World News

EU (still) Making Sausages Reforms in Copyright Laws

This is a Must Read by, and at, Julia Reda.com. 

Article 13 is almost finished – and it will change the internet as we know it.

... EU copyright reform law have resumed: After missing the original Christmas deadline, negotiators for the European Parliament and Council are now aiming to finalise the text on January 21, 2019.

The negotiators have reached agreement on the core of Article 13, which will change the internet as we know it: They want to make internet platforms directly liable for any copyright infringements their users commit.

What remains to be decided: Exactly what lengths will platforms need to go to to avoid or limit their liability? Just how much they will need to restrict our ability to post and share our creations online?

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NYT: New caravan forming in Honduras.

More than 300,000 Central Americans entered Mexico last year, most of them illegally, and an estimated 80 percent of them were bound for the United States border, Ms. Sánchez Cordero said.

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Reuters: PG&E multi-billion dollar bankruptcy?

PG&E, which carries a hefty debt load of more than $18 billion, is expected to soon disclose a large financial charge related to liabilities resulting from catastrophic November blazes.

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France 24: Macron looks to calm the Yellow Vests.

Macron's initiative comes after nine weeks of protests by the "yellow vests" -- named after the high-visibility jackets they wear. The disparate anti-government uprising has wreaked havoc in Paris and French cities, shaken the economy and challenged his authority.

BBC: Yellow Vests disable 60% of speed cameras.

Good for them!
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Sky News: Polish mayor stabbed on stage.

Pawel Adamowicz, who is the mayor of Gdansk, was attacked in front of hundreds of onlookers in the city during an event in aid of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity.

Doctors said he underwent five hours of surgery for wounds to his heart and abdomen but that "the next hours will decide everything".
[.]
According to Polish broadcaster TVN, the suspect shouted from the stage and claimed that he had been wrongly imprisoned by the previous government.

Sky News: Stage of stabbing attack.

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The Diplomat: China's interest in Antarctica, space, the moon AND Antarctica.

China views exploration of outer space as part of its overall national development. Its space-based BeiDou 2 system aims for global coverage by 2020. Furthermore, China aims to have a human-crewed space station by 2020-22 and a space-based solar power station by 2050, all to protect China’s national interests. Comparable to its actions in Antarctica, Chinese nationalistic goals and somewhat imperialistic advance will likely determine the shape of future conflict.

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ING: Why a Brexit delay is likely.

 ...it’s worth noting that there are at least two ways the law-making process alone could force a Brexit delay.

BBC: "Brexit Box" survival kits flying off shelves.

"People from all over the UK are buying it and those that can afford more are purchasing more than just the Brexit box, perhaps the three-month or six month packs."

BBC: Theresa May says no Brexit more likely than no deal.

Labour has vowed to table a vote of no confidence if Mrs May loses.

Its leader Jeremy Corbyn said Labour would vote against the deal and would start moves to trigger a general election if it is voted down.

Daily Mail: Boris stirs up the anti-Mays.

9 News: May says no deal means catastrophe.
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GLB News: The already overcrowded 2020 declared Dem presidential candidates.

Easier to raise hands if you're a Dem and not running for president.
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SMH: Australia, where some workers choose lifestyle over pay.
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Singapore Straits: Stowaway bird appears 12 hours into flight.

Business-class passengers [were] greeted by [ a mynah bird ]  about 12 hours into the flight. A typical Singapore-London flight takes about 14 hours.

My mind is completely blank. Can't think of a one-or-two-liner on the stowaway bird. Anyone?

McJesus Controversy

The Independent: "Art" of Ronald McDonald as Jesus, in Israel's Haifa Museum sparks protests.

Violent clashes between hundreds of Arab Christians and police erupted in Haifa on Friday after a protest over a piece of art showing a crucified Ronald McDonald titled “McJesus".
[.]
It said the work was part of an exhibit on consumerism that “references mega-corporations’ cynical use of religious symbols.” 

Ma'an News: Haifa Museum displays other offensive "art".

Jesus Christ was depicted as a clown and as a Ken doll, while the Virgin Mary was depicted as a Barbie doll.

The “McJesus,” which was sculpted by Finnish artist, Janei Leinonen, and depicts a crucified Ronald McDonald, went on display in August as part of the Haifa museum’s “Sacred Goods” exhibit.

The display also featured a number of other pieces depicting Jesus Christ, including one as a Ken doll, while the Virgin Mary was depicted as a Barbie doll.

Patheous: Asked to remove the offensive art, Haifa Museum instead addresses violent reactions.

One of the protesters complained that the government was slow to react to their concerns because they were from the Christian minority.

    "If they put up [a sculpture of] Hitler with a Torah scroll they would immediately respond." Thursday, Culture Minister Miri Regev sent Haifa Museum director Nissim Tal a letter calling for the sculpture’s removal."

    "Disrespect of religious symbols sacred to many worshipers in the world as an act of artistic protest is illegitimate and cannot serve as art at a cultural institution supported by state funds."
[.]
...the Haifa Municipality put up a sign at the entrance to the exhibit explaining it contains potentially offensive content.

The museum also condemned the throwing of the molotov cocktail and said any objection to the piece must not be expressed violently.

    "A discourse about art, however complex it may be, must not spill over into violent territory and must be respected – even in charged situations."

Conservative Men Are Obsessed With, and are Convulsing in Anxiety, as AOC rises to influence. Yeah, that's the reason.

It's more like fascination with what outrageous AOC act or statement will occur next. While others have different opinions. And science. Can't forget the science. 

Laura Bassett, Senior Politics Reporter at the HuffPoPoo states science tells us why Conservative men are "obsessed" with AOC. HuffPoPoo:

Conservative writer Ed Scarry posted a photo of [Cortez's] backside on Twitter, questioning whether her black suit was befitting of a “girl who struggles.”
[.]
A Republican strategist referred to her as “the little girl” on Fox News, which runs segments about her constantly.
[.]
The obvious explanation is that men have literally never seen a woman in her 20s in the halls of Congress before. She’s attractive, telegenic and good at social media. She dances outside her Cannon House office. Conservative men are confused at being drawn to this bright rising star in the Democratic Party while loathing everything she stands for.
[.]
...what you might call “AOC Derangement Syndrome.” Indeed, some experts say conservative men are obsessed with Ocasio-Cortez because they’re threatened by her. (ARFKM? - D.D.)

Conservatives tend to respond to fear more strongly than liberals do, according to Bobby Azarian, a neuroscientist whose expertise in anxiety has led him to examine political behaviors. His research has found that the brains of conservative people are likely to display the same attention biases as the brains of people with anxiety.

"Conservatives tend to respond to fear more strongly than liberals do." Please. Liberals fear everything. Even a border wall. Their entire political ideology is rooted in keeping themselves and their supporters in various states of fear. It's called fear-mongering.

The writer and neuroscientist are mistaking humorous reactions to AOC's real life antics as anxiety. I'll give the prognosis a shot from basic, Psych 101: When an adult acts childish and immature; "correction" (as in pointing out the multitude of factional errors AOC has stated) is how you can expect to be treated. And sometimes parody, satire and making fun of adult buffoonish behavior comes with it. Life is Hard.

I'd think a "telegenic, social media-aware, girl in her 20s" would know this, but maybe not. She turns 30 in October, not that it matters. Although I don't know anyone who refers to an almost-30-year-old as being "in their twenties." Except for the HuffPoPoo writer.

Her media interviews, her Tweets, her disrespect of past, SENIOR members of her own party, all warrant admonition and correction from others. She goes out of her way in calling attention to herself (I think she's attention-starved) and provides multiple daily episodes of her cluelessness. Of course people will react, correct, and yes, parody her.

AOC Solves Vexing Puzzle

Let's all pretend that the HuffPooPo story and Bobby the Neuroscientist are infallible. Damn, that sure says A LOT about "us Conservatives and men", huh?

We'll await a future column at the HuffPoPoo with Bobby the Neuroscientist's infallible conclusion analyzing why AOC's fellow Dems are CTSD (Current Traumatic Stress Disorder) and apoplectically anxiety-ridden over her behavior. You know...something more than the already DSM - 5 diagnosis of Biological LiberTardism.

If AOC was a Republican, she'd be referred as the term so often applied to the adversaries and targets of Minnesota's disgraced and resigned U.S. Senator, Al Franken, "an Idiot." She dishes it out, she's going to be on the reciprocating side as well. AOC is a public figure and an adult.

And, in what can only be some gross, inadvertent, unawareness and oversight on the part of the HuffPooPo, I could not find a single story on Ed Buck. What has happened to journalism?
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UPDATE: January 13, 2019: This is a story at the Huff on Ed Buck.
Good for you, Arianna. Now, just continue keeping clear of plagiarism.

With a Headline like NPR used, EVERYONE knows what to expect from me.

NPR: Massive Fatberg Blocking Sewer.

A giant obstruction made up of hardened fat, oil, wet wipes and other waste items – called a fatberg — has been found in the sewer of a seaside town in England.

NPR "Preview" Ad:

What readers who visit here expect from me:

I strive to please those that visit. Thank you to all!

World News

Patch News: GoFundMe U.S.-Mexico Border wall donations will be returned to donors.

...a GoFundMe spokesperson said:

    "When the campaign was created, the campaign organizer specifically stated on the campaign page, 'If we don't reach our goal or come significantly close we will refund every single penny.' He also stated on the campaign page, '100% of your donations will go to the Trump Wall. If for ANY reason we don't reach our goal we will refund your donation.'

    "However, that did not happen. This means all donors will receive a refund."

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BBC: Facing jail, Egyptian actress, Rania Youssef, accused of "inciting debauchery" for "revealing" dress.

A complaint against her was filed by two lawyers, Amro Abdelsalam and Samir Sabry, known for taking celebrities to court. 

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Belfast Telegraph: Masked gunman shoots at Sinn Fein office.

The office targeted belongs to Sinn Fein's West Belfast MLA Pat Sheehan. Mr Sheehan's office was also attacked in a shooting incident in October.

Hit the link for video of the shoooting.
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Zimbabwe News: Pedestrian wearing earphones run over and killed.

The deceased's head was crushed showing the intensity of the accident[.]
[.]
[The] pedestrian was to blame for plugging earphone piece [sic] on possibly full blast on one of the suburb's busiest roads.

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Zimbabwe News: Food delivery driver fired for being caught masturbating on camera.

[T]he driver hands food to a customer and, after she walks away, exposes himself and masturbates openly.

This event would go unnoticed in the streets of San Fran. As a matter of fact, I think San Fran requires residents do this under the ordinances for "street performers".
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The Local: Avalanche pays visit to hotel. (But it didn't have a reservation).

Rescue services on Friday continued to search the area near where an avalanche struck a hotel in eastern Switzerland on Thursday just in case anyone had been buried by snow. 

Photo: Kantonspolizei Appenzell Ausserrhoden

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New Zealand Herald: NYC PD using facial recognition developed by China. 

...Hikvision - which is the world's largest surveillance technology company and based in Hangzhou in eastern China - has supplied the equipment and software used by an American force that polices a population of about 8.6 million people.

WTF?
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Philly.com:  Narco cops faked reports. Hundreds of convictions could be challenged.

[The] August 2018 Internal Affairs report obtained by the Inquirer, was a scheme to flip low-level suspects into off-the-books confidential informants through a process that would evolve into falsifying paperwork, as well as hiding information from the District Attorney’s Office.

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Singapore Star: The Indian Army will not recruit LGBT.

The Indian Army is a "conservative" force and adultery and homosexuality are "not acceptable," Army Chief General Bipin Rawat asserted despite these being decriminalised by the Supreme Court.

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Portugal News: Four men arrested at Lisbon airport for smuggling eel larvae.

The [intercepted four men were] escorted to police premises, where they found the elver packed in suitcases, which would have been transported by passengers “who are simply couriers paid for the purpose”.

Tech News

9 News: Two Huawei employees arrested in Poland; spying allegations.

Poland has arrested a Chinese employee of Huawei and a Polish [Huawei] cyber business specialist on allegations of spying.

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Information Week: How to manage the Internet of Things (IOT).

Once data is collected in central storage, analytics on the entire body of data can be run to produce the most inclusive and holistic picture of the business.

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MIT Review: When China decides to really hack the rest of the world.

Many thought the internet would bring democracy to China. Instead it empowered rampant government oppression, and now the censors are turning their attention to the rest of the world.

Or North Korea. Or Russia. Or those godless Tuvaluians.
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TechDirt: Facebook not helping Vietnamese government censor critics quickly enough.

...the government is going to do other vague things ("necessary economic and technical measures") to hurt Facebook and "ensure a clean and healthy network environment." One "necessary economic measure" is somehow blocking Facebook from collecting money for "hatred advertising," whatever the hell that is.

WTH is "hatred advertising"? Anyone wanna take a shot at defining it?

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO/Censor.

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TechCrunch: MS Bing suggests inappropriate/illegal image search results.

Following an anonymous tip, TechCrunch commissioned a report from online safety startup AntiToxin to investigate. The results were alarming.

Alarming is an understatement. Stop using Bing. Over on the far-right sidebar, scroll down and look for "Search Engine Alternatives To Google." Start using any of them and make Google and Bing history.

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Tech Crunch: SpaceX to lay off hundreds. 

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TechSpot: CBS Superbowl 8K resolution.

US cable providers still do not even support live 4K broadcasts, but CBS Sports is going to try out its 8K cameras at the Super Bowl anyways.

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ZD Net: Government shutdown affecting websites; TLS certificates expiring. 

The blame falls on the current US federal government shutdown [...] Consequently, government websites are dropping like flies, with no one being on hand to renew TLS certificates.

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Ars Technia: AT&T says it will stop selling phone location data. 

Earlier this week, AT&T said it "only permit[s] sharing of location when a customer gives permission for cases like fraud prevention or emergency roadside assistance or when required by law." But the Motherboard investigation showed that the data was being re-sold on the black market, allowing pretty much anyone to get the location of other people's phones.

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It looks like "It's" here. Technocracy: IBM launches Quantum-Computer-In-A-Box.

The 20-qubit IBM Q System One represents the first major leap for quantum computers of 2019[.]

Quantum in a Box

Average U.S. Hourly Wages

Trading Economics: $23.05.

Wages in the United States...reach[ed] an all time high of 23.05 USD/Hour in December of 2018.

U.S. Department of Labor Bureau Statistics: Total (average) private industry: $27.48.

AP News: The typical federal employee makes $37 an hour.

The Daily Star says Dwayne Johnson rages at snowflakes but Johnson says, "never happened."

The Daily Star: The Rock hits out at snowflakes.

[The Daily Star] By Jack Andrews, Exclusive / Published 11th January 2019.

He "laid the smackdown" on PC softies in an exclusive chat with the Daily Star.

“So many good people fought for freedom and equality - but this generation are looking for a reason to be offended, [said Dwayne Johnson].

“If you are not agreeing with them then they are offended - and that is not what so many great men and women fought for,” [he said].

The superstar thinks that while the world has become a more tolerant and better place, whining snowflakes are draining positive change through their constant moaning.

MSN: Johnson slams "fabricated quotes".

"Earlier today online, an interview dropped ... where I was [apparently] insulting and criticizing millennials. The interview never took place, never happened, never said any of those words. Completely untrue. 100 percent fabricated," he said in the video, adding that he "quite baffled" [sic] by the story.

Guess we'll see if this escalates and IF The Daily Star has proof of what Johnson allegedly said. Fake News? Or a PR Stunt? Or...?

Enhanced Interrogation non-Geneva Convention Style

Within twenty seconds, I'd spill my guts and tell you everything.

Detroit's Disasterous DUMB Dangerous Democrat Debbie Dingell. (Making Alliteration fun!)

Dumb Debbie Dingell

Michigan's U.S. Congresswohman Debbie Dingell, who has lived a life of wealth and privilege, will introduce legislation requiring installation of breathalyzer-ignition interlock devices in EVERY vehicle. Washington Free Beacon: 

Before starting a car, drivers would have to self-submit to a breathalyzer test. If a driver's blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, the car will not start.

Dingell suggested in a speech on the House floor that her measure would be successful if it prevented a single death resulting from a drunk driver.
[.]
"I know some will say this is too much of a burden. ‘It won’t work. Why should we have to do that?'" Dingell said. "I’m going to look them in the eye and tell them why no community should ever have to feel what our community is feeling this week."

Fine Debs, and I'll look you in the eye and tell you breathalyzer-ignition interlock systems are easily defeated by having someone sober breath into the device. So - then what?

I know what I'd like to see. A breathalyzer test deployed, that every elected politician must pass, before they are permitted to cast a vote. ANY vote. And they should all be drug tested as well, holding them the same standard that U.S. employers drug screen job candidates.

However, Debs isn't on the same page of her sophistic "if it prevents a single death" on building a border wall. Debs also gets the highest Baby Killer rating a politician can receive from NARAL. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT.

Too bad Rose Kennedy's 1967 Oldsmobile lacked a ignition-interlock device on July 18, 1969.

Rose Kennedy's 1967 Olds. Failed as a boat.

Back to DUMB Debbie Dingell's draft decree demanding mandatory ignition-interlock systems in all vehicles. This bill will never see the light of day. Besides the financial burden, passed onto consumers by the auto makers, of adding this to every single vehicle, how does she plan to retrofit all the existing, operating vehicles currently in use? And I guess every police car, fire truck, ambulance and other government vehicles will also have this device if she were to have her way. We can't just assume those drivers will be sober, can we? Not if it will save one life.

Her idea is DUMB. I'd say the exact same thing if she was a Republican. Or any other political affiliation. People like Dingell are dangerous because their ideology seeks to make everyone a criminal where there is no due and reasonable cause.

Who dis Cortez? AOC plays "big people" job.

AOC provides an endless amount of material to ridicule. Daily Mail:

Freshman lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dropped a hammer on Joe Lieberman on Thursday, after the onetime Democratic vice presidential candidate said he feared her brand of high-tax socialism could doom the party's chances for long-term dominance in Congress.
[.]
The 29-year-old Ocasio-Cortez retweeted the 76-year-old's sentiment with a four-word rejoinder: 'New party, who dis?'

But hey - AOC gets to play "big people" job.

Jake Thomas Patterson is Suspect ID'ed in Closs kidnapping

Jake Thomas Patterson

Chicago Tribune: Sheriff IDs suspect in abduction of Wisconsin teen Jayme Closs and killing of her parents.

Douglas County Sheriff Thomas Dalbec said at a news conference Friday that Jake Thomas Patterson was arrested Thursday after Jayme Closs was found near Gordon, where Patterson lives.

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says investigators believe Patterson killed Jayme's parents because he wanted to abduct her, and that Patterson "took many steps to hide his identity."

A live television news conference ended a short while ago. The expressions of joy and relief among all family, friends and others concerned with this case was overwhelming.

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, who has been working so hard and so long on this case, was almost moved to tears during the news conference. This guy is a model sheriff. God Bless him and his department.

Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald during the news conference.

Boy recovering from surgery reunited with his dog; from 2,300 miles away.

We need more stories like this.

Good News Network: Long-haul driver logs 2,300 miles to reunite boy with dog.

8-year-old Perryn Miller and his parents had been visiting family members in Utah for Christmas when the youngster started having headaches. His parents brought him to the emergency room only to hear that their son had a brain tumor as a result of stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

The very next day, Perryn underwent a 7-hour surgery to have the tumor removed.
[.]
The Millers are originally from Wilmington, North Carolina. Since their home was destroyed by Hurricane Florence last year, they have been living with local family members while they rebuild.
[.]
...while the Millers are staying in Utah for Perryn’s recovery, the boy expressed how much he missed his dog: an 8-month-old German shepherd named Frank.

News reports of Perryn’s longing for his canine companion traveled across social media until it caught the eye of former long-haul trucker Bob Reynolds.

Reynolds was so moved by the tale, he volunteered to drive Frank all the way from North Carolina to Utah. The trucker then traveled 2,300 miles across the country in just 52 hours so he could deliver the joyous pup into Perryn’s awaiting arms.

People like Bob Reynolds? There's more folks out there like him that we'll never hear about. And there's more folks out there like him than not like him. It just seems sometimes the opposite.

420 Mile Post signs being stolen

U.S. News: People Can't Stop Stealing 420 signs.

Stoners and other pranksters have been stealing the mileposts for years, and that has forced states to get creative with their signage.
[.]
The Seattle Times [says] the state has over 8,000 mile markers. Of those, she said the department has had to replace 608 signs since 2012, and almost 200 mile markers are currently missing.
[.]
It's not just milepost 420. Robbers with a juvenile sense of humor are notorious for stealing markers for mile 69, a number with an overt sexual connotation. States have tackled the issue in a similar way, creating posts for mile 68.9 or 68.5 instead[.]

Below left, an unknown 420 mile marker. Top right, Bong Recreational Area in Wisconsin. Bottom right, Bong Bridge, which connects Minnesota and Wisconsin. I've visited Bong Rec and driven over Bong Bridge many times. Everyone seems to enjoy the Bong experience.

Friday Morning Music Video

Blitzkrieg Bop by The Ramones, from their album, Ramones.

Flying Cars Coming Soon!

Because we all are such attentive and considerate drivers on freeways and roads, why not bring it air-bound?

NBC News: Flying cars by 2023?

...a partner in the Uber Elevate flying car initiative, showed off its new air taxi concept called the Nexus.

While it may fly, make no mistake, the Nexus looks more like a car than an airplane.
[.]
...the adoption of flying cars still faces major regulatory roadblocks.

“The legal hurdles related to small flying machines are arguably a bigger challenge than mastering the technology. These issues will make it hard for personal or compact commercial aircraft to take flight, and even harder for a substantial number to offset ground traffic,” [said Karl Brauer, executive publisher of Cox Automotive].

Missing Wisconsin Teen Jayme Closs found alive.

Breaking news.

Chicago Tribune: A 13-year-old northwestern Wisconsin girl who went missing in October after her parents were killed has been found alive, authorities said Thursday.

The Barron County Sheriff's Department said on its Facebook page that Jayme Closs has been located and that a suspect was taken into custody.

Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said the sheriff's office in Douglas County, about 70 miles north of Barron County, located the girl. A suspect was apprehended a short time later. The statement did not say where Jayme was found or give any further information about the suspect.
[.]
Jayme Closs has been missing since her parents, James and Denise Closs, were found shot to death Oct. 15 in the family's home near Barron.

Star Tribune: Jayme Closs found in Northern Wisconsin.

[Jayme’s grandfather, Robert Naiberg, said late Thursday], “All I know is that they got her and that they’re checking her out at a hospital. She’ll be reunited with some family members after that.

“I’m going to hug her. Squeeze her,” Naiberg said, his voice cracking.

"There were days when it was hard to hold onto hope. I’ve been in the dumpster for three months,” he said.

Full details have not yet been released. Local news is saying Miss Closs was running alone down a road or street and saw a lady and asked her for help. Miss Closs reportedly told the lady she had "been kidnapped after they killed my parents."

FOX 9 News: Found in Gordon, missing from Barron.

A suspect was taken into custody at 4:54 p.m., also in Gordon. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald told FOX 9 he believes more people may be involved. The Closs family was told the name of the suspect, but they did not know them.

Muslim Group Sues Maryland over "No Boycott of Israel" Executive Order

Arab News: Maryland’s ban on contracting with businesses that boycott Israel tramples on the First Amendment rights of a software engineer who advocates for Palestinians, a Muslim civil rights group claims.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ federal lawsuit seeks to block the state from enforcing an executive order that Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed in October 2017.

The order requires contractors to certify in writing that they don’t boycott Israel. The group’s suit claims the order has an unconstitutional chilling effect on First Amendment-protected political advocacy supporting Palestine.

CAIR says 25 other states have enacted measures similar to Maryland’s, through legislation or executive orders. CAIR attorney Gadeir Abbas said other federal lawsuits have challenged measures in Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas.
[.]
In December, the Arkansas Times weekly newspaper sued to block a similar measure. That state law, which took effect in August 2017, requires contractors to reduce their fees by 20 percent if they don’t sign a pledge not to boycott Israel.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s office argued that boycotting Israel is not activity protected by the First Amendment.

“It is neither speech, nor is it conduct that is inherently expressive, nor associational activity that is afforded constitutional protection,” wrote attorneys representing Rutledge’s office.

These suits filed by CAIR (which I refer to as standing for "Can't Antagonize Islamic Radicals") will be interesting to monitor.

I don't have a lot of knowledge of how government-private business contracting works. I do know a government institution can require certain conditions be met for certain employers, like minority and women-owned companies. And, believe it or not, I understand the essence of CAIR's lawsuit. But to claim some type of disadvantage, or discrimination by using the First Amendment to support their basis? I'm not an attorney or a judge, but this issue seems to fall under contractual law. If you dislike the terms of a contract, don't sign it. I don't see the slightest foundation for CAIR's argument based under Freedom of Speech. Governments discriminate every day against every one. CAIR needs to learn this.

Wisconsin Judge Blows .129 Alcohol Breath Test; not charged. Legal limit: 0.08

KSTP News: Wisconsin judge not arrested; driving under the influence.

A Wisconsin judge, who had bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol, was not arrested for drinking and driving late last year despite failing a field sobriety test and blowing well over the legal limit, according to police video and records obtained by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Judge Eric Lundell can be heard on police dash and body cameras asking for special treatment during the traffic stop in Hudson, Wisconsin.

"Where's the ol' police courtesy," he asked one of the officers.
[.]
...Lundell again asked for special treatment.

"Just give me one police courtesy one time in my whole career. If you want to ride with me home, fine. C'mon, Brad," he said, again addressing the sergeant by his first name.

Officer Luke Radke explained why the judge's request was problematic.

"I'm going to handle this like I would for anyone else," Radke said. "I understand you want some police courtesy right now, but if I get caught, or it gets released to the media that I didn't do my job because of who you are, my career is over."

The 71-year-old judge declined to perform at least one of the field sobriety tests, citing his age, but eventually agreed to stand on one leg – a test he failed.

At that point, Radke and Kusmirek agreed not to arrest Lundell.
[.]
However, the officers did ask the judge to take a breathalyzer with the understanding he would be allowed to drive home if he blew under a .04.

"Well, if you're not going to arrest me, then sure," Lundell said.

The judge then blew a .129. The officers allowed him to call for a ride home.
[.]
Hudson Police Chief Geoff Willems defended his officers' handling of the traffic stop, and said the judge was not given the police courtesy he requested.
[.]
"Anytime you have different officers, different experience levels, different training, you have a potential for a different outcome," he added.

WHAT?  "Anytime you have different officers, different experience levels, different training, you have a potential for a different outcome." 

The judge blew a .129.

Wisconsin's BAC definitions:

"Per Se" BAC Limit     0.08 Percent
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit     0.02 Percent
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit     0.15 Percent
Implied Consent to Submit to BAC Test?     Yes

0.08 versus .129. Yeah, the judge was granted special favor. The Police Chief and the officer need to be fired.

"Where's the ol' police courtesy" - Eric Lundell.

Man Shot By Dog

I'm not poking fun at this story, even though I kind of am with the image. If this happened to me, I'd have no problem with anyone doing a similar image. The man lived, although one of his legs was amputated. I truly feel for the guy. If I could, I would've taken the bullet for him. I'd do that for anyone. I would.

Stuff NZ: Man lucky to be alive after hunting accident.

An American hunter has lost a leg after being shot by a dog while on a hunting trip. That's according to a close friend and hunting companion of Matt Branch who warned others to be "the utmost careful when it comes to gun safety."
[.]
Branch was struck by a shotgun blast when a dog who was with his group jumped into the back of their Ford Ranger and stepped on the weapon's safety, setting it to fire mode, while also managing to pull the trigger.

The story contains a GoFundMe link to help with medical expenses. If you can help, please consider doing so.

Yeah, "the utmost care when it comes to gun safety." Wonder why they ignored that? You can't ignore it, not even for one second. And when you're hunting and have a dog or dogs with you, the intensity of "utmost gun safety" becomes magnified even more. There always exists the unpredictability of what could happen with a person handling a loaded weapon. Deer hunters have suffered heart attacks and fallen from their stands. Their rifle has sometimes fallen along with them and discharged, other times, not. The unpredictability factor of what dogs might do during hunting is a complete "unknown". Even the best trained hunting dog can do something unexpected and unanticipated.

There are only two places where a loaded gun can be when it comes to utmost gun safety. A loaded gun is either being held or holstered by the person in possession of it. OR, it is inside a locked gun safe. That's it. Some may argue the second option I listed is inappropriate. My reply would be, yes, you make a STRONG ARGUMENT to unload the gun before placing it the safe.

The primary, never-ever-EVER rule to overlook, not even for a split second, is leaving a loaded gun unattended. You can't do it. I've hunted, shot at the range, sat around with other experienced gun handlers and every time, without fail, if a gun is being passed around for others to look at, every single person does the same thing: they check to make sure it is NOT LOADED. Even though they know it's unloaded and was checked by the person before them. And the really smart ones check it twice and three times. THAT is what you must do. One cannot check an unloaded gun too frequently.

Many of us, including myself, have been hunting and ya gotta take a whizz. Yes, I've set my rifle or shotgun down, usually as close to the ground as possible - depending on if the ground is leaves, wet or snow. Yes, I've left it loaded but with the safety on. Did I violate the number one primary rule I stated above? Technically, yep, I sure did. And I'm lucky, in retrospect, that no freak accident occurred. One could have, and I would have been pissed that I'd not adhered to the primary rule.

I hope Mr. Branch recovers fully. The loss of his leg is so tragic. His life is forever changed. The aftermath, a result of a split-second moment in thinking a loaded gun could be left unattended. Responsible gun owners know not to do this. From the story, Mr. Branch and his hunting party certainly seem to be just that; responsible gun owners. But that one, momentary lapse - that one "it's only for X time" - of leaving a loaded gun unattended, is a momentary lapse that we can't ever allow happen.

Never leave a loaded gun in the pick-up bed, or car trunk, or back seat even if you're driving six feet down the road. Make sure you've emptied it. If you're out in the boonies, and feel like leaving it out of the case for that six-foot trip, I'm not going to harsh on that - just make sure it's not loaded.

I, and those I've hunted and shot with, have been 1) exceedingly careful and 2) very fortunate, as none of us have experienced an errant shot, an unintended discharge, a shot fired in error. I attribute that to being well-schooled with guns. Gun safety was part of Boy Scouts. I hunted with my dad, brothers, uncles and cousins. Every single one had gun safety strongly and indelibly drilled into our heads. Instead of "hands-on" gun safety starting at an early age, and continuing it into teens and young adulthood, has society changed into a "fear guns" mentality? Is this why there seems to be an uptick in reports of "accidental shootings"? Readers, gun owners...please pitch in an leave a comment.

Small Boat vs Huge Crusie Ship

BBC: Watch below or hit this link for a video clip of an inflatable boat that came way too close for comfort with a cruise liner.

Mystery radio waves from far outside galaxy.

VOA News: Astronomers in Canada have detected a mysterious volley of radio waves from far outside our galaxy.

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) flash only for a micro-instant, but can emit as much energy as the sun does in 10,000 years.

Exactly what causes these high-energy surges of long waves at the far end of the electromagnetic spectrum remains the subject of intense debate.
[.]
“FRBs, it seems, are likely generated in dense, turbulent regions of host galaxies,” [said] Shriharsh Tendulkar, a corresponding author for both studies and an astronomer at McGill University.

Maybe in space, your screams are heard.

World News

SMH: Girl sneaks 394 MDMA pills into music festival.

Tina Phan, 18, plead guilty on Thursday at Burwood Local Court to internally secreting hundreds of pills to sneak into the Knockout Games of Destiny Festival in Homebush in December.
[.]
Phan was attending the all-night dance party when a friend of a friend offered her money to internally secrete the hundreds of MDMA pills into the festival[.]

- - -
ABC Net: Saudi teen girl hoping for asylum in Australia.

The United Nations refugee agency has referred Rahaf Alqunun's case to Australia for consideration.

But it comes as Thai immigration officials have spoken on behalf of the 18-year-old's father who says he wants his daughter back.

- - -
World News:  Debris found of French Air Force fighter jet.

...local residents reported hearing a large explosion and reported that some debris, including a map and a parachute, have been found on a tree. The report is yet to be confirmed by French officials.

- - -
News NY 1: Video of police officers beating man with batons in Manhattan.

"What the video doesn't show is that these perps — one of whom has been previously arrested for assaulting a police officer — threw a haymaker at the cops once they got above ground, necessitating the use of force to bring them into custody," said Pat Lynch, the president of the union, the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.

- - -
NY Daily News: Almost 100,000 people watched Stormy Daniels fold laundry during Trump speech.

Stormy Daniels folded clothes on Instagram Live Tuesday night while President Trump went on live television[.]
[.]
Daniels, who [streamed] the skit in her underwear, played Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall" while doing her chores. She said she attracted 100,000 viewers.

Well, from now on when I hear "Another Brick in The Wall" my visual imagery will be different from what it was.
- - -
Canoe: Death threats to Canadian cop who ran over deer.

A Lethbridge police officer who allegedly used a truck to euthanize a deer has received death threats[.]
[.]
“The police officer responded and killed the deer in an incident that was partially recorded by a bystander on cellphone video,” the news release states.

The video shows a police truck repeatedly running over a wounded deer on a city street.

I can't imagine anyone driving over an injured animal in order to euthanize it. I'll keep an eye out for future news on this story. The compassionate thing to do, as terrible as some may find this, is shooting the injured animal in its head.
- - -
Courthouse News Service: Appeals Court tosses climate change suit.

Oregon has no duty to protect natural resources as part of a public trust, according to a state appeals court Wednesday, tossing claims that the state hasn’t done enough to stop climate change.

Two teenage girls sued the state in 2011, in one of the first of flush of suits using a novel legal approach to challenge government inaction over climate change[.]

GOOD! Hope to see a lot more rulings like it.
- - -
Red Orbit (...AHEM...): What to do, ladies, when you have an ingrown hair... (you know. There).

Ingrown pubic hair is among the most common problems a woman can experience. Usually, it is completely harmless, though it can be painful and hard to get rid of in some cases.

Okay, then.

How many Dems will condemn Tim Cook's earnings?

Answer to post title: None.

This Is Money: Apple boss Tim Cook's BIGGEST BONUS EVER.

Apple boss Tim Cook collected his biggest ever bonus just weeks before the iPhone maker cut production due to poor sales.

The 58-year-old trousered £12.3million in 2018, including a £2.4million salary and a £9.4million bonus.

It was a 22 per cent pay rise for a year that saw Apple post record revenue and profit.

But it came just weeks before it dropped a bombshell, saying demand for its latest iPhones failed to meet expectations.

I have no problem with any CEO making a ton of money. I do have a problem with corporations with business ties in countries that exploit and use forced child labor for mining cobalt and lithium and any other resource. Don't tell me these companies "don't know". Years ago, Apple had to install suicide nets in their China manufacturing facilities because workers preferred leaping to their deaths rather than work at their job.

Green Tech Media: The Hidden Risks of Batteries: Child Labor, Modern Slavery.

Shockingly, 40,000 children are estimated to be employed in artisanal mines in southern DR Congo, including in cobalt extraction. Verisk Maplecroft’s cobalt risk assessment -- part of its commodity risk service -- reveals that human rights abuses are widespread in the sector and can occur within both industrial and artisanal mines.

Bloomberg: 2018: Apple negotiating to buy cobalt direct from miners in DR Congo.

The price of cobalt has more than tripled in the past 18 months to trade above $80,000 a metric ton. Two-thirds of supplies come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where there has never been a peaceful transition of power and child labor is still used in parts of the mining industry.

Apple isn't the only maker of electronics that obtains cobalt and lithium from countries and sources that use forced child labor. Conducting business with countries and companies that deliberately look the other way on all types of child labor is appalling and must be stopped. What is Tim Cook going to do about it? What are you/we going to do about it? Yes, there's lithium and cobalt in your, and my, lap top, desk top, IPad, phone and everything else. What degree of responsibility belongs to those of us who use these devices?

While all activity or work contains some degree of risk, (simply being alive carries with it the inherent risk of death), and while we can each rationalize what we do in life and assess various degrees of risk we are willing to take, profit should never come at the expense of human life and health. This is mantra to every reasonable, free-thinking individual. But it is held in absolute holy righteousness by The Left. So, why am I not surprised that The Left maintains a silent vigil on this issue when it comes to Tech?

One could correctly call the cobalt and lithium industry the "new" Exxon or Standard Oil. But The Left never will.

MN Gov Proclaims Diversity Exec Order

KSTP News: MN Gov Tim Walz Canned Ham's Executive Order, Council of Diversity.

Gov. Tim Walz signed his first executive order Wednesday.

The order established the One Minnesota Council on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.

It reportedly expands upon a council formed by former governor Mark Dayton in an effort to include individuals from different backgrounds throughout the state.

According to a release from Walz's office, the order he has signed is expected to further the council's mission, "expanding its scope to address geographic diversity as well as important considerations around equity in Minnesota."

Gee. Gov. Canned Ham expanded a program begun by his predecessor Richie Rich Mark Dayton. Walz is just another in a long line of Minnesota Big, Expansive, Government politicians. The elected Dems can't wait to start spending. Canned Ham begins his term with a $ 1.5 BILLION SURPLUS. "Surplus" is a misnomer. The state overcharged everyone again. And they act like it's a surplus. If this were a business or company overcharging customers, the state AG would file suit the moment of hearing one, lonely outcry of unjust financial enrichment.

Below are results from a basic image on Tim Walz. See if you can spot all the diversity among his supporters and friends.

I generally and deliberately blur faces of kids under the adult legal age of 18, so that's why some of the pics are that way. Other than that, the pics are, like I said, from a general image search on Tim(my) Walz. The Liberal Illusion of Diversity is what matters.

Dark Over Lord Hackers release more 9/11 documents.

As part of the recent hack relating to Germany, a second drop of info was released regarding September 11. RT:

The Dark Overlord hacker group has released decryption keys for a second batch of 9/11 documents, totalling [sic] over 7,500 files. Additional document leaks containing “more secrets” and “more truth” have been promised, for a price.
[.]
...the documents build up a picture of insurance litigators brainstorming to see who they could sue for damages in the wake of the attacks. In emails, the lawyers discuss targeting the airlines, airplane manufacturers, the Federal Aviation Authority, the terrorists themselves, and foreign entities.
[.]
Along the way, the litigators discuss whether then-President George W. Bush had advance knowledge of the attacks, or whether the Saudi Royal family was responsible, but this discussion is speculative and no damning new information is revealed.

While the encryption key for the first batch of documents has been scrubbed from Reddit, Pastebin and Twitter, it remained available for several days on Steemit. Dark Overlord’s account was banned from the platform on Wednesday, however, but the documents can be accessed on Busy.org, a website that runs on the same blockchain as Steemit.

Cyberscoop: Dark Over Lord was seeking new hires.

“Do YOU want to get Rich? Come work for us!,” The Dark Overlord wrote in a Nov. 14, 2018, thread on KickAss Forum, a cybercriminal marketplace on the dark web that charges for entry.

See. The economy under President Trump is even good for hiring, hacking and extortion!

Cluck and Nancy Propose Secure Border Red Velvet Rope

Encounters with Ed Buck, White Wealthy Dem Donor

Ed Buckmelter

Daily Mail: Man reveals encounters with Ed Buck.

Jermaine Gagnon, 28, told DailyMailTV how he narrowly escaped death when Edward Buck injected him with crystal meth at his sex-toy filled apartment .
[.]
Buck offered him $200 to spend the evening with him at his apartment, he said.
[.]
Buck is now under investigation over the deaths of a black man in his 50s at his apartment in the early hours of Monday morning this week, and a second investigation into the death of Gemmel Moore 18 months ago has been reopened, after being closed for lack of evidence.

Previous incidents of deaths at home of Ed Buck.

Why, at the very least, hasn't Buck been officially designated as a person of interest?

Freeway sign falls on car during traffic in Australia.

ABC Action News: Freeway sign falls, hits car in Melbourne.

The story reports the driver suffered only minor injuries.

Ex-Mrs. Bezos Just Became the Richest Woman in World. (Unless there's a Prenup).

BBC: Jeff Bezos and wife MacKenzie to divorce.

"After a long period of loving exploration and trial separation, we have decided to divorce and continue our shared lives as friends," the couple said in the statement.

The news even made it into the Jeff Bezos Peoples' Republic.

Bezos: Successful Alien-Human Hybrid

Ten Men Accused of sexually abusing two 14-year old girls

DESIblitz: Ten men appeared at Bradford Crown Court accused of sexually abusing two vulnerable girls when they were in care and both 14 years old.

The prosecutor, Kama Melly QC, told the court that the men accused all used the girls for their “sexual fulfilment” with the sexual abuse and exploitation allegedly starting about 10 years ago when the girls were 14 years old.

The ten men, nine of which are Asian and of Pakistani descent, used “cynical and manipulative behaviour” to exploit the girls and some of them used violence, force and threatening behaviour against the girls. Others gave the teenage girls alcohol and drugs for sex.
[,]
As reported by the Telegraph and Argus, the men standing trial are as follows.

Basharat Khaliq, aged 38, from Allerton, is charged with five counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration.

Saeed Akhtar, aged 55, from Girlington, is accused of two counts of causing/inciting child prostitution and one of rape.

Izar Hussain, aged 32, from Girlington, faces three counts of rape and one of attempted rape.

Naveed Akhtar, aged 43, from Manningham, is accused of three counts of rape.

Parvaze Ahmed, aged 36, from Heaton, is charged with three counts of rape.

Kieran Harris, aged 28, from Dewsbury, is charged with two counts of rape.

Mohammed Usman, aged 31, from Bradford, is accused of two charges of rape.

Yasar Majid, aged 37, from Milton Keynes, is charged with one count of rape.

Zeeshan Ali, 3aged 2, from Girlington, is accused of one charge of sexual assault.

Fahim Iqbal, aged 27, is accused of a charge of aiding and abetting rape.

All of the men deny the charges against them.

Man Spends 3 hours licking doorbells.

Image: ring.com/Sylvia Dungan - Sky News

Police are looking for man who licked doorbells for three hours then urinated in a garden. This occurred in...

...wait for it...

...

...

...yeah you knew. 

California. Sky News:

Roberto Daniel Arroyo, 33, was captured taking part in the bizarre act on the Dungan's home CCTV in Salinas, California, on Saturday morning.

The clear footage shows the man leaning his head against the intercom outside their front door and licking the doorbell from several different angles.

He carried on licking for three hours.
[.]
...he appeared to "relieve himself" in the Dungan's garden and entered several other neighbours' yards.

For a moment, Flakka crossed my mind. But the doorbell licker is too...composed...for Flakka effects. Well...ya know...hobbies?