun describing CA as a "nation-state"

They can come hang out with what used to be Southern Arizona.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on April 22, 2020, 09:50:48 PM
High weirdness in Wales

Dozens Of Octopuses Are Walking Up Onto Shore For No Apparent Reason

https://blog.therainforestsite.greatergood.com/octopuses-on-shore/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on April 30, 2020, 10:26:31 PM
This has got surprisingly little play, but is an amazing tool to disturb "Russia Hoax" types.

Quote

The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday reaffirmed the accuracy and integrity of a 2017 joint assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies, who determined that Russia's coordinated campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election was meant to benefit President Trump.

The committee's review is the fourth and penultimate chapter resulting from the committee's investigation into the Russian government's actions, a probe that has spanned more than three years.

In its heavily redacted 158-page report, the committee found that the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) commissioned by former President Barack Obama in late 2016 "presents a coherent and well-constructed intelligence basis for the case of unprecedented Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election." The report was unanimously approved by senators on the committee.


https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-intelligence-committee-report-2016-russian-interference-assessment/#app

Why would Senate Republicans support this all of a sudden?

edit: Here's a link to the official report: https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Report_Volume4.pdf
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: PopeTom on May 05, 2020, 03:54:37 AM
Witness Donald Trump's great america.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/04/kkk-hood-coronavirus-mask/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook (https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/04/kkk-hood-coronavirus-mask/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook)

QuotePhotos of a man wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood while shopping Saturday prompted a harsh rebuke from local leaders in San Diego County, and police now say they're looking into the unsettling imagery.

The incident took place one day after health officials in the county ordered residents to wear face coverings in public to stymie the spread of covid-19. Tiam Tellez — one of several shoppers who captured photos of the hooded man at a Vons supermarket in Santee, Calif., and posted them on social media — wrote on Facebook that several store employees repeatedly told the man to take off the hood or leave.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 05, 2020, 12:05:27 PM
You just knew some fucker was going to be "oh, I have to wear a mask because these communist doctors say so? Fine then, I'm gonna wear my favourite mask".
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on May 05, 2020, 01:27:04 PM
Quick aside, looking at that guys shopping cart. I thought there was some kind of election propaganda attached because of the visible "2020". It's not. It's an advert for an estate agent as far as I can tell.

Calling it now, but there's going to be a bit of a shock to the  sheer volume and prevalence of ads. For one, no one will have any money for them, and for two there won't be a lot of competition and therefore need for them.

Marketing executives will be a big new demographic in your tent cities.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 06, 2020, 07:10:14 PM
Here's a randomly ominous look at the possible future of monetizing advertisements with the work done by the brain viewing them. If it matches some target (read: what they want you to think) then you get the moneys as proof of work in their blockchain computation. The future has spoken.


https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/amp32318654/microsoft-brainwaves-mine-cryptocurrency/ (https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/amp32318654/microsoft-brainwaves-mine-cryptocurrency/)

QuoteEach cognitive task would be assigned a pattern of numbers, depending on how much effort was put in. If that string matches the target, it's considered a proof-of-work, and the transaction may be completed. Using the brainwaves as a stand-in would take some light effort on the part of the human involved, but would save massively on electricity.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on May 06, 2020, 07:54:54 PM
I skimmed the patent.  The popular mechanics "author" either hadn't a clue, or was manufacturing clickbait.

The gimmick is:
The widget gives the human some sort of task.
The human performs the task.
Sensors verify that the human has performed the task.
The human is awarded some cryptocurrency.

Falsifying inputs to such a system is, in my opinion, trivial, but they just hand-waved it away [0047].

Reading brain-waves is just one of the many possibilities listed: "...wherein the body activity sensed by the sensor comprises at least one of body radiation emitted from the user, body fluid flow, a brain wave, pulse rate or body heat radiation."

I dismiss this as complete nonsense.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 06, 2020, 08:14:09 PM
Yeah, seems like a broad catch-all kind of patent. The body fluid thing is kinda priceless, thanks for pointing that out. Beyond that, there seems to be something about rewarding people for their thought patterns, directly, that I feel is less treacherous than it could be.


(Just read [0047])


Still, it would take most people less work to just think the thoughts for the reward than to hack the fMRI outputs.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on May 06, 2020, 08:21:51 PM
Quote from: LuciferX on May 06, 2020, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on May 06, 2020, 07:54:54 PM

Falsifying inputs to such a system is, in my opinion, trivial, but they just hand-waved it away [0047].


Like on the part of the user?

If I have an electronic sensor in my possession, I can make it report anything I want (or I can rip it out and feed the system dummy signals in its place, whatever).  Next thing you know, I've automated this and scaled it up, and I have 100,000 virtual humans in my basement, all earning cryptocurrency.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 06, 2020, 08:31:54 PM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on May 06, 2020, 08:21:51 PM
Quote from: LuciferX on May 06, 2020, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on May 06, 2020, 07:54:54 PM

Falsifying inputs to such a system is, in my opinion, trivial, but they just hand-waved it away [0047].


Like on the part of the user?

If I have an electronic sensor in my possession, I can make it report anything I want (or I can rip it out and feed the system dummy signals in its place, whatever).  Next thing you know, I've automated this and scaled it up, and I have 100,000 virtual humans in my basement, all earning cryptocurrency.


You, sure, I'll award you that benefit. Most people do not know what a Radon transform is, however.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 27, 2020, 12:36:31 AM



https://gizmodo.com/this-lickable-screen-can-recreate-almost-any-taste-or-f-1843609903 (https://gizmodo.com/this-lickable-screen-can-recreate-almost-any-taste-or-f-1843609903)

Quote
The color-coded gels, made from agar formed in the shape of long tubes, use glycine to create the taste of sweet, citric acid for acidic, sodium chloride for salty, magnesium chloride for bitter, and glutamic sodium for savory umami. When the device is pressed against the tongue, the user experiences all five tastes at the same time, but specific flavors are created by mixing those tastes in specific amounts and intensities, like the RGB pixels on a screen. To accomplish this, the prototype is wrapped in copper foil so that when it's held in hand and touched to the surface of the tongue, it forms an electrical circuit through the human body, facilitating a technique known as electrophoresis.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on June 07, 2020, 05:36:58 PM
Juana, care to explain this?

https://twitter.com/sfist/status/1268695305555513349?s=21
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 07, 2020, 05:39:14 PM
ALL related btw
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 06, 2020, 04:24:39 PM
I suppose it was to be expected, but two GOP congressional candidates with a good chance of winning are apparent QAnon supporters (https://www.vox.com/2020/7/3/21309935/qanon-supporters-winning-congressional-primaries-explained).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 06, 2020, 07:44:06 PM
Quote from: LMNO on July 06, 2020, 04:24:39 PM
I suppose it was to be expected, but two GOP congressional candidates with a good chance of winning are apparent QAnon supporters (https://www.vox.com/2020/7/3/21309935/qanon-supporters-winning-congressional-primaries-explained).

Of course.   :lulz:  This shit may be nutty, but IT ISN'T NUTTY ENOUGH!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 06, 2020, 07:46:20 PM
QuoteShe's seemingly also on board with QAnon: In May, she told far-right personality and QAnon supporter Ann Vandersteel that the theory isn't really her "thing," but then later added, "I hope that [Q] is real, because it only means America is getting stronger and better and people are returning to conservative values."

Conservative values seem to consist of shitting on anyone who isn't a rich white male.

I honestly can think of any other values that define conservativism.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 06, 2020, 07:56:20 PM
Do "massive amounts of projection" and "batshit insane conspiracy theories derived from huffing bath salts" count as values?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 06, 2020, 08:14:37 PM
Quote from: Cain on July 06, 2020, 07:56:20 PM
Do "massive amounts of projection" and "batshit insane conspiracy theories derived from huffing bath salts" count as values?
:dream:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on July 06, 2020, 08:30:56 PM
Don't lie to me, LMNO, your American Dream involves far more gay sex in seedy saloons while the sun goes down and honky-tonk music plays in the background.

Also less projection.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 06, 2020, 08:32:33 PM
Quote from: altered on July 06, 2020, 08:30:56 PM
Don't lie to me, LMNO, your American Dream involves far more gay sex in seedy saloons while the sun goes down and honky-tonk music plays in the background.

Also less projection.

LMNO's American Dream also involves tentacles, blood sacrifice in the mail room, and having an intern read the invocation first to make sure the pronunciation is correct.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on July 06, 2020, 08:36:45 PM
Well, yeah, but I was leading with the important things.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 06, 2020, 08:56:22 PM
Quote from: altered on July 06, 2020, 08:36:45 PM
Well, yeah, but I was leading with the important things.

Needs horses and sharks, tho.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 06, 2020, 08:57:06 PM
And the worst part -- JAZZ.



You heard me.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 06, 2020, 08:57:46 PM
Quote from: LMNO on July 06, 2020, 08:57:06 PM
And the worst part -- JAZZ.



You heard me.

Quit your LIES.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 06, 2020, 09:04:49 PM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/xT9IgtS6XuPHLPM37O/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on July 07, 2020, 07:10:16 AM
From NYT "These mammals pack a toxic punch"

QuoteBesides, it's not all pain and suffering. Anointing is a supremely social affair, and one rubbing [] soon attracts others.

"They get into such a frenzy that the social order breaks down; everyone is anointing with everyone else," Dr. Lynch Alfaro said. "It's like a big, wild party." They may be black and blue, but the magic potion is spread all over.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 08, 2020, 04:13:35 PM
Finland ended homelessness:
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jun/03/its-a-miracle-helsinkis-radical-solution-to-homelessness

Quote"We had to get rid of the night shelters and short-term hostels we still had back then. They had a very long history in Finland, and everyone could see they were not getting people out of homelessness. We decided to reverse the assumptions."

As in many countries, homelessness in Finland had long been tackled using a staircase model: you were supposed to move through different stages of temporary accommodation as you got your life back on track, with an apartment as the ultimate reward.

"We decided to make the housing unconditional," says Kaakinen. "To say, look, you don't need to solve your problems before you get a home. Instead, a home should be the secure foundation that makes it easier to solve your problems."



Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 08, 2020, 04:17:07 PM
Back in 2017, a judge threw out a class action suit (from 2011) that wanted Facebook widgets to be considered wiretaps. But a 9th circuit judge recently stated otherwise:

https://gizmodo.com/court-rules-facebook-widgets-can-be-considered-wiretaps-1844245159?fbclid=IwAR1bmiXwdIkBRbgTpJXdaGHHWKg74YkG-2nBebsoUyijMhbMVayebcJHei0

here's the judge's current opinion:
Quote from: Judge Edward DavilaFacebook antiseptically frames the question as whether a defendant can "wiretap" a communication that it receives directly from a plaintiff. But Facebook's business practices (and the allegations in the complaint) present a very different question.


Plaintiffs were not communicating with Facebook but instead communicating with other websites. Plaintiffs then alleged (and Facebook does not dispute) that Facebook code embedded on those sites secretly directed Plaintiffs' browsers to copy the communications in real time (to "intercept" them) and send the copies to Facebook

Gizmodo summarizes:

QuoteOr put another way, if you're browsing around a site where there might be a little hidden widget quietly tracking who you are and the actions you take and then sending that data somewhere else, well, that sure does sound a lot like the wiretapping of yesteryear, just put under another name. It's almost like, at long last, the legal system understands just how much power these companies have—and it looks like they're just as tired of them as the rest of us.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 08, 2020, 04:20:57 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 08, 2020, 04:13:35 PM
Finland ended homelessness:
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jun/03/its-a-miracle-helsinkis-radical-solution-to-homelessness

Quote"We had to get rid of the night shelters and short-term hostels we still had back then. They had a very long history in Finland, and everyone could see they were not getting people out of homelessness. We decided to reverse the assumptions."

As in many countries, homelessness in Finland had long been tackled using a staircase model: you were supposed to move through different stages of temporary accommodation as you got your life back on track, with an apartment as the ultimate reward.

"We decided to make the housing unconditional," says Kaakinen. "To say, look, you don't need to solve your problems before you get a home. Instead, a home should be the secure foundation that makes it easier to solve your problems."

This is amazing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 14, 2020, 01:44:46 PM
I thought this was a good read:


How to read U.S. economic data, without the spin (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-data-analysis/how-to-read-u-s-economic-data-without-the-spin-idUSKCN24F151)




As a random aside, I feel like I'm having an allergic reaction to evocative headlines. Readers of Illuminatus! will know what I mean when I say that 90% of economic, health, and political reporting is completely lousy with Fnords.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 14, 2020, 03:08:18 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 14, 2020, 01:44:46 PM
I thought this was a good read:


How to read U.S. economic data, without the spin (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-data-analysis/how-to-read-u-s-economic-data-without-the-spin-idUSKCN24F151)




As a random aside, I feel like I'm having an allergic reaction to evocative headlines. Readers of Illuminatus! will know what I mean when I say that 90% of economic, health, and political reporting is completely lousy with Fnords.

Optimist.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 15, 2020, 06:16:22 PM
Teens are dressing up as mask-wearing grandmas to try to score alcohol

https://nypost.com/2020/07/14/teens-are-dressing-up-as-mask-wearing-grandmas-to-score-alcohol/

(https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/07/teen-drinking-29.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=705)

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on July 15, 2020, 07:01:15 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 15, 2020, 06:16:22 PM
Teens are dressing up as mask-wearing grandmas to try to score alcohol

https://nypost.com/2020/07/14/teens-are-dressing-up-as-mask-wearing-grandmas-to-score-alcohol/

(https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/07/teen-drinking-29.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=705)

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:


(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/697/798/be2.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 15, 2020, 07:35:56 PM
My faith in the future has been restored.   :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on July 16, 2020, 02:57:17 PM
https://apnews.com/74960a2c6af8b96a35df5afe35f9f84b

QuoteEU court cancels US data-sharing pact over snooping concerns
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on July 19, 2020, 07:14:35 AM
https://twitter.com/bigots_owned/status/1284618342490415104?s=21

:lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on July 19, 2020, 07:39:19 PM
Quote from: altered on July 19, 2020, 07:14:35 AM
https://twitter.com/bigots_owned/status/1284618342490415104?s=21

:lulz: :lulz:

There's a whole side story to it, where the person that drove him to the hospital, was a 17 year old with whom he was sharing a hotel room with.

EDIT: makes you wonder why he "threw out his back" btw
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on July 19, 2020, 07:54:05 PM
Yeah I saw that side story shit. There is no way this ends without hilarity all around
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 22, 2020, 01:52:20 PM
Twitter is purging QAnon

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/twitter-bans-7-000-qanon-accounts-limits-150-000-others-n1234541



I'm happy about this, I think it's a good development for giant social media companies to take some responsibility for the medium

I also anticipate the point that "it's gone too far" and you are not allowed to discuss topics which may threaten the 1%

but I guess we cross that bridge later
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on July 22, 2020, 03:10:59 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 22, 2020, 01:52:20 PM
Twitter is purging QAnon

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/twitter-bans-7-000-qanon-accounts-limits-150-000-others-n1234541



I'm happy about this, I think it's a good development for giant social media companies to take some responsibility for the medium

I also anticipate the point that "it's gone too far" and you are not allowed to discuss topics which may threaten the 1%

but I guess we cross that bridge later

This is like an-eye-for-an-eye for ruining Tumblr... but i think we all know this is one step towards draconian rule of the internet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on July 22, 2020, 04:01:38 PM
I mean...Twitter has been impressing me lately with it's somewhat more socially conscious decision making, but Twitter was hardly the main avenue of Qanon thought anyway. That has been, and always will be, Facebook and Youtube, who have done precisely nothing to stop Qanon accounts from proliferating despite the links between the movement and right wing extremist violence.

As for free speech on the internet...that was dead the moment a few media giants concentrated most of their power on it. Breaking up virtual monopolies like Amazon, Facebook and Google will go a long way to improving overall free speech prospects on the internet, not that I consider Qanon, in and of itself, a free speech issue.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on August 06, 2020, 05:03:14 PM
This is gonna be FUN!

New York Attorney General Moves To Dissolve The NRA After Fraud Investigation
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/06/899712823/new-york-attorney-general-moves-to-dissolve-the-nra-after-fraud-investigation

QuoteAttorney General Letitia James claims in a lawsuit filed Thursday that she found financial misconduct in the millions of dollars, and that it contributed to a loss of more than $64 million over a three year period.

The suit alleges that top NRA executives misused charitable funds for personal gain, awarded contracts to friends and family members, and provided contracts to former employees to ensure loyalty.

Seeking to dissolve the NRA is the most aggressive sanction James could have sought against the not-for-profit organization, which James has jurisdiction over because it is registered in New York. James has a wide range of authorities relating to nonprofits in the state, including the authority to force organizations to cease operations or dissolve. The NRA is all but certain to contest it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on August 06, 2020, 05:15:33 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on August 06, 2020, 05:03:14 PM
This is gonna be FUN!

New York Attorney General Moves To Dissolve The NRA After Fraud Investigation
:spittake:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on August 06, 2020, 05:29:11 PM
 :lulz:

OH MY GOD.

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

2020 is a fucking mess, but some of it is good BEYOND being funny.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 06, 2020, 05:51:22 PM
The NRA going down could have a massive impact. The way in which they were able to dominate political conversations about gun control, let alone their malign influence on fundraising, are both gone. In particular, Trump can't rely on them to throw him money for his campaign
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on August 06, 2020, 06:45:04 PM
Thoughts and Prayers.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on August 06, 2020, 07:19:49 PM
If the NRA disappears, I would think that the money will simply flow into a different organization, such as GOA, giving them the dominant voice in the conversation.
And they (GOA) seem to take a more hardline approach to gun control than the NRA, for example, opposing the NFA.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on August 06, 2020, 07:24:26 PM
In next week's news, new York attorney General shot. Suspect unknown and at large. Police investigations based around known antifa groups.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: The Johnny on August 07, 2020, 04:13:55 AM
Quote from: Junkenstein on August 06, 2020, 07:24:26 PM
In next week's news, new York attorney General shot. Suspect unknown and at large. Police investigations based around known antifa groups.

Pretty bold move, too bad he's gonna get "suicided" and the lawsuit will get dropped.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on August 07, 2020, 01:02:33 PM
Quote from: Elder Iptuous on August 06, 2020, 07:19:49 PM
If the NRA disappears, I would think that the money will simply flow into a different organization, such as GOA, giving them the dominant voice in the conversation.
And they (GOA) seem to take a more hardline approach to gun control than the NRA, for example, opposing the NFA.

Eventually I can see that being the case, but in the short-term I suspect things will be a lot more diffuse. The GOA might be the obvious successor... but if I'm someone with a lot of money to throw around, I might want a more pliable organisation, meaning I go for someone slightly smaller and flood them with cash. Without an obvious, agreed upon organisation to back, there will be a lot more competition than bandwagoning and in the meantime that makes the message more muddled.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on August 10, 2020, 06:25:38 PM
That's totally possible. I dont know anything about the large money flows. 
But as an inveterate member of the gun nut community, it appears to me that there is widespread agreement that the overall membership and support would flow immediately if the NRA fell.  The organization is very secondary to the meme.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on August 10, 2020, 06:43:54 PM
It would flow immediately, but only the NRA has the existing power to make it the obvious choice. There's no general agreement on the next step after the NRA (for all that there are constant threats to withdraw support). So the powerbase would immediately fragment, as Cain suggests.

TANGENT TIME: This also highlights a flaw of the organization. It isn't a resilient movement, it relies on propaganda and membership/"sense-of-belonging" to stay in one piece. Basically a cult. Even those who agree will end up fighting each other without a Daddy NRA to organize everything.

You aren't the only firearms enthusiast on this forum, by the way! I'm big on the engineering side of it all, but following both the bleeding edge and the unknown, old and abandoned gets you locked hard in the middle of the shitty mall ninja contingent. Doesn't help that I like non-firearm mall ninja aesthetic for cyberpunk hacker looks and their knockoff military gear for general utility and durability. (Speaking of which, a funny story for the Open Bar...)

Fortunately, I'm more interested in the old and abandoned, so I can just go hide on Forgotten Weapons if I want to avoid the freaks. Thank god Ian has a no-tolerance stance on Nazi bullshit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on August 10, 2020, 07:29:14 PM
I love that channel!

I certainly know that there is a decent number of gun enthusiasts on this board, some of which are more knowledgable than me.

I don't think I agree on the point of the gun community requiring an organization to keep it from fragmenting, as it is a single message "movement" at its core. I would say that the secondary messages of the NRA, and specific point behind which they have thrown their weight have caused friction in the community before, and the members may grumble and say, "well, as long as the core message is there, I'll still support them as they are the only real game in town"  That's why I think that if they crumble, we would all move to whoever raises that simple banner the highest.

I could be wrong, though.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on August 10, 2020, 08:41:55 PM
Ah, but it ISN'T a single message community.

The hunters just want to keep their long arms.

The competition shooters want no bans of high capacity magazines or various add ons, and ideally they want to have access to forward grips and SBRs and all those zoomy whiz bam things that right now are under NFA purview but aren't DD or automatic.

The subgun competition shooters want a full NFA repeal so they can have their fully automatics.

The war gamers want a full repeal of the NFA so they can have access to Destructive Devices, though most don't want explosives going on a walk in public (marker rounds and flares only kinda deal).

The war gamer camp includes some weird outliers, mostly boaters and survivalists, who have many uses for destructive device weapons that don't involve kabooms. (Flares, harpoon or rope launching, etc.) Most of this subgroup don't want a FULL NFA repeal, just for large bore long arms to be taken out of the DD category.

And then you have your crazies.

The crazies want a full repeal of the NFA, but there are three camps:

Similar to competition shooters, destructive devices and fully automatics unnecessary. Mostly worried about "banning all guns!!!!!!"
Similar to subgun competition shooters, automatics a must but DD unnecessary. Mostly worried about "police state" type shit.
And the real freaks, who want to be able to buy full scale howitzers and anti-tank ammunition. Actual overthrow of the government is their fantasy.

If the NRA goes away, everyone will flock to their special interest fraction of the gun lobby, and it will take YEARS before one of them consolidates enough power to replace the NRA.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on August 10, 2020, 08:50:57 PM
That is all true.
There is factions.
But dont you think that these groups all funnel their funding and support into the NRA because it is the large singular group that embodies the simple single message?  I agree that there are factions, and that can result in friction when specifics are raised.   Like the subgun crowd getting pissed that the NRA backed the FOPA of '86, while the fudds applauded it. But they still dont cancel membership.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on August 10, 2020, 08:59:31 PM
That's only because they have the Power and Influence.

Remove the NRA, and no group has that Power and Influence. It needs to be built back up.

Without any group ALREADY having that Power and Influence, no group will get it for awhile. In the meantime, it's a bunch of tiny, disparate communities with mixed messaging. About the only thing they'll ensure is that no one bans rifles or shotguns, since everyone can agree on that. The rest is going to be the (more numerous and optically better) "fudds" frowning quietly at all the rest of them and sabotaging their efforts.

This is a great time for everyone else to advance gun control legislation. Which, in case it isn't clear, I'm all for -- despite otherwise falling in the "war gamer" camp. Big fan of the Swedish model, myself.

Which means that whatever replaces the NRA eventually will have a much harder fight, given the culture and the law will not be in their favor.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on August 10, 2020, 09:07:18 PM
That could very well be.
And it seems we may get a chance to find out!
I, personally, am not wedded to any camp, except my own self interest.  And the firearms issue is probably one of the matters that I feel I have the most embarrassing bedfellows! :lol:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on August 14, 2020, 05:39:34 AM
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3zeew/gun-enthusiasts-celebrate-man-who-shot-himself-in-the-balls-as-their-king (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3zeew/gun-enthusiasts-celebrate-man-who-shot-himself-in-the-balls-as-their-king)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Elder Iptuous on August 14, 2020, 02:43:50 PM
Hahaha.  This is the best of all possible worlds.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on August 14, 2020, 04:02:33 PM
Quote from: Trivial on August 14, 2020, 05:39:34 AM
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3zeew/gun-enthusiasts-celebrate-man-who-shot-himself-in-the-balls-as-their-king (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3zeew/gun-enthusiasts-celebrate-man-who-shot-himself-in-the-balls-as-their-king)

Thoughts:

"Wow, way to stick it to THE MAN."

"For the purposes of recording video of aiming a firearm at one's own genitalia, is it strictly necessary to have said firearm loaded?"

"I bet he doesn't turn off the breaker while rewiring lighting fixtures, either.  I mean, the wall switch is good enough, right?"

"A Real Man would have used a shotgun."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on September 18, 2020, 12:43:44 PM
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-policy/facebook-announces-curbs-on-internal-debate-of-political-issues-idUSKBN268373


Facebook employees have their own internal social network.

News about facebook gets posted on that network, but employees aren't really allowed to share their opinions because of the professional environment.

Facebook's updating its rules for employees, allowing them to engage in political debates on that network.


Reuters suggests the dissonance is employees who want to express disagreement with Zuckerberg. I don't know though, maybe it's that people want to support Zuckerberg against the internal haters.

The need for "debate" signals Facebook Corporate is divided.

(https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000095607969-ffxxg6-t500x500.jpg)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on September 19, 2020, 01:14:40 AM
"Here comes the jungle"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: LMNO on September 22, 2020, 08:20:02 PM
In today's "both sides are the same" (https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/21449634/republicans-supreme-court-gop-trump-authoritarian) news:

QuoteExperts on comparative politics say the GOP is an extremist outlier, no longer belonging in the same conversation with "normal" right-wing parties like Canada's Conservative Party (CPC) or Germany's Christian Democratic Party (CDU).

Instead, it more closely resembles more extreme right parties — like Viktor Orbán's Fidesz in Hungary or Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP in Turkey — that have actively worked to dismantle democracy in their own countries
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 22, 2020, 09:46:13 PM
Well there's 75 Republican candidates (https://www.mediamatters.org/qanon-conspiracy-theory/here-are-qanon-supporters-running-congress-2020) who are either Qanon tards or happy sucking up to Qanon tards. Given Qanon is a Neo-Nazi cult (https://www.justsecurity.org/72339/qanon-is-a-nazi-cult-rebranded/), that tells you all you need to know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 23, 2020, 06:29:06 PM
This is my United States of Whatever.

https://apnews.com/f4806754642c2075a4ddb1f04d4441f5
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 23, 2020, 07:26:07 PM
Wait...that got through international mail screening? And there were six previous letters in Texas? I can't say I know US procedures well, but that's fucking suspicious as shit.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 23, 2020, 08:42:32 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 23, 2020, 07:26:07 PM
Wait...that got through international mail screening? And there were six previous letters in Texas? I can't say I know US procedures well, but that's fucking suspicious as shit.

It was stopped by the USPS so probably not.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on September 23, 2020, 09:13:52 PM
Ah, I hadn't been following it too closely but I thought it had gotten further than that.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 23, 2020, 09:35:20 PM
Quote from: Cain on September 23, 2020, 09:13:52 PM
Ah, I hadn't been following it too closely but I thought it had gotten further than that.

The one to the WH was stopped at the USPS.  The ones to Texas, I don't know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: CorbeauEtRenard on March 07, 2021, 11:58:42 PM
https://academictimes.com/first-vaccine-to-fully-immunize-against-malaria-builds-on-pandemic-driven-rna-tech/ (https://academictimes.com/first-vaccine-to-fully-immunize-against-malaria-builds-on-pandemic-driven-rna-tech/)

Sometimes a news story reminds me of something Howl said many years ago about how 99% of engineers have their head up completely up their ass but the remaining 1% can put a man on the moon.

Some of the advancements for the current vaccine are apparently giving a new angle at potentially dealing with malaria. A.K.A. the cause of death of half of all the humans who have ever lived. At least solving it in humans, probably not feasible to eliminate the wildlife reservoir and completely smallpox it. But still.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Trivial on April 08, 2021, 03:27:58 AM
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/oakland/2021/04/07/home-inspector-rochester-hills-elmo-doll/7130718002/ (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/oakland/2021/04/07/home-inspector-rochester-hills-elmo-doll/7130718002/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: minuspace on May 21, 2021, 08:33:24 PM
QuoteA huge fatberg has been removed from a city sewer after engineers came up with a new idea to clear it which "literally ate it from the inside out"

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-57203734
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 18, 2021, 07:13:58 PM
Netanyahu refuses to leave the prime minister's residence and has Trump ex-officials visiting to call him "prime minister"  I shit you not.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Junkenstein on June 19, 2021, 05:04:51 PM
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/gb-news-week-1-it-takes-until-tuesday-to-go-full-wingnut-1.4596133?mode=amp

Accurately sums up launch of gb news. No one yet pushing the legatum links but from a quick look that's a whole other shitshow.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on June 20, 2021, 06:33:52 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 18, 2021, 07:13:58 PM
Netanyahu refuses to leave the prime minister's residence and has Trump ex-officials visiting to call him "prime minister"  I shit you not.

There's similar shit happening in Peru.

Thanks to Trump, basically all these populist new right leaders are never going to concede an election again.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 30, 2021, 07:19:16 PM
To avoid having to raise wages post-pandemic, Russell Stover is now using prison labor in their facilities.

I expect a lot of this to go around.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on June 30, 2021, 09:08:20 PM
I hope someone is maintaining a publicly accessible list.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 30, 2021, 09:39:27 PM
Also, they let Bill Cosby out of jail because the DA fucked up.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 30, 2021, 09:43:20 PM
Donald Rumsfeld croaked.

Boy, today has been a mixed bag.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on July 01, 2021, 04:40:23 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 30, 2021, 09:39:27 PM
Also, they let Bill Cosby out of jail because the DA fucked up.

and they didn't Free Britney. This week sucks.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on September 30, 2021, 01:51:23 AM
Lockdowns in Britain have evidently caused a rat problem.

Toilet rats! Vermin are all over Britain – and they're climbing up our waste pipes (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/28/toilet-rats-vermin-are-all-over-britain-and-theyre-climbing-up-our-waste-pipes).
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jorge Dorn on January 14, 2022, 09:16:08 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on July 01, 2021, 04:40:23 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 30, 2021, 09:39:27 PM
Also, they let Bill Cosby out of jail because the DA fucked up.

and they didn't Free Britney. This week sucks.

They freed Britney. 8)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Joshua123 on January 19, 2022, 09:43:18 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 29, 2006, 04:13:22 PM
Wow, they must be deluded.  Sometimes, Christian paranoia actually works in peoples favour.  Amazing.

You'd be surprised!
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 01, 2022, 02:20:17 PM
Unconfirmed, but this goes a long way towards explaining the missing audio and the general stalling and "keep out" behavior of the Uvalde police.

hxxps://twitter.com/seconds_0/status/1531742145912004608
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 01, 2022, 04:02:11 PM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 01, 2022, 02:20:17 PM
Unconfirmed, but this goes a long way towards explaining the missing audio and the general stalling and "keep out" behavior of the Uvalde police.

hxxps://twitter.com/seconds_0/status/1531742145912004608

This is all normal.

Exterminate the brutes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 01, 2022, 04:38:52 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 01, 2022, 04:02:11 PM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 01, 2022, 02:20:17 PM
Unconfirmed, but this goes a long way towards explaining the missing audio and the general stalling and "keep out" behavior of the Uvalde police.

hxxps://twitter.com/seconds_0/status/1531742145912004608

This is all normal.

Exterminate the brutes.

Agreed.
They even tried to throw a teacher under the bus. It turns out she closed the door.

hxxps://www.npr.org/2022/06/01/1102355422/uvalde-shooting-teacher-door

This is the kind of shit we get when cops are habituated to not being held accountable.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 01, 2022, 11:47:14 PM
Well. They certainly don't want anybody nosing around that school and taking pictures.

hxxps://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Uvalde-school-shooting-17212194.php
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 02, 2022, 02:52:18 AM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 01, 2022, 11:47:14 PM
Well. They certainly don't want anybody nosing around that school and taking pictures.

hxxps://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Uvalde-school-shooting-17212194.php

You don't have to break news links  Just saying.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2022, 12:30:43 PM
Thanks. My bad.

Totally unrelated, but can someone explain why Louis DeJoy still has a job?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 03, 2022, 05:20:30 PM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 02, 2022, 12:30:43 PM
Thanks. My bad.

Totally unrelated, but can someone explain why Louis DeJoy still has a job?

He has one of those jobs where the president can't just fire you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 03, 2022, 08:59:15 PM
Not even the president? We have to wait for him to croak?

Let's focus on something more uplifting. Peter Navarro is in custody.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/former-trump-adviser-peter-navarro-indicted-contempt-congress-charges-rcna31856 (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/former-trump-adviser-peter-navarro-indicted-contempt-congress-charges-rcna31856)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 03, 2022, 11:02:43 PM
https://www.sacurrent.com/news/report-uvalde-police-coordinating-with-bikers-to-keep-media-from-covering-school-shooting-funerals-29039496 (https://www.sacurrent.com/news/report-uvalde-police-coordinating-with-bikers-to-keep-media-from-covering-school-shooting-funerals-29039496)

Can't have those families talking to the press. Something could...come out.

"Let's hire bikers to work security! What could go wrong?"
- some guy at Altamont
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 07, 2022, 05:50:23 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/you-gotta-keep-having-babies-tpusa-s-benny-johnson-demands-conference-full-of-underage-girls-start-getting-pregnant/ar-AAY8ZxP?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=0c41b8458e934ce79c9b6481a9f00718

wat
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 07, 2022, 06:53:10 PM
More brave cops.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/arizona-man-who-begged-officers-for-help-before-drowning-told-i-m-not-jumping-in/ar-AAY9DoD?bk=1&bk=1&ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=0e6c6f1a256847bd8cf2752939eb9391
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 08, 2022, 02:03:15 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 07, 2022, 05:50:23 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/you-gotta-keep-having-babies-tpusa-s-benny-johnson-demands-conference-full-of-underage-girls-start-getting-pregnant/ar-AAY8ZxP?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=0c41b8458e934ce79c9b6481a9f00718

wat

It gets worse. They even suggest a doughy, bugeyed, Bob's Big Boy-lookin', NRA bitchslug babydaddy.

https://nationalzero.com/2022/06/05/man-at-turning-point-usas-conference-for-cuteservative-women-tells-group-what-kind-of-man-you-should-want-to-be-attracted-to/ (https://nationalzero.com/2022/06/05/man-at-turning-point-usas-conference-for-cuteservative-women-tells-group-what-kind-of-man-you-should-want-to-be-attracted-to/)

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on June 08, 2022, 02:08:54 AM
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on June 08, 2022, 02:03:15 AM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on June 07, 2022, 05:50:23 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/you-gotta-keep-having-babies-tpusa-s-benny-johnson-demands-conference-full-of-underage-girls-start-getting-pregnant/ar-AAY8ZxP?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=0c41b8458e934ce79c9b6481a9f00718

wat

It gets worse. They even suggest a doughy, bugeyed, Bob's Big Boy-lookin', NRA bitchslug babydaddy.

https://nationalzero.com/2022/06/05/man-at-turning-point-usas-conference-for-cuteservative-women-tells-group-what-kind-of-man-you-should-want-to-be-attracted-to/ (https://nationalzero.com/2022/06/05/man-at-turning-point-usas-conference-for-cuteservative-women-tells-group-what-kind-of-man-you-should-want-to-be-attracted-to/)

ew  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 04, 2023, 10:13:25 PM
If you haven't been paying attention to the House Speaker votes, you should go do that. It's getting really, really fucking stupid.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on January 05, 2023, 01:01:43 AM
Quote from: altered on January 04, 2023, 10:13:25 PM
If you haven't been paying attention to the House Speaker votes, you should go do that. It's getting really, really fucking stupid.

I have been wheezing laughter for two straight days.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 05, 2023, 04:03:59 AM
Hannity and Boebert apparently got into a shitfight on national TV about it. This MIGHT be proof of divine intervention.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nibor the Priest on January 05, 2023, 12:05:13 PM
Can anyone do a quick Explain Like I'm Five And/Or Stupid for the non-Americans? I see McCarthy keeps losing the vote, but apparently that doesn't mean somebody else wins, or even that he's out of the running? Are they planning to just keep on holding votes until people change their minds out of boredom?

Is this because he said the 2020 election result was legitimate?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 05, 2023, 09:54:33 PM
Someone would need to receive a true majority (greater than 50% of total available votes) before a winner can be declared.

I might be wrong on this, but it's my understanding: There are no rules about shoving the same dumbass out there to get pelted with rotten fruit over and over. You can do whatever, as long as the nominee is legally able to hold the office (e.g. is an elected Congresscreature). Everyone could nominate themselves if they wanted to.

And yeah, they really don't have any other choice. No Speaker means Congress can't pass laws and none of its members have security clearance. They have to come to work but there's nothing they can do except for this stupid fucking charade. It's great.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Faust on January 05, 2023, 10:44:41 PM
How long can that go on for before it goes back to elections?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 05, 2023, 10:50:27 PM
As I understand it? FOREVER. There's no mechanism for this. The framework simply assumes people aren't that stupid.

We know better, but they clearly didn't.

EDIT: I mean, okay, forever's a slight exaggeration, but at least until the next election cycle. I don't know if a non-functional Congress affects Congressional elections, but if I'm sure that if it doesn't, that's by happenstance rather than design.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 06, 2023, 12:06:40 AM
I don't have anything I can add. This image is a masterpiece.

It just keeps getting fucking better.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nibor the Priest on January 06, 2023, 12:11:28 AM
Please, no more winning
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 06, 2023, 12:13:08 AM
 :lulz: I guess they got their wish.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nibor the Priest on January 06, 2023, 11:34:48 AM
Apparently the previous record is 133 ballots over two months, in 1855. Let's see if they can smash that.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64178794

They eventually changed the candidate and agreed to elect a speaker by plurality, but that seems to have been a one-time thing.

(multiple edits: I found that weird, because presumably (i) they'd have needed a majority to agree to accept the plurality ruling, and (ii) the majority wouldn't have agreed to accept the plurality ruling without knowing "their" guy would win a plurality; so how could it work unless there was already a candidate with majority support? The reason seems to be that the cause of the no-majority problem that year was a huge number of third-party congressfolk, following the splintering of the Whig party.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: altered on January 07, 2023, 03:07:31 AM
Get the popcorn ready. McCarthy kowtowed to the Qanon crew so hard that now his more moderate allies are about to say Absolutely Not. The coming vote on the new rules package is going to be HILARIOUS.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on January 07, 2023, 03:56:40 AM
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/highlights-prince-harrys-biography-spare-2023-01-05/

Quote
Harry says he killed 25 people when serving as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. He says he participated in six missions, all of which involved deaths, but says he saw them as justifiable as Taliban insurgents wanted to kill his comrades.

"It wasn't a statistic that filled me with pride but nor did it leave me ashamed. When I found myself plunged in the heat and confusion of combat I didn't think of those 25 as people. They were chess pieces removed from the board, Bad people eliminated before they could kill Good people."

A royal person, thinking of the people he killed as pieces in a game?  Bravo, sir, bravo.  When he made a widely-publicized documentary about his love-life, in which he complained about media attention, I just thought he was a hypocrite.  Now, I see him as a cancerous, diseased emblem of those same privileged, aristocratic, colonial attitudes that, if combined with real power, trigger revolutions.

Despite their claims to the contrary, the royals appear to have failed entirely to adapt to the modern world.  They're just as awful as ever they were.

Edit:  Also, I'm now entirely disinclined to believe that the Nazi costume was an innocent mistake.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Faust on January 07, 2023, 07:46:33 AM
The fucking taliban made a statement I agree with on that, the fucking TALIBAN

They said thinking of human lives like that is monstrous but at least he is admitting it which most of his army comrads wouldn't.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on January 07, 2023, 10:14:16 AM
I'm more surprised that people are surprised to be honest.

This is what armies have done for hundreds of years - step one is to dehumanise the enemy. You can't kill 'em if you think they are people. Not as easily anyway.

The Taliban do exactly the same thing just the targets are different.

Don't get me wrong, it's awful and we probably shouldn't be doing it. But the pearl-clutching from military personnel is particularly funny to me. Sorry your boy said the quiet bit out loud I guess? Guy's still my enemy but it's good to see people confronted with what military service - especially in a time of war - actually means.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nibor the Priest on January 07, 2023, 01:48:16 PM
Quote from: Harry Windsor
I didn't think of those 25 as people. They were chess pieces removed from the board

At least 9 of them must have been on his own side, then
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on January 07, 2023, 02:51:22 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on January 07, 2023, 10:14:16 AM
I'm more surprised that people are surprised to be honest.

This is what armies have done for hundreds of years - step one is to dehumanise the enemy. You can't kill 'em if you think they are people. Not as easily anyway.

The Taliban do exactly the same thing just the targets are different.

Don't get me wrong, it's awful and we probably shouldn't be doing it. But the pearl-clutching from military personnel is particularly funny to me. Sorry your boy said the quiet bit out loud I guess? Guy's still my enemy but it's good to see people confronted with what military service - especially in a time of war - actually means.

Demuhanizing the enemy in the heat of battle is hardly unheard of.  But afterward, a human being should feel some regret for their actions, even if they would do the same thing all over again if the situation was repeated.

What a person says and thinks afterwards informs you of their character.  His character is less "I killed people, and I regret it, but it was necessary under the circumstances", and more "I killed people, but it was just a game to me."

Maybe that quote reads differently in context, I don't know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Faust on January 07, 2023, 03:57:41 PM
To be fair it's probably not a far yhrow from thier Christmas day hunt of the serfs on thier land, he might have been nostalgic
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on January 07, 2023, 05:31:45 PM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on January 07, 2023, 02:51:22 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on January 07, 2023, 10:14:16 AM
I'm more surprised that people are surprised to be honest.

This is what armies have done for hundreds of years - step one is to dehumanise the enemy. You can't kill 'em if you think they are people. Not as easily anyway.

The Taliban do exactly the same thing just the targets are different.

Don't get me wrong, it's awful and we probably shouldn't be doing it. But the pearl-clutching from military personnel is particularly funny to me. Sorry your boy said the quiet bit out loud I guess? Guy's still my enemy but it's good to see people confronted with what military service - especially in a time of war - actually means.

Demuhanizing the enemy in the heat of battle is hardly unheard of.  But afterward, a human being should feel some regret for their actions, even if they would do the same thing all over again if the situation was repeated.

What a person says and thinks afterwards informs you of their character.  His character is less "I killed people, and I regret it, but it was necessary under the circumstances", and more "I killed people, but it was just a game to me."

Maybe that quote reads differently in context, I don't know.

I agree they should.

The majority of the purpose of military training is to teach them not to.

That's what it is there for. It has been successful. It's wild to me that there's a bunch of people now surprised at this. I think it's great that Harry has just outright said how he saw it and I think it's fair to call him a monster for it; but this is the system working precisely as it is supposed to. This is not (just) a personal moral failing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 10, 2023, 10:28:15 AM
The quote was taken out of context (https://twitter.com/LBC/status/1612409235286941696) by the British press, as part of their ongoing crusade against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

C'mon now, you don't really believe the Times, Sun, Mail and Telegraph give a single fuck about Muslim lives and wouldn't be cheering on this distorted account in any other circumstance, do you?
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 10, 2023, 10:32:04 AM
But I'm sure if anything can be said about the British press, it's how fairly they treat people who have undertaken (and won) legal action against them for libel in the past.  :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on January 10, 2023, 01:34:45 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 10, 2023, 10:28:15 AM
The quote was taken out of context (https://twitter.com/LBC/status/1612409235286941696) by the British press, as part of their ongoing crusade against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

C'mon now, you don't really believe the Times, Sun, Mail and Telegraph give a single fuck about Muslim lives and wouldn't be cheering on this distorted account in any other circumstance, do you?

Dear god.  In context, the meaning is almost exactly the opposite of how it was presented.  I already knew to ignore the likes of the Daily Mail, but I thought Reuters was reputable.  I have been played.

I originally heard about this on Canadian television, but I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt, and assume they dumbly parroted what they were fed... like I did.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Faust on January 10, 2023, 02:42:08 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 10, 2023, 10:28:15 AM
The quote was taken out of context (https://twitter.com/LBC/status/1612409235286941696) by the British press, as part of their ongoing crusade against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

C'mon now, you don't really believe the Times, Sun, Mail and Telegraph give a single fuck about Muslim lives and wouldn't be cheering on this distorted account in any other circumstance, do you?
I didnt look at where reuters source led, ewww.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 10, 2023, 06:34:04 PM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on January 10, 2023, 01:34:45 PM
Quote from: Cain on January 10, 2023, 10:28:15 AM
The quote was taken out of context (https://twitter.com/LBC/status/1612409235286941696) by the British press, as part of their ongoing crusade against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

C'mon now, you don't really believe the Times, Sun, Mail and Telegraph give a single fuck about Muslim lives and wouldn't be cheering on this distorted account in any other circumstance, do you?

Dear god.  In context, the meaning is almost exactly the opposite of how it was presented.  I already knew to ignore the likes of the Daily Mail, but I thought Reuters was reputable.  I have been played.

I originally heard about this on Canadian television, but I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt, and assume they dumbly parroted what they were fed... like I did.

Yeah, this is standard British press approach for people on the shit list. "The full Corbyn", as it were. And Harry is well up on the shitlist, because he's constantly calling out the British press as a malign institution that has an unhealthy relationship with the Royal Family, that threatens and bullies to get you to play along to their agenda and does this sort of thing if you don't.

It's also my understanding a lot of newspapers have actually had trouble getting advance copies of the book, which means the British press's poisonous response has been quite effective in shaping the discourse around the book in the opening days. But yeah, I treat anything I hear about certain people with a massive grain of salt because of the brain worms the press has here, and Harry is very high up on that list.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on January 12, 2023, 05:52:39 PM
Wasn't sure where to post this but it didn't feel worth its own thread.

Breaking News: World's Smartest Man Thinks Divorced Wife is Figment of His Imagination, She Agrees.

https://consequence.net/2022/10/elon-musk-grimes-simulation/

Quote"She [Grimes] told me repeatedly that Musk has this theory of her that she's not real," Gordon told the BBC (via Cosmopolitan). "That she's a simulation who was created by him and exists in his cerebral cortex as sort of the perfect companion to him. Which sounds a little crazy and maybe even a little creepy, except, she agrees with it. She said she does feel like this simulation which was perfectly created for him."

He added, "Her interests are all the same as his and her music is very technologically oriented," explaining that they "both made a similar nerdy joke about a scary AI theory of the future."

Gordon interviewed Grimes for an April Vanity Fair cover story where she expressed similar sentiments: "We keep having this conversation where E's like, 'Are you real? Or are we living in my memory, and you're like a synthesized companion that was created to be my companion here? '"

She also said, "The degree to which I feel engineered to have been this, like, perfect companion is crazy."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on January 12, 2023, 08:23:33 PM
Quote"She [Grimes] told me repeatedly that Musk has this theory of her that she's not real," Gordon told the BBC (via Cosmopolitan). "That she's a simulation who was created by him and exists in his cerebral cortex as sort of the perfect companion to him. Which sounds a little crazy and maybe even a little creepy, except, she agrees with it. She said she does feel like this simulation which was perfectly created for him."

He added, "Her interests are all the same as his and her music is very technologically oriented," explaining that they "both made a similar nerdy joke about a scary AI theory of the future."

At first glance, this is creepy as fuck, especially if she agrees with it.

But, on second thought, it's very easily tested.  If she exists only in his imagination, it would be physically impossible for her to kill him.

Which is why I would never hint at any such brain-damaged idea to my "perfect woman" (should I ever meet such a creature).  Because if she was my ideal woman, and we both believed she existed only in my head, she would definitely try to kill me, FOR SCIENCE.  (My perfect woman would be intelligent, very curious, and rather bloody-minded.)

I get very tired of people who think they're "nerdy", but lack the imagination to consider even the first-order implications of their navel-gazing.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Suu on January 13, 2023, 12:48:14 AM
Quote from: Faust on January 07, 2023, 07:46:33 AM

They said thinking of human lives like that is monstrous but at least he is admitting it which most of his army comrads wouldn't.

Spend more time around lower military ranks. This shit is par for the course.

Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Nibor the Priest on January 13, 2023, 02:46:27 PM
How would the rest of us be able to see her, or is he imagining us too? Has he gone total brain-in-a-vat?

(EDIT: this was about Musk pretending Grimes wasn't real, I seem to have fucked up replying/quoting, or imagined I have)

further ETA: Would this make her divorcing him his psyche rebelling against itself, like the bit in Red Dwarf where they play the Better Than Life total immersion game and Rimmer ends up getting them all buried in sand and eaten by ants because he can't imagine a world in which anyone likes him
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on January 14, 2023, 10:48:59 AM
QuoteHe added, "Her interests are all the same as his and her music is very technologically oriented," explaining that they "both made a similar nerdy joke about a scary AI theory of the future."

They met because they bonded over Roko's Basilisk, aka rationalists inventing Pascal's Wager, but making it Evil and Shitty.

David Gerard (of Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain) specifically is responsible since he saved the receipts. He fully admits and embraces fault here.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on March 07, 2023, 10:58:19 PM
UK Government decriminalises slavery.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FqohAG-WcAY9m4e.jpg)

Quote from: Rishi SunakIf you come to the UK illegally:

➡️ You can't claim asylum

➡️ You can't benefit from our modern slavery protections

➡️ You can't make spurious human rights claims

➡️ You can't stay
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: QuestionsTheSoil on March 10, 2023, 05:50:09 PM
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/tennessee-lieutenant-governor-79-comments-young-gay-mans-racy-instagra-rcna74182 Tale as old as tiiiiiiiiime 
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on March 18, 2023, 01:51:50 PM
Quote from: QuestionsTheSoil on March 10, 2023, 05:50:09 PM
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/tennessee-lieutenant-governor-79-comments-young-gay-mans-racy-instagra-rcna74182 Tale as old as tiiiiiiiiime

Why did Lt. Gov. Randy McNally go to J.C. Penney?

He heard mens' underpants were half off.  :rimshot:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 04, 2023, 11:45:45 AM
Today, May 4th, is Star Wars Day

There are many media outlets carrying this story. However, I found this article from University of Florida News, entitled "How our shared need for belonging made May the 4th a sacred Star Wars holiday" to be a bit more interesting than most of the coverage.

Here's the link:   https://news.ufl.edu/2023/05/may-the-4th/ (https://news.ufl.edu/2023/05/may-the-4th/)


P.S.   As yesterday, May 3rd according to the Gregorian calendar, was Discoflux, no doubt everyone is in the process of recovering from their celebration.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on May 04, 2023, 03:28:45 PM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on May 04, 2023, 11:45:45 AM
Today, May 4th, is Star Wars Day

There are many media outlets carrying this story. However, I found this article from University of Florida News, entitled "How our shared need for belonging made May the 4th a sacred Star Wars holiday" to be a bit more interesting than most of the coverage.

Here's the link:   https://news.ufl.edu/2023/05/may-the-4th/ (https://news.ufl.edu/2023/05/may-the-4th/)


Largely free of original or significant content, the above article is what one might expect from someone tasked with producing a filler article with a positive spin on the University of Florida.

Pop-psychology clumsily glued to pop-culture does not make for interesting reading.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cramulus on May 04, 2023, 05:02:57 PM
sacred??

sheesh, its an overgrown pop-culture entertainment brand


Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 04, 2023, 08:49:53 PM
On the other hand,the way Star Wards nerds argue....
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on May 05, 2023, 02:22:01 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 04, 2023, 08:49:53 PM
On the other hand,the way Star Wards nerds argue....

What?  Like Dr Who nerds and Star Trek nerds?

"GIVE US MORE CONTENT."

"YOU'VE ROONT THE FRANCHISE FOREVAH!"
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 05, 2023, 04:12:45 PM
That and how the slightest deviation from a randomly agreed upon canon in a series with some of the loosest claims to sci-fi in any bit of media, is treated as high treason.

And while Trekkies and Who nerds can also get bad, I don't run into them in anywhere near the numbers of Star Wars fans in the wild. They're like the Jehovah's Witnesses of bad fandoms, knocking on doors to give you their terrible takes.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on May 05, 2023, 06:53:09 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 04:12:45 PM
That and how the slightest deviation from a randomly agreed upon canon in a series with some of the loosest claims to sci-fi in any bit of media, is treated as high treason.

Sci-fi aside, I would hesitate to qualify Star Wars even as space opera, since I associate that term with a modicum of realism in politics and military strategy.

Star Wars is space fantasy.

:pope:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:36:25 PM
Quote from: chaotic neutral observer on May 05, 2023, 06:53:09 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 04:12:45 PM
That and how the slightest deviation from a randomly agreed upon canon in a series with some of the loosest claims to sci-fi in any bit of media, is treated as high treason.

Sci-fi aside, I would hesitate to qualify Star Wars even as space opera, since I associate that term with a modicum of realism in politics and military strategy.

Star Wars is space fantasy.

:pope:

Strong agreement. One of the aforementioned fans tried to argue with me (I don't know why, I wasn't talking about it) about how a certain manouvere in one of the films or TV shows was impossible because [insert tedious pedantry here]. Look, your entire setting has been in a state of technological stasis for over a thousand years, somehow, go away and leave me alone.

Bless them, they tried with Andor (and it was good, don't get me wrong), but the whole setting is silly and camp, just roll with it.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.

It doesn't look entirely great for Labour...strong suggestions of a coalition government based on the showing and numbers so far. Completely squandered that 50 point lead they had seven months back, as far as I can tell they spent that entire time telling the left of the party they are swine,to the unions that they won't back them, that they won't help students and they don't especially care about rampant TERFism or refugees and promising YET MORE CRACKDOWNS in order to court the vote of gammons who will always vote for the Tories over them anyway.

So yeah. Demoralising your own base is...an interesting political approach.

But yeah, I agree the Lib Dem vote is likely disaffected Tories who want to punish them where it'll actually hurt.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fallenkezef on May 06, 2023, 09:42:32 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.

It doesn't look entirely great for Labour...strong suggestions of a coalition government based on the showing and numbers so far. Completely squandered that 50 point lead they had seven months back, as far as I can tell they spent that entire time telling the left of the party they are swine,to the unions that they won't back them, that they won't help students and they don't especially care about rampant TERFism or refugees and promising YET MORE CRACKDOWNS in order to court the vote of gammons who will always vote for the Tories over them anyway.

So yeah. Demoralising your own base is...an interesting political approach.

But yeah, I agree the Lib Dem vote is likely disaffected Tories who want to punish them where it'll actually hurt.

The thing is, England doesn't really matter too much.

When the general election kicks off it's all about Scotland. It's a foregone conclusion that Labour will win, which is good for the country as Starmer is more Blairite centrist. It's how much they win.

Back in the day, Labour relied heavily on the Scottish vote. The SNP turning Scotland into a one party state hurt them badly. However now there is a chance that the whole "vote for independence and ignore how shit we are at running a nation" bullshit has been exposed and the Scottish folks will go back to voting Labour in order to fuck the tories.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on May 06, 2023, 10:23:46 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.

It doesn't look entirely great for Labour...strong suggestions of a coalition government based on the showing and numbers so far. Completely squandered that 50 point lead they had seven months back, as far as I can tell they spent that entire time telling the left of the party they are swine,to the unions that they won't back them, that they won't help students and they don't especially care about rampant TERFism or refugees and promising YET MORE CRACKDOWNS in order to court the vote of gammons who will always vote for the Tories over them anyway.

So yeah. Demoralising your own base is...an interesting political approach.

But yeah, I agree the Lib Dem vote is likely disaffected Tories who want to punish them where it'll actually hurt.

From a trans perspective, with Duffield etc and the comments he's made on the latest EHRC guidance about changing the meaning of legal gender, it feels as though he's made the calculation that supporting trans people is a red line for more people than throwing trans people under the bus is.

The truth is that most people don't care too much about us either way. But the ones who hate us definitely consider support a dealbreaker, where the ones who support us ... generally care about other things more. "Sure I don't like his trans stuff but we can't let the Tories get in."

Just on a pure realpolitik level he's probably correct about that.

Everything else, with Mandelson back in the tent, really feels like a return to "Who else are they going to vote for?" Signal to business and people who consider themselves sensible moderates that they aren't at any risk of having the status quo challenged and the broader left will fall into line. I don't know if that's actually true any more though. I think there's a good chance people who feel betrayed by Starmer just vote Green instead, splitting the vote and giving the Tories a narrow path to maintain power.

The neoliberal and authoritarian policies being put forward really seem to be the true ideological core of Starmerism and the Labour Right.

Either way, it's looking bleak. Long term I don't see any political project which has an actual answer to the real structural challenges we're facing. The increasing levels of deprivation and suffering can only go on so long before there's some kind of backlash. If Starmer gets in as the 'legitimate alternative' and still fails to address anything (and... I don't think he's capable of addressing anything within the ideological limitations he has adopted) we're going to be heading down a very dangerous road.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on May 06, 2023, 10:28:43 AM
Quote from: Fallenkezef on May 06, 2023, 09:42:32 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.

It doesn't look entirely great for Labour...strong suggestions of a coalition government based on the showing and numbers so far. Completely squandered that 50 point lead they had seven months back, as far as I can tell they spent that entire time telling the left of the party they are swine,to the unions that they won't back them, that they won't help students and they don't especially care about rampant TERFism or refugees and promising YET MORE CRACKDOWNS in order to court the vote of gammons who will always vote for the Tories over them anyway.

So yeah. Demoralising your own base is...an interesting political approach.

But yeah, I agree the Lib Dem vote is likely disaffected Tories who want to punish them where it'll actually hurt.

The thing is, England doesn't really matter too much.

When the general election kicks off it's all about Scotland. It's a foregone conclusion that Labour will win, which is good for the country as Starmer is more Blairite centrist. It's how much they win.

Back in the day, Labour relied heavily on the Scottish vote. The SNP turning Scotland into a one party state hurt them badly. However now there is a chance that the whole "vote for independence and ignore how shit we are at running a nation" bullshit has been exposed and the Scottish folks will go back to voting Labour in order to fuck the tories.

Go fuck yourself.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Fallenkezef on May 06, 2023, 11:46:17 AM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 06, 2023, 10:28:43 AM
Quote from: Fallenkezef on May 06, 2023, 09:42:32 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.

It doesn't look entirely great for Labour...strong suggestions of a coalition government based on the showing and numbers so far. Completely squandered that 50 point lead they had seven months back, as far as I can tell they spent that entire time telling the left of the party they are swine,to the unions that they won't back them, that they won't help students and they don't especially care about rampant TERFism or refugees and promising YET MORE CRACKDOWNS in order to court the vote of gammons who will always vote for the Tories over them anyway.

So yeah. Demoralising your own base is...an interesting political approach.

But yeah, I agree the Lib Dem vote is likely disaffected Tories who want to punish them where it'll actually hurt.

The thing is, England doesn't really matter too much.

When the general election kicks off it's all about Scotland. It's a foregone conclusion that Labour will win, which is good for the country as Starmer is more Blairite centrist. It's how much they win.

Back in the day, Labour relied heavily on the Scottish vote. The SNP turning Scotland into a one party state hurt them badly. However now there is a chance that the whole "vote for independence and ignore how shit we are at running a nation" bullshit has been exposed and the Scottish folks will go back to voting Labour in order to fuck the tories.

Go fuck yourself.

That's nice dear
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 06, 2023, 07:53:39 PM
Quote from: Fallenkezef on May 06, 2023, 09:42:32 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.

It doesn't look entirely great for Labour...strong suggestions of a coalition government based on the showing and numbers so far. Completely squandered that 50 point lead they had seven months back, as far as I can tell they spent that entire time telling the left of the party they are swine,to the unions that they won't back them, that they won't help students and they don't especially care about rampant TERFism or refugees and promising YET MORE CRACKDOWNS in order to court the vote of gammons who will always vote for the Tories over them anyway.

So yeah. Demoralising your own base is...an interesting political approach.

But yeah, I agree the Lib Dem vote is likely disaffected Tories who want to punish them where it'll actually hurt.

The thing is, England doesn't really matter too much.

When the general election kicks off it's all about Scotland. It's a foregone conclusion that Labour will win, which is good for the country as Starmer is more Blairite centrist. It's how much they win.

Back in the day, Labour relied heavily on the Scottish vote. The SNP turning Scotland into a one party state hurt them badly. However now there is a chance that the whole "vote for independence and ignore how shit we are at running a nation" bullshit has been exposed and the Scottish folks will go back to voting Labour in order to fuck the tories.

:bacon:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 06, 2023, 08:05:52 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 06, 2023, 10:23:46 AM
Quote from: Cain on May 05, 2023, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 05, 2023, 07:45:15 PM
I don't really care about this but I feel like I ought to throw it out there.

Local council elections in the UK are in and the Tories have taken a pasting.

(https://i.imgur.com/2usYG7R.png)

One thing that I do think is interesting at a first glance here is that Labour is not nearly so clearly the victor as they are crowing about. Yes, they got the largest number of seats... but it's not that far ahead of the Lib Dems and the Greens more than doubled their holding.

My suspicion is that the Lib Dems are benefiting from the hard core of Tory voters who want to express their dissatisfaction but will never vote Labour, and the Greens are benefiting from the hard core of Left voters who will never vote Starmer.

It's always difficult to predict what will happen at the next GE from local council results but I think the Lib Dem gains give particular reason for pause here. Most people don't take local elections seriously because the stakes are perceived as lower (which is ironic as they often have a bigger impact on their lives in material terms than their MP). Lib Dems have a reputation for being good in local government (which... eh) and then rarely being able to translate that into strong parliamentary showings because people just don't take them seriously as a party of potential government (which is good; they don't deserve that).

When people are faced with the choice that 'matters' I think there's every chance they swing back to the Tories. Memories are short and Sunak still has time to craft his pitch. I still ultimately think that a Labour government (possibly a Labour led coalition) is the most likely outcome, but particularly if Starmer continues to fail to inspire and the pitch from both parties is "Things are shit, they're going to get more shit, and that's good actually" people may well decide to just stick with the devil they know.

It doesn't look entirely great for Labour...strong suggestions of a coalition government based on the showing and numbers so far. Completely squandered that 50 point lead they had seven months back, as far as I can tell they spent that entire time telling the left of the party they are swine,to the unions that they won't back them, that they won't help students and they don't especially care about rampant TERFism or refugees and promising YET MORE CRACKDOWNS in order to court the vote of gammons who will always vote for the Tories over them anyway.

So yeah. Demoralising your own base is...an interesting political approach.

But yeah, I agree the Lib Dem vote is likely disaffected Tories who want to punish them where it'll actually hurt.

From a trans perspective, with Duffield etc and the comments he's made on the latest EHRC guidance about changing the meaning of legal gender, it feels as though he's made the calculation that supporting trans people is a red line for more people than throwing trans people under the bus is.

The truth is that most people don't care too much about us either way. But the ones who hate us definitely consider support a dealbreaker, where the ones who support us ... generally care about other things more. "Sure I don't like his trans stuff but we can't let the Tories get in."

Just on a pure realpolitik level he's probably correct about that.

Everything else, with Mandelson back in the tent, really feels like a return to "Who else are they going to vote for?" Signal to business and people who consider themselves sensible moderates that they aren't at any risk of having the status quo challenged and the broader left will fall into line. I don't know if that's actually true any more though. I think there's a good chance people who feel betrayed by Starmer just vote Green instead, splitting the vote and giving the Tories a narrow path to maintain power.

The neoliberal and authoritarian policies being put forward really seem to be the true ideological core of Starmerism and the Labour Right.

Either way, it's looking bleak. Long term I don't see any political project which has an actual answer to the real structural challenges we're facing. The increasing levels of deprivation and suffering can only go on so long before there's some kind of backlash. If Starmer gets in as the 'legitimate alternative' and still fails to address anything (and... I don't think he's capable of addressing anything within the ideological limitations he has adopted) we're going to be heading down a very dangerous road.

Yeah, it doesn't look good from any angle, really.

The only vaguely interesting thing Labour has going for it are its green policies, and I fully believe given who is involved that Labour will immediately capitulate on those key planks in those policies the moment industry leans on them.

So we'll be up shit creek, sans paddle, and the vicious backlash to Starmer (who will inevitably be labelled "woke", or whatever the verbiage updates to, despite everything) will ensure the next gang of Tories are even worse. Given we've already outlawed peaceful protest, as today is so expertly demonstrating, the only areas they can start moving into do not inspire confidence.

I have no immediate plans, but I intend to move back to Australia in the next few years. I'd recommend others look towards Ireland, whose path to citizenship is fairly straightforward for British citizens, and British nationals can freely work and travel there right now without visas.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on May 08, 2023, 09:21:59 AM
In other Normal Island news I just saw a news segment titled "Police arrest volunteers giving out rape alarms in fear of coronation disruption."

:horrormirth:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Faust on May 08, 2023, 09:31:57 AM
It's even worse knowing Andrew was skulking around at this
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 08, 2023, 11:29:08 AM
Neighbors Solve Mysterious NJ Pasta Dump Case

When first reading about this, I immediately thought the Pastafarians, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster itself, might be responsible. But, the local mayor has come forward and claimed otherwise.

Here's the link:  https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/mystery-of-who-dumped-huge-mounds-of-pasta-next-to-a-stream-in-a-nj-town-is-solved/4305212/ (https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/mystery-of-who-dumped-huge-mounds-of-pasta-next-to-a-stream-in-a-nj-town-is-solved/4305212/)

It's unfortunate the MSM didn't bother to further investigate this strange occurrence.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Cain on May 08, 2023, 11:48:05 AM
Quote from: Scribbly on May 08, 2023, 09:21:59 AM
In other Normal Island news I just saw a news segment titled "Police arrest volunteers giving out rape alarms in fear of coronation disruption."

:horrormirth:

Volunteers who work for the local council, in partnership with the police.

And the police justified it on the basis of having "actionable intelligence", only to be called out by a journalist who was present at the arrests, and so they deleted their tweet.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on May 08, 2023, 11:32:47 PM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on May 08, 2023, 11:29:08 AM
When first reading about this, I immediately thought the Pastafarians, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster itself, might be responsible.

Wow, that's rough.  You must have felt so stupid when you discovered it was just some prepper's discarded stockpile.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 11, 2023, 10:27:05 AM
Possible meteorite crashes into New Jersey home, no injuries

Some unusual stuff is happening in New Jersey these days. After the "Pasta Dump Case," I can't help but wonder about the possibility of the Flying Spaghetti Monster being involved in this incident too. After all, it does fly, and it probably drops stuff once in a while.

Here's the link: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/meteorite-crashes-new-jersey-home-injuries-99205925 (https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/meteorite-crashes-new-jersey-home-injuries-99205925)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: chaotic neutral observer on May 11, 2023, 02:39:47 PM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on May 11, 2023, 10:27:05 AM
Possible meteorite crashes into New Jersey home, no injuries

Some unusual stuff is happening in New Jersey these days. After the "Pasta Dump Case," I can't help but wonder about the possibility of the Flying Spaghetti Monster being involved in this incident too. After all, it does fly, and it probably drops stuff once in a while.


If you had drawn the obvious meteorite / meatball analogy, that might have had more narrative cohesion.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 14, 2023, 11:45:00 AM
In Turkey, a modern city sits alongside a mythical site

This travel article caught my attention, as it was our very own Goddess Eris who rolled The Apple of Discord into Zeus's banquet hall, and pulled the first link in the chain of events that jerked started the Trojan War.

Some readers of this article may be surprised that C. Brian Rose said, "... and discuss diplomatic and military relations with the Mycenaean Greeks. There are even references to Atreus (Agamemnon's father), Paris...."

It is my understanding that this belief about Atreus and Paris originated with Emil Forrer, a translator of the Hittite cuneiform tablets found at Bogazköy. This belief is not universally accepted, nor is the belief that the Bronze Age Trojans were Mycenaean Greeks. Interestingly, both of these beliefs have been refuted by James D. Muhly, a respected scholar, who has been published in the Penn Museum's very own Expedition magazine.

In any case, Çanakkale does sound like a great place to stay for anyone wanting to visit Troy. But, surprisingly for a travel article, no serious mention is made about how best to get there. However, the town does have its own airport, and connections can been made from major airports in Turkey and Greece. And, car ferries from major ports in Turkey and Greece can take you there.   

Here's the link:    https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/canakkale-troy-turkey/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/canakkale-troy-turkey/index.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 15, 2023, 09:21:01 AM
Meteorite hit Mercer County home, The College of New Jersey confirms | See new photos

As per the article, "We are excited to be able to confirm that the object is a true chondrite meteorite," said the chair of TCNJ's physics department.

Further, "*Additional measurements could establish mineral composition more precisely, and confirm or perhaps change the preliminary LL chondrite classification

*Advanced isotopic analysis could be done elsewhere to establish more precise ages of the mineral components and perhaps provide more information on the trajectory and timeline of travel from the asteroid belt toward Earth"

This article makes no mention of spaghetti DNA having been found on this rare specimen. But, as  noted above, additional measurements and analysis may yet be performed.

Here's the link:   https://abc7chicago.com/new-jersey-meteorite-nj-meteor-hits-house/13238311/ (https://abc7chicago.com/new-jersey-meteorite-nj-meteor-hits-house/13238311/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jorge Dorn on May 18, 2023, 04:24:08 AM
I would love to visit Göbekli Tepe.  The mere existence of the place throws the current view of ancient anthropology into, Discord.   :evil:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 18, 2023, 10:46:00 PM
"Wienermobile Name Change Not Cutting The Mustard With Twitter Users"

I wonder what our Goddess Eris has to say, and do, about this. As, according to the The Myth of the Apple of Discord, chronicled for posterity in the Principia Discordia, she ate neither a wiener, nor a frank. Instead, she did "...joyously partake of a hot dog."

Anyway, as per the article:

"People have a beef with Oscar Meyer for ditching the name of the iconic hot-dog-shaped vehicle after 87 years."

Further, "Locals in Madison, Wisconsin ― where Oscar Meyer is headquartered ― were willing to keep an open mind about the Frankmobile.

Many people on Twitter, however, found the news hard to swallow and dished out a grilling for the meat maker."

And, many of the Twitter postings are hilarious.

Here's the link:    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wienermobile-now-frankmobile_n_646666f5e4b035573934b6bd (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wienermobile-now-frankmobile_n_646666f5e4b035573934b6bd)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Jorge Dorn on May 19, 2023, 12:23:50 AM
Cool shit brewing in Outer Space:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiG5g7XvczU
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on May 19, 2023, 04:44:09 PM
Josh Hawley has written a book on manhood.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/leading-national-pipsqueak-josh-hawley-s-manhood-book-gets-vicious-reviews/ar-AA1boFtN?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=77ed9928ed354ad5b57787ceeada25e8&ei=14

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 19, 2023, 07:50:15 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on May 19, 2023, 04:44:09 PM
Josh Hawley has written a book on manhood.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/leading-national-pipsqueak-josh-hawley-s-manhood-book-gets-vicious-reviews/ar-AA1boFtN?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=77ed9928ed354ad5b57787ceeada25e8&ei=14

:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:

Horribly mistitled. He should have gone with this:

(https://www.engmeme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/josh-hawley-meme-engmeme.jpg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 20, 2023, 09:34:44 AM
Quote from: Jorge Dorn on May 19, 2023, 12:23:50 AM
Cool shit brewing in Outer Space:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiG5g7XvczU

According to your Forum Profile, you joined nearly two years ago, but have posted sparingly. So, you may want to consider formally introducing yourself to the forum in the "Introductions" topic. However,  don't expected a warm, friendly reception, and you won't be disappointed. But, you never know, it could happen!

Anyway, I was a bit put off by the start of your video, as it appeared it was going to tout a conspiracy theory. But, after the opening, it turned out to be quite informative.

For instance, years ago a friend told me about the proposed Tungsten Rod Space Weapon. But, I have never heard it called "The Rods from God."
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Doktor Howl on May 23, 2023, 03:03:27 AM
Quote from: Brother Mythos on May 20, 2023, 09:34:44 AM


According to your Forum Profile, you joined nearly two years ago, but have posted sparingly. So, you may want to consider formally introducing yourself to the forum in the "Introductions" topic. However,  don't expected a warm, friendly reception, and you won't be disappointed. But, you never know, it could happen!


:llama:
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on May 23, 2023, 03:48:44 PM
"Miami-Dade K-8 bars elementary students from 4 library titles following parent complaint"

One misguided person can do a lot of damage.

As per the article:

"In March, Daily Salinas, a parent of two students at at Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes, challenged ... the poem The Hills We Climb, which was recited by poet Amanda Gorman at the inauguration of President Joe Biden, and Love to Langston for what she said included references of critical race theory, "indirect hate messages," gender ideology and indoctrination, according to records obtained by the Florida Freedom to Read Project and shared with the Miami Herald."

Here's the link:   https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article275671496.html (https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article275671496.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on June 06, 2023, 12:53:17 PM
"A Utah school district has removed the Bible from some schools' shelves"

As per the article:

"Frustrated with book challenges and bans in their school district, a parent in Utah decided to submit a complaint of their own — about the Bible.

The Davis School District took the parent's objection seriously, placing the Bible under review. This week, the district officially decided to remove the religious text from elementary and middle school libraries for containing "vulgarity or violence." The ban will take effect immediately, with Bibles being removed from classrooms even as they close down for the summer."

No doubt the school district will react in the same way if a parent objects to a copy of the Principia Discordia in one of the district's libraries.

Here's the link:   https://www.npr.org/2023/06/02/1179906120/utah-bible-book-challenge (https://www.npr.org/2023/06/02/1179906120/utah-bible-book-challenge)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on June 19, 2023, 01:00:04 PM
"Judge orders former Oath Keepers, Latinos for Trump attorney restored to competency before trial" Updated 16-Jun-23

As per the updated article:

"Last week, both SoRelle's attorney Horatio Aldredge and a Justice Department attorney informed U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta that separate evaluators hired by both parties had come to the conclusion SoRelle was not competent to stand trial. A report documenting the government's evaluator's findings was submitted to the court under seal this week. The specific nature of the findings was not disclosed.

On Friday, Mehta said he would accept the results from the evaluators and order SoRelle restored to competency. Both Aldredge and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy agreed their reading of the federal statute governing competency to stand trial — 18 U.S. Code § 4241 — required SoRelle's treatment to occur in an in-patient setting."

Here's the link to the updated article:      https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/judge-orders-former-oath-keepers-latinos-for-trump-attorney-kellye-sorelle-restored-to-competency-before-trial-stewart-rhodes/65-91b429e4-e810-4457-8aca-523833c043ae (https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/judge-orders-former-oath-keepers-latinos-for-trump-attorney-kellye-sorelle-restored-to-competency-before-trial-stewart-rhodes/65-91b429e4-e810-4457-8aca-523833c043ae)

The upcoming trial of Attorney Kellye SoRelle is taking some strange twists and turns. This is the first time I've ever heard of an IRL attorney being evaluated as "not competent to stand trial." When her trial is finally over, I suspect at least one documentary/TV miniseries/movie will be made about Attorney SoRelle's involvement with the Oath Keepers.

Also, for reference, here's the link to the original article, prior to the above listed update:   https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/oath-keepers-attorney-deemed-not-competent-to-stand-trial-lawyers-say-kellye-sorelle-stewart-rhodes-militia-january-6-capitol-riot/65-70bcd4a6-a1ff-471e-bd96-97fec4ede855 (https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/oath-keepers-attorney-deemed-not-competent-to-stand-trial-lawyers-say-kellye-sorelle-stewart-rhodes-militia-january-6-capitol-riot/65-70bcd4a6-a1ff-471e-bd96-97fec4ede855)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on June 25, 2023, 08:26:14 AM
"Stew Peters Conspiracy: Titanic Was Sunk By Federal Reserve"

As per the article:

"Christian nationalist Stew Peters proposed a new conspiracy theory about the sinking of the Titanic, claiming that OceanGate's submersible, Titan, was sunk to protect that forbidden knowledge.

Peters posited that the Titanic was not sunk by an iceberg, but by the Rothschilds-connected Federal Reserve."

However, this article makes no mention of any involvement by The Ancient Illuminated Seers of Bavaria.

Here's the link:   https://crooksandliars.com/2023/06/stew-peters-titanic-not-sunk-iceberg (https://crooksandliars.com/2023/06/stew-peters-titanic-not-sunk-iceberg)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on June 25, 2023, 02:18:57 PM
Missed this at the time, but I did a bit of poking around because they are now saying that there's a chance Truss could be brought in to replace Sunak.

https://www.independent.co.uk/business/bank-may-need-to-spark-recession-to-control-inflation-economist-says-b2361485.html

Quote"Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Ward, who sits on the Chancellor's economy advisory council, said the Bank of England has to interrupt this spiral.

"They have to create uncertainty and frailty, because it's only when companies feel nervous about the future that they will think 'Well, maybe I won't put through that price rise', or workers, when they're a little bit less confident about their job, think 'Oh, I won't push my boss for that higher pay'.

If you need a recession, putting Truss back in charge is probably one way to get one.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on July 03, 2023, 10:28:06 AM
"The End of the World, Brought to You By Cthulhu Consumer Products"

I can totally relate to this situation on a current remodeling project.

As per the article:

"All I needed was a replacement detergent drawer for our washing machine.  And somehow I ended up at the Mountains of Madness with H.P. Lovecraft as my customer service rep."

Further along in the article:

"That night a piece of email came in from Manila. Why Manila, I have no idea.  According to the email, no warranty repair would be made. We would reach an "alternate solution" — involving replacement. Call this number with your work order ID.
 
So I called the number; maybe they'd found a tray.  But no.

The "alternate solution" was to give me a completely new washing machine — same model."

Now, in my case, Mrs. Mythos is in the process of ordering items for remodeling a bathroom. To date, she's ordered a toilet, a corner shower, a vanity, and a vanity top/sink. That's a total of four (4) items, all from the same big-box retail store.

So, the first toilet arrived badly broken. That's delivery No. 1, by trucking company A. (Company A's has two warehouses about 65 miles away.)

This first toilet was returned. That's return pickup No. 1 by trucking company B. (Company B has one warehouse about 10 miles away.)

The second toilet also arrived badly broken. That's delivery No. 2, by trucking company A.

The second toilet was returned. That's return pickup No. 2, by trucking company B.
At this point, after hours on the phone with customer service, Mrs. Mythos canceled the purchase of the toilet. As the packaging for shipment by the manufacturer is unbelievably inadequate, we doubt that 50% of these units arrive anywhere undamaged. We will, instead, purchase a similar item elsewhere.

The vanity arrived in good condition. The vanity top/sink had also been received by trucking company B, placed on the bill of lading, but had not been loaded onto the truck. The delivery crew verified this by phoning back to their dispatcher. That's delivery No. 3, by trucking company B.

The vanity top/sink arrived a couple of days later, thankfully in good condition. That's delivery No. 4, by trucking company B.

The shower assembly is shipped in three boxes. Box #1 contains the curved glass doors, Box #2 contains the base, and Box #3 contains the walls. We received only Box #2, and Box #3. The delivery crew called back to their dispatcher, and was told Box #1 had been sent to their other warehouse. That's delivery No. 5, by trucking company A.

After over a week, many phone calls, and many hours on the phone with customer service, we gave up on simply receiving missing Box #1. We were given a hefty price reduction, along with free shipping, and agreed to send back Box #2, and Box #3, in exchange for a new complete shipment. And so, a few days later, we received Box #1, and a new Box #2. But, this time Box #3 was missing. The delivery crew called back to their dispatcher, and was told that this time Box #3 had been sent to their other warehouse. The boss of the three man crew suggested we just keep the Box #3 we already had, and not waste any more of our time. We had already been thinking the same thing, and readily agreed. That's delivery No. 6, by trucking company A.

Within a couple of hours, the guys from trucking company B arrived to pickup the originally delivered shower components. I had already placed only old Box #2 on the front porch. And, when I read the return order I was requested to sign, it was only for old Box #2. That is, old Box #3 was not listed. Now, a strange exchange like this had never been agreed upon with the big-box retail store's customer service department. But, we've finally received three (3) of the items we purchased, the trucking companies are satisfied, and we have no idea how the big-box retailer manages to stay in business. And so, that's the story of return pickup No. 4, by trucking company B. (We're now on a first name basis with the guys from this local company.)

In summary, what could have simply been four (4) items purchased and received in good condition in three (3) shipments, turned into only three (3) items actually purchased, two (2) items returned beyond repair, six (6) delivery shipments, four (4) return shipments, and a hefty loss in revenue for the big-box retail store.

Anyway, here's the link to the article:   https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/6/30/2178694/-The-End-of-the-World-Brought-to-You-By-Cthulhu-Consumer-Products (https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/6/30/2178694/-The-End-of-the-World-Brought-to-You-By-Cthulhu-Consumer-Products)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on July 09, 2023, 08:26:14 AM
"The Cannabis Industry Wants To Turn July 10 Into A 'Hashish Holiday'"

As per the article:

"Marijuana fans will be celebrating "710" on Monday, with dispensaries encouraging people to get high via cannabis wax, vaping, resins and dabs.

Now that recreational pot has been legalized in 23 states, the cannabis industry is borrowing a marketing trick from the booze industry: "hangover holidays."
Or, in this case, "hashish holidays."

Most people are aware that marijuana buffs celebrate each April 20, or "420." And the day before Thanksgiving ― aka "Weed Wednesday" ― is reportedly a big sales opportunity for dispensaries.

But Monday, July 10, marks another, lesser-known "holidank" for cannabis consumers: "710," when enthusiasts are encouraged to get high via cannabis wax, vaping, resins or dabs.

The name of the holiday might seem obscure, but Lauren Fontein —a co-founder of The Artist Tree, a California-based chain of cannabis retail stores with an arts focus — spelled it out clearly.

"In cannabis culture, the number 710 is an inside joke for 'OIL' by inverting the letters and turning them upside down," she told HuffPost by email.

As might be expected, the origins of the day and the term are as foggy as the brain of a cannabis user after puffing on five vape pens at once."

Far out, man! Party on!

Here's the link:   https://www.huffpost.com/entry/710-cannabis-july-10-hashish-holiday_n_64a8584ae4b03d308d94d4d1 (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/710-cannabis-july-10-hashish-holiday_n_64a8584ae4b03d308d94d4d1)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Scribbly on July 14, 2023, 06:22:13 AM
I am so tired and so angry.

https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/07/13/sarah-jane-baker-met-police-london-trans-pride/
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on July 18, 2023, 10:13:39 AM
"Switzerland to become a net importer of cheese this year for the first time"

As per the article:

"Switzerland will import more cheese than it exports this year for the first time, according to the head of the country's dairy association.

The opening up of the Swiss milk market has put a squeeze on domestic producers in recent years, prompting some to give up, Boris Beuret told Geneva-based newspaper Le Temps in an interview published Saturday.

Beuret said measures need to be taken to ensure Switzerland — famous worldwide for high-quality cheese varieties such as Gruyère and Emmentaler — can continue to produce for its own population."

Now, the Swiss are legendary for their organizational skills. It shouldn't really take an American to tell them they simply need to issue more temporary foreign worker visas to foreign cows to solve their problem. After all, both German and French are official languages of Switzerland. So, how hard could it be to hire German and French cows to do the work that Swiss cows are no longer willing to do?

Here's the link:   https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-cheese-imports-exports-trade-39462fdb0269c5953d42f4f0d1ff8f72 (https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-cheese-imports-exports-trade-39462fdb0269c5953d42f4f0d1ff8f72)

(Corrected typo.)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Faust on July 18, 2023, 08:16:37 PM
Your typo was a far more interesting story, disappointed now
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on July 18, 2023, 09:39:18 PM
Quote from: Faust on July 18, 2023, 08:16:37 PM
Your typo was a far more interesting story, disappointed now

I apologize for waking you.
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on July 24, 2023, 09:44:57 AM
"Texas Pageant Star Is Now an 'Emotional Support Stripper' in Ukraine"

As per the article:

"KHARKIV, Ukraine—The war in Ukraine has attracted a wide range of Western volunteers to the country, from frontline soldiers to aid workers delivering critically needed supplies.

But an Instagram influencer from Houston, Texas, who moved to Ukraine as the war raged, is the only one describing herself as an "emotional support stripper."

Further in the article:

"Koung has used her social media presence to create an OnlyFans account that is free for Ukrainian soldiers, volunteers, and the occasional local civilian who she thinks could use some cheering up."

Now, that job title is a new one for me. I wonder if the airlines have any restrictions concerning this type of emotional support companion. I would hope they're more acceptable on a plane than snakes, lizards, and tarantulas. 

WARNING - This article may be NSFW, and may fall under PD.com's PG-13 content rating code. So, click at you're own risk. YOU HAVE BEEN DULY WARNED. Here's the link:   https://www.thedailybeast.com/texas-pageant-princess-fan-pei-koung-is-emotional-support-stripper-in-ukraine-war?ref=home (https://www.thedailybeast.com/texas-pageant-princess-fan-pei-koung-is-emotional-support-stripper-in-ukraine-war?ref=home) - WARNING
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on July 31, 2023, 12:04:00 PM
'SCHOOL' misspelled as 'SHCOOL' on Massachusetts road

As per the article:

""Officials in a Massachusetts town said "SCHOOL" was supposed to have been painted on the road outside a middle school, but the word was accidentally misspelled as "SHCOOL."

The Town of Holden said the word, a warning about the reduced speed limit outside Mountview Middle School, was painted about two weeks ago and contractors have been unable to correct it due to the recent weather conditions."

Now, if this had happened in Floriduh, I wouldn't have been at all surprised. But, somehow, I expected more from Massachusetts. For one thing, after having to learn how to spell the name of your own state, learning how to spell the word 'school' really shouldn't have been all that difficult. I hope none of the people who did this have side hustles as tattoo artists. 

Here's the link:   https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/07/28/Mountview-Middle-School-road-misspelled-shcool/2641690564527/ (https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/07/28/Mountview-Middle-School-road-misspelled-shcool/2641690564527/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on August 04, 2023, 06:19:04 AM
"Central Florida is a hot spot for leprosy, report says"

As per the article:

"According a research letter published by Nathoo and his colleagues in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, Central Florida has reported among the highest rates of leprosy in the United States.

In 2020, 159 cases were reported nationwide, compared with 200,000 new cases each year around the world, according to the World Health Organization. The new letter says Central Florida accounted for 81% of cases in Florida and nearly 1 out of 5 leprosy cases nationwide.

Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which attacks nerves under the skin. Scientists aren't completely sure of how it spreads, but most believe that it's transmitted via droplets when an infected person coughs and sneezes. Its telltale symptoms include lesions and rashes that are numb or lack sensation because of the involvement of nerves.

Nine-banded armadillos in the Southeastern United States can also carry the bacteria, and gene studies have linked human infections to the leprosy strains carried by armadillos, although it's not always clear how humans encounter armadillo-carried bacteria. Many patients can't recall ever having contact with the animals."

So, there's yet one more reason to avoid Floriduh. Oh, and I'm steering clear of armadillos too.

Here's the link to the article:      https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/01/health/leprosy-central-florida/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/01/health/leprosy-central-florida/index.html)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on August 09, 2023, 04:41:03 PM
"Illinois fights gun lobby to ban marketing guns to little kids"

This article is an introduction to a video segment from Rachel Maddow's show on Monday night.

As per the article:

"Rachel Maddow takes a look at the "JR-15," a small, lightweight gun designed for use by small children, and company's effort to appeal to little kids with their marketing. Illinois is hoping to ban such marketing over the objections of gun lobbyists, Rachel Maddow reports."

Immediately after watching Rachel Maddow's show on Monday night, I went on the internet to find the website of Wee1 Tactical, the manufacturer of the JR-15. But, their website was down.

My search did, however, find the article on the Snopes website that completely confirmed Rachel Maddow's report.

Then, Tuesday evening, I attempted to again view the Wee1 Tactical website. This time around the website was up, and what I found is quite interesting. It now appears that Wee1 Tactical has revised their marketing strategy, as the "skull and crossbones-style logos, with what appeared to be a little boy skull wearing a mohawk and with an eyepatch and green pacifier, and a little girl skull with pigtails, eyepatch, and pink pacifier" are completely gone. 

It's amazing what Rachel Maddow's national exposure of this excrement accomplished.

Here's the link to the Maddow article and video clip:      https://news.yahoo.com/illinois-fights-gun-lobby-ban-053107651.html (https://news.yahoo.com/illinois-fights-gun-lobby-ban-053107651.html)

Here's the link to the Snopes article:       https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/jr-15-real-rifle-designed-children/ (https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/jr-15-real-rifle-designed-children/)

And, here's the link to the sanitized Wee1 Tactical website:      https://wee1tactical.com/ (https://wee1tactical.com/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on October 02, 2023, 09:43:48 AM
"Man gets DUI for allegedly riding horse while drunk with open container of alcohol"

As per the article:

"The rules of the road apply to those operating animals on the highway."

As per further in the article:

"In what officials called a "display of true compassion," Officer Brackett subsequently ensured the safe return of the horse to its origin after the arrest of the horseback rider."

So, in this case, the horse he rode in on was not insulted, not arrested, did not have to post bail, and did not have to obtain a court-appointed defense attorney.

Here's the link:   https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-gets-dui-allegedly-riding-horse-drunk-open/story?id=103178670 (https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-gets-dui-allegedly-riding-horse-drunk-open/story?id=103178670)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on October 06, 2023, 05:03:45 PM
"A Ukrainian Officer's Captured Russian Tank Wasn't Working. So He Called Tech Support—In Russia."

As per the article:

"The T-72B3, a product of Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil, is one of Russia's newer tanks. And unlike, say, the T-64BV, the T-80U or the T-72AMT, Ukrainian industry doesn't have much experience with the type.

So when a Ukrainian tanker with the callsign "Kochevnik" ran into problems with his captured Russian T-72B3—problems local expertise couldn't immediately solve—he called Uralvagonzavod tech support. And incredibly, the help line actually helped.

Militarnyi captured Kochevnik's calls on video."

I doubt the Russian tank's warranty is transferable to its new owner, but I'm certain Ukrainian tanker "Kochevnik" has chutzpah.

Here's the link:   https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/01/a-ukrainian-officers-captured-russian-tank-wasnt-working-so-he-called-tech-support-in-russia/?sh=83f465113a89 (https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/01/a-ukrainian-officers-captured-russian-tank-wasnt-working-so-he-called-tech-support-in-russia/?sh=83f465113a89)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on October 26, 2023, 07:21:48 AM
"Beer belly wrestling, 'evading arrest' obstacle on tap for Florida Man Games"

The competitions are themed according to the phenomenon known as "Florida Man."

As per the article:

"It ain't the Olympics, but a group of Floridians plan to host competitions themed according to the collective antics of the beer-loving, gator-possessing, rap-sheet heavy, mullet-wearing social media phenomenon known as "Florida Man.""

As per further in the article:

"Among the contests planned for next February in St. Augustine, Florida, according to organizers, are the Evading Arrest Obstacle Course in which contestants jump over fences and through yards while being chased by real police officers; the Category 5 Cash Grab in which participants try to grab as much money in a wind-blowing booth; and the self-explanatory beer-belly wrestling."

So, let the games begin!

Here's the link:   https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireStory/beer-belly-wrestling-evading-arrest-obstacle-tap-inaugural-104284308 (https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireStory/beer-belly-wrestling-evading-arrest-obstacle-tap-inaugural-104284308)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on November 08, 2023, 08:01:30 AM
"Don't put that rhinestone emblem on your car's steering wheel, US regulators say"

As per the article:

"U.S. regulators are warning drivers to steer clear of aftermarket decals used to embellish a car's logo on the center of its steering wheel.

Such metal or plastic emblems — which are typically adorned with rhinestones or other decorations and attached to the steering wheel with an adhesive back — can cause serious injury if ejected when the airbag deploys in a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday.

At least one driver lost sight in one eye after an aftermarket decal covered in rhinestones became dislodged from the wheel during a crash and hit them in the face, NHTSA added."

First they came for my fuzzy dice, and now this! Well, at lease I still have my trusty suicide knob.

Here's the link:   https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/put-rhinestone-emblem-cars-steering-wheel-us-regulators-104664272 (https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/put-rhinestone-emblem-cars-steering-wheel-us-regulators-104664272)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on November 22, 2023, 10:22:13 AM
"Pleasantly disgusting:" Who's buying all those Thanksgiving-flavored sodas and snacks?

"From Jones Soda's Turkey and Gravy flavor to TJ's Stuffing Seasoned Popcorn, Thanksgiving has hit the snack aisle"

As per the article:

"Every year, in anticipation of Thanksgiving, Jones Soda rolls out its collection of seasonal-themed beverages. The brand's soda flavors aren't anything like your classic Sierra Mist or Orange Crush. In fact, they're quite the opposite. Think savory, dinner-themed sodas — mashed potatoes, green beans and stuffing are just a few menu items that are served up as fizzy drinks.

Jones Soda's most popular Thanksgiving-flavored offering is the Turkey and Gravy soda, which is exactly what its name suggests. Of course, It's only natural to wonder why someone would be compelled to spend more than $45 on a soda that sounds far from appetizing. But surprisingly, many people do."

And, further along in the article:

"Jones Soda is just one of many brands that have jumped on an ongoing trend of snacks centered around classic Thanksgiving flavors. Unlike most holiday-themed foods, Thanksgiving snacks push the limits of wacky food pairings. There's American Roasted Turkey Flavor Cheetos, which are interestingly a unique flavor only found in China, but available for purchase via online retailers in the states. There's Pillsbury's turkey-shaped sugar cookies and Goldfish's Dunkin' Pumpkin Spice Grahams — two snacks that are more conventional than far-fetched. And there's Jones Soda's Sugar Cookie-flavored drink, which comes in a pack with the Turkey and Gravy soda... because nothing screams Thanksgiving like dinner followed by dessert."

I'll politely pass on most of the sodas and snacks mentioned in the article. But, I have to admit, I'd be willing to give those American Roasted Turkey Flavor Cheetos a try. 'Merica! No, wait ... China!

Here's the link:   Thanksgiving Flavored Sodas and Snacks (https://www.salon.com/2023/11/10/pleasantly-disgusting-whos-buying-all-those-thanksgiving-flavored-sodas-and-snacks/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on November 23, 2023, 11:07:06 AM
"U.S. plumber bracing for 'Brown Friday' after Thanksgiving"

As per the article:

"A plumbing company is warning U.S. residents about "Brown Friday," the day after Thanksgiving, which is the busiest of the year for plumbers.

Roto-Rooter said Brown Friday marks the busiest day of the year, averaging 50% more calls than the average Friday. Thanksgiving weekend overall averages 21% more calls for service than the average Thursday-Sunday period."

So, now we have "Black and Brown Friday". Swell.

Here's the link:   'Brown Friday' after Thanksgiving (https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/11/17/Roto-Rooter-Brown-Friday/7911700237174/)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on November 26, 2023, 02:38:37 PM
'Who Killed JFK?' Rob Reiner says he solved assassination"

I can't help but wonder, what are the odds Rob Reiner will reveal that it was really Harold Canvera from Chicago?

Here's the link:   Rob Reiner Says He Knows Who Killed JFK (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4xcOyEUuNA)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on December 05, 2023, 12:17:49 PM
"Santa Barbara County Man Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison for Obstructing Federal Probe into Plane Crash He Posted on YouTube"

As per the article:

"LOS ANGELES – A YouTuber pilot was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for obstructing a federal investigation by deliberately destroying the wreckage of an airplane that he intentionally crashed in Santa Barbara County to gain online views."

And, further along in the article:

"On November 24, 2021, Jacob took off in his airplane from Lompoc City Airport on a solo flight purportedly destined for Mammoth Lakes. Jacob did not intend to reach his destination, but instead planned to eject from his aircraft during the flight and video himself parachuting to the ground and his airplane as it descended and crashed.

Prior to taking off, Jacob mounted several video cameras on different parts of the airplane and equipped himself with a parachute, video camera and selfie stick. Approximately 35 minutes after taking off, while flying above the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Maria, Jacob ejected from the airplane and videoed himself parachuting to the ground.

Using the video camera mounted on the selfie stick and the video cameras he mounted on the airplane, Jacob was able to record the airplane as it descended and crashed into a dry brush area in Los Padres National Forest. After parachuting to the ground, Jacob hiked to the location of the wreck and recovered the data containing the video recording of his flight and the crash of the airplane."

And, still further along in the article:

"In the weeks following the plane crash, Jacob lied to investigators that he did not know the wreckage's location. In fact, on December 10, 2021, Jacob and a friend flew by helicopter to the wreckage site. There, Jacob used straps to secure the wreckage, which the helicopter lifted and carried to Rancho Sisquoc in Santa Barbara County, where it was loaded onto a trailer attached to Jacob's pickup truck."

It's incredible the lengths some people will go just to get views on YouTube.

Here's a link to the staged plane crash video:   Deliberate Plane Crash (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2htaX92rRI)

And, here's the article's link:      YouTuber's Plane Crash (https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/santa-barbara-county-man-sentenced-6-months-prison-obstructing-federal-probe-plane)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on December 06, 2023, 01:05:19 PM
"NASA and Boeing chase jet contrails with science of climate impact in doubt"

As per the article:

"Scientific debate is getting heated over what to do about airplane contrails — the wispy lines of water vapor you often see trailing behind a jet.

Those harmless-looking vapor trails sometimes spread out to form thin cirrus clouds. Environmental activists and nonprofits focused on climate change routinely assert contrails contribute more to global warming than the carbon dioxide emitted from jet engines.

The aviation industry, under pressure to do something, has stepped up research into contrails."

Not to worry though, I'm sure we The Illuminati are already all over this, and will make sure this little research project stays in its own lane. We The Illuminati, of course, would never dream of allowing mission creep to set in by allowing the boys at NASA and Boeing to investigate those barely noticable, completely harmless chemtrails.

Here's the link:   Chasing Jet Contrails, Not Chemtrails (https://nordot.app/1104138611330335690?c=592622757532812385)
Title: Re: Random News Stories
Post by: Brother Mythos on December 24, 2023, 03:04:11 PM
"Saint Nicholas' Tomb Unearthed in Turkey"

As per the article:

"The tomb of Saint Nicholas, also known as "Santa Claus," and the floor on which he walked, inside the St. Nicholas Church in the town of Myra in today's southern Turkey have recently been unearthed by archeologists.

Living between 270 and 343, Saint Nicholas, was an early Christian bishop during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as "Nicholas the Wonderworker."

The Church of St. Nicholas, located in Myra, which was renamed by Turkey as Demre in 2005, was built in 520 on the foundations of an older Christian church where Saint Nicholas served as a bishop and was buried."

Some may find this to be an interesting story at this time of year.

Here's the link:   Tomb of Saint Nicholas Unearthed (https://greekreporter.com/2023/10/05/saint-nicholas-tomb-turkey/)