World Views

[Amigoo]

Re: https://dnyuz.com/2021/01/01/the-proble ... em-sharks/

Actually, the problem with sharks is that they sometimes think
that humans swimming in their natural habitat are shark food.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://dnyuz.com/2021/01/01/a-monster- ... -industry/

"Monster Wind Turbine Is Upending an Industry"

"The prototype is the first of a generation of new machines that are about a third more powerful than the largest already in commercial service. As such, it is changing the business calculations of wind equipment makers, developers and investors."

"The turbine is capable of producing as much thrust as the four engines of a Boeing 747 jet, according to G.E. will be deployed at sea, where developers have learned that they can plant larger and more numerous turbines than on land to capture breezes that are stronger and more reliable."

Methinks that such technology will be short-term yet profitable ...
with less air space-intrusive options appearing before the next century.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/tech/hidden-map ... took-there
"Hidden map on your phone shows everywhere you’ve been"

"There is also an Auto-Delete option, where you can choose a period for location data to be automatically deleted.
This ranges from photos older than three months to photos older than 36 months."

Of course, the big computer on the other side of the internet
might retain those photos (and related info) a bit longer.

Got Smart Phone? Surprise! It's your internet shadow.
Not to worry! This technology is drifting to other devices.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/consumer ... 04044.html

"COVID-19 eating created a run on snack foods in 2020, and the trend isn't done yet"

"The Frito-Lay’s U.S. Snack Index underscores a trend that’s not likely to go away anytime soon.
The survey showed that 66% of respondents plan to keep more snacks in their house than before COVID-19"

Considering types of snacks mentioned and coronavirus vulnerability associated with poor nutrition
and excess weight (as well as comorbidities), 2021 may be a repeat of 2020 ... despite vaccines.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/02/investin ... index.html
"Bitcoin soars past $33,000, its highest ever"

" 'When any asset climbs in price this fast for an extended period of time I become cautious, and I'd urge anyone trading BTC
to not get caught up in the euphoria,' said Nicholas Pelecanos, head of trading at cryptocurrency firm NEM, who nevertheless
predicts bitcoin could rise to $50,000 by Valentine's Day. 'I believe we are just at the beginning of an immense bull market.' "

Some analysts describe Bitcoin (a specific cryptocurrency) as "crashing upward", providing a useful "Rule of Thumb":
Any cryptocurrency that can be described as "crashing" up or down is not likely to be the cryptocurrency of choice
when a legal currency is replaced by digital money (still a future event). "Crashing" is not synonymous with
financial stability - it's synonymous with "speculation" (sometimes called "investing").

Today's guess: The cryptocurrency likely to be the replacement for a legal currency
will be valued much closer to that currency at the time of the replacement.

What remains mysterious is how a centuries-old "medium of exchange" (coins, later including paper)
that has relatively temporary existence (replaced by newer coins and paper) can transform into a "shadow of exchange"
that has permanent existence (bitcoins don't go away once they're created - ownership just transfers via transactions
and a record of every transaction accumulates in a database ... forever!). A permanent audit trail for every transaction!

When your life flashes before your eyes, all of your date-related financial transactions can flash simultaneously!
Maybe each database should be christened with an initial $6.66 transaction.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets ... r-BB1cpVLa

"Venezuela’s Maduro Plans Shift to Fully Digitalized Economy "

"It’s the latest ambitious currency plan from Venezuela’s president, with no guarantee of success. In 2017, with the bolivar in freefall, Maduro vowed that the nation would create a cryptocurrency called the Petro, backed by reserves of oil, gas, gold and diamonds. The Petro launched in 2018; the U.S. called it a scam."

Nevertheless, this hints that each country will create its own cryptocurrency,
with other cryptos (the current "bitcoins") used where popularly accepted.

Rod

[Sandy]

Wow, Rod,

It makes my head spin thinking about these digitalized currencies. This simple lady wishes to find a high mountain cave or a deserted Island some where to live on. I am glad there are people like you who can understand it and explain it to the likes of people like me. (although I suspect I am a dying breed. and that may be a good thing. )

It is fascinating though isn't it?

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/s ... inter-menu

"Starbucks is launching a new cold brew on the heels of its holiday menu,
catering to a growing demand for cold coffee and plant-based milk."

Who knew
Faux meat is simply evolution continuing
(it was was long preceded by faux milk)

So, if "you are what you eat",
what kind of faux are you? ...
relative to real food.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.the-sun.com/news/uk-news/20 ... eel-fight/

"Stowaway survived 5,600-mile flight by clinging to jumbo jet wheel at -60C (-76F)"

"He was unconscious in hospital for six months after he was discovered on the runway at the airport in London."

"Doctors believe he survived because the freezing temperatures kept him in a state of 'suspended animation.'
With lowered core body temperature, critical organs placed into 'standby mode' where they use less oxygen."

Flying next to a jet wheel must be like flying "No Class" ...
with destination arrival not even guaranteed for your body.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.wired.com/story/watch-a-rob ... f-a-human/

"Kick over this robot and it’ll quickly right itself—not because someone told it how,
but because it taught itself to overcome the embarrassment."

"Embarrassment" is a bit faux for a mechanical dog.
However, seeing it fall upside down into this red crack,
then overcome embarrassment would be better:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/ ... -in-brazil

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/05/business ... index.html

"consumers should expect to see a surge in chicken sandwich promotions from major chains in early 2021... A lot of them have this war chest of advertising that they used in the back end of 2020 ... will use that in the first half of 2021 for the new items, including the chicken sandwiches that they plan to launch."

Chicken (sandwich) wars
Entertaining (and tasty) distraction from all the pandemic news 'n blues!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa- ... SKBN29C0R5

"security initially was handled almost entirely alone by the U.S. Capitol Police, a 2,000-member force
under the control of Congress and dedicated to protecting the 126-acre Capitol Grounds."

That this same Capitol Grounds security, "under the control of Congress",
has been extreme for years then suddenly lapses is very mysterious!

That both U.S. House and Senate are now evenly divided on party lines
reflects the American people's preference for their candidate. Nevertheless,
this electoral certification signals that transition will occur on the 20th.

This chaos (with unfortunate loss of life) is being called "anarchy",
but the BLM protests in Oregon were better organized! However,
this Capitol Grounds show was similar release of frustrations
and promoted by the media as a much greater problem (IMO).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.yahoo.com/news/gigantic-bla ... 00875.html

"This blanket-hoodie hybrid is the only thing you’ll wear this winter"
(of course, underwear is hygienic and always recommended).

However, tall people usually prefer more length -
two blankets with attached hoodie might work.
(sew in 'T' shape inside out, cut away material,
attach hoodie, turn everything right side out).

Where to get a hoodie? They're everywhere
(some even detach from their garment). At least,
the concept seems to work with paper dolls
... according to young kids.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/auto/town-throw ... ndoned-car

"The silver VW Golf has been parked in the same spot on George Street in Shefford, U.K., since December 2019"

"One woman, who did not wish to be named, but who lives across the road from where the car has been dumped, said: 'Somebody has got to draw some attention to it somehow. It's been reported to the council several times — myself, my neighbor across the road, and their next-door neighbor have all phoned the council. But the council say that the car can't be abandoned because it looks in too good condition.' "

"since the car has been left abandoned, George Street has been turned into a one-way road"
(this may be the real reason why the council will not remove the car!)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/13682481/ ... relatives/

"Artificial intelligence app will use Alexa to enable people to talk to dead relatives"

"It uses recordings of them to copy their style, diction, tone, voice and intent to make what they say appear to be genuine. Details from their social media accounts and letters could be mixed in to add to the effect. App users could keep a loved-one’s memory alive with catch-up chats. It is believed the technology could be used to interact with historical figures or dead celebrities."

Should be useful in group calls, even when the living dead wish to opine.
Why not set up such a group call and just lurk to hear how they interact?
(they might talk about you). Seriously, this hints that such AI could be
used in therapy to provide guidance "from above" (or wherever).

Seriously #2. Having AI "beings" interact while you lurk should help
to test their person presence, mental quality & stability, etc., etc.

Rod

[Amigoo]

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

"TikTok Hype House star Tony Lopez denies accusations he solicited teen girls"

Whenever a person displays their "look at me!" photos they are soliciting ... something!
Apparently, the trouble starts with digital conversation ... or just texting.

Who knew
"Can we talk?" is now "Can we TikTok? ... maybe to first base?"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.rt.com/uk/511943-british-women-fined-walk/

"Two women in the UK were fined by police for driving five miles to go for a quiet walk, with officers
telling the women that the peppermint tea they were carrying counts as an unlawful picnic."

The good news is that, with a picnic defined as a drink,
you can invite your date to a "picnic" but need only bring wine.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.fox5ny.com/news/chickens-wr ... arking-lot

"A flock of angry chickens in Warren County, New Jersey wreaking havoc at a McDonald's drive-thru this week.
An Animal Control Officer responded to the scene and saw the chickens 'harassing' and 'chasing' customers"

"It was rumored that this activity might be in 'response' to McDonald's plan
of offering 3 new chicken sandwiches in the near future"

An event so unlikely that it suggests purposeful orchestration
... like the provocative things that happen in today's world.

Rod

[Amigoo]

"Mozilla says ‘deplatforming’ isn’t enough…
Facebook and Instagram are blocking use of their services"

OMG! a GIANT societal step backwards (IMO) ...
when communication services define "freedom of speech",
superseding representative democracy!

The Nanny Networks come to mind!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/0 ... k-society/

"Former CIA Director Calls for Mao-Like Public Humiliation Sessions"

Ignore the politics - "public humiliation" is hardly a society moving forward -
it's punishment of centuries past!: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillory

Criteria for electing leaders and making appointments needs to be upgraded

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/10/us/ufo-r ... index.html

"US intelligence agencies have 180 days to share what they know about UFOs"

This revealed information may not be any more enlightening than info about crop circles,
but the authentic crop circles are still Well-Unidentified Flying Objects (WUFO).

New term: Wufing: (pronounced "woofing") - investigating crop circles.

Man on first date: "Are you fond of wufing?"
Woman on date: "You're such a dog!"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/ ... suspension

"Gab gaining 10,000 users per hour, CEO claims, after Twitter suspension"

"Free Market" dynamics - consumers can switch brands more easily than pundits opine.

Tip: Gab is but one of several alternatives to Twitter: https://joinmastodon.org/

"Mastodon isn’t a single website like Twitter or Facebook, it's a network of thousands of communities operated by different organizations and individuals that provide a seamless social media experience. Mastodon comes with effective anti-abuse tools to help protect yourself. Thanks to the network's spread out and independent nature there are more moderators ... and communities with strict codes of conduct."

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-new- ... SKBN29F081

"Japanese pray for end to pandemic in annual ice bath ritual at Tokyo shrine"

"After doing warming-up exercises and chanting under a clear sky with outside temperatures at 5.1 degree Celsius (41.18F),
the nine male and three female participants went into a bath filled with cold water and large ice blocks."

Considering blood flow to the brain, praying then taking the symbolic plunge might be more effective.

Rod

[Amigoo]

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

"Teen is killed by WWII-era hand grenade he bought at North Carolina antique store which detonated two days before Christmas"

OMG! Just knowing such things might exist in an antique store is unsettling
(gun shops would probably know to be careful)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/teens-p ... 51165.html

"Teens Are Putting Their Social Media Info Into Pants Pockets At Stores"

"Social media can be a wonderful way to communicate, and share photos, and stories, and things about your life —
but not with some guy who just bought new boxer briefs."

Social media is the new "wild frontier" for modern society,
with personal information carelessly shared a great vulnerability

Rod