In the news

[Spang]

I think a better solution is to end the so-called war on terror, and U.S. imperialism.

Also, my commentary was satire.

 

[das_nut]

You're assuming that the U.S is randomly targeting "people with beards" which is probably not the case. From what I've heard, the U.S. checks different sources to verify the target's identity before an attack is made, especially after a number of high profile mistakes. They don't soley rely on the drone's camera. I don't think it would be very efficient or effective to arrest every known al-Qaeda operative and put them on trial, given that most of them aren't on U.S. soil.

Considering that the US is relying on Yemeni information sources, isn't it likely that we're being used to settle some personal and political grudges?

We're probably killing some senior AQAP leaders. But we're also probably killing some innocent civilians as well. And it seems very likely that we're making some mistakes (just google the three men doing jumping jacks "joke").

With so much of the program being secret, we don't really know what exactly is happening.

According to the New York Times, the government "counts all military-age males in a strike zone as combatants … unless there is explicit intelligence posthumously proving them innocent".

 

[rainforests1]

I thought the drones are going on regularly. Why would one be news, but most of the others are ignored?

 

[ledboots]

I thought the drones are going on regularly. Why would one be news, but most of the others are ignored?

They want us to be scared of al-Qaida, yet at the same time think the nsa is o-so-cool by assassinating the "bad guys" with expensive scary drones before the "bad guys" can somehow "get us."

No worry over trials or declarations of war or anything, just ******* gun citizens of a foreign land down by remote control.

If I didn't hate the vomit smiley, I would insert it here.

 

[Spang]

Al Jazeera reports on drone strikes all the time.

 

[Moll Flanders]

Marmite TV ad leaves a bad taste, say 250 viewers | Media | theguardian.com

I read about this Marmite advert on another forum but I just watched it to see what the fuss was about. 250 complaints have been made as some people feel it makes a mockery about the subject of animal and child neglect.

 

[Poppy]

Marmite TV ad leaves a bad taste, say 250 viewers | Media | theguardian.com

I read about this Marmite advert on another forum but I just watched it to see what the fuss was about. 250 complaints have been made as some people feel it makes a mockery about the subject of animal and child neglect.

I actually liked the ad, especially the little boy at the end who obviously didn't like the stuff.

 

[cornsail]

I thought it was fine. Makes me wish I had some marmite and crumpets though.

 

[Amy SF]

I thought it was fine. Makes me wish I had some marmite and crumpets though.

For a brief half-second, I thought your post said strumpets.

 

[Moll Flanders]

Stephen Fry asks PM to back campaign against Russian Winter Olympics | Culture | theguardian.com

I actually liked the ad, especially the little boy at the end who obviously didn't like the stuff.

Yes, that was the only bit that made me laugh, he looks so disgusted. I had Marmite on crumpets for breakfast today.

 

[cornsail]

For a brief half-second, I thought your post said strumpets.

That's what I meant to write. Damn typos.

 

[Amy SF]

Stephen Fry asks PM to back campaign against Russian Winter Olympics | Culture | theguardian.com

Very admirable, but at this late date, I'm not sure if the Olympics can be moved elsewhere.

I would suggest any nation with any respect for its citizens and for equality boycott the Russian Olympics, but I've got two minds about that. One the one hand, it would certainly show Russia how the civilized world feels about their anti-gay policies. On the other hand, it wouldn't be fair to the large number of athletes, and that of course includes LGBT athletes, who have been training for years for the chance to compete, and may not have another chance again.

 

[Calliegirl]

On the other hand, it wouldn't be fair to the large number of athletes, and that of course includes LGBT athletes, who have been training for years for the chance to compete, and may not have another chance again.

But how safe would it be for them there? I'd imagine they would be worried about their safety and not able to compete at the top of their game with all the stress. They would basically be prisoners of the Olympic Village and not be able to go out and enjoy any sightseeing or even be able to eat in a local restaurant.

The article didn't mention the gangs that are kidnapping and torturing gay men.
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.co...p-dies-report/discrimination/2013/08/06/72573
http://americablog.com/2013/07/russian-vigilantes-kidnapping-beating-young-gays.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/03/russia-killing-gay-idUSL5N0EF10720130603

Someone mentioned that the Olympics could be moved to Canada since they already have things more or less set-up there.

 

[Amy SF]

But how safe would it be for them there? I'd imagine they would be worried about their safety and not able to compete at the top of their game with all the stress. They would basically be prisoners of the Olympic Village and not be able to go out and enjoy any sightseeing or even be able to eat in a local restaurant.

The article didn't mention the gangs that are kidnapping and torturing gay men.
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.co...p-dies-report/discrimination/2013/08/06/72573
http://americablog.com/2013/07/russian-vigilantes-kidnapping-beating-young-gays.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/03/russia-killing-gay-idUSL5N0EF10720130603

Someone mentioned that the Olympics could be moved to Canada since they already have things more or less set-up there.

They wouldn't be safe, you're right. That's why it's a terrible situation all around.

I would favor moving the Olympics to Canada, but they have to move quickly. The Winter Olympics are scheduled for Feb 7-23. That's only 6 months away.

And if Russia screams that it's not fair, that Sochi was selected a long time ago and they have the right to host the Olympics, the simple argument could be made that it's not fair for the LGBT athletes, that they wouldn't be safe in Russia. Precisely the argument you just made.

 

[Spang]

It's not really all that safe to be LGBT in America, either.

 

[Pirate]

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Senior...-Bristol-Zoo/story-19625447-detail/story.html

Heard this on the radio, laughed, felt bad for laughing. It was just NOT what I was expecting!

 

[Amy SF]

It's not really all that safe to be LGBT in America, either.

That's true, but at least we're slightly more enlightened than Russia.

 

[SuicideBlonde]

http://www.examiner.com/article/christian-puppeteer-sentenced-for-child-porn-wanted-to-kill-eat-boys

A Christian television performer who fantasized about killing, cooking and eating little boys has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for child pornography.
Florida puppeteer Ronald William Brown, 58, was sentenced by a federal judge last week to 20 years in prison after being arrested last year on charges of possessing child pornography and conspiring to kidnap a child.

Most disturbing thing I have read in a long time. I remember his show from when I was a child and that damned puppet was scary.

 

[Moll Flanders]

Britain Has Biggest Baby Boom Since 1972 - Was It The Kate Effect?

ETA - another baby news story. Yikes!

Briton gives birth to biggest baby ever born naturally in Spain - Yahoo! News UK

 

[thefadedone]

ETA - another baby news story. Yikes!

Briton gives birth to biggest baby ever born naturally in Spain - Yahoo! News UK

Holy crap! I don't know what's more shocking, the baby's weight, the fact that she had the baby naturally, the fact that she didn't have an epidural or any other painkillers , or the fact that she is 40 years old. Not that 40 is all that old, but I think having a baby at that age might be a bit more difficult on your body compared to being in your 20s.