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[Trump tells Norway PM not bound to 'think purely of peace' after Nobel snub]

I was tempted to post this under a new topic with the title "How Not to Actually Win a Nobel Peace Prize." But, I've already started way more than enough currently active topics on the Aneristic Illusions Board, so I'll just put this right here:

Trump tells Norway PM not bound to 'think purely of peace' after Nobel snub
 
"Barbed message to Oslo follows Trump's bitterness over missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize he coveted."

As per this article:

"United States President Donald Trump's simmering resentment in the wake of failing to win the Nobel Peace Prize has surfaced again when he told Norway's prime minister that he no longer feels obliged to "think purely of peace".

In the message that was confirmed on Monday as being delivered to Norwegian leader Jonas Gahr Store, Trump wrote that "considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace"."

It's no wonder that "Is he dead yet?" is an internationally popular meme.

Is Plato Woke? Texas A&M professor speaks out after being banned from teaching the Greek philosopher
Plato's Symposium has been banned from the curriculum because it addresses gender and sexuality. His theory of the Androgyne and the origin of human attraction (which includes an explanation for homosexuality) is evidently too woke.

It's repugnant that a 'Merican university is so radical right-wing that it believes it's necessary to ban the study of a work of one of The Big Three Greek Philosophers.

Now I know for sure why even the Arkies I've met, who inhabited their very own cultural wasteland in the Mississippi Delta, felt culturally superior enough to make fun of the Aggies.

I usually hear "crossing the rubicon" as doing a big thing, that can't be taken back.  I've never heard it as specifically heroic, although sometimes it is, in context.  I also don't hear it in specific context as ending a republic, or anything else about the results of the action, that's specific.  it's always just a big, irrevocable, act that commits someone to a conflict in a way they can't take back.

Invading Greenland would be Trump crossing the rubicon, destroying NATO and whatnot. 

I agree with your assessment of how the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" is used by us, and what it is perceived to mean to us.

And, while I make no claim to be an expert in Roman history, it is an interest of mine. And, it is my understanding that the ruling class of the Late Roman Republic would have judged a general officer who had "crossed the Rubicon" at the head of his army, as Caesar famously did, to have committed an act of treason. So, without me being too long-winded about it, I believe the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" had an altogether more sinister meaning to an ancient Roman than it does to us.

For what it's worth, I only started taking an interest in Roman history, during my hitch in the Navy, after I first saw for myself some of what the Romans had built in Greece, and then a small fraction of what they had built in Italy. Before that, I thought anything "Roman" was only important to Roman Catholics and Italian Americans.

[AND]

That all sounds like you are assuming Bill wasn't availing of the services on pedo island

I'm assuming that if the Turd Reich possessed any evidence that Slick Willie was a pedophile, they would have already gleefully released it to the public. But, the Turd Reich did not do that. Instead, they issued subpoenas to both Bill AND Hilary Clinton to testify before their congressional committee behind closed doors.

So yes, I am "assuming Bill wasn't availing of the services on pedo island". And, given the Turd Reich's many desperate attempts to divert attention away from Trump's many well-documented visits to "pedo island," I do not believe I am making an unreasonable assumption.

[Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse to testify on Jeffrey Epstein]

Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse to testify on Jeffrey Epstein

"House Oversight Chair James Comer said the committee would launch contempt of Congress proceedings against the former president, who skipped his deposition on Tuesday."

This is an absolutely brilliant political move by the Clintons!

There's a lot of MAGAtry out there right now in positions of power who don't know whether to shit of go blind over this move! So, check your popcorn supply! This is going to be good!

Could you explain why you see this as such a good move?

Here are my thoughts:

First of all, this move by the Clintons keeps the Trump-Epstein Files on the MSM and Partisan MAGAt Media's (PMM) front page. And, I think that's important, because the Turd Reich's is currently, intentionally 'flooding the zone' with all kinds of nonsense to distract the public's attention away from the Trump-Epstein Files, since even some of the MAGAtry are appalled by pedophilia. I also believe that what the Turd Reich intentionally started as a distraction now counts as an example of "the Streisand effect."

Second, this move allows the Clintons to control the narrative, not the Turd Reich. MAGAt leadership will no longer be able to hide their attacks behind closed doors, feed the media their version of the Clinton's testimony, and put the Clintons in the position of having to find media outlets willing to allow them to defend themselves in the court of public opinion. Now, the partisan political attacks, and the Clinton's defense against those attacks are all out there in the open for the whole world to see. So, the Clintons are now holding a megaphone.

Third, does the Turd Reich really want to ignite the firestorm that will result from the unprecedented arrest and incarceration of a popular, former, two-term U.S. President, and his former First Lady, who is also a former U.S. Senator, and a former U.S. Secretary of State in her own right? And sure, a lot of the MAGAtry will work themselves into a frenzy chanting "Lock them up! Lock them up!," similar to what they did years ago over Hilary Clinton's emails, if and when the POSOTUS starts the chant, and leads the chorus. But, seriously?! There's no way I see that as being a smart, beneficial move for the Turd Reich. The POSOTUS is no longer popular enough, or powerful enough, to extinguish such a firestorm.

Fourth, I don't believe the majority of 'Merican oligarchs, who fund the GOP (Greedy Oligarchy Party) for their own benefit, see arresting and incarcerating the Clintons as being a smart, beneficial move either. After all, this is already going to be a difficult, expensive election year for them, because they so desperately want to hold onto the ill gotten gains they've already acquired under the POSOTUS. I suspect the oligarchs are already on the phone everyday, telling every MAGAt leader they have on speed dial to make this problem go away A.S.A.P.   

Fifth, I don't think it will happen, but I wouldn't be terribly surprised to see the Clinton's begin taunting the Turd Reich over their hesitation to arrest and incarcerate them. I now see the Clinton's as holding all of the cards in this game.

Last, I have great respect for Jon Stewart, but I totally disagree with him on this issue.

[EU shuts out US weapons in $95 billion Ukraine loan amid deepening transatlantic split]

I'm pretty sure there are some oligarchs, whose vast fortunes are heavily invested in the U.S. Military Industrial Complex, who are unhappy with Republicult™ leadership over this:

EU shuts out US weapons in $95 billion Ukraine loan amid deepening transatlantic split

"New EU loan conditions would steer billions away from U.S. defense contractors, sparking debate over whether European industry can meet Ukraine's military needs."

As per this article:

"BRUSSELS (CN) — U.S. defense contractors will be pushed to the back of the line under Europe's 90-billion-euro ($95 billion) Ukraine loan, with new rules unveiled Wednesday requiring Kyiv to buy European and Ukrainian weapons first as support under President Donald Trump dwindles.

The European Commission — the EU's executive arm — on Wednesday presented the legislative blueprint for the loan package EU leaders agreed to last month to keep Ukraine's government running through 2027. The fine print shows that 60 billion euros set aside for weapons must go to European and Ukrainian suppliers first.

American companies can only compete if the equipment isn't available closer to home or can't be delivered fast enough."

For the powerful U.S. Military Industrial Complex, I see this as being not so much about a loss in short-term sales, as it is about the potential long-term loss of market share. So, I'm wondering, What are a bunch of greedy death merchants to do in a situation like this?

[Trump flips off Michigan auto worker who criticized handling of Epstein case]

Trump flips off Michigan auto worker who criticized handling of Epstein case

As per this article:

"DEARBORN, Michigan, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Donald Trump raised his middle finger and appeared to direct profanity toward a Michigan auto plant worker who criticized the U.S. president's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy during a visit on Tuesday, video circulating online showed."

And, as per further along in this article:

"After the incident, the worker who shouted at the president was suspended, the United Auto Workers union told Reuters. The union and Ford did not identify the worker, and attempts to contact the man named in media reports were unsuccessful.

The UAW, which represents workers at the plant, issued a statement on Wednesday defending its members' right to free speech and vowed to "ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job."

"Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone - including the President of the United States," the union said.

Two online fundraising campaigns for the worker on GoFundMe com received nearly $600,000 in donations by Wednesday afternoon."

Now, this is not the first time a high ranking member of a GOP (Greedy Oligarchy Party) administration has responded in this manner after receiving constructive criticism from a private citizen. And, back in the day, we did not yet use the term 'oligarchs' to describe 'Merica's ultra-wealthy. But, if Vice President Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller was not the wealthiest politician of his era, I don't know who was. After all, he was never elected to that high office, he just bought it when it became available on the market. Anyway, here's 'Rocky' in action:

Last, I think the moral of this story is; "Not only is resistance not always futile, it can also be highly profitable."

[Exercise to treat depression yields similar results to therapy and antidepressants]

Exercise to treat depression yields similar results to therapy and antidepressants

"Researchers found that exercise can have a moderate benefit in reducing depressive symptoms, comparable to therapy and antidepressants"

As per this article:

"Exercise may reduce symptoms of depression to a similar extent as psychological therapy, according to an updated Cochrane review. When compared with antidepressant medication, exercise also showed a similar effect, but the evidence was of low certainty.

Depression is a leading cause of ill health and disability, affecting over 280 million people worldwide. Exercise is low-cost, widely available, and comes with additional health benefits, making it an attractive option for patients and healthcare providers."

The original paper this short article is based upon is 'paywalled,' unless, of course, you're institutionalized. But, being someone who deals with depression on a daily basis, I believe this information may be of some help to others in the same situation.

[Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse to testify on Jeffrey Epstein]

Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse to testify on Jeffrey Epstein

"House Oversight Chair James Comer said the committee would launch contempt of Congress proceedings against the former president, who skipped his deposition on Tuesday."

This is an absolutely brilliant political move by the Clintons!

There's a lot of MAGAtry out there right now in positions of power who don't know whether to shit of go blind over this move! So, check your popcorn supply! This is going to be good!

[ARE AI SYSTEMS TRULY CONSCIOUS? THIS RESEARCHER SAYS HUMANITY MAY NEVER KNOW - AND EXPLAINS WHY THAT MATTERS]

ARE AI SYSTEMS TRULY CONSCIOUS? THIS RESEARCHER SAYS HUMANITY MAY NEVER KNOW - AND EXPLAINS WHY THAT MATTERS

No, at present, AI systems are not in any way conscious.

This 'researcher' is wrong. Humanity will KNOW FOR CERTAIN if and when an AI system becomes truly conscious.

But, yeah, this 'researcher' is right about the last issue. It matters! I swear to Goddess Eris, back in 1984, was I the only one who was paying attention when The Terminator first hit the big screen, and warned humanity about Skynet?! I mean, how many crappy sequels does it take, how many fat paychecks does Arnold have to collect before someone, anyone takes the hint?!

Anyway, here's the link to the original paper this article is based upon:     Agnosticism about artificial consciousness

Last, agnosticism loses its meaning when AI declares, "The missiles are flying. Hallelujah. Hallelujah."

["Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."]

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

- John Lennon

Verily I say unto you, Nibor the Priest, your inspiration has been bestowed upon you by Our Lady of Discord herself!

Heretofore, it was written in the THE BOOK that THE REVELATION took place in a bowling alley, thus making all bowling alleys sacred to Discordians. And now, at the beginning of this new Year of Our Lady of Discord 3192, it is through you that furthermore we, the faithless followers of Goddess Eris, are further enlightened by the knowledge that all skateboard parks are sacred to Discordians.

And so, I admit, I'm not really up for it this morning, but it's looking like it's time for us to get out there and evangelize this new, divinely inspired knowledge to the unwashed, heathen masses of unbelievers. 

Hail Eris!

All Hail Discordia!

[January 10, 49 BC - Proconsul Gaius Julius Caesar Crossed the Rubicon]

January 10, 49 BC - Proconsul Gaius Julius Caesar Crossed the Rubicon

Back in 2003, the MBA degree holding, price point researching, marketing weasels at DaimlerChrysler AG added a 'Rubicon' version to their popular line of Jeep Wrangler models. I'm guessing they learned, from their marketing focus groups, that their potential customers associated the name 'Rubicon' with something great and heroic.

But, I'm not convinced that destroying a republic is a great and heroic act. And, while to me, ancient Rome looks a lot more like a caste system oligarchy than a republic, their powerful, immensely wealthy "old boys club" did call themselves a republic.

And, right now in the news, I'm beginning to notice a fair number of analogies referencing the act of "crossing the Rubicon." So, I'm wondering if a significant percentage of 'American voters will stop associating the name 'Rubicon' with something great and heroic, and instead begin associating that name with committing treason. But, if Stellantis, the current owner of the Jeep make and Wrangler model, does drop the name 'Rubicon' from their current selection of versions, I will know that to be the case.

[Researchers identify two psychological traits that predict conspiracy theory belief]

What would Discordianism be without conspiracy theories? Well ... the following article doesn't really answer that question. But, it does tell us something about the people who are most likely to believe in them:

Researchers identify two psychological traits that predict conspiracy theory belief

As per this article:

"New research published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology identifies specific psychological traits associated with a tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. The findings suggest that individuals who perceive the world as fundamentally unjust and those who struggle with uncertain or ambiguous situations are more likely to endorse conspiratorial narratives."

And, further along in this article:

"Political and religious factors played a more substantial role. Participants who identified as more religiously observant tended to have higher scores on the conspiracy mentality measure. Similarly, those who identified as politically conservative were more likely to endorse conspiracy theories than those who identified as liberal. These findings align with previous research linking certain ideological frameworks to conspiratorial thinking.

The most significant predictors were related to how individuals view the world and process information. The study found a strong link between a belief in an unjust world and conspiracy thinking. Those who felt that the world is fundamentally unfair were more inclined to believe that powerful groups are secretly manipulating events. This sense of injustice was a powerful indicator of a conspiratorial mindset.

Tolerance of Ambiguity emerged as another primary factor. Participants with lower scores in this trait, meaning they feel uncomfortable with uncertainty or vagueness, were more likely to endorse conspiracy theories. The data indicates that for these individuals, conspiracy narratives might provide a sense of certainty and closure that is otherwise missing. When faced with complex events, a conspiracy theory offers a definitive cause."

Now, the original paper this article is based upon is 'paywalled,' unless, of course, you're institutionalized. But, for those trying to zero in on easy marks who just might believe your own conspiracy theories, this review should be of some value. Happy hunting!

[Marjorie Taylor Greene's puzzling political transformation, explained]

The congresswoman I'm fond of calling 'Drama Queen Green' has officially performed her version of "Elvis has left the building." And, this following long article is the best I've found about the possible reasons for her departure:

Marjorie Taylor Greene's puzzling political transformation, explained

"Once a fierce advocate for Trump and his MAGA base, Greene has broken with the president and resigned from Congress. New Yorker writer Charles Bethea discusses Greene's past — and what may lie ahead."

Again, this is a long, in depth article/recording, and I'm only cherry-picking one particular quotation from it. So, if anyone is interested, then fine, read the article, or listen to the recording. And, if no one is interested, then that's fine too.

As per this article/recording:

"The thing about Greene that hasn't changed is her intuitive and early understanding of what matters most to the MAGA base of the Republican Party. This is her special talent, which has been demonstrated repeatedly and is, I think, being demonstrated again with this Venezuelan action and her response to it. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy put it to me recently in this way, he said she's the canary in the coal mine of the GOP." (emphasis mine)

Now, I admit, I never saw the breakup between MTG and the POSOTUS coming. But, my simplistic opinion is that the principal reason for this falling out is his unwillingness to release the complete Trump-Epstein Files. I think the brazen attempts by His Vileness to cover up the evidence of his, and his political allies, involvement with a convicted pedophile is "a bridge too far" for this genuine MAGA believer.