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Monday, December 11. 2023

Meet Florida's Python Bounty Hunters. Eradication of the apex predator is “likely impossible.”

UPenn President Liz Magill, board of trustees chair Scott Bok resign after donor revolt over disastrous antisemitism testimony

CDC Director Issues New Covid Alert, Urges Americans to Wear Masks

Al Gore Says There is a Mental Health Crisis Around the World Because “We Are Not Solving the Climate Crisis”

ACLU to defend NRA

Why Two Parents Are the Ultimate Privilege - Half of American babies are born to unmarried mothers. And those with two parents, Melissa Kearney argues, have an immense advantage.

Baltimore owns a Hilton Hotel

Sullivan: The Day The Empress' Clothes Fell Off - Did the Congressional hearings finally expose the scandal of the Ivy League?

50,000 Migrants Apprehended at Southern Border in December’s First Week

Biden Border Crisis: Military-Age Men From Across the Globe Flood Across Arizona Border

Blinken: Cease-Fire While Hamas Still Intact Will Simply Perpetuate the Problem

Misogyny as a Weapon of War

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 06:00 | Comments (38) | Trackbacks (0)

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50,000 Migrants Apprehended at Southern Border ...

More like Greeted.

#1 Phloda on 2023-12-11 08:50 (Reply)

"“There is a mental health crisis around the world, I think that one of the main reasons for that is that young people look at the fact that we are not yet solving the climate crisis,” Al Gore said....."

Nothing wrong with Big Al, though. He's real healthy. Especially those big ol' bank accounts.

He's a perfect picture of what's wrong with the political class. They're predators.

#2 Aggie on 2023-12-11 09:14 (Reply)

So true. I think if you conducted a survey around the world global warming would not be very high on the list of what real people worry about.

#2.1 Don on 2023-12-11 09:19 (Reply)

Don: I think if you conducted a survey around the world global warming would not be very high on the list of what real people worry about.

QUOTE:

Pew Research Center: Around the world, most publics believe global climate change is a pressing concern. A median of 54% across the nations surveyed say it is a very serious problem, while fully 85% say it is at least a somewhat serious problem.

Interesting to note that those who emit the most are the least concerned.

#2.1.1 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 10:37 (Reply)

Now tell us about Big Al's heated pool, the one in his 20-room mansion that burns natural gas and consumes more energy than 30 average homes. And maybe follow up with a description of John Kerry's yacht - you know, the 76 ft one he moors in Rhode Island, to avoid paying excise taxes in his home state.

The political class. 'Do as I say, not as I do myself'

#2.1.1.1 Aggie on 2023-12-11 10:44 (Reply)

Aggie: Now tell us about Big Al's heated pool . . .

Squirrel!

Gore's home, an old building, which is also used for business offices and conferences, has had solar, rainwater-collection, and geothermal systems installed. Energy is supplemented with green energy purchases. More particularly, the problem of global warming can't be solved only by individual action. Energy is essential to modern economies. Only a concerted effort can address the problem.

#2.1.1.2 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 11:01 (Reply)

What "problem" is that, Quibble-DickZ?

#2.1.1.2.1 Zachinoff on 2023-12-11 11:15 (Reply)

You saw a squirrel? Funny, but you didn't comment on the heated pool. Or the energy consumption. Or the yacht, and the loss of revenue to Massachusetts's tax coffers, which feed their policy objectives.

"Do as I say, not as I do"

The most effective leaders, lead by example - showing by their actions, their commitment to their principles.

#2.1.1.2.2 Aggie on 2023-12-11 11:31 (Reply)

Aggie: but you didn't comment on the heated pool.

Don's question, to which we responded, concerned world opinion on global warming.

We directly commented on Gore's energy usage. Gore has retrofitted his old home by installing solar, rainwater-collection, and geothermal systems. He also purchases green energy, which is produced by green sources, such as solar.

#2.1.1.2.3 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 11:39 (Reply)

https://www.wivb.com/news/report-al-gores-home-uses-34-times-as-much-energy-as-average-home/

"“During the last 12 months, Gore devoured 66,159 kWh of electricity just heating his pool. That is enough energy to power six average U.S. households for a year,” the report said."

Gee, does he use his pool for conferences?

"The 33 solar panels that Gore had installed produce 5.7 percent of his energy consumption in a month, according to the report." Gee, for a 10,000 sq ft house, that's not very many panels, is it? What's that, about 500 sq ft of panel? Almost like... I dunno... like, a phony move to put them there to check a box. Sounds like it's in-character for our pal Al, eh?

#2.1.1.2.4 Aggie on 2023-12-11 11:40 (Reply)

Aggie: The 33 solar panels that Gore had installed produce 5.7 percent of his energy consumption in a month, according to the report.

Gore also uses the house for business, including conferences. Also, Gore purchases green energy and carbon offsets to help balance the difference.

If you mean Gore can do more, then sure. Why not. However, the problem of global warming can't be solved only by individual action. Energy is essential to modern economies, but markets incentivize pollution. Only a concerted effort can address the problem.

#2.1.1.2.5 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 12:00 (Reply)

But you still haven't explained to us how heating an outdoor pool is an important part of Big Al's environmental commitment. Now, I don't have a heated pool, myself - or any kind of pool at all, for that matter.

I think it's pretty clear to all that are reading here that Al is a hypocrite that doesn't walk his talk. Because there is no excuse for a so-called environmental zealot, one that makes money off of documentaries on environmental causes, one that invests heavily into Fake Meat and so on, to have a large heated pool. Unless......It's simple hypocrisy, such an obvious nose-thumbing to everyone else. Which you attempt to disguise by leveling the field - artificially - saying that 'no one person' can solve all of earth's environmental problems and so on.

Let's be democratic and hear from everyone else: Is Al Gore a Big Fat Hypocrite: Yes or no?

#2.1.1.2.5.1 Aggie on 2023-12-11 12:15 (Reply)

Um, hypocrite yes! Like the Quibble-DickZ themselves.

#2.1.1.2.5.1.1 Zachinoff on 2023-12-11 12:51 (Reply)

Aggie: But you still haven't explained to us how heating an outdoor pool is an important part of Big Al's environmental commitment.

Turns out you can have a swimming pool and be carbon neutral too!

#2.1.1.2.5.2 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 12:18 (Reply)

Most of those countries would also be on the receiving end of 'climate' dollars. People and countries always show up for the grift and support the grift because they aren't paying it
It's like people on welfare. They support the politics that supports the welfare because they are not paying for the welfare. Easy decision... nothing to lose.

#2.1.1.3 indyjonesouthere on 2023-12-11 11:46 (Reply)

Well given that you are without a doubt the biggest gas bag I've ever had the misfortune to encounter in any comment section ever...

#2.1.1.4 Lord Heathen on 2023-12-11 12:00 (Reply)

Mike Anderson (from below): Kinda slid right over those less-than-concerned folks in China

We directly addressed that issue, saying, "Interesting to note that those who emit the most are the least concerned."

#2.1.1.5 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 12:04 (Reply)

High CO2 Emitters Are Less Intensely Concerned about Climate Change (correlation: -0.54)

#2.1.1.5.1 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 12:14 (Reply)

Even assuming a linear relationship (highly unlikely), a correlation of -0.54 suggests that only about 30% of the "concern" (measured on the Concern-o-meter) is income-driven. And all this inference cobbled up on self-reported data. I'll pass.

#2.1.1.5.1.1 Mike Anderson (Link) on 2023-12-11 14:11 (Reply)

Mike Anderson: income-driven

The variable is CO2 emissions not income. For instance, Europe is high income, but moderate emissions. A correlation of .54 is considered moderate to strong, and it indicates that there is a relationship, albeit imperfect.

#2.1.1.5.1.2 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 14:27 (Reply)

It is all in the phrasing of the question.
In my town that would be the way survey would go.
Is global warming a problem? Answer: Why sure it is.

Is paying your rent a major problem to you? Answer: Yes.

Which are you more worried about global warming or paying rent?

My rent.

I went to the Pew report you cited and it was 2015 or about 8 years old. I also tried to find a copy of the questions posed and the order and was unable to. Perhaps you may have a copy of them as I would love to read them. As far as my usage it would take a thousand of me to equal one Al Gore.

#2.1.1.6 Don (Link) on 2023-12-11 12:42 (Reply)

Don: I also tried to find a copy of the questions posed and the order and was unable to.

See here.

Don: As far as my usage it would take a thousand of me to equal one Al Gore.

Gore is roughly carbon-neutral. He has a large old house that needed substantial retrofitting, so it has cost him more than simply dumping carbon in the atmosphere would have. Most people won't require such a large investment, and there are multiple advantages to insulating your home or using energy efficient appliances.

#2.1.1.6.1 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 12:53 (Reply)

I'm concerned about global warming also. However until China and India are on board nothing will happen except changing the standard of living of the US citizens. By the way if the concerns list included having enough money to pay rent (mortgage), food, heat, college, taxes. Or being safe from thugs, terrorists, cyber terror, inflation, etc. Global warming would be very low on the list of concerns. By the way I'm afraid of volcanos also but there is not much I can do.

#2.1.1.6.1.1 Don on 2023-12-11 14:11 (Reply)

Don: However until China and India are on board nothing will happen except changing the standard of living of the US citizens.

If you grant that a transition to a global green economy will occur, it will generally cost less in the long run the sooner a country begins to make the transition. In addition, countries with green technology will be able to export to countries without it.

#2.1.1.6.1.2 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 14:30 (Reply)

It is difficult to believe one person could be so persistently wrong about so many details on a single subject. If the "green energy" you're referencing is wind and solar, accompanied by large amounts of storage, we are never converting to green energy. And it is not green. And it is and will inevitably remain much costlier than fossil fuel generated power. Because the storage costs required to compensate for the intermittency/dispatchability problem with wind and solar. Ironically, it may be that the oil industry and fracking may ultimately provide truly green energy for power generation, but that won't address transportation, and EVs are not the answer. None of those assertions are factually dubious or overstated; you and all globalwarmalists are just ill informed, or delusional, or lying.

Re: "individual action" When what one says conflicts with what one does, what one does is the truth and what one says is a lie. You, and the 54% of the population (according to 8 yo data) that claims to be "concerned" (such a vague term it tells you nothing about their opinion about global warming) about climate change aren't concerned. Because individual action is the only thing that will "solve" the "problem." You just want that individual action to be coerced by the government so that you don't have to do it make any personal sacrifice. Additionally, you think ACGW is a useful political issue.
All of the mitigation Al Gore has allegedly or actually taken don't absolve him of the charge of hypocrisy, because he could be reducing the global carbon production more by consuming less. Furthermore, given the number of miles he has flown, especially in private jets or charter, even excluding his 8 years as vice president, mean that there is virtually no chance he is personal net zero.

#2.1.1.6.1.2.1 James on 2023-12-11 17:59 (Reply)

James: If the "green energy" you're referencing is wind and solar, accompanied by large amounts of storage, we are never converting to green energy. And it is not green. And it is and will inevitably remain much costlier than fossil fuel generated power. Because the storage costs required to compensate for the intermittency/dispatchability problem with wind and solar.

It's interesting how you can so predict with certainty the future of the development of new technologies. Laying aside your certainty, it's reasonable to point out that storage is a significant bottleneck. Consequently, without some major advance in storage technology, solar and wind will not be able to replace all energy sources. That doesn't mean solar and wind can't be part of a mix of green energy sources, while reducing emissions in the interim.

James: Because individual action is the only thing that will "solve" the "problem."

Individual action will not be sufficient for the same reason individual action can't stop pollution. That's because dumping pollution is nearly always lower cost than controlling pollution. And that means any business that controls pollution is at a competitive disadvantage to those that dump pollution, leading to their being pushed out of the market. That's why pollution controls are mandatory.

#2.1.1.6.1.2.1.1 Zachriel on 2023-12-12 08:52 (Reply)

"antisemitism testimony"

You could tell by their smirks and wise ass answers that they thought that the congress men and women were the adversary and that they could treat them and their questions just like they were at a BLM demonstration. What a surprise it must have been that so many people didn't agree with them. These college presidents weren't selected for their brilliance and academic successes they were selected for DEI reasons and their lack of experience and understanding was obvious. They should have stayed home.

#3 OneGuy on 2023-12-11 09:45 (Reply)

More and more, it looks like the "progressives" might just be having a bit of belated buyer's remorse over the Palestinian cause, now that it seems inextricably linked to support for Hamas.

#3.1 JJM on 2023-12-11 10:40 (Reply)

'CDC Director Issues New Covid Alert, Urges Americans to Wear Masks'

Cram it sideways.

#4 Maniac on 2023-12-11 10:18 (Reply)

There's nothing out of the ordinary in the Director of the CDC's statement. She is making very reasonable recommendations.

QUOTE:

To protect yourself and your family this holiday season, take the steps we do every year to protect ourselves. Get your updated COVID and flu vaccines and your RSV vaccine if you're over 60. It's not too late to get vaccinated, if you haven't already.

And use additional layers of protection, like avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands, improving ventilation, and wearing a mask. And if you do get sick, I know it's hard, but stay home so you don't spread germs to others.

#4.1 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 10:32 (Reply)

"And if you do get sick, I know it's hard, but stay home so you don't spread germs to others."

No matter what the sickness? Would that include a common cold? How long are you able to "spread germs" if you have a cold? I believe that is 7 days. Should everyone stay home for 7 days if they have a cold?

Ok, I get it if you have covid or the seasonal flu. How do you know if you have that and not a cold? At first the symptoms are similar. How long are you able to "spread germs" if you have the flu? I believe that can be 14 days. Should everyone stay home for 14 days if they get the flu?

No one stays home the entire time that they can "spread germs". On it's face it is a stupid demand. For the typical person that might be two months a year that they would have to stay home. No one does that. You typically stay home for a day or two while your symptoms are really bad and then you tough it out and go to work or school. That's real life. It may not be perfect but it's reality. AND more importantly colds and flu are so prolific that literally nothing we do prevents it's transmission to virtually everyone. Masks, staying home, medicine, nothing seems to stop everyone from being exposed. It is all nothing more than whistling past the graveyard. It's "looking like you are doing something" but it is all useless.

#4.1.1 JustMe on 2023-12-11 11:13 (Reply)

JustMe: No matter what the sickness?

Not every step is absolutely necessary or practical for every illness. However, it's still a good idea to keep a distance from other people when you have a cold. No one likes to be sneezed on by sick people. And some people are much more likely to suffer a serious case when exposed.

JustMe: How do you know if you have that and not a cold?

There are tests for viral infections, including COVID and influenza. Generally, you are most contagious when symptomatic.

JustMe: Masks, staying home, medicine, nothing seems to stop everyone from being exposed.

That is not correct. These sorts of measures reduce the transmission of a contagion, while also reducing the amount of viral load, which reduces the severity of the disease.

Again, not every step is absolutely necessary or practical for every illness. However, "cram it sideways" by standing in line at the DMV while coughing knowing you have influenza is not nice, and can be deadly to those who are immune compromised.

#4.1.2 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 11:30 (Reply)

But masks are known to act like a petri dish and can turn an upper respiratory infection into pneumonia. Except as part of the great election steal of 2020 masks have always been contraindicated for people with the flu or colds. This is especially true for older folks and those with health issues and weakened immune systems. The whole mask thing was part of the greater conspiracy to generate a reason to provide everyone with mail in ballots and overwhelm the checks and balance system for mail in ballots. The only reason it is still recommended against most doctors advice is to keep up that frail tissue of excuse the democrats created to allow the great election steal. If they were to agree with science and doctors even now that masks are useless they would leave their actions during covid open for deeper inspection. So they prefer to appear stupid by still insisting masks work to keep the deep cover intact.

#4.1.2.1 JustMe on 2023-12-11 12:52 (Reply)

JustMe: But masks are known to act like a petri dish and can turn an upper respiratory infection into pneumonia.

It's possible. Bacteria do accumulate inside masks. Instead of reusing masks, they should be frequently replaced, especially if you are immune-compromised. Studies show that 3-4 hours before replacement is safe. Keep in mind that a million Americans died of COVID. Tens of thousands die of influenza each year. Mask wearing is of much, much lower risk.

JustMe: If they were to agree with science and doctors even now that masks are useless

The knowledge of the role of aerosols has improved considerably. There is substantial evidence that masks slow the spread of respiratory disease. For instance, see Cheng et al., Face masks effectively limit the probability of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, Science 2021.

#4.1.2.2 Zachriel on 2023-12-11 13:05 (Reply)

Kinda slid right over those less-than-concerned folks in China, din't ya?

#4.1.3 Mike Anderson (Link) on 2023-12-11 11:52 (Reply)

Good thing Mrs. Word Salad solved the boarder crisis. It’s starting to look like the wide open border is part of a carefully constructed plan. Bring on the single, military aged men. Give them cell phones and multiple EBT cards. Americans seem to relish funding their own destruction.

Raise your hand if you think the resignations at U. Penn. will solve any of the problems there? Well, conservative minded people think there is a problem with higher education and K-12, but the fascists that run Big Government and Big Corporations think things are going according to schedule. Perhaps a little behind schedule. That damn Trump and his election sure put a kink in things. Biden is just a clown. He cares more about lining his pockets, keeping that delict son in cocaine and whores than the One World Order. Now Hillary, she was down for the struggle. She doesn’t mind the dirty work and she ain’t no ways tired. Anything goes, she enjoys it. Let’s get on with the utopia!

Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear. ~ Harry S. Truman

#5 B. Hammer on 2023-12-11 10:54 (Reply)

Why two parent are the ultimate privilege... It is actually the ultimate responsibility of the parents. Only in upside down world would they call it 'privilege'.

#6 indyjonesouthere on 2023-12-11 11:55 (Reply)

Global Warming: What Can’t It Do?

QUOTE:

It was only a few years ago that global warming hysterics in Europe were predicting that snow would soon be a thing of the past. Children will grow up without ever seeing snow, they said. But it hasn’t turned out that way, and Europe is currently experiencing below-normal temperatures and heavy snowfall.

. . . This has sent the media scrambling for an explanation, and they have concocted one, reports German news magazine FOCUS. Here’s the explanation:

“Experts agree: Heavy snowfall is a sign of climate change!”

Strange how whenever there’s a winter with very little snowfall, that too is a sure sign of climate change. And when there are a couple of years of drought, it is the new climate normal. But when there’s too much rainfall, that too proves the climate is warming. No matter what happens, it’s a sign of climate change!

https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2023/12/global-warming-what-cant-it-do.php

#7 feeblemind on 2023-12-11 12:48 (Reply)

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Monday, December 11. 2023

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