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Thursday, April 20. 2023

A Brief History of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Weird, Wonderful Career

*The Two-Parent Privilege*

All of our “theories of everything” are probably wrong. Here’s why

Climate Change Activists Now Going After Rice – A Staple That Feeds Billions

SFSU athletic director: ‘Common mistake’ to think men have physical advantages over women

MAP: Transgenderism and “Queer Theory” in K-12 schools in all Continental United States

Former Director Of National Intelligence Admits That Fauci Lied About Gain Of Function Research

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky Finally Admits Vaccinated Individuals Can Spread COVID Virus

WH Spox: “Happy Tax Day … I Know People Are Always Excited About This Day”

How Bad Is Portland's Drug Problem? So Bad That It Closed a County Drug Center.

Human tidal wave is waiting for border to open May 11 — Biden has no plan to stop it

America, the World's Scold

Victor Davis Hanson: Can We Do Anything About America's Decline?

Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket is turning into a space policy disaster.

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 07:16 | Comments (50) | Trackbacks (0)

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"Climate Change Activists Now Going After Rice - A Staple That Feeds Billions"

Let this line from the article sink in:

"[The] world's largest rice producers are China, India, and Indonesia."

The bold type is mine.

What are the chances China and India are going to reduce their rice production to "save the planet"?

#1 JJM on 2023-04-20 09:29 (Reply)

Silly rabbit. Haven't you learned by now that it's only White/Western nations that cause the ozone to go plop?

#1.1 Maniac on 2023-04-20 09:34 (Reply)

JJM: What are the chances China and India are going to reduce their rice production to "save the planet"?

That's not what the AFP News story is about. Most of the methane from rice production is produced by bacteria growing in the straw that is left behind after harvest. Vietnam is part of a project to remove the straw and turn it into organic fertilizer or to grow mushrooms. That reduces methane emissions while producing the same amount of rice, decreasing smoke pollution, and increasing profitability.

#1.2 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 11:36 (Reply)

@Zach: Thanks for tracking down that link to the AFP news video. This is a great example of industrial waste being used as a feedstock for another industrial process. Ideals like this, and not hair-shirted self-denial, are what will lead to industry and agriculture that are environmentally benign and sustainable.

#1.2.1 Mike Anderson (Link) on 2023-04-20 11:57 (Reply)

Agreed. Any path forward has to recognize the challenge but be sustainable and based on market principles. Indeed, addressing the climate problem will require continued economic growth to fuel the technological innovation required, as well as to provide the benefits of modern industry to all of the world's people. There's no turning back.

#1.2.1.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 12:14 (Reply)

ahhh!! A boy crush!

#1.2.1.1.1 OneGuy on 2023-04-20 14:43 (Reply)

As I wrote:

"What are the chances China and India are going to reduce their rice production to 'save the planet'?"

#1.2.2 JJM on 2023-04-20 13:02 (Reply)

JJM: "What are the chances China and India are going to reduce their rice production to 'save the planet'?"

Who is talking about reducing rice production?

#1.2.2.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 13:10 (Reply)

A wonderful example of capitalism at work, once again solving the world's problems. And in Vietnam, of all places! Not that I think this particular issue (methane emissions) is a problem that needs solving, but if someone can turn waste into money, more power to them.

China and India, the largest producers of the so-called climate change pollutants, have, of course, not signed on to the same agreement as Vietnam, meaning the efforts by the farmers in Vietnam are useless in attaining their stated goal of having an effect on the climate. But if the farmers make some money out of it and become more prosperous, that is a good outcome.

#1.2.3 RJP on 2023-04-20 18:45 (Reply)

RJP: A wonderful example of capitalism at work, once again solving the world's problems.

While the solution taps into capitalist incentives, the plan is part of research supported by governments and philanthropy by the International Rice Research Institute. They developed varieties of rice that helped stave off famine in the 1960s, as part of the Green Revolution, and are also working to develop Golden Rice.

And, yes. Methane is an issue. China and India may not have signed on to the initial plan, but if economically viable, they will certainly adopt the new methods.

#1.2.3.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 21:52 (Reply)

There is certainly debate about methane and how its absorption characteristics at some wavelengths offset its heat-retaining effects at others. In other words the science is, as always, not settled.

#1.2.3.1.1 RJP on 2023-04-21 14:12 (Reply)

RJP: There is certainly debate about methane and how its absorption characteristics at some wavelengths offset its heat-retaining effects at others.

Methane's absorption in shorter wave lengths causes a reduction of about 30% in the warming effect due to longer wave lengths. See Allen et al., Surface warming and wetting due to methane’s long-wave radiative effects muted by short-wave absorption, Nature Geoscience 2023. Overall, methane still causes a strong warming effect.

#1.2.3.1.2 Zachriel on 2023-04-21 15:02 (Reply)

You don't know that, you're just making an assumption. That study revealed a previously unknown 30% reduction in the effect methane has on atmospheric heating. Who's to say another study won't be out soon showing an even larger reduction? The science is far from settled.

#1.2.3.1.2.1 RJP on 2023-04-22 22:33 (Reply)

RJP: You don't know that, you're just making an assumption.

Our statement was not an assumption, but a tentative finding based on evidence. As Stephen J. Gould noted, apples might start to rise tomorrow. But the evidence indicates otherwise. It was already known that there was a 15% reduction in radiative forcing, however, the knock-on effects were not previously quantified. More generally, it's the Relativity of Wrong:

QUOTE:

when people thought the Earth was flat, they were wrong. When people thought the Earth was spherical, they were wrong. But if you think that thinking the Earth is spherical is just as wrong as thinking the Earth is flat, then your view is wronger than both of them put together. — Isaac Asimov

#1.2.3.1.2.2 Zachriel on 2023-04-23 07:47 (Reply)

'A Brief History of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Weird, Wonderful Career'

I'll never forget seeing the video for "Smells Like Nirvana" for the first time. I laughed hysterically throughout it and then for five minutes after it.

#2 Maniac on 2023-04-20 09:36 (Reply)

I think some men have some physical advantages over some women. Mostly the men who have penises have physical advantages over women who have uteruses. Men who have uteruses don't necessarily have physical advantages over women who have penises.

#3 Jerryskids on 2023-04-20 09:45 (Reply)

I've never heard of the Egard Watch Company, but I like their advertising:

https://twitter.com/EgardWatchCo/status/1647022654585438209

#4 Aggie on 2023-04-20 10:07 (Reply)

America, the world's scold
‘What we get from China is an airport. What we get from the United States is a lecture.’

Do they think that the airport is theirs? LOL. No, the airport will be used by China when war comes and because it is their country will become a target. I'm thinking they just proved beyond a doubt that they really, really needed a lecture because they obviuosly have no clue what China is doing.

#5 OneGuy on 2023-04-20 11:12 (Reply)

Regarding 'theories of everything', Stanley Jaki pointed out, as long ago as 1966, that Kurt Goedel had buried everyone of them back in the '30's.

#6 DeGaulle on 2023-04-20 11:41 (Reply)

DeGaulle: Regarding 'theories of everything', Stanley Jaki pointed out, as long ago as 1966, that Kurt Goedel had buried everyone of them back in the '30's.

That is not necessarily the case. For instance, Gödel's incompleteness theorems don't apply to many mathematical constructs, including some axiomizations of geometry or real numbers.

#6.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 12:07 (Reply)

Neither "some axiomizations of geometry" nor "real numbers" are even close to the theories of everything that the claim is actually about.

So, if you are going to argue that Godel did not bury every theory of everything, perhaps you should try and show an actual example of a theory of everything that he did not bury. Euclid's axioms and real numbers are not relevant examples.

#6.1.1 eeyore on 2023-04-20 15:21 (Reply)

Quibble-DickZ frantically searching ChatGPT for a snotty comeback.

#6.1.1.1 Zachinoff on 2023-04-20 15:35 (Reply)

eeyore: perhaps you should try and show an actual example of a theory of everything that he did not bury.

The would be DeGaulle's burden. We had supposed DeGaulle was referring to Gödel's incompleteness theorems. We just noted that it is not necessarily the case, because it would depend on the axiomatic structure of the theory.

In any case, incompleteness theorems would generally have no more impact on scientific theories of everything than they do on Newtonian Mechanics. Even if incompleteness applied to the axioms of a particular theory, that wouldn't mean the theory couldn't be a valid theory. It would be like saying a scientific theory about counting and multiplying sheep can't have scientific validity because of incompleteness.

#6.1.2 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 15:52 (Reply)

Toldja so.
LOL.

#6.1.2.1 Zachinoff on 2023-04-20 18:27 (Reply)

You have betrayed your complete lack of understanding of what the incompleteness theorem applies to and its implications. Your word salad sounds impressive to the ignorant though, I guess.

#6.1.2.2 eeyore on 2023-04-21 10:17 (Reply)

eeyore: You have betrayed your complete lack of understanding of what the incompleteness theorem applies to and its implications.

What did we misunderstand? How does incompleteness apply to theories of everything or to Newton's theory? Please try again.

#6.1.2.3 Zachriel on 2023-04-21 11:35 (Reply)

re Climate Change Activists Now Going After Rice – A Staple That Feeds Billions

related

The war on food continues

QUOTE:

In New York City-run facilities, meat is increasingly missing from the menu.

Mayor Eric Adams on Monday vowed to reduce emissions tied to city food procurements by 33 percent by 2030, unveiling data showing that in New York City, food consumption rivals transportation as a source of planet-warming gases.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/17/nyregion/eric-adams-meat-emissions-nyc.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur

NYC intends to buy less meat for school children and other public institutions to "save the planet."

#7 feeblemind on 2023-04-20 11:43 (Reply)

IN case the NYT link doesn't work:

https://www.frontpagemag.com/nyc-mayor-to-cut-carbon-emissions-by-cutting-off-food/

#7.1 feeblemind on 2023-04-20 11:49 (Reply)

The Mayor is just another Vegan in drag.

#7.2 indyjonesouthere on 2023-04-20 11:59 (Reply)

Two parent privilege ... Not an acceptable condition for the multicultural practitioners.

SFSU athletic director ... Well, until she gets punched in the face.

Former DNI ... The government if full of Fauci clones. They always head for power and control.

CDC Walensky ... More Fauci in a pantsuit.

#8 indyjonesouthere on 2023-04-20 11:55 (Reply)

QUOTE:

Victor Davis Hanson: Can We Do Anything About America's Decline?

As usual with a Hanson Gish Gallop, we'll start with just the first specific claim.

QUOTE:

Our largest cities are becoming uninhabitable—dilapidated, dangerous, and dysfunctional.

Murders in New York City by Year

NYC sees 5.6% overall crime drop in February {2023}: "The decrease in overall crime was largely driven by a 27.8% decrease in murders, 22.1% decrease in rapes and 15% decrease in burglaries".

#9 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 12:34 (Reply)

Brandon Johnson Is the Future of Big City Politics

QUOTE:

That appeal to racial socialism triumphed over the appeal to law and order. Johnson won by uniting minorities together against the city’s remaining white population. Non-white Chicagoans care more about the promise of more wealth redistribution than they do about cops arresting more criminals who look like themselves.

Johnson embodies the “American Chavist” trend in Democratic politics. I characterized this development as “anti-white socialism.” It would combine pledges of wealth redistribution with racial resentment.

https://www.amren.com/news/2023/04/brandon-johnson-is-the-future-of-big-city-politics/

#9.1 feeblemind on 2023-04-20 13:21 (Reply)

feeblemind: Brandon Johnson Is the Future of Big City Politics

Hanson made a blanket statement about the largest cities in the United States. While some large cities are struggling with crime, such as Chicago, Tulsa, and Cleveland; other large cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have relatively low crime rates. Large cities contribute huge amounts of GDP to the United States (NYC $1.5 trillion).

#9.1.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 14:53 (Reply)

Here I was wondering if the Quibble-DickZ and their special brand of dishonesty (half-truths, cherry picking, and outright lies) had finally been banished from the Farm.

Disappointed am I.

#9.1.1.1 Zachinoff on 2023-04-20 15:27 (Reply)

Careful, or he'll start throwing around terms like "Gish Gallop" and "conflate"!!!

He's trying his best to avoid having to address and also to draw attention away from the crumbling of one of his favorite narratives--the covid lab leak.

But he's right about everything else, of course!!!

#9.1.1.1.1 SK on 2023-04-20 16:40 (Reply)

The stated reason from Whole Foods on why they are closing their flagship San Francisco store is because of crime.

#9.1.1.2 RJP on 2023-04-20 17:31 (Reply)

RJP: The stated reason from Whole Foods on why they are closing their flagship San Francisco store is because of crime.

True. The downtown store closed temporarily due to crime in the local vicinity. Even though overall city crime has dropped over the last few years, there has been a spike in property crimes. The point is that most American cities are not suddenly becoming “uninhabitable—dilapidated, dangerous, and dysfunctional.” It’s a gross exaggeration.

#9.1.1.2.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 20:15 (Reply)

If you stop arresting people for anything short of murder, voila, crime rates go down.

The first statistics class I took in undergrad talked about how worthless crime statistics (UCR, etc) were anyway; they were all basically shaped and reported for purely political purposes.

#9.1.1.3 Hoss on 2023-04-20 21:49 (Reply)

Hoss: If you stop arresting people for anything short of murder, voila, crime rates go down.

Most crimes, especially violent crimes, are still reported. In addition, rates of victimization can be independently estimated. Such surveys largely confirm rates of reported crimes. That does not mean that incentives don’t matter—they certainly do.

In any case, the claim that most American cities are suddenly becoming “uninhabitable—dilapidated, dangerous, and dysfunctional” is a gross exaggeration.

#9.1.1.3.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-20 22:01 (Reply)

“Those who generate statistical data for the purpose of proving their position generate the statistics required.”
Can’t remember the originator.

#9.1.1.3.1.1 Louie Miller on 2023-04-21 00:36 (Reply)

Louie Miller: “Those who generate statistical data for the purpose of proving their position generate the statistics required.”

While one should be cautious about the use of statistics, that does not mean that no useful information can be gleaned from collections of data. One way to gain confidence in conclusions is to look at independent methodologies. So, for instance, we might look at reported crimes vs. crime surveys to see if they show the same trend. Also, homicides leave bodies, so that provides a very specific means of determining levels of overall violence in a society.

#9.1.1.3.1.1.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-21 07:43 (Reply)

Quibble-DickZ: In any case, the claim that most American cities are suddenly becoming “uninhabitable—dilapidated, dangerous, and dysfunctional” is a gross exaggeration.

'In any case", no one claimed it happened "suddenly' except you grossly exaggerating little weasels..

#9.1.1.3.1.2 Zachinoff on 2023-04-21 11:47 (Reply)

“Most crimes are still reported….”

You’re stating an assumption as if it’s a fact. Trust me when I tell you you’re in way over your head on this.

#9.1.1.3.1.3 Hoss on 2023-04-21 23:39 (Reply)

Hoss: You’re stating an assumption as if it’s a fact.

Nearly all murders are reported. About 60% of aggravated assaults and robberies are reported, but only about half of domestic violence is reported (2021). This is based on comparing crime victimization surveys to crimes reported. Rates of reporting were lower a few decades ago, but both data sets show a decrease in violent crime since the 1990s.

#9.1.1.3.1.3.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-22 06:50 (Reply)

>> ... New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have relatively low crime rates....

Perhaps that's because law enforcement in each of those cities have now characterizes property theft under roughly $1,000 as a misdemeanor. ??

FBI UCR Crime stats apparently only include (1) Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter, (2) Forcible Rape, (3) Robbery, (4) Aggravated Assault, (5) Burglary, (6) Larceny-Theft, (7) Motor Vehicle Theft, and (8) Arson.

#9.1.1.4 Riick on 2023-04-20 22:09 (Reply)

Riick: Perhaps that's because law enforcement in each of those cities have now characterizes property theft under roughly $1,000 as a misdemeanor. ??

Not sure how that impacts data collection. The FBI doesn't make the distinction.

QUOTE:

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program defines larceny-theft as the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Examples are thefts of bicycles, thefts of motor vehicle parts and accessories, shoplifting, pocket-picking, or the stealing of any property or article that is not taken by force and violence or by fraud. Attempted larcenies are included in offense totals. Embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, check fraud, etc., are excluded.

#9.1.1.4.1 Zachriel on 2023-04-21 07:38 (Reply)

Bolshevik enemedia was on about the chaos and of course it was centered around guns and worst case scenarios.
The 84 year old shooting the teen just knocking on the door at the wrong house was on loop due to the races.
The 1860's oppressed/oppressor LARP will be hard to maintain during the anarchotyranny National Bolshevism stage of the deliberate Brandon wipeout.
Look for the race card angle to be played even in cities that have been democrat controlled since Boss Tweed.
The not so Great Society.

#10 Fear Of Anarchy on 2023-04-20 12:59 (Reply)

Why did Fox decide to payoff Dominion law suit? A lot of pundits will tell you it is because they couldn't prove that the Dominion machines ever contributed to the stolen election. But we have seen article after article where after testing the Dominion machines failed the test and favored the Democrats or other cases where the dominion machines were shown to actually be on line during the vote, which is against the law. There is a lot of evidence. So, why did Fox settle? Because the lawyers expected that Dominion could seat a biased jury and that because of that bias Fox would lose and the award would be well over a billion dollars. You will notice that Fox settled AFTER the jury was selected, they knew they would lose. Fox probably wouldn't have lost if the case was tried in Wyoming or Idaho but it wasn't. This is how you win civil lawsuits. Not by being right. Not by a preponderance of evidence. But by choosing the state and sometimes the city where the case is tried. So the sketchy Dominion machines will be used in future elections and Democrats will magically win. This is the future for the BRA Banana Republic of America.

#11 Anon on 2023-04-20 19:02 (Reply)

I remember a truly great movie—you will remember it, too—about the days when women's sports were up and coming: "A League of Their Own." What a perfect solution that would be for non-binary/trans athletes. And what a perfect solution it would be for everyone else to see how few they are and how much disruption so few can cause. This really is "asymmetrical." But fine, give them "a league of their own." Watch the crowds stream in and let them try and make a profit.

#12 Slow Learner on 2023-04-20 19:18 (Reply)

Good idea. But they won't make any money so the players will sue to force the men's team to share the profit and make the pay equal.

#12.1 OneGuy on 2023-04-20 20:41 (Reply)

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Thursday, April 20. 2023

Thursday morning links