World Views

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/fo ... /42706549/

"The world's largest beverage company is introducing Coca-Cola With Coffee in the thirsty U.S. market come January,
giving drinkers the ability to sip both drinks out of the same can."

Somehow, "Coca-Coffee" would have been a better name ... but this implies a different beverage.
And the popular coffee drink is usually hot - not cold (is this sipper appealing to coffee drinkers?).

Coca-Cola probably needs to market a cola-flavored "creamer" for hot coffee.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/out ... -across-us

"The U.S. wild pig population is rapidly increasing across the country, which has been characterized as a ticking "feral swine bomb"

"Feral swine have caused significant damage to property, agriculture (crops and livestock), native species, and ecosystems, with an estimated damage cost of upwards $2.5 billion per annum... reputation for carrying at least 30 viral and bacterial diseases and at least 40 parasites."

A super food supply, just needing a good name for its marketing
Considering second quote, "Feral Fertilizer" comes to mind
... but slow roasting might resolve that problem.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/arti ... iness.html

"new book reveals why the Dutch art of ‘niksen’ is the secret to happiness"

"the Netherlands takes top spot on the World Happiness Index ...
once again named the happiest in the world"

"even a few minutes of niksen is enough."

Doing nothing while doing something is an acquired skill
... such as watching "mindless" TV ... or being stuck in traffic
... or creeping along in a COVID queue at the store.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... gests.html

"Having a conversation with someone from a different social class may require more brain power than speaking to someone with a similar background. Participants were not told if someone was from a poorer or more affluent background, but worked it out based on cues such as appearance, mannerisms and how well-spoken the other person was."

Considering how complex humans are, this anxiety seems intuitive ('If we meet someone unfamiliar ... the brain has to work differently to process that successfully"). And the shorter amount of time to socially bond creates pressure that can lead to anxiety.

Interestingly, those without significant anxiety may have less desire to bond in that artificial social moment. In real life, recognition of class difference might automatically dissuade meaningful interaction. However, a participant in such study may feel obligated to be productive in the interaction, therefore anxious.

Those who would be anxious in real life would probably escape to their cell phone, or reading material, or snooze.

Rod

[Amigoo]

The vision of IA - not AI - of the Toyota Research Institute (TRI)

Re: https://www.popsci.com/story/technology ... ot-butler/
37 min. video about more human-centered robotics technology
with good perspective for maintaining family values.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/05/business ... index.html

Such positive comments by this CEO of Torani, purveyor of flavored syrups!
Almost inspires replacement of wine rack bottles with Torani flavors, albeit
I would need to upgrade my 4-bottle rack (currently empty and dusty) .

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.bradenton.com/news/nation-w ... 82885.html

"Drone alerts surfer as great white shark circles him off Australia coast"

Interesting new use for drones! And subtle enlightenment in story that
this shark was undecided if the surfer was shark food (sea creature)
... but was probably dissuaded by the drone bird.

This story also hints that drones can be parent sharks:
"Johnny, get off the court and go to the store like I asked!"
... or I'll take a big bite of your allowance!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/coupl ... t-divorced

"Cake toppers like this scream ‘we argue a lot but it's just who we are! Hahaha! It's our thing' "

Ultimately, both bride and groom approved of the cake (or they wouldn't be getting married).
Maybe they negotiated a payback (groom gets a chore-free weekend with lotsa beer ...
and bride gets to brag that she's in charge of housework (with option to delegate).

In today's social circles, the cake could easily be the lure for a bet:
How many internet surfers will criticize the cake vs enjoy the humor?

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/travel/amp/swearing ... index.html

"Five parrots have been removed from public view at a British wildlife park after they started swearing at customers."

"The African grey parrots -- named Eric, Jade, Elsie, Tyson and Billy -- were given to the park from five different owners
within the same week, and shared a quarantining facility together before being placed on display."

So ... parrots can teach each other
And if they're like human performers, they're encouraged by audience reaction!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/a ... skirt.html

"Stewart, 30, displayed her chic sense of style as she attended the Chanel Womenswear Spring/Summer event
held at the Grand Palais in Paris on Wednesday"

I suspect that Gucci would offer this as Menswear
... and I've already got the black tie and shoes!
... but might need more hair.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why- ... cking-dots

"Why Printers Add Secret Tracking Dots"

If you were using micro dots (like spilled coffee) to mark your special papers, you can stop -
your printer already marks your papers ... apparently. And using an offline, unregistered printer
may not be considered cheating in a National Spy Service.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/he ... r-BB19O3ZU

"Here’s What Could Happen If China Invaded Taiwan"

With China's nearby presence and massive military hardware/troops,
invasion landing locations may relate more to capture&control targets.
"Beaches suitable for landing" seems WWII perspective.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... light.html

"passenger is kicked off Southwest Airlines flight because her low cut top was 'lewd, obscene and offensive' "

"Southwest Airlines claimed that they promote a 'family-centric environment' "

Maybe the dress code in this family is more permissive ...
where 'lewd, obscene and offensive' (loo) is just today's fashion.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/media/washingto ... ry-lincoln

"insisted 'Honest Abe' said filling a vacant Supreme Court seat during an election was 'not the right thing to do' "

What's intriguing about this history error is that it's believable
(an 'Honest Abe' might indeed have said such a thing)

(Mom to son next day after VP debate)
Mom: "Have you done your homework?"
Son: "Of course, Mom! Honest Abe!"
Mom: "Go do your homework!"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... iegel.html

"Dr. Mark Siegel, who has compared COVID to the flu and said there is 'no science' behind the call to wear face masks"

Analysis: After all the internet info (for months, from many different sources, including medical professionals) about wearing masks, apparently those not at risk can take the "high ('n mighty) road", while those at risk might prefer to stay with masks ... until something - anything - better comes along!

LOTSA social distance (like ten feet) between the two groups seems best ...
or "Let's do lunch sometime ... next year!"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/07/business ... index.html

"In 1978, NASA scientist Donald Kessler warned of a potential catastrophic, cascading chain reaction in outer space. Today known as 'Kessler Syndrome,' the theory posited that space above Earth could one day become so crowded, so polluted with both active satellites and the detritus of space explorations past, that it could render future space endeavors more difficult, if not impossible."

Now, in 2020, there's a market for a Kessler Roomba (so much space debris and traffic that Really Highrise Garbage Collection is becoming a serious new profession ... and might be automated). Apparently, China and Russia are already perfecting similar technology to eliminate unwanted military objects.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... itary.html

"Musk and the U.S. military plan to build a reusable 7,500mph rocket that can deliver 80 tonnes of cargo,
including weapons, anywhere in the world in 60 minutes"

Interesting concept, but planes fly routes acceptable to countries, whereas rockets fly direct and look like missiles.
"Not to worry! Russia or China - it just looks like a missile. If it lands in your backyard, you can keep the stuff."

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/10/01 ... rew-cuomo/

"N.Y., N.J. Unveil New ‘COVID Alert’ Apps That Notify Users If They’re Within 6 Feet Of Someone Who Has Tested Positive"

Maybe the apps can be customized to voice familiar warnings for the mature crowd
... and customizing for more distance would be a plus for the "at risk" crowd:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IPPn9t6dyE

Of course, this app technology reveals "the system" knows precise location of every smartphone.
But not to worry (about having to carry a cell phone)! An implantable chip will be available soon.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/08/business ... index.html

"While most whiskeys mature in oak barrels for at least five years - and some for 30 years or more - Bespoken Spirits, founded by Aaron and Martin Janousek, uses technology that extracts the key elements of the barrel that enhance aroma, color and taste in a matter of days"

"the technology also enables users to customize different flavor profiles for their whiskeys, and avoid a phenomenon called 'angel's share,' in which up to 10% of the spirit evaporates from the cask."

Intriguing technology! ... and "angel's share" may relate to similar evaporation of alcohol when cooked in recipes!
However, professional whiskey tasters will probably know the fast faux from the aged angelic.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ushome/index.html (typo not in linked article)

"hits back at Dr. Fauci for claiming he was taken 'out of context' in campaign ad that shows
the infectious disease expert praising the White House response to COIVD"

Humor in the headline (read carefully).
But could be another symptom with so much sheltering in place.
Best guess about the response: "You go girl!"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.fox5ny.com/news/cow-hugging ... e-all-need

"Cow-hugging is the new animal therapy trend we all need"

"Cow cuddling is believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone released in social bonding.
The calming effects of curling up with a pet or emotional support animal, it seems, are accentuated when cuddling with larger mammals"

"It’s not just the act of hugging a cow that helps relieve stress and lower anxiety, but making contact with any furry critter
could help improve one’s mental health."

Not to worry if your spouse is your "emotional support animal" and furry is better ... apparently.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/a ... -fest.html

"Dominic West claims 'women should be more indulgent of affairs' and brands monogamy 'unnatural' "

Somehow, "wild animals" and "primitive civilization" come to mind when contemplating what's "natural".

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... eople.html

"town is modeled on European cities and residents can 'live, work and play' within a seven to ten minute walk ... people can work on productions for months or years at a time without having to live out of a suitcase and having everything they need on hand."

Intriguing concept! Like grownups' live-in dollhouse town!

See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilithon

Rod

[Amigoo]

Headline humor ...

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/dran ... n-stressed

"People who drank more or less during COVID-19 lockdown were more stressed"

But people who drank like Goldilocks (neither more nor less) were less stressed ... apparently.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://nypost.com/2020/10/13/the-nethe ... -under-12/

"assisted suicide is legal in the country for babies under one-year-old and children over the age of 12"

A point against legalization is that young children have a much longer life to live if their "terminally ill" diagnosis is repealed by new discoveries (including medical intervention). A compromise might be to allow this age group to live a year longer, given good brain health and medical care for comfort and nutrition. A child's desire for continuing life is another determinant.

Rod