If you're not in the U.S., what's up in your part of the world? Showing 2,301-2,350 of 3,266

[J.]

Why was Nicola Sturgeon arrested and what does it mean for Scottish independence?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/...

[Ian]

J. wrote: "Why was Nicola Sturgeon arrested and what does it mean for Scottish independence?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/......"

£600,000 is too much for a simple accounting error.

[Papaphilly]

Pretty big error.....

[Philip]

Ian wrote: "J. wrote: "Why was Nicola Sturgeon arrested and what does it mean for Scottish independence?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/...-..."

Her, her husband as Chairman of the SNP and the SNP Party Treasurer have all been arrested and released without charge. Investigation continues. This time the SNP and her in particular can't blame it all on Westminster or the Tories or Boris although I'm sure they will try.

Labour should benefit at the polls and they need quite a few Scottish seats to reclaim the overall UK majority.

Meanwhile Boris' fall continues with the report on his lying to House of Commons released. The committee recommended a 90 day-suspension which if accepted by the Commons would have meant a by-election, only he resigned first causing same by-election. In a seat he would probably have lost at next election anyway.

[Nik]

What does it tell about the West if Donald, Joe, Boris and Nicola- all prima facia look tainted? Unbridled corruption?

[Ian]

I think it depends on what happens next, although in fairness to Boris his offence is ignoring his own rules and thinking he is above the rest of us. As far as I know there was no charge of financial impropriety or of treasonous behaviour - merely partying while parties were forbidden. As to what happens next, if the justice system runs its course and proper results occur similarly to what wouodn happen to anyone else, then all is well. And, Nik, as an aside a certain Bibi is not without accusers. It is to some extent widespread.

For what little it is worth, we have a couple of Ministers forded to quit for Boris-like behaviour, in lying to Parliament, or deliberately ignoring some Cabinet rule. They reaslly do think they are better than the rest of us and deserve to behave accordingly. Would-be kings.

[Nik]

Bibi belongs to the mentioned “good guys” 😎

[J.]

I couldn't find a BBC report on this one.

8th-grader who questioned how classmate can 'identify as a cat' called 'despicable' by teacher, report says
https://katu.com/news/nation-world/ei...

[J.]

This series of events is amazing to me.

About a month ago, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey went on the radio to wave the party banner. A caller asked him to define what a woman is and the host put a finer point on the question by asking if a woman can have a penis. The exchange begins at about the 28 minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/live/mk5401np...

So, the Lib Dems believe that a woman can "clearly" have a penis. That could make dating a bit more awkward in the UK.

But it doesn't end there. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a private event, noted that because of the earlier statement he believes that the Lib Dems should study biology. As a single man, I tend to agree as there are some things that I absolutely don't want to get surprised with on a third date.

Apparently, Mr. Sunak and I are on the side of the demons with this. The Left has declared the joke to be a scandalous attack upon the trans community.

I am bemused. How did the UK get here? What do y'all think?

[Philip]

J. wrote: "This series of events is amazing to me.

About a month ago, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey went on the radio to wave the party banner. A caller asked him to define what a woman is and the host put a finer..."

Didn't see any of it reported, but then again tend to switch off any mention of Tran's rights being lauded over women's rights.

We have issue of incorrect chromosomes or defective body part i.e. medical conditions.
To counter we have examples of male rapists claiming to be female to get access to women
We have many children, young adults and full adults being unsure of their sexuality (whatever that may be)
We have examples of transitioning men taking unfair advantage to compete for prestige or financial gain in women's competitions
We have the suffering from discrimination of those who were gay/lesbian including criminal prosecution not so long ago
We have some religions still proclaiming such discrimination (extending to women in a heartbeat)
We have some nations imprisoning gay/lesbian let alone trans or places like Iran imprisoning women
We still have significant sexual violence and oppression against women

In all this despite my dislike of discrimination we have bigger issues than whether one politician or another can't figure out what a penis means or is for.

In all cases see Monty Python Life of Brian for guidance on humour and poking fun at real life.
https://www.reddit.com/r/traaaaaaannn...

[Scout]

Liberals have lost their common sense.

[Nik]

Philip wrote: "....In all this despite my dislike of discrimination we have bigger issues than whether one politician or another can't figure out what a penis means or is for.
..."

Well summarized! Should sexual inclination be an in- your- face issue at all? No privacy wanted here for some reason?

[J.]

I see this push for trans normalization as a kind of political hermeticism. It's one group insisting that if we all believe something to be true, it will be regardless of reality.

There is an illustration of this in 1984. In one scene, between torture sessions, O'Brien is explaining to Winston that if everybody believes that he flew, then he did fly. Therefore belief is more important than reality.
Once this sort of thinking worms its way into politics pain follows.

[Philip]

J. wrote: "I see this push for trans normalization as a kind of political hermeticism. It's one group insisting that if we all believe something to be true, it will be regardless of reality.

There is an illu..."

I see JK Rowling is in trouble again for standing up for women against encroaching Trans - in this case use of designation CIS.

In all these battles its discrimination we should avoid but that can be hard to discern, as we have discussed in these forums before. Racial, sexual, class, disability and now gender. Treating everyone on merit is a good place to start but long term discrimination prevents advancement. We have seen this in working class, race and against women. I understand Trans don't want discrimination but the approach appears to be causing more problems for women. Their response appears to be to shoot messengers rather than find a way through.

In UK, swimming and cycling have changed male category to open (Discriminating against males in process?) but put further restrictions on women's events. This is to prevent advantages of post puberty growth in trans males which testosterone monitoring and restricting can't prevent. E.g Average males are taller than average females therefore have longer reach/levers.

[Papaphilly]

Philip wrote: "JTheir response appears to be to shoot messengers rather than find a way through...."

The whole thing is about power and who gets to decide. When one thinks about what is happening, how many people are we really talking about? It is such a small number that it almost laughable, except there is power to be had and someone is playing a far different game than is apparent.

[J.]

In this case the power is being taken from the 0.0015% of all people who were actually born intersex, by mentally questionable people who wish that they had different genitalia.

Is it fair for kids who have to take exogenous hormones because of an actual accident of birth to be judged alongside people who just feel like they are the wrong sex?

[Scout]

I don't understand that post, J. What I do understand is that genetic women have been put at a disadvantage for scholarships and qualifying for the Olympics due to having to compete against males who have a genetic advantage. It's not fair.

And radical liberal issues like this are meant to be a distraction. To keep us from focusing on the important issues that will decide all our fates: China's rise to power; national debt; declining military; incompetent president; loss of respect internationally; inflation; et. al. I despair of ever getting back to a rational state of being.

[Scout]

Hey, Nik. I haven't had the stomach to look at the Ukraine thread for a while because of the pro-Russia sentiment. Can you give a quick report on what's happening? Also, what's Bibi up to?

[Nik]

Scout wrote: "Hey, Nik. I haven't had the stomach to look at the Ukraine thread for a while because of the pro-Russia sentiment. Can you give a quick report on what's happening? Also, what's Bibi up to?"

Ukraine: the biggest news at the moment is a coup in russia of wagner mercenaries marching at moscow to square scores with russian ministry of defense. Ukraine has started its long awaited counteroffensive, which unveils with difficulties, but it's too early to jump to any conclusions as it's in the preliminary stage. I hope it'll be successful and russians will be driven back to their dens.

Israel: more and more turmoil even inside Bibi's party. In an anonymous voting some of his mates must've joined the opposition to elect an opposition representative into a council appointing judges. Israel Bar association which also delegates reps into the said council held unprecedently high turnout elections which were clearly won by the candidate opposing legal coup, advanced by Bibi's minions. Yet, they'll attempt to proceed with it in installments now that the blitz to enact it all has failed. Every week tens of thousands of people go out on protests. The country has rapidly descended into a lack of governance and a possibility of civil confrontation as the air became very toxic.

[J.]

I'm seeing some devastating patterns in education, here. There has been a slow, admitted, decline in test scores over the last decade. This was on top of a general declining the quality of education for the last forty years. However, during the last few years (Coof) test scores have fallen off a cliff.

What are student test scores doing in your areas?

[Philip]

J. wrote: "I'm seeing some devastating patterns in education, here. There has been a slow, admitted, decline in test scores over the last decade. This was on top of a general declining the quality of educatio..."

Same in UK with comparisons not helped due to changes in systems and exam types, but certainly COVID hasn't helped especially on more deprived areas. Private schools have performed better. Universities hard to assess as so many self-marked degrees but elite group in UK are still the elite group.

Historical comparisons are not always fair. My daughter (Primary school teacher/elementary in USA) showed how mathematics was taught. It's completely different from how I learned times tables. english teaching very different too with emphasis on phonetics.

Our teachers had to deal with pupils copying each other in hand written essays. Modern teachers have to deal with Google and now AI sourced essays or paid submissions on black market.

[Ian]

J. wrote: "I'm seeing some devastating patterns in education, here. There has been a slow, admitted, decline in test scores over the last decade. This was on top of a general declining the quality of educatio..."

In NZ in the not too distant past enthusiasts dismantled the previous system and introduced a new one, which my sister (then a teacher) thought was rather a mess. Not sure what happened for a while, but recently international comparisons have shown NZ pupils falling behind.

The virus did not help, but additionally teachers' salaries have not kept up either, so what has happened is many have left for better things, not helped by the bureaucratic nature of the previous changes. And as you might expect, it was the more capable ones that left. Now the government realizes we have a problem, it is election year, promises to fix things are flying around, but the outcome needs time, because until the election is over we cannot make any prediction.

[J.]

I've noticed a very real generational divide in the education level of new hires. People in their twenties just don't have certain skill sets that were basic stuff for us older individuals.

I'd say that only about half of them can read an analog clock face. Doing basic math in my head is nearly instantaneous, but the whippersnappers have to grab their phones to use the calculator app. And their penmanship is atrocious. Most of their signatures look like they belong on the macaroni ducks that their parents keep on the refrigerator.

Perhaps I'm turning into a crotchety old man with a penchant for yelling at clouds (or Chinese spy balloons).

[J.]

More than 400 arrested as third night of violent protest sweeps France after 17-year-old shot dead by police
https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/29/europe...

[Nik]

J. wrote: "I've noticed a very real generational divide in the education level of new hires. People in their twenties just don't have certain skill sets that were basic stuff for us older individuals.

I'd sa..."

Yes, a screen and "smart" gadget generation. But some of them may draw a cellphone faster than you draw a gun :) And in producing "stories" the older folk most definitely bite the dust

[Scout]

Thanks for the updates in post 2320, Nik. I wish Ukraine all luck in its counteroffensive. And it sounds like things are heating up in Israel. I'm so sorry to hear that. I never expected this from Bibi. I used to have respect for him.

[Nik]

Thanks for the good wishes!
Bibi has changed for the worse and now that normal folks won’t join his government, he brought in extremists. Or maybe never before he faced a choice btw himself and the country. He chose the former.

[J.]

Vietnam bans ‘Barbie’ movie over South China Sea map
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/03/entert...

[J.]

The Dutch prime minister is handing his resignation to the king after his coalition collapsed
https://apnews.com/article/netherland...

[Philip]

More sex scandals at BBC, more possible corruption with COVID deals. More claims to fix things from opposition only to back ytrack when asked what they would repel.
Climate protestors attacking cricket, tennis and then ex-chancellor's wedding...

[Ian]

Much of the country had more than its annual rainfall by mid June. However, forecasters predict that the wettest regions now will be in drought by the end of the year as a strong and hot El Nino kicks in.

Political parties here seem to be competing to see who will be more extreme. Election in less than 100 days now.

[Nik]

Israel is half paralyzed today with protesters blocking roadways in multiple places all over the country. I've returned from one of the demonstrations and hope to get back to the major one at 4 P.M. Hundreds of military cyber units reserve suspended their volunteer service. Defense research employees warned they won't develop new arms, if the government proceeds with dismantling the democracy..
It's never boring here....

[Philip]

Nik wrote: "Israel is half paralyzed today with protesters blocking roadways in multiple places all over the country. I've returned from one of the demonstrations and hope to get back to the major one at 4 P.M..."

Peaceful I hope and successful.
UK has been debating right to protest bill. Conflicted due to disruption caused by protestors (blocking roads etc) but want to support their right to protest which means everyone's right including those I disagree with.

[Nik]

Peaceful. By far and large protesters comprise of regular people - a large, if the not the largest, faction is women, lots of elderly, army veterans, high-tech employees - not a violent crowd. Polite and mutually supportive atmosphere in their midst. So far, seen coverage of a mount police officer ramming into a woman, knocking her over (I hope the officer will be punished) and a car attempting to ram a protester and then fleeing police.
The main event shall be in the airport today.
As of successful - remains to be seen. The protest stopped a legislation blitz that the coalition attempted to adopt early on, but now they seem to resume it in salami slicing tactics to replace the blitz. Hope the country will return to be sane

[J.]

Miss Netherlands contestant makes history as first trans woman to win the pageant
https://www.cnn.com/style/miss-nether...

So, the prettiest woman in the Netherlands is a dude?

[Philip]

J. wrote: "Miss Netherlands contestant makes history as first trans woman to win the pageant
https://www.cnn.com/style/miss-nether...

So, the prettiest woman in the Netherla..."

There is no hope for humanity....

[Nik]

They could've been too stoned to care or distinguish

[J.]

Philip wrote: "There is no hope for humanity...."

It certainly raises questions about the continuity of our species, at least as far as the Netherlands is concerned.

[J.]

Nik wrote: "They could've been too stoned to care or distinguish"

How much of what narcotics must one consume over what period of time?

I do find it interesting that when a woman enters a beauty pageant she is objectifying herself and her sisters, but if a dude does it SHE is "stunning and brave".

[Nik]

Reality and surrealism rapidly blur in our times. Some attribute this to the increasing influence of social networks. After Mark vs Elon fight it out, we can maybe expect Gates vs clone of Jobs

[J.]

\Uranium Plant Explosion in Russia Sparks Nuclear Radiation Fears
https://www.newsweek.com/uranium-plan...

[Scout]

Philip said there is no hope for humanity. I feel that way much of the time, like things have gone too far to get back to logic and morals and constructive government. If I were God, I'd look at this mess and consider drastic measures once again. And for you who don't think there's a god, it looks like we're in dire straits, authors of our own destruction. Good doesn't seem to be winning over evil. I saw a movie a couple of years ago where people were standing on a rooftop watching a nuclear explosion and I felt relief that it was all over.

[Nik]

Scout wrote: "...Good doesn't seem to be winning over evil...."

Not at the moment, no

[Ian]

Three months to our next election and the government has final;ly made an announcement: its slogan! Oh dear. Wouldn't some clue as to what they would do if they won be appropriate?

Inflation is running well,, but significantly driven by food prices, which will persist, thanks to the dreadful weather, until the next major growing season can get underway, when for the eastern part of the country floods are expected give way to drought.

[J.]

Ian wrote: "Three months to our next election and the government has final;ly made an announcement: its slogan! Oh dear. Wouldn't some clue as to what they would do if they won be appropriate?"

Election 2023: ‘In It For You’, Chris Hipkins launches slogan for Labour 2023 campaign
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politic...

I don't know. It's getting pretty close to "I only do it because I love you so much." and "Why do you make me hit you?".

[Ian]

Not exactly inspiring, is it? Then, this morning the biggest issue the politicians could come up with was potholes.

[Philip]

UK News
Labour leader refuses to promise to spend more - instant complaint for Unions demanding high pay rises - whilst again saying nothing about what he would do in office apart from better than current lot. Not hard
Current lot facing 5 by-elections on Thursday, won't change overall balance as Conservatives have 100+ majority in 650 House of Commons
Wimbledon finished - Ashes cricket coming to an end
Lots of coverage on European and US heat whilst UK weather disappointing for July after hot June.
Cost of living remains frequent news.

[Ian]

Ashes has two of the five games left to play. Not quite coming to an end :-)

[Nik]

As Tel Aviv maidan continues and intensifies, an American helping hand would be much appreciated :)

[[deleted user]]

Not sure if Philip's mentioned it but there's been a bit of a kerfuffle over here about Nigel Farage getting some of his bank accounts cancelled. The bank in question initially claimed that it was due to his failure to meet certain wealth thresholds, but it now appears (as Nigel claimed at the time) that he no longer 'aligns' with the bank's values:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023...

He's not the first to have his accounts cancelled for this reason and he won't be the last. Several charities have suffered the same fate for supporting unfashionable causes.

In these cases, all the usual accusations are cited - racist, transphobe, anti vax, etc, etc. - always without evidence and using the new Overton window's parameters.

Going to be rather difficult to disagree with the status quo once digital currencies are rolled out.