Daily Tech News 20 December 2024

Top Story

Oh yeah, don't use SMS for two-factor authentication either. (Gizmodo)

It was never ideal since your phone number could get SIM-swapped without you knowing, but now that the entire phone network has been hacked it's not very useful at all.
Microsoft promises meanwhile to keep nagging you to use passkeys rather than passwords online. (The Register)

A passkey lets you log in to a website without the tedious logging in part, so long as you have already logged in to your device. This is actually fairly secure because the passkey consists of two parts - you have one part and the website has the other - and nobody can steal your password from the website and hack your account because effectively they only have half the password.

But if they hack your laptop, you're hosed. Though that is true regardless.

Tech News

Chemosphere, which recently published a study warning of the dangers of flame retardant chemicals in black plastic utensils which was off by a factor of ten such that you are perfectly safe unless you make a habit of eating spatulas has been deindexed by the Web of Science for being a bit crap. (Ars Technica)
According to Retraction Watch, Chemosphere has retracted eight articles this month and published 60 expressions of concern since April.
The month is still young.
Nintendo's Switch 2 can "only" run games at 4K / 30fps. (Notebook Check)

It's a handheld device for children. What do you expect?
Amazon Haul is a Temu version of Shein. (The Verge) (archive site)

The same Chinese companies selling useless garbage at impossible prices and basically lying to everyone.

Though to be fair, the "Bicth" hat did indeed say "Bicth".
Perplexity AI is a better search than Google. (The Register)

I just tried it with a few queries and it's actually not terrible. It does give stupid corporate-speak answers sometimes, but it also gives links.

How long AI search engines can survive in an AI web is another question.

Disclaimer: Bonk / oif.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at 04:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 BOING!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:00 AM (1xs6C)

2 Top 5?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 20, 2024 04:00 AM (omVj0)

3 Pffft. Amateurs!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:01 AM (1xs6C)

4 That was more of a food thread!

Posted by: Ciampino - trouble with mohammedans at December 20, 2024 04:01 AM (i0xsb)

5 G'Day everyone
Not even sure if today is Friday yet in case havecto work tomorrow. Don't think so but not sur

Posted by: Skip at December 20, 2024 04:01 AM (fwDg9)

6 Mornin'

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at December 20, 2024 04:03 AM (sAmhv)

7 Ciampino, you mentioned at the end of the ONT comment the arrest of an Egyptian George Mason U. student. There's a pattern here:

https://tinyurl.com/5au4n7r5

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:04 AM (1xs6C)

8 Evening and morning, AoSHQ people! 'Tis Freya's Day at last. I'm still feeling foggy -- second cup of coffee is in progress -- and don't want to work out, of course, but need to. It's no good telling myself I'll be able to go all next week. This is *now*, and I haven't had but two sessions since Sunday.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 20, 2024 04:06 AM (omVj0)

9 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO SPACE ACTIVITY FOR DECEMBER 20

NET - Rocket Lab - Electron - Owl the Way Up
LS-1 - Mähia Peninsula, NZ - Space Affairs Live
Launch Time: 9:00 ET , 01:00 NZDT -
December 20, 1400 UTC, 15:00 CET

https://www.youtube.com/live/SIIoH5S-t3k

Considering the weather - rain and high winds - this is probably going to get scrubbed.

Posted by: Ciampino - it is New Zealand after all at December 20, 2024 04:06 AM (i0xsb)

10 Going away this afternoon to one of our pups, returning tomorrow evening. Little time to comment.

So right now I'll leave you with these:

Walk like an Egyptian:

https://tinyurl.com/6cejh9d8

I brought you the above megalomaniac to tell you about this one:

https://tinyurl.com/yckvkckm

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:07 AM (1xs6C)

11 A package that USPS tracking says was actually put into my mailbox on Wed. did not show up that day, or yesterday. I don't know what calling the vendor will accomplish. And I sure don't want to go into my local post office at this time of year (or at all, considering what sort of huffy creatures work there).

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 20, 2024 04:10 AM (omVj0)

12 I think there's a lot of under-reporting or not reporting at all:
Hi Oregon, we have a problem.

https://tinyurl.com/24b8ywz9

Posted by: Ciampino - when Donald starts they'll all be brown at December 20, 2024 04:12 AM (i0xsb)

13 Hi Oregon, we have a problem.

https://tinyurl.com/24b8ywz9
Posted by: Ciampino - when Donald starts they'll all be brown at December 20, 2024 04:12 AM (i0xsb)
-

Looks like Arkansas wins a prize, too!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:15 AM (1xs6C)

14 Biden's Dog.. is it Shalom Shabbat or Shabbat Shalom?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 20, 2024 04:16 AM (XTmTf)

15 Looks like Arkansas wins a prize, too!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:15 AM (1xs6C)
-

Slicky Willy's state. That explains it.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:16 AM (1xs6C)

16 Biden's Dog.. is it Shalom Shabbat or Shabbat Shalom?
Posted by: Ben Had at December 20, 2024 04:16 AM (XTmTf)
-

The latter.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:17 AM (1xs6C)

17 Biden's Dog.. is it Shalom Shabbat or Shabbat Shalom?
Posted by: Ben Had at December 20, 2024 04:16 AM (XTmTf)
-

The latter.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:17 AM (1xs6C)
-

Unless you also read the English from right to left.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:18 AM (1xs6C)

18 Half the country believes this madness. Must be a mind worm.
Murderer, who thinks he's a woman, moans about 'inhumane' move to male prison after he was caught having sex with female inmate

https://mol.im/a/14211931

Posted by: Ciampino - The Left is a joke at December 20, 2024 04:19 AM (i0xsb)

19 Congressman's response to CNN journalist when grilled about pay raises

https://mol.im/a/14210135

Durbin - or should I say DirtBin - is a cheeky sod.

Posted by: Ciampino - The Left is a joke! at December 20, 2024 04:28 AM (i0xsb)

20 Phone network hacked?
Raise you
Major credit card breach sees millions of Americans' details leaked

https://mol.im/a/14210557

Posted by: Ciampino - Security is a joke at December 20, 2024 04:31 AM (i0xsb)

21 Grandson no 3 just joined the world!

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Ashli at December 20, 2024 04:35 AM (goY6W)

22 21: What planet was he on before?

;-)

Congrats, Grandpa!

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at December 20, 2024 04:36 AM (sAmhv)

23 And bad planning was told was staying where I was at yesterday so left tools, I am not, so have to go get tools then go to new job.

Posted by: Skip at December 20, 2024 04:37 AM (fwDg9)

24 21 Grandson no 3 just joined the world!

Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Ashli at December 20, 2024 04:35 AM (goY6W)
----
Congrats and also to the Mom and Dad.

Posted by: Ciampino - What a time at December 20, 2024 04:37 AM (i0xsb)

25 Sock Monkey, Congratulations.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 20, 2024 04:37 AM (XTmTf)

26 Birdbath status?

Posted by: Just Wondering at December 20, 2024 04:40 AM (dg+HA)

27 Rain snow possible today, no flag
Forward Dog 9 out
See you out there

Posted by: Skip at December 20, 2024 04:41 AM (fwDg9)

28 G'morning Horde.

Commenting on Pixy's articles to start off:

Don't use SMS: Which makes me despise (even more) the businesses that don't give you a choice and force SMS 2FA on you.

Microsoft promises to ... NO! *slap* Stop "helping" me, Microsoft! (Or I shall go straight to your major databanks with a very large axe and give you a reprogramming you will never forget. Capisco? Okay... Get the axe.)

Chemosphere de-indexed: And you have to wonder how many other journals are exactly like them, and how many "researchers" that were publishing to various journals were publishing unverifiable crap just to keep the grant money flowing. Most of them. It's probably most of them. But... "Trust The Science!"

Nintendo... Too litigious and frothing-at-the-mouth zealous about protecting their trademarks (to the point they shut down fan bases of games all the time.) Dog in the manger. Ignore them and their offerings.

Amazon Haul / Temu / Shein / etc, ad nauseum: Caveat Emptor. Also: A fool and his money are soon parted.

Perplexity AI... Is still a language model and will eventually spit out lies and fabricated nonsense. There is no "I" in "AI". Pray that there never is.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 04:43 AM (O7YUW)

29 Steamy love letter that ended Seattle police chief's career

https://mol.im/a/14210107

Well he's no Adonis!

Posted by: Ciampino - What a couple at December 20, 2024 04:43 AM (i0xsb)

30 Jasmine Crockett nicely smacked down:

https://tinyurl.com/3dm7ta4f

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:51 AM (1xs6C)

31 Grand~~son~~moron no 3 just joined the world!
Posted by: Sock Monkey * Justice for Ashli at December 20, 2024 04:35 AM (goY6W)
-

FIFY and congrats.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at December 20, 2024 04:52 AM (1xs6C)

32 @12/Ciampino: "Hi Oregon, we have a problem."

They may also just be overly aggressive about applying sex offender charges and pursuing them to conviction for things like "That guy was taking a piss outside, he exposed himself to... those bushes over there!" (And yes, this can and does result in people being put on various states' sex offender lists, which is ridiculous, so of course it happens. A lot.)

See: "Miscarriage of Justice" and "Bringing the system itself into disrepute."

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 04:52 AM (O7YUW)

33 Every single thing Pixy Misa says flies so far over my head, I think I'm stupid.

But I'm not stupid.

"deindexed"?

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 04:53 AM (iziT8)

34 I now break momentarily from my regularly scheduled grumpiness at news stories to issue a hearty congratulations to Sock Monkey, regarding the arrival of Grandson number 3.

May mother and child be hale and healthy, and bring much joy into all y'all's lives!

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 04:55 AM (O7YUW)

35 @33/eleven: "deindexed"?

De-indexing means they remove that publication from their search engine to ensure that anyone searching for scientific articles doesn't get any hits/matches from any search terms that are put in.

Basically: "You're putting out unreliable crap, we're not going to help promote you any more."

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 04:58 AM (O7YUW)

36 It's Friday, it's Friday! Happy, happy Friday!

*twirl*

Posted by: Rosasharn at December 20, 2024 04:58 AM (PzBTm)

37 Good morning, good people.

May all effort from today's endeavors result in maximum benefit for you and corresponding heartburn for the leftwit slugs that infest us.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at December 20, 2024 04:59 AM (hKoQL)

38 "Basically: "You're putting out unreliable crap, we're not going to help promote you any more."
Posted by: Grumpy "

Thank you Grumpy.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:00 AM (iziT8)

39 @29/Ciampino: "Well he's no Adonis!"

Start the reactor... Free Mars!

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 05:02 AM (O7YUW)

40 I need a Pixy Misa sherpa.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:02 AM (iziT8)

41 'Sup! Well, I have once again been convinced that the FAA is far more concerned with flawless paperwork and written procedure, rather than effective process controls and verification of design.

It's critical to write limitations like 'no banner towing' and 'no aerobatics' for heavy jets, and write 'superseded' on data lists under revision control. Look at verification and validation activities? Not so much.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 20, 2024 05:09 AM (3Ope8)

42 @37/IRONGRAMPA: "leftwit slugs"

I'd just like to point out how much this term makes me smile every time I read it!

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 05:09 AM (O7YUW)

43 Okay, for the non-tech types, are passkeys good to use or not? Or is it all hopeless, no matter what you do? Is my bank account hosed no matter what I do?

Posted by: Close The Fed at December 20, 2024 05:10 AM (LeNk3)

44
g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 05:11 AM (tljrc)

45 @43/Close The Fed:

a) It's new tech. We don't know how strong (or weak) the implementation of this security method really is. Let other people be the canaries in the mine. Wait.

b) It's Microsoft pushing it, hard. Definitely wait.

c) Passwords (something you know in your mind) are protected by the Fourth Amendment. Passkeys are a "thing" that can be disclosed against your will by search warrant or otherwise. Choose wisely.

Is your bank account hosed? Probably not. Use a very strong password.

One free tool I can recommend if you want to stick with good old fashioned passwords is Proton's password generator, which generates very strong passwords:

https://proton.me/

Click on "Resources and Support" at the top, and select "Password Generator"

(Proton is the same company that offers ProtonMail.)

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 05:20 AM (O7YUW)

46 40 I need a Pixy Misa sherpa.

Posted by: eleven

An anime sherpa? That would be, uh, interesting.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at December 20, 2024 05:26 AM (sAmhv)

47 Popping in , just above freezing, got tools, spray primed new miniatures I got yesterday ( you don't think wife would let me spray paint in house do you?)

Posted by: Skip at December 20, 2024 05:30 AM (AYz4A)

48 Grumpy...I bookmarked that site.

But what is proton? What does it do?

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:32 AM (iziT8)

49 mornin yall. Woke up sore again. This bites.

I don't do texts anyway. I'm a troglodyte like that. If I have to get a text to do something I guess I don't really need it.

Posted by: fd at December 20, 2024 05:32 AM (vFG9F)

50 The more I read about tech on this page in others, the more the appeal of being a hermit increases.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 05:35 AM (+4yJ5)

51 Congratulations Sock Monkey! The world needs more little sock monkeys.

When I was a toddler I had a sock monkey. I don't ever remember having a teddy bear but I remember that monkey.

His name was monkey. What did you expect? I was 2.

Posted by: fd at December 20, 2024 05:36 AM (vFG9F)

52 I'm wondering something lately about the general attitude, the response to hello, have a good day simply smiling at a person, etc seems to be growing in a positive manner. I believe it started on 5 Nov and has been burgeoning daily. Have y'all noticed any difference in optimism or is just the general mood simply better?

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at December 20, 2024 05:38 AM (hKoQL)

53 "The more I read about tech on this page in others, the more the appeal of being a hermit increases.
Posted by: NR Pax"

I am working towards that. After 40 years or so in IT and associated stuff I am ready to move to the far side of the swamp.

Posted by: fd at December 20, 2024 05:38 AM (vFG9F)

54 " The more I read about tech on this page in others, the more the appeal of being a hermit increases.
Posted by: NR Pax "

You are not alone!

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:38 AM (iziT8)

55 48 But what is proton? What does it do?
Posted by: eleven

It offers services like email, a drive to store documents and pictures, a VPN and a password generator.

Basically it's like the services offered from having a Google account.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 05:38 AM (+4yJ5)

56 "Have y'all noticed any difference in optimism or is just the general mood simply better?
Posted by: IRONGRAMPA "

I think so. Personally, it feels like a huge splinter has been removed.

Posted by: fd at December 20, 2024 05:39 AM (vFG9F)

57 53 I am working towards that. After 40 years or so in IT and associated stuff I am ready to move to the far side of the swamp.
Posted by: fd

Agreed. I've been a govvie contractor for 20 years and this year it got to the point I started asking "Why am I doing this to myself?"

In 3-5 years, I plan on cashing out and moving me, my wife and her mother out of the GPROMD.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 05:40 AM (+4yJ5)

58 "I'm wondering something lately about the general attitude, the response to hello, have a good day simply smiling at a person, etc seems to be growing in a positive manner. I believe it started on 5 Nov and has been burgeoning daily. Have y'all noticed any difference in optimism or is just the general mood simply better?
Posted by: IRONGRAMPA"

Absolutely. I have sensed the same thing. It's like people have gone back to being normal.

You are not alone.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:41 AM (iziT8)

59 I barely get this Tech stuff, usually only learn what I need, and that by trial and error

Posted by: Skip at December 20, 2024 05:42 AM (AYz4A)

60 Scripture when you're feeling discouraged. Jewish and Christian scripture:

https://tinyurl.com/bd35wsve

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 05:43 AM (1CwFW)

61
Just noticed something, updating a Win11 install on this machine (I still run Win10, and will likely continue, even after D-day in Oct 2025) to get the latest updates.

I noticed something called "logi AI prompt builder" running in the background. WTF is this, I wondered. Well, installed by default with the latest Logitech mouse control software is this AI shit.

Had to read to find out how to turn it off. I also disabled automatic updates on the stupid crap.

This is just getting ridiculous. A freaking mouse driver package including AI shit.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley at December 20, 2024 05:43 AM (w6EFb)

62 Uh oh. Starbucks workers are going on strike today. This is going to affect my life in ways that have yet to be seen.

Posted by: fd at December 20, 2024 05:43 AM (vFG9F)

63 Congratulations on grandson number 3, sock monkey. May the Lord bless the baby and family.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 05:45 AM (1CwFW)

64 But what is proton? What does it do?
Posted by: eleven

It offers services like email, a drive to store documents and pictures, a VPN and a password generator.

Basically it's like the services offered from having a Google account.
Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024

***
I've been using the free version of protonmail for several years now, with no troubles. Didn't know they have a password generator feature; no doubt it's on the premium level, which costs $.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 20, 2024 05:45 AM (omVj0)

65 " Uh oh. Starbucks workers are going on strike today. This is going to affect my life in ways that have yet to be seen.
Posted by: fd"

McDonalds coffee is surprisingly good.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:45 AM (iziT8)

66 *McDonalds coffee is surprisingly good.*

And if you're over 29, free refills.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 20, 2024 05:48 AM (dg+HA)

67 Police officer from Portland, Maine sings, "O, holy night":

https://tinyurl.com/566ph59t

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 05:48 AM (MQJVv)

68 @55/NR Pax: Thanks for giving eleven that explanation of what Proton is and does. I was distracted reading last night's ONT.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 05:48 AM (O7YUW)

69 "This is just getting ridiculous. A freaking mouse driver package including AI shit.
Posted by: publius"

A client called me yesterday because the latest Win 11 update broke their sound card drivers. Realtek. How hard can it be to preserve functionality for one of the most common sound chip sets when doing an update? Bah.

Posted by: fd at December 20, 2024 05:50 AM (vFG9F)

70 Yes ...thank you NR Pax.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:50 AM (iziT8)

71 "A client called me yesterday because the latest Win 11 update broke their sound card drivers. Realtek. How hard can it be to preserve functionality for one of the most common sound chip sets when doing an update? Bah.
Posted by: fd"

Because us mere mortals don't get that shit.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:51 AM (iziT8)

72 @61/publius: "This is just getting ridiculous. A freaking mouse driver package including AI shit."

Which makes me very suspicious as to why the tech companies are pushing so hard to get some form of AI installed on everyone's machines one way or another. I keep thinking "spyware" and "remote control".

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 05:53 AM (O7YUW)

73 I'm wondering something lately about the general attitude, the response to hello, have a good day simply smiling at a person, etc seems to be growing in a positive manner. I believe it started on 5 Nov and has been burgeoning daily. Have y'all noticed any difference in optimism or is just the general mood simply better?
Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at December 20, 2024

***
In my area, not so much. A lot of the local hominids prob. voted for KH, because she was "black," and they've been trained that Rs are evil and will destroy us all. At the other end of the scale, the "educated" Ph.D.s where I work all think the same thing, with clever rationalizations to prop the ideas up.

I've known individuals who are indeed more optimistic, but it's not really noticeable here overall.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 20, 2024 05:53 AM (omVj0)

74 I am writing down what we need from the store. Spouse said -instead of "paper towels" - "papal towels" . I am trying to figure out what papal towels are Specially blessed by the Pope? Anyway, it made me laugh.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 05:55 AM (L1fFl)

75 57 In 3-5 years, I plan on cashing out and moving me, my wife and her mother out of the GPROMD.
Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 05:40 AM (+4yJ5)

G-?- People's Republic of Maryland?

Posted by: m at December 20, 2024 05:55 AM (VnUSN)

76 "I've known individuals who are indeed more optimistic, but it's not really noticeable here overall.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius"

Where are you? I'm in blue ass Austin and people seem cool as hell these days.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 05:56 AM (iziT8)

77 I've had much worse coffee than McDonald's.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at December 20, 2024 05:57 AM (dR6yv)

78 Pigeon and puppy, both with medical issues become friends:

https://tinyurl.com/ycx32hm6

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 05:58 AM (L1fFl)

79 So it seems 38 Republican House members want to go through shutdown kabuki theater. They must enjoy it. NBC blames Trump but Musk seems to be the more popular target. Hope the Republic survives. BTW, where is Harris? Does she still live in DC? Biden seems to have moved to Delaware. Enquiring minds want to know...

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 05:59 AM (ZzMvU)

80 "So it seems 38 Republican House members want to go through shutdown kabuki theater. They must enjoy it."

Shut it down.

How is this a bad thing?

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 06:01 AM (iziT8)

81 Glad to help, guys.

no doubt it's on the premium level, which costs $.

Actually, they do have a free version:
https://proton.me/pass/pricing

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 06:01 AM (+4yJ5)

82 75 G-?- People's Republic of Maryland?
Posted by: m

Glorious People's Republic of Maryland. Been calling it that for a while now.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 06:02 AM (+4yJ5)

83 82 75 G-?- People's Republic of Maryland?
Posted by: m

Glorious People's Republic of Maryland. Been calling it that for a while now.
Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 06:02 AM (+4yJ5)

Ha! Good one.

Posted by: m at December 20, 2024 06:02 AM (VnUSN)

84 @71/eleven: My own experience with Realtek audio drivers is that they are... fragile. Some versions work, some don't. When you find one that works, it's best to leave it alone. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it!)

Unfortunately, Microsoft in Windows 10 or 11 forces updates to drivers that are working and replaces them with new ones, and sometimes you get a dud.

Again, we're back to "Stop 'helping' me, Microsoft!"

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 06:03 AM (O7YUW)

85 I'm wondering something lately about the general attitude, the response to hello, have a good day simply smiling at a person, etc seems to be growing in a positive manner. I believe it started on 5 Nov and has been burgeoning daily. Have y'all noticed any difference in optimism or is just the general mood simply better?
Posted by: IRONGRAMPA

I live in Babylon DC and the mood here is, well, it's not hard to figure out. I just keep my mouth shut. I still have to live and work here.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at December 20, 2024 06:04 AM (sAmhv)

86 Oops, I just checked Biden's schedule and he is in Washington! He just has cut his workday back, thats all. He gets up at 10 now, gets a briefing at 11, and knocks off at 3. In between he is visiting some hospitalized kids for a half hour.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:05 AM (cNcGv)

87 Killer flesh-eating squirrels discovered in California leave scientists shocked

Posted by: Don Black. Message: not found at December 20, 2024 06:05 AM (/7KEl)

88 @81/NR Pax: Note that you don't even have to get or use the "Proton Pass" suite in order to use the online Proton Password Generator at the URL I gave.

That's just there, and it works, for anyone, no account needed or anything, which is nice of them.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 06:06 AM (O7YUW)

89 I am tired of having to verify that I am human-either by tinyurl or by YouTube that want me to sign in to prove I'm not a bot. I think I'll go make a cup of coffee from the young man who needs to get off to work and does not think I'm a bot.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 06:07 AM (L1fFl)

90 87 Killer flesh-eating squirrels discovered in California leave scientists shocked

Posted by: Don Black

That's Weekly World News worthy!

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at December 20, 2024 06:07 AM (sAmhv)

91 Morning, 'rons and 'ettes.

Posted by: olddog in mo at December 20, 2024 06:07 AM (hoCmQ)

92 Stay in your lane, squirrels.

Posted by: Bat Boy at December 20, 2024 06:08 AM (dg+HA)

93 How is this a bad thing?
Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 06:01 AM (iziT

-------------
Not bad, not good. Everyone still gets paid, no departments really close. Its kind of a big nothing, though with proverbial sound and fury.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:08 AM (cNcGv)

94 Posted by: olddog in mo at December 20, 2024 06:07 AM (hoCmQ)

Good morning to you, old dog.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 06:10 AM (L1fFl)

95 87 Killer flesh-eating squirrels discovered in California leave scientists shocked

Posted by: Don Black
------------------
I saw a photo of a squirrel carrying a vole in his mouth. It was pretty weird, but I guessCalifornia squirrels are different.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:11 AM (cNcGv)

96 Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:11 AM (fzQGK)

97 80 Shut it down.

How is this a bad thing?
Posted by: eleven

Well, I am a contractor so it means I don't get paid. Thankfully, I have enough saved up to keep us going for a while.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 06:13 AM (+4yJ5)

98 Hi Oregon, we have a problem.
-----------
Two thoughts:

1) I'm not surprised.

b) I find it hard to believe that MA and NJ have next to no sex offenders.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:13 AM (fzQGK)

99 "Not bad, not good. Everyone still gets paid, no departments really close. Its kind of a big nothing, though with proverbial sound and fury.
Posted by: Huck Follywood "

But see...here's the thing (read this in Adam Carolla's voice)

See the thing is...the sound and fury will be there 24 hours a day no matter what.

If the government shuts down... I'm ok.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 06:13 AM (iziT8)

100 Good morning, Fen. Hope all is well in your world.

Posted by: olddog in mo at December 20, 2024 06:14 AM (hoCmQ)

101 86 In between he is visiting some hospitalized kids for a half hour.
Posted by: Huck Follywood

"Mr. President, do NOT sniff them. Do NOT sniff them. Do NOT-DAMMIT! What is wrong with you?"

"This one smells like lavender."

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 06:15 AM (+4yJ5)

102 Happy Friday

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 06:16 AM (gbOdA)

103 Good morning to all. It’s a pleasant 43 degrees here in western NC with a high today in the mid 50s.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at December 20, 2024 06:19 AM (BB/Ew)

104 I feel that we have just finished perhaps the end of the beginning and fully understand there is a long, bad row to hoe still. We are, however, still Americans and as such are denied the option of failure. We GOT this.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at December 20, 2024 06:19 AM (hKoQL)

105 The feds pushing passkeys means passkeys are run by the Feds.

Posted by: Accomack at December 20, 2024 06:20 AM (MeckE)

106 Posted by: olddog in mo at December 20, 2024 06:14 AM (hoCmQ)

Thanks. Just tired before church Christmas preps. I hope you are well too.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 06:20 AM (D0axs)

107 The Post has an interesting article on Stonehenge, claiming a 13000 pound stone was dragged 500 miles from Scotland by the ancients, without the aid of a wheel (not discovered apparently). Human labor, they speculate. It seems it was a big project for the whole population along the way.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:21 AM (b3cMx)

108 80 Shut it down.

How is this a bad thing?
Posted by: eleven

My FedGov shop is 24/7 and I'm considered 'essential'. So the shut down won't affect me much.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at December 20, 2024 06:22 AM (sAmhv)

109 In ancient days there was man named Ross Perot.
He was an advocate for what he liked to call an Electronic Town Hall, the idea being that thanks to Al Gore's Amazing Internet everybody could vote on everything.
But we're not a pure democracy thank goodness.
Instead we're a representative republic.
This week we've seen the manifestation of what Perot envisioned.
Elon Musk types a few sentences on his handheld device and within a few hours a 1500 page piece of legislative garbage is dead.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 20, 2024 06:23 AM (dg+HA)

110 If the government shuts down... I'm ok.
Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 06:13 AM (iziT

----------
Glad to hear it. I wouldn't have guessed it afects anyone one way or the other, except federal workers (who get paid vacations courtesy of the kabuki).

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:23 AM (b3cMx)

111 So are they going to put up giant curtains blocking the view of Mt Rushmore?

wall off the Lincoln Memorial?
as much as the fed gov f***s with us, I am happy to see it go dark until Trump is restored

Posted by: Don Black. Message: not found at December 20, 2024 06:24 AM (/7KEl)

112 "So it seems 38 Republican House members want to go through shutdown kabuki theater. They must enjoy it."

Did they say why?

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 06:24 AM (ExV1e)

113 74 I am writing down what we need from the store. Spouse said -instead of "paper towels" - "papal towels" . I am trying to figure out what papal towels are Specially blessed by the Pope? Anyway, it made me laugh.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 05:55 AM (L1fFl)

When they burn, they emit white smoke.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 20, 2024 06:26 AM (PiwSw)

114 I am drinking Peet's Coffee Sumatra and it is a good thing

Posted by: Don Black. Message: not found at December 20, 2024 06:26 AM (/7KEl)

115 >I am trying to figure out what papal towels are
----

duh, for holy water spills

Posted by: Don Black. Message: not found at December 20, 2024 06:27 AM (/7KEl)

116 107 The Post has an interesting article on Stonehenge, claiming a 13000 pound stone was dragged 500 miles from Scotland by the ancients, without the aid of a wheel (not discovered apparently). Human labor, they speculate. It seems it was a big project for the whole population along the way.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:21 AM (b3cMx)

Druids.

Posted by: Nigel Tufnel at December 20, 2024 06:28 AM (PiwSw)

117 You're soaking in it.

Posted by: Madge at December 20, 2024 06:28 AM (dg+HA)

118 The Post has an interesting article on Stonehenge, claiming a 13000 pound stone was dragged 500 miles from Scotland by the ancients, without the aid of a wheel (not discovered apparently). Human labor, they speculate. It seems it was a big project for the whole population along the way.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:21 AM (b3cMx)
----------
In the ACW, there was a young Union officer who participated in the expedition going up the Yazoo to find a way around Vicksburg. As they progressed up the river, the Confederates cut down giant cypress trees behind them to block the way back. When they finally gave up and turned around, they were forced to deal with the obstacles. After they got back, the young man wrote home that he no longer wondered how the pyramids got built - put enough men on a rope, and you can move anything.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:30 AM (fzQGK)

119 I am trying to figure out what papal towels are
----------
Used in the restrooms in Vatican City!

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:31 AM (fzQGK)

120 Trump wanted a bill passed but the GOP Members who voted it down know better, I suppose.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:33 AM (HfrqO)

121 They probably rolled it on logs. Dragging it without any aids at all would have been tough stuff.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:37 AM (ZzMvU)

122 Papa John Paul’s Pizza.

Posted by: Eromero at December 20, 2024 06:37 AM (jgmnb)

123 I guess I must be insane on crazy pills.

The current horrible awful government being shut down for a month until Trump is in office is a bad thing?

Are we on the same page here?

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 06:38 AM (iziT8)

124 They probably rolled it on logs. Dragging it without any aids at all would have been tough stuff.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:37 AM (ZzMvU)
-----------
Thor Heyerdahl induced a couple of hundred Easter Islanders (who had just feasted well) to drag a small toppled moai around without the use of rollers, so possibly not.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:39 AM (fzQGK)

125 Byeee...

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:40 AM (fzQGK)

126 Trump wanted a bill passed but the GOP Members who voted it down know better, I suppose.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:33 AM (HfrqO)

Just watched Chip Roy's speech on his no vote. Apparently, they promised to stop overspending and he wants to keep his promise.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 06:40 AM (ExV1e)

127 I'm wondering something lately about the general attitude, the response to hello, have a good day simply smiling at a person, etc seems to be growing in a positive manner. I believe it started on 5 Nov and has been burgeoning daily. Have y'all noticed any difference in optimism or is just the general mood simply better?
Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at December 20, 2024

~~~~

Christmas lights. In 2016 and again this year Christmas lights are especially abundant.

This is in a purplish area of The People's Republic of Massachusetts.

Posted by: fluffy at December 20, 2024 06:42 AM (AN2gy)

128 Thor Heyerdahl induced a couple of hundred Easter Islanders (who had just feasted well) to drag a small toppled moai around without the use of rollers, so possibly not.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:39 AM (fzQGK)
I have to wonder what convinced the original guys to build those.

Posted by: Eromero at December 20, 2024 06:42 AM (IuK4L)

129 "I have to wonder what convinced the original guys to build those.
Posted by: Eromero"

The weird thing is those faces point inward. Not out to sea.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 06:44 AM (iziT8)

130 I have to wonder what convinced the original guys to build those.
Posted by: Eromero at December 20, 2024 06:42 AM (IuK4L)

I mean if you're gonna fly how many light years across space and time just to wind up pissing about a little island with nothing on it but weird primates and trees, you'd get a little bored after a while too.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 20, 2024 06:44 AM (y/ZMQ)

131 Thor Heyerdahl induced a couple of hundred Easter Islanders (who had just feasted well) to drag a small toppled moai around without the use of rollers, so possibly not.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at December 20, 2024 06:39 AM (fzQGK)
I have to wonder what convinced the original guys to build those.
Posted by: Eromero at December 20, 2024 06:42 AM (IuK4L)

Or the Olmec heads.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 06:44 AM (ExV1e)

132 NJ Governor Phil Murphy, maybe a little slow on the uptake, says he thinks the U.S. may be vulnerable to a drone swarm.

I wonder where he got that idea?

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:45 AM (Ygpo7)

133 Good morning!

Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 20, 2024 06:48 AM (u82oZ)

134 Hey’ Pepe! Crawl under there and see what’s keeping this head from sliding.

Posted by: Eromero at December 20, 2024 06:48 AM (IuK4L)

135 "Commander Glorblax, the stone steles on the weird primate island are in place. We can now proceed to phase two of the fencing project and then proceed to The Experiments as planned."

"Uh...Florplorp, why are the primates hacking at our stones? It looks like... like they're carving them into giant heads? Hey, that one looks like your wife!!! HAAAAhahahha..."

"Oh, son of a bitch. I hate primates."

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 20, 2024 06:48 AM (y/ZMQ)

136 Just watched Chip Roy's speech on his no vote. Apparently, they promised to stop overspending and he wants to keep his promise.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 06:40 AM (ExV1e)
----------
Well Chip, we just elected Trump and he has a long to-do list and he asked you to vote this three month CR in, but you know better.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:50 AM (lAvq2)

137 I'm sure JJ will link this, but this is sure to strike fear into liberal thinktank hearts.

https://is.gd/bvPu1l

"Cheat harder" may soon not be enough.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at December 20, 2024 06:51 AM (PiwSw)

138 People liked to play with big rocks back then… no Legos.. boredom maybe.

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 06:52 AM (PCK5/)

139 *looks at the clock* Right, time to go. See you later today, fellow Morons.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 20, 2024 06:52 AM (O7YUW)

140 Stonehenge was a big old sundial, yes?

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 06:53 AM (PCK5/)

141 Voting against something that goes the wrong direction on principle is fine enough. Voting against going in the right direction "on principle" because it doesn't make the journey in a single step and doesn't solve every problem on earth makes me question what your principles actually are.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 20, 2024 06:53 AM (y/ZMQ)

142 138 People liked to play with big rocks back then… no Legos.. boredom maybe.
Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 06:52 AM (PCK5/)

Legos were actually invented in 9,204 BC by Thag Simmons. Unfortunately, one night when She-Rog Simmons got up to pee, she stepped on Thag's prototype, and made him abandon the project.

Posted by: This day in Lego History at December 20, 2024 06:55 AM (PiwSw)

143 The Internet and X makes every voter (that wishes to know) an instant expert on just about any bill.
The crowd sourcing ability (you do not have to read 1500 pages) means that thousand of people can immediately digest material and spit out a summary.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 06:57 AM (gbOdA)

144 Just watched Chip Roy's speech on his no vote. Apparently, they promised to stop overspending and he wants to keep his promise.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 06:40 AM (ExV1e)
----------
Well Chip, we just elected Trump and he has a long to-do list and he asked you to vote this three month CR in, but you know better.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:50 AM (lAvq2)

I get what you're saying but I also understand being leery about "we've been promising voters to be fiscally responsible for decades and this continues adding to the debt but this other guy asked me to do it so, yolo."

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 06:57 AM (ExV1e)

145 G'mornin' everyone!

Absolutely, IRONGRAMPA, I noticed it on November 6th and it's still slowly growing ... of course this is rural Wisconsin, so we were always more like that than some places.

nice comparison, fd!

papal towels, lol, FS!

ok, got to go shovel dihydrogen oxide crystals, biab

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - they have been lying to us for decades at December 20, 2024 06:58 AM (cY18j)

146 @128 I'm pretty sure the people were prompted by ancient aliens

Posted by: Smell the Glove at December 20, 2024 06:58 AM (DopAq)

147 "Nintendo... Too litigious and frothing-at-the-mouth zealous about protecting their trademarks (to the point they shut down fan bases of games all the time.) Dog in the manger. Ignore them and their offerings."

As a counter-point to this - Nintendo has been forged in the flames of legal Mt. Doom. They've been sued several times (Universal and the use of "Kong" is an early one), and had to sue to protect their IP as well.

They've been considered kiddie because of their censorship policies. It was heavy-handed, but considering the government of the time and the moral crusaders (see Tipper Gore for an abject example, and Jello Biafra's condemnation of her).

More importantly - with all the emulation that goes on, whose games do people download first? And the piracy isn't recent - Nintendo had to deal with piracy and counterfeiting, people literally stealing their work and selling it (physically, even) for several decades now.

Posted by: Another Anon at December 20, 2024 06:59 AM (QNMaY)

148 Ancient Aliens… you mean like Soros???

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:00 AM (PCK5/)

149 120 Trump wanted a bill passed but the GOP Members who voted it down know better, I suppose.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:33 AM (HfrqO)

Trump wanted a CR but not 1500 pages of bullshit and fluff.
eg No further J6 committees and no research allowed on the original J6 committee.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:00 AM (gbOdA)

150 101 86 In between he is visiting some hospitalized kids for a half hour.
Posted by: Huck Follywood

"Mr. President, do NOT sniff them. Do NOT sniff them. Do NOT-DAMMIT! What is wrong with you?"

"This one smells like lavender."
Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 06:15 AM (+4yJ5)

"This one smells like baby oil."

Posted by: m at December 20, 2024 07:01 AM (VnUSN)

151 Have a great day, everyone,

Last day of school before the break. A half day.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 20, 2024 07:01 AM (u82oZ)

152 "Nintendo... Too litigious and frothing-at-the-mouth zealous about protecting their trademarks (to the point they shut down fan bases of games all the time.) Dog in the manger. Ignore them and their offerings."

As a counter-point to this - Nintendo has been forged in the flames of legal Mt. Doom. They've been sued several times (Universal and the use of "Kong" is an early one), and had to sue to protect their IP as well.

Not to mention that you never know when some court will rule that you didn't defend your IP strenuously enough and, therefore, your copyright is void.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:02 AM (ExV1e)

153 NTSB has released their report on the fatal Dallas mid-air collision that resulted in the death of six people and the loss of two historic aircraft.

As everyone who was paying attention expected, the blame was laid at the feet of the air boss for not planning the air show with deconfliction strategies, instead relying on real time direction, and for using imprecise language.

NTSB recommended that the FAA institute periodic recertification of air bosses and to standardize terminology to name two.

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 20, 2024 07:02 AM (ATOlV)

154 I get what you're saying but I also understand being leery about "we've been promising voters to be fiscally responsible for decades and this continues adding to the debt but this other guy asked me to do it so, yolo."
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 06:57 AM (ExV1e
‘This other guy’ never says what loopholes and backdoor thievery is hidden in that stack of paper. One little word can change the whole meaning. Remember these guys are mostly lawyers.

Posted by: Eromero at December 20, 2024 07:02 AM (jgmnb)

155 It's not so much as a shutdown but rather a time out.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 20, 2024 07:02 AM (dg+HA)

156 Trump wanted a bill passed but the GOP Members who voted it down know better, I suppose.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:33 AM (HfrqO)

Trump wanted a CR but not 1500 pages of bullshit and fluff.
eg No further J6 committees and no research allowed on the original J6 committee.
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:00 AM (gbOdA)

The people Huck is talking about voted against the smaller CR. The big one never even came up for a vote.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:03 AM (ExV1e)

157 Don't radio and TV broadcasts penetrate our atmosphere and continue rolling into the cosmos? If aliens actually existed they'd probably be asking us to maybe turn down the rap on our radios.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:03 AM (NRiLJ)

158 " It's not so much as a shutdown but rather a time out.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty "

Right? How in the world is this a bad thing?

I don't get the Horde on this one.

Not at all.

Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 07:05 AM (iziT8)

159
Also just noted that Google-Borg has started phasing out Manifest v2. You can still set things to keep it working until June 2025.

What is manifest v2? It's only what allows adblockers to work well, and actually block ads.

Firefox will continue to support v2, so uBlock Origin will continue to work.

Google is fucking evil.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley at December 20, 2024 07:06 AM (w6EFb)

160 The people Huck is talking about voted against the smaller CR. The big one never even came up for a vote.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:03 AM (ExV1e)
--------
Yup. The one voted down was 10% the size of the former version.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:06 AM (NRiLJ)

161 Good morning morons

The kids are in Portland visiting mom so we are liberated for the weekend. *bong rip*

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 20, 2024 07:06 AM (RIvkX)

162 Alas the men from Mars never came to eat up bars.

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 20, 2024 07:07 AM (ATOlV)

163 Democratic Congressman Richard Neal

"Can you imagine what the next two years are gonna be like?"

"If every time the Congress works its will and then there's a tweet from an individual who has no official portfolio, who threatens members on the Republican side with a primary and they succumb?"

ha

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:08 AM (gbOdA)

164
Trump wanted a bill passed but the GOP Members who voted it down know better, I suppose.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:33 AM

anybody find a list of the 38 rinos what voted against?

Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:09 AM (tljrc)

165 156 10 4

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:09 AM (gbOdA)

166 Ah, the wake and bake.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at December 20, 2024 07:09 AM (2NXNX)

167 I don't get the Horde on this one.

Not at all.
Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024 07:05 AM (iziT

Trump's major concern appears to be the debt ceiling. He wants that resolved prior to the inauguration. I assume he's fine with funding the government at, essentially, currently levels in order to get the debt ceiling increase.

I also understand Chip Roy's point. They promise and promise and promise and then they go to DC and do other.

It's a tough mess. We won't get there in one go but we won't get there at all if we never start. I assume the 38 are concerned that DOGE will end up being another empty promise.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:10 AM (ExV1e)

168 Has this CR vote produced any damage that can be illustrated here??

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:11 AM (PCK5/)

169 Chris Murphy: Why are Democrats acting as if DOGE is "legitimate"?

Murphy said on the podcast that DOGE is “not a department” and “it’s being run by two billionaires, people who have no idea how important basic government services like Medicaid, Social Security, Veterans Benefits are to regular people.”

ha

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:12 AM (gbOdA)

170 Pick it, pack it, fire it up and come along, and take a hit from the bong.

Posted by: Cypress Hill at December 20, 2024 07:12 AM (/6GbT)

171 "Where did this CR touch you Congress?"

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 20, 2024 07:12 AM (ATOlV)

172 Yup. The one voted down was 10% the size of the former version.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:06 AM (NRiLJ)

The size of the bill was 10%. I don't believe the amount of money spent was all that different. The new bill just didn't include the changes to law like shielding all members of Congress from prosecution, or investigation, for any crime ever.

I believe that is the complaint by the people who voted no. It makes no attempt to spend less.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:13 AM (ExV1e)

173 NTSB has released their report....

====
It was at that point I knew this was an Anna Puma comment.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 20, 2024 07:13 AM (RIvkX)

174 anybody find a list of the 38 rinos what voted against?
Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:09 AM (tljrc)

Basically the House Freedom caucus and a few others.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:14 AM (zQ3t+)

175 174 anybody find a list of the 38 rinos what voted against?
Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:09 AM (tljrc)

Basically the House Freedom caucus and a few others.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:14 AM (zQ3t+)

So… they are Rinos???

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:14 AM (PCK5/)

176 The Rocket Lab NZ launch is scheduled for 13 minutes later than I wrote, about 2 hours from now.

Launch Time: 9:13 ET , 01:13 NZDT -
December 20, 1413 UTC

https://www.youtube.com/live/SIIoH5S-t3k

Posted by: Ciampino - What's the frequency? at December 20, 2024 07:15 AM (i0xsb)

177 anybody find a list of the 38 rinos what voted against?
Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:09 AM (tljrc)

Wanting fiscal responsibility makes you a RINO now?

Here's the list: https://is.gd/FVt33u

You can also watch Chip Roy explain his vote.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:15 AM (ExV1e)

178
"If every time the Congress works its will and then there's a tweet from an individual who has no official portfolio, who threatens members on the Republican side with a primary and they succumb?"

ha
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:08 AM

credentialism at it's finest

to paraphrase Sam Jackson:

"vox populi, motherfcuker. do you speak it?"

Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:15 AM (tljrc)

179 Voting Records from Clerk of the House

https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024516

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:16 AM (gbOdA)

180 That Powerline article on census driven apportionment will not make Democrats happy! Therefore, we rate it as excellent news.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:16 AM (NRiLJ)

181 162 Alas the men from Mars never came to eat up bars.
Posted by: Anna Puma

"I understood that reference!"

And if that song was released today, screechings of "cultural appropriation!" would be heard.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 07:18 AM (+4yJ5)

182 It’s amazing that they admitted that in the first CR, there was 1400 pages of crap that had nothing to do with the budget.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:18 AM (zQ3t+)

183 It's like nobody's even listening to me anymore.

Posted by: President Soros at December 20, 2024 07:19 AM (dg+HA)

184 Apportionment Forecast
+4: TX, FL
+1: AZ, ID, UT
-3: CA-2: NY
-1: IL, MN, OR, PA, RI, WI

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:19 AM (gbOdA)

185 It's like nobody's even listening to me anymore.
Posted by: President Soros

Step aside, pal.

Posted by: President Musk at December 20, 2024 07:20 AM (dg+HA)

186 Nancy Mace and Chip Roy both explained their nays. Both said the debt ceiling provision. Someone better versed then myself will have to interpret that one for me. Don't know much about Roy, Mace has been pretty solid on her decisions in the past.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at December 20, 2024 07:20 AM (2NHgQ)

187 "I've known individuals who are indeed more optimistic, but it's not really noticeable here overall.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius"

Where are you? I'm in blue ass Austin and people seem cool as hell these days.
Posted by: eleven at December 20, 2024

***
Da Swamp, aka Noo Awlins. I don't mean that they seem grouchy or anything, or if they are it's no worse than before 11/5. But I'm not getting a "happy" vibe yet.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 20, 2024 07:20 AM (J2vNu)

188 credentialism at it's finest

to paraphrase Sam Jackson:

"vox populi, motherfcuker. do you speak it?"
Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:15 AM (tljrc)

I think around 75% of the state congresscritters that voted to impeach Paxton are AMF.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:20 AM (gbOdA)

189 If what I read here is true, if the new document did not reduce spending, then wanting another resolution that reduced spending seems a reasonable move… reducing spending is good, yes??

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:21 AM (PCK5/)

190 As long as your phone isn't where you're also doing the transaction requiring 2FA, using the phone should work just dandy. Or that they've got your entire life hacked and they're watching your every move, so they know when you logged into work on your laptop AND they immediately exploit it AND they've hacked your phone AND they're watching for when you get that code. Or they've hacked everything but the 2FA and you're dumb enough to authorize it or ignore it when you get it unprompted.

But, getting a text is better than using Google, don't you think? Where you've hacked yourself (by using Google)?

Posted by: GWB at December 20, 2024 07:21 AM (WlvCt)

191 Apportionment Forecast
+4: TX, FL
+1: AZ, ID, UT
-3: CA-2: NY
-1: IL, MN, OR, PA, RI, WI
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:19 AM (gbOdA)

I didn't read the article. Does that include undoing Biden's little oopsie where he shifted a few seats from red states to blue states.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:21 AM (ExV1e)

192 175
The list of votes in Congress

https://tinyurl.com/ms3fke65

Posted by: Ciampino - What's the frequency? at December 20, 2024 07:21 AM (i0xsb)

193 Recall that much of the hacking is not hacking but the fact China found that built in back doors demanded by our Big Govt.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:22 AM (gbOdA)

194 Just write on a single piece of paper "we're just gonna keep spending money that doesn't even exist yet on whatever crap we want, it'll be fine, stop bothering us".

Would save a ton of paper.

There's really two separate but not completely different principles at play, aren't there?

- reckless deficit spending on nonsense
- preposterous, opaque rule changes to let the state ride roughshod over everyone

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 20, 2024 07:23 AM (y/ZMQ)

195 I would like to take a moment of grouchiness complain about some man on a bike in dark clothes and no headlight riding in the middle of the road when it's not yet light. Why do I think a lot of these folks are illegals because you don't need a license for a bike .

If I come back later I will hopefully be pleasanter

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 07:23 AM (yLvqS)

196 Probably the biggest fault was Johnson being a weasel and negotiating with Dems in secret, and then dumping the bill on everyone 2 days before the deadline, thinking that might work. We need a new Speaker.
The reason Trump wants the debt limit raised now is that Schumer will be able to blackmail him with it if it’s still an issue in the spring.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:23 AM (zQ3t+)

197 If what I read here is true, if the new document did not reduce spending, then wanting another resolution that reduced spending seems a reasonable move… reducing spending is good, yes??
Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:21 AM (PCK5/)

I haven't seen a complete analysis of the actual spending portions of the two bills so I'm basing my comments on my interpretation of Roy's complaint.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:24 AM (ExV1e)

198 Though to be fair, the "Bicth" hat did indeed say "Bicth".
Isn't "Bicth" one of the Old Ones? If you get 3 people wearing that hat in the same place, will it call her into existence on this plane?

Posted by: GWB at December 20, 2024 07:24 AM (WlvCt)

199 I wonder if I can eat Christmas cookies if I add another gym day...(he says, while eyeing a plate of cookies and homemade peanut brittle)

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:25 AM (wa8ai)

200 Bicth are trath.

I uthe Uniballth.

Posted by: Mike Tyson at December 20, 2024 07:26 AM (y/ZMQ)

201 199 I wonder if I can eat Christmas cookies if I add another gym day...(he says, while eyeing a plate of cookies and homemade peanut brittle)
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:25 AM (wa8ai)

Life is fleeting.. eat the cookies..

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:26 AM (PCK5/)

202 I would like to take a moment of grouchiness complain about some man on a bike in dark clothes and no headlight riding in the middle of the road when it's not yet light. Why do I think a lot of these folks are illegals because you don't need a license for a bike .

Not necessarily illegals. People today are idiots. I routinely see people walking in the street - at that side of the street, but still - wearing all black clothes prior to the sun coming up. At least most of them aren't face down in a phone.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:26 AM (ExV1e)

203 MSN: Trump doesn’t have a mandate.

Old: he didn’t win the popular vote

New: He didn’t win a majority of the popular

Of course he really did. Take out fraud and he won 51-52%. Take out California and he won 60%.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 20, 2024 07:27 AM (JR3OV)

204 Life is fleeting.. eat the cookies..
Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:26 AM (PCK5/)
---------
You convinced me!

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:28 AM (wa8ai)

205 Why do I think a lot of these folks are illegals because you don't need a license for a bike .

—

May well be. But there are one Ty of “Americans” who love them some cycling. It’s the ones pushing for 15 minute cities, a ban on cars and a ban on single family homes. To be honest I’d take an illegal over one of those assholes.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 20, 2024 07:29 AM (JR3OV)

206 The reason Trump wants the debt limit raised now is that Schumer will be able to blackmail him with it if it’s still an issue in the spring.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:23 AM (zQ3t+)

I would just start shutting down departments.

Chuck, can we raise the debt ceiling.
No.
Spending for Department of Education is now 0.

Chuck, can we raise the debt ceiling.
No.
Spending for ...

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:29 AM (ExV1e)

207 California, like Illinois, is a criminal enterprise… they should be expelled from the Union.

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:29 AM (PCK5/)

208 201 Life is fleeting.. eat the cookies..
Posted by: tubal

Agreed. No man goes to the grave regretting the cookies. Unless they were poisoned but you all knew what I meant.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 07:29 AM (+4yJ5)

209 207 California, like Illinois, is a criminal enterprise… they should be expelled from the Union.
Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:29 AM (PCK5/)

Ahem.
- New Jersey

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 20, 2024 07:30 AM (JR3OV)

210 The debt limit is a time bomb that Congress has built into the system. It’s shitty to raise it; it has to be raised again; if it isn’t raised US defaults on treasuries and we have a bad recession. That’s why Trump wants it raised before he takes office, because it will be a huge mess for him.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:31 AM (zQ3t+)

211 What happens if it’s not raised? Serious question.

I see it like a credit card. You reach the limit. You want to spend more. But Visa says nope, you limit is staying out. What happens? You don’t spend any more money.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 20, 2024 07:32 AM (JR3OV)

212 210 The debt limit is a time bomb that Congress has built into the system. It’s shitty to raise it; it has to be raised again; if it isn’t raised US defaults on treasuries and we have a bad recession. That’s why Trump wants it raised before he takes office, because it will be a huge mess for him.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:31 AM (zQ3t+)

So.. no way out of the Tar Pit???

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:32 AM (PCK5/)

213 Agreed. No man goes to the grave regretting the cookies. Unless they were poisoned but you all knew what I meant.
Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 07:29 AM (+4yJ5)

Even then you'd need to discover that they were poisoned prior to dying but too late to recover or you still wouldn't regret them.

Some people regret oatmeal cookies with raisins though.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:32 AM (ExV1e)

214 Knew I saw it somewhere. See andycanuck post #14 on the ONT. A breakdown of relief costs in the American Relief Act 2025. The amounts are insane for admin, a portal, auditing. Not going to try an copy and paste it, haven't been in the barrel in awhile and don't want to go there.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at December 20, 2024 07:33 AM (2NHgQ)

215 I see it like a credit card. You reach the limit. You want to spend more. But Visa says nope, you limit is staying out. What happens? You don’t spend any more money.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 20, 2024 07:32 AM (JR3OV)

The problem is when all the social security checks start to bounce. Dems would like for that to happen now, just to discredit Trump.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:35 AM (zQ3t+)

216 I even like ginger snaps. Cookies are good.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:35 AM (wa8ai)

217
thx for the links above

all I had seen was all the hate Chip Roy was getting for his no vote, yet there are other high profile reps what voted no and are not getting screamed at (Massey, Mace, etc.)

yeah, the debt limit issue is very much not good, but all the crap in the original CR (the pay raise was probably the lease egregious) was worse

It’s amazing that they admitted that in the first CR, there was 1400 pages of crap that had nothing to do with the budget.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 20, 2024 07:18 AM

yeah, that's the problem

all of this would be averted if congress would do their job and pass the individual budgets like they're 'sposed to

Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:35 AM (tljrc)

218 89 I am tired of having to verify that I am human-either by tinyurl or by YouTube that want me to sign in to prove I'm not a bot. I think I'll go make a cup of coffee from the young man who needs to get off to work and does not think I'm a bot.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 20, 2024 06:07 AM (L1fFl)
----
For some reason my tiny.url is always green and checked. I do routinely CTRL-R to do a refresh anytime it seems to be having problems. Works great.

Posted by: Ciampino - What's the length at December 20, 2024 07:36 AM (i0xsb)

219 216 I even like ginger snaps. Cookies are good.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:35 AM (wa8ai)

I buy my ginger snaps at the local Amish store…they use a bit of red pepper in them for an extra bite… outstanding.

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:36 AM (PCK5/)

220 Knew I saw it somewhere. See andycanuck post #14 on the ONT. A breakdown of relief costs in the American Relief Act 2025. The amounts are insane for admin, a portal, auditing. Not going to try an copy and paste it, haven't been in the barrel in awhile and don't want to go there.
Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at December 20, 2024 07:33 AM (2NHgQ)

And how many of those things need to happen RIGHT THIS DAMN MINUTE!

I mean, I'm a huge Trump supporter, but I can't get too mad at people who want some fiscal responsibility even if it means voting against something he wants.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:36 AM (ExV1e)

221 JJ must be putting together a real humdinger this morning.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:36 AM (wa8ai)

222
2 words
SEF

TON

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 20, 2024 07:37 AM (gbOdA)

223 221 JJ must be putting together a real humdinger this morning.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 07:36 AM (wa8ai)

Hope his damned computer did not break again… that sucked.

Posted by: tubal at December 20, 2024 07:37 AM (PCK5/)

224 JJ is nood.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 20, 2024 07:38 AM (ExV1e)

225 221 JJ must be putting together a real humdinger this morning.

Or he was hitting the ValURite pretty hard last night.

Posted by: NR Pax at December 20, 2024 07:38 AM (+4yJ5)

226 95 87 Killer flesh-eating squirrels discovered in California leave scientists shocked

Posted by: Don Black
------------------
I saw a photo of a squirrel carrying a vole in his mouth. It was pretty weird, but I guessCalifornia squirrels are different.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 20, 2024 06:11 AM (cNcGv)
----
They got the idea from the Haitians.

Posted by: Ciampino - What's the taste like? at December 20, 2024 07:38 AM (i0xsb)

227
JJ is nood

Posted by: AltonJackson at December 20, 2024 07:39 AM (tljrc)

228 Ok. I'll just put this out there: Oreos are lousy cookies. Wallpaper paste sandwiched between two pieces of charcoal.
Their appeal is simply durability and that they travel well.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 20, 2024 07:40 AM (dg+HA)

229 As I understand, the 116 page bill needed 2/3rds to pass. Since only 2 Dems voted for it, it would have failed anyway. They have a bill before the Rules Committee. If it gets through that, it just needs a simple majority.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at December 20, 2024 07:41 AM (NQtI0)

230 If the Gov. shuts down do EBT cards get reloaded? If not I can see wholesale theft and riots by the usual minorities in the blue cities.

Question: are there any Red cities?
City = population 800,000 or more.

Posted by: Ciampino - What's the taste like? at December 20, 2024 07:43 AM (i0xsb)

231 137
Conservatives have long worried that voters exiting blue states would bring their voting habits with them, undermining red state success. But there is no sign that this is happening.

Colorado, WA and OR -- didn't all three go from red to blue thanks to ex-Californians?

Posted by: Ciampino - What's the taste like? at December 20, 2024 07:56 AM (i0xsb)

232 Got this message yesterday:

Parallels is Virtual Machine (VM) software for the Mac. It allows me to run Windows, Linux and old versions of MacOS on my Mac.
I was banned from Parallel's support forum for asking why Parallels Desktop for Mac connects to a Chinese website (parallels.cn) when it starts up. I showed a screen capture of Parallels trying to connect to the site.

Posted by: SMOD at December 20, 2024 08:03 AM (o0+oQ)

233 I was feeling all smug and sassy about keep Windows 10 on my big machine, then realized a recent update installed CoPilot. WTH, I thought that was an 11 problem? It does uninstall fairly easily.

Or has it?

Posted by: Candidus at December 20, 2024 08:22 AM (FW1NF)

234
Looks like the Democrats now have their genius political response to Trump lined up:

Just refuse every single thing that Trump wants or requires as President.

And they're disciplined enough to get at least 38 Republican'ts to vote with them. So, there's the genius GOPe response.

Are single issue bills the answer? Maybe. Those would be hard to propagandize against.

But, the Retard Strength Voting Block of Dims and Republican'ts is tough to budge.

I hope there's an easy Constitutional way around it.

Posted by: naturalfake at December 20, 2024 08:30 AM (iJfKG)

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