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aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com Buck: buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com CBD: cbd at cutjibnewsletter.com Doof: doof2112 at proton.me joe mannix: mannix2024 at proton.me MisHum: petmorons at gee mail.com J.J. Sefton: sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com | THE MORNING RANT: Perhaps Cars and Grocery Freezers Shouldn’t Be Subject to Hacking and Bad ProgrammingHere are three unrelated stories, but they share a theme, specifically that “improving” machinery with complicated software and remote internet access often renders the machinery compromised and inoperable. (h/t to @ComradeArthur for a couple of these tips.) Rental cars used by Norway’s Home Guard during a large exercise in September recorded video of soldiers, their routes, and the codes they typed into military gates, according to a soldier who took part, Norwegian business daily Dagens Næringsliv reported. The cars were rented by the Norwegian Armed Forces from Hertz in Norway, which belongs to Volvo Cars and, through Volvo, to China’s Geely group. At least two of them were electric cars from Deepal, a brand of Chinese automaker Changan.America’s principled free traders dream of allowing China and its electric spy cars into our market, and if you seek to protect private-sector American industrial jobs from being lost to Chinese state-controlled industries, those same “free traders” will call you a socialist. The governing FIA said afterwards that "an unprecedented combination of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy management settings and the Sepang circuit’s sector configuration led to an unintended loss of power for a number of cars."F1 cars are now part electric and part internal combustion, and there is programming required to make the two forms of propulsion integrate. That software apparently didn’t take into account such unforeseen things as low speed and wet roads, which rendered the cars undriveable. Traditional gasoline-powered cars without internet connectivity can drive in pretty much any weather condition. So of course, all the smart people are determined to proceed with technology that flakes out in bad weather, or when software hasn’t anticipated every permutation of temperature, precipitation, rpm, and speed. Any car that needs software updates to keep operating is a car than can be kept from running due to malicious software. Hackers targeted hundreds of French supermarkets in a cyberattack that reportedly caused refrigerators and freezers to overheat, spoiling food and sparking fires. Fridges at [various supermarket chains] saw fridges heat up to as much as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight.While this incident was in France, not the U.S., I can’t help but believe that the corporate obsession with automation and elimination of labor expense contributed to this cyber-attack on the food supply. Too many business executives are antagonistic toward the blue-collar tradesmen who keep their machinery running. They desperately want to believe that AI, or software, or a slick presentation from an expensive consultant can rid them of the annoyance of paying professional compensation to a skilled laborer. Remote monitoring is obviously required. Remote access and control, however, is an invitation to destructive hacking. That invitation was obviously accepted.
Comments(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Nooded.
Posted by: Nazdar at October 16, 2026 11:01 AM (NcvvS) 2
And SPONGE!!
Posted by: Nazdar at October 16, 2026 11:01 AM (NcvvS) 3
"But then how do we get the recurring charges, huh, smart guy?"
-Frigidair Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:03 AM (MdQMu) Posted by: Anna Puma at October 16, 2026 11:03 AM (35YvA) 5
As always, any appliance deemed "smart" = it's spying on you and can be controlled by a third party.
Now we have to consider it may be a hostile 3rd party, not some nameless, faceless bureaucrat enforcing vague regulations. Ain't tech GRAND!? Posted by: Lizzy at October 16, 2026 11:03 AM (rOKnE) 6
>>"But then how do we get the recurring charges, huh, smart guy?"
-Frigidair "You will own nothing, have no privacy, and love it!!" Posted by: Lizzy at October 16, 2026 11:04 AM (rOKnE) 7
Too many business executives are antagonistic toward the blue-collar tradesmen who keep their machinery running. They desperately want to believe that AI, or software, or a slick presentation from an expensive consultant can rid them of the annoyance of paying professional compensation to a skilled laborer.
The blue-collar tradesmen share some of the blame for this. When you decouple your salary and benefits demands from any actual improvement in productivity, then of course executives will look for other options. This in no way excuses the poor decisions made by executives in an effort to generate a short-term jump in stock price, and therefore in their bonus package. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:04 AM (Riz8t) 8
"But then how do we get the recurring charges, huh, smart guy?"
-Frigidair Posted by: TheJamesMadison But the kimchi is still cool. Posted by: Samsung, totally not the China guys at October 16, 2026 11:04 AM (nEUC6) 9
This is a complex issue and one that calls for wisdom, experience, and deep introspection. Therefore, I will just read along.
Posted by: Don Black at October 16, 2026 11:04 AM (ZxPkt) 10
It's the era of the bean counter. Companies dgaf about anything but cost.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (uOLcV) 11
A lot of the mendacious Utopiaists really believe in the Oomphal in the sky, for the proles and narod.
Posted by: Anna Puma at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (35YvA) 12
The Volvo thing was crazy, especially the part where they kept using them because there was no alternative.
Posted by: Inogame at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (53oGX) 13
A few days ago, he was wishing death on Trump.
“Big Bang Theory” Producer Chuck Lorre Warns a Society That Abandons God Turns to Communism Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Mr. September 2026 at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (ndZc7) 14
I get the convenience of being able to monitor freezers from a central location but this can be put on a network that can't be accessed from outside. But it means that you have to spend money which is where the problem is.
Posted by: NR Pax at October 16, 2026 11:06 AM (jjoN6) 15
That ten acres out in Idaho or Wyoming are looking better and better all the time.
Posted by: Diogenes at October 16, 2026 11:06 AM (2WIwB) Posted by: Anna Puma at October 16, 2026 11:06 AM (35YvA) 17
Paul, I sincerely hope there is medication for your issues.
Posted by: NR Pax at October 16, 2026 11:06 AM (jjoN6) Posted by: Lizzy at October 16, 2026 11:06 AM (rOKnE) 19
“Chinese-Owned Rental Cars Recorded Norwegian Military Drill” [Defence Blog – 12/12/2026]
- Who'd a thunk it? Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Mr. September 2026 at October 16, 2026 11:07 AM (ndZc7) 20
The Norwegian story is especially funny since a leading official explained that the cars didn't actually record... ignoring the fact that each vehicle had it's own SIM card and connection, and that data was routed thru Chinese servers first.
The stupidity on display by the officials was...epic. Or they were just making it up as they went along Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 11:07 AM (pfXMo) 21
A lot of the mendacious Utopiaists really believe in the Oomphal in the sky, for the proles and narod.
Please to translate. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:07 AM (Riz8t) 22
Part of why I will not do smart anything, on the net home appliances if I can help it.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at October 16, 2026 11:08 AM (Rx2Cw) 23
My dad kept the freezers and other refrigeration in his store monitored by getting up off his ass and checking them personally, especially after a storm or power outage.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 16, 2026 11:08 AM (g8Ew8) 24
After 43 years in the IT industry, I cannot list one benefit of a "smart" refrigerator. My clothes washer and dryer are "aware" and will notify me when cycles finish. That's about the only useful function on the two appliances. I really should see how insecure these models are. It is just more expensive stuff on a machine that I don't need. Last year, the lock on the washer broke and I couldn't open the washer. Truly helpful feature.
Posted by: WarEagle82 at October 16, 2026 11:09 AM (Qfzq8) 25
Considering that Chinese produced transformers and inverters are installed all over our electrical generation and transmission systems, it makes one wonder when the CCP decides to shut off the power across many US municipalities.
Before the Taiwan invasion, or during? Posted by: proudvastrightwingguy at October 16, 2026 11:09 AM (MNCvZ) 26
My dad kept the freezers and other refrigeration in his store monitored by getting up off his ass and checking them personally, especially after a storm or power outage.
That's way too much work. Posted by: Fat Wall-E Characters Lounging in Floaty Chairs at October 16, 2026 11:09 AM (Riz8t) 27
Paul, Rainfurrest misses your crinkly buttocks.
Posted by: Anna Puma at October 16, 2026 11:10 AM (35YvA) 28
15 I get the convenience of being able to monitor freezers from a central location but this can be put on a network that can't be accessed from outside. But it means that you have to spend money which is where the problem is.
Posted by: NR Pax ======== Monitoring should be distinct from controls. Monitoring temps can be on the net safely because not a lot that hackers can do with that if the refrigerator controls are hard wired and not net accessible. The idea of central control is what is driving a lot of the idiots that have been educated beyond their intelligence in our finest schools. They want control over everything except themselves. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:11 AM (E4rtv) 29
>>I get the convenience of being able to monitor freezers from a central location but this can be put on a network that can't be accessed from outside. But it means that you have to spend money which is where the problem is.
Problem is also they want to outsource and centralize monitoring so that they can reduce staff and pay a non-expert (the algorithm does the work!). Was the system broken -- was this an ongoing issue, or was this the folly of needless tech selling people with a functioning system the dream of making is easy and cheap? So much of tech seems to be "the app/tech thinks for you, isn't that awesome!!?" This is how you get an Idiocracy, disguised as efficiency and smart staffing. Posted by: Lizzy at October 16, 2026 11:12 AM (rOKnE) 30
Here I stay away from "smart" anything just because it is more complex and thus inherently less reliable. Just ask my 1993 garage refer chilling my beer.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at October 16, 2026 11:12 AM (xvV+O) Posted by: Lady Who Lurks at October 16, 2026 11:12 AM (JCLJi) 32
"If I ran a business in which much of my inventory must be kept refrigerated or frozen, I would certainly maintain remote monitoring systems so I would know if any refrigerators were broken or not holding temperature. Inventory obviously must be protected from spoilage. What I would not do is create remote internet controls so that anyone hacking into the remote monitoring system can also sabotage the refrigeration equipment."
Refrigeration controls completely shut off from the internet. Remote monitoring software unconnected to refrigeration controls. YES, it's probably more expensive (now). But as we the news shows, some people just want to watch the world burn. Posted by: Formerly Virginian at October 16, 2026 11:12 AM (XHO5P) 33
Sign on the front gate says Moron.
Posted by: rickb223 at October 16, 2026 11:13 AM (rwOy2) 34
25 Considering that Chinese produced transformers and inverters are installed all over our electrical generation and transmission systems, it makes one wonder when the CCP decides to shut off the power across many US municipalities.
Before the Taiwan invasion, or during? Posted by: proudvastrightwingguy Possible depending on the particulars but that does require net access to turn whatever software coded switch exists. Chinese have their own problems as they cannot be sure that any microprocessor tech that they have bought, smuggled, or copied does not have its own US doom switch either. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:13 AM (E4rtv) 35
Considering that Chinese produced transformers and inverters are installed all over our electrical generation and transmission systems, it makes one wonder when the CCP decides to shut off the power across many US municipalities.
Before the Taiwan invasion, or during? Posted by: proudvastrightwingguy at October 16, 2026 11:09 AM (MNCvZ) --- China's strategy is ultimately self-defeating, and we are already seeing it. Because of the "on-shoring" due to tariffs, China's factories are shutting down and unemployment is skyrocketing. Breaking the economy of your primary customer would only exacerbate that, but Communists love infiltration so that's what they are trying to do. I've got a multi-part examination of invading Taiwan (and how it's going to be really, really hard) at ahlloyd.com if you are interested. Since I started posting it, my traffic from mainland China has increased by a factor of 8. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:14 AM (ZOv7s) 36
Even before connecting things to the internet, computerization of appliances was pretty questionable. I get it for cars - up to a point. It really helped with efficiency in an appliance where efficiency is a BFD.
But having lived through the changeover from mechanical to electronic controls in ALL appliances, I see it as a bad deal in most cases - it increased efficiency. A bit. But not in places where it matters a great deal, and the tradeoff was fridges, washing machines, coffeemakers, etc., where a computerized part breaks and you throw the whole g-ddamned machine in the trash because it's not worth fixing. Then we started connecting them to the internet, and your washing machine spies on you. If your babysitter gets stuck in there, you can't even bang her without Bob from the NSA seeing. And they're now hackable. Some kid in Sweden can crank that sucker on from Stockholm, bust your babysitter and your wiener in two, and put you on the hook for a murder. It was a slippery slope. Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at October 16, 2026 11:14 AM (BI5O2) 37
Let Hertz put you in the China seat.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 16, 2026 11:14 AM (Cqx++) 38
35 China's strategy is ultimately self-defeating, and we are already seeing it. Because of the "on-shoring" due to tariffs, China's factories are shutting down and unemployment is skyrocketing. Breaking the economy of your primary customer would only exacerbate that, but Communists love infiltration so that's what they are trying to do.
I've got a multi-part examination of invading Taiwan (and how it's going to be really, really hard) at ahlloyd.com if you are interested. Since I started posting it, my traffic from mainland China has increased by a factor of 8. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:14 AM (ZOv7s) ==== Also, they're about 20 years into a demographic collapse that is going to last another 2-3 generations, at least. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (MdQMu) 39
Companies dgaf about anything but cost"
"Costs" are generally the easy way to impact profit margins. It's harder to increase demand... Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (pfXMo) 40
I recently replaced my sprinkler system controller. The old one was mechanical and a PITA to program and change. The new electric one is a breeze, and can be changed from my phone depending on weather conditions. It even monitors local weather and skips a watering cycle if the lawn doesn't need it.
There's a reason some of these things were invented, but one has to be realistic about the inherent security risks. I don't expect my sprinkler heads to mount an uprising, but you never know. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (Riz8t) 41
39 Companies dgaf about anything but cost" "Costs" are generally the easy way to impact profit margins. It's harder to increase demand... Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (pfXMo) ========= Oh, that's easy. Open borders does that. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (MdQMu) 42
>>Considering that Chinese produced transformers and inverters are installed all over our electrical generation and transmission systems, it makes one wonder when the CCP decides to shut off the power across many US municipalities.
Before the Taiwan invasion, or during? The WSJ had an article this week about how Hegseth is moving every US military base to nuclear power -- each base will have its own source onsite. This is specifically so that the bases are NOT dependent on the local electricity grid. Now this is energy independence -- and it comes in the form of local control, not centralized remote management. Posted by: Lizzy at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (rOKnE) 43
Thx Buck
Hacking and heating refrigerators. That's very asymmetric warfare Posted by: Smell the Glove at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (kGIZD) 44
“Big Bang Theory” Producer Chuck Lorre Warns a Society That Abandons God Turns to Communism
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Mr. September 2026 at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (ndZc7) Then he votes straight Democrat. Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:16 AM (uOLcV) Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 11:16 AM (pfXMo) 46
Our main software product was released almost two years ago. We have had to do 10 maintenance releases to fix bugs in those 2 years. That's one release every 9 weeks to fix problems we found in previous releases. Of course, each new release often brings new problems and upgrades take time to plan and implement. I am still convinced that "Agile" is Greek for "We don't test."
Posted by: WarEagle82 at October 16, 2026 11:16 AM (Qfzq8) 47
44 “Big Bang Theory” Producer Chuck Lorre Warns a Society That Abandons God Turns to Communism
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Mr. September 2026 at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (ndZc7) Then he votes straight Democrat. Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:16 AM (uOLcV) ========== What is he supposed to do as one of Television's most powerful producers? Not bend to the whims of the mob? Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:17 AM (MdQMu) 48
Why in the hell did they make F1 cars into hybrids?
Europeans will screw up anything for the climate cult. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:17 AM (6ydKt) 49
I had my washer and dryer repaired a few weeks ago. They're at least 30 years old, and belonged to my mom and dad. I shopped new ones, but I don't want digital appliances because they have more stuff to break, and a lot of them can't be repaired. Also, a $336 repair bill vs $900+ for something that does not work as well was a factor.
Posted by: huerfano at October 16, 2026 11:17 AM (2Xqig) 50
44 “Big Bang Theory” Producer Chuck Lorre Warns a Society That Abandons God Turns to Communism
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks ======= I don't really care, Margaret. Lorre is a ponce probably afraid that California DSA types are going to take all his money. He was fine with the rest of the DSA agenda. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:17 AM (E4rtv) Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 11:18 AM (pfXMo) 52
Problem is also they want to outsource and centralize monitoring so that they can reduce staff and pay a non-expert (the algorithm does the work!). Was the system broken -- was this an ongoing issue, or was this the folly of needless tech selling people with a functioning system the dream of making is easy and cheap?
Posted by: Lizzy at October 16, 2026 11:12 AM (rOKnE --- This is what Pope Leo was referring to in his encyclical. When society was still overwhelmingly religious, employers took employee health and the community into consideration. Philanthropists built schools, hospitals and libraries because they valued their community and their nation. Modern employers are completely indifferent to anything other than making money, and don't care who suffers. If they can save a penny by closing a plan and destroying a entire region's economy, they're up for it. Ironically, Communist China is the worst offender of all in this respect. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:18 AM (ZOv7s) 53
17 Paul, I sincerely hope there is medication for your issues.
Posted by: NR Pax at October 16, 2026 11:06 AM (jjoN6) I don't see what was so offensive about the original comment that it had to be disappeared unless the poster is already banned for other indiscretions. It did violate the 100 comment rule but that's more Infraction than felony. Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 16, 2026 11:18 AM (QGaXH) 54
And it's not like they're looking at long-term costs/efficiencies. Short-term, quarterly profits, that's it. Long-term strategy? Huh?
Posted by: RandomDave at October 16, 2026 11:19 AM (aJQbY) 55
Remote monitoring is obviously required. Remote access and control, however, is an invitation to destructive hacking. That invitation was obviously accepted.
It can be a big problem, obviously. But a lot of this has to do with lax cybersecurity and human error which gives hackers an easy in. Remote management isn't necessarily bad, it just has to be implemented securely and watched by qualified people. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:19 AM (6ydKt) 56
53 I don't see what was so offensive about the original comment that it had to be disappeared unless the poster is already banned for other indiscretions.
It did violate the 100 comment rule but that's more Infraction than felony. Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 16, 2026 11:18 AM (QGaXH) ======= Paul is a well-known troll, and he should be ignored at all times. Same with Sid, Karl, Joe Xiden, and TheJamesMadison. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:20 AM (MdQMu) 57
I had my washer and dryer repaired a few weeks ago. They're at least 30 years old, and belonged to my mom and dad. I shopped new ones, but I don't want digital appliances because they have more stuff to break, and a lot of them can't be repaired. Also, a $336 repair bill vs $900+ for something that does not work as well was a factor.
Posted by: huerfano at October 16, 2026 11:17 AM (2Xqig) --- Some years ago I got a whole house appliance warranty. If anything breaks, they send a guy out to fix it. I pay a flat fee of $100. It's great. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:20 AM (ZOv7s) 58
Hey, don't be hackin' my Eskimo Pies, man!
Posted by: I Mean Inuit Pies at October 16, 2026 11:20 AM (EdP2u) 59
40 I recently replaced my sprinkler system controller. The old one was mechanical and a PITA to program and change. The new electric one is a breeze, and can be changed from my phone depending on weather conditions. It even monitors local weather and skips a watering cycle if the lawn doesn't need it.
There's a reason some of these things were invented, but one has to be realistic about the inherent security risks. I don't expect my sprinkler heads to mount an uprising, but you never know. Posted by: Archimedes It may not be the sprinklers but the apps to control the IOT item. IOT apps on phones are undoubtedly harvesting information from that phone, how much depends on largely trust. The other issue is that if you do not use proper security protocols on net access, IOT items can compromise your network easily. Best to have them on a separate guest network even with a separate router if you can. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:21 AM (E4rtv) 60
Remote monitoring is obviously required. Remote access and control, however, is an invitation to destructive hacking. That invitation was obviously accepted.
It can be a big problem, obviously. But a lot of this has to do with lax cybersecurity and human error which gives hackers an easy in. Remote management isn't necessarily bad, it just has to be implemented securely and watched by qualified people. The real problem seems to be not so much hacking the particular appliance in question, but rather that you're granting buggy, backdoor-prone software access to your router, and therefore the rest of your network. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:21 AM (Riz8t) 61
TheJamesMadison.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison ====== Wasn't that guy banned for putting out Hollyweird pron? Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:21 AM (E4rtv) 62
Same with Sid, Karl, Joe Xiden, and TheJamesMadison.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson That's some accurate truth tellin' right there, obtuse as he is. Posted by: The Stopped Clock at October 16, 2026 11:22 AM (EdP2u) 63
30 Here I stay away from "smart" anything just because it is more complex and thus inherently less reliable. Just ask my 1993 garage refer chilling my beer.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at October 16, 2026 11:12 AM (xvV+O) Mine is a '91. Bought at the PX at Ft Stewart. Still keeps beer cold after all these 35 years. My longest lasting appliance. Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:22 AM (Ae6Br) 64
@59 and 60: we said the same thing, but you beat me to it.
Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:22 AM (Riz8t) 65
It can be lunch time, misled lunch on Wednesday
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:22 AM (EduVx) 66
Your on line coffee maker is plotting world domination.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:23 AM (uOLcV) 67
I'd say part of the blame here is what the remote access allowed. There's no circumstance where it would be useful to hold the defrost at 50 degrees C, never mind doing so indefinitely. Bring back "are you stupid?" error messages.
Posted by: Ian S. at October 16, 2026 11:23 AM (2ocoG) 68
As if concern about the millions of Muslims and cartel members (all potential terrorists acting on some "Go Signal) here is not enough, we also have to be "concerned" about our own devices also receiving the "Go Signal" telling them to shut down, or commit some malicious act.
The peasants may experience shortages sure, but what will Pelosi do if her expensive ice cream all melts? Posted by: illiniwek at October 16, 2026 11:23 AM (vbXSk) 69
Our main software product was released almost two years ago. We have had to do 10 maintenance releases to fix bugs in those 2 years. That's one release every 9 weeks to fix problems we found in previous releases. Of course, each new release often brings new problems and upgrades take time to plan and implement. I am still convinced that "Agile" is Greek for "We don't test."
Posted by: WarEagle82 --- In the machine design business we say inside every big problem is a lot of little ones waiting to get out. But we have to go to the site and not send something over the internet to fix them. Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at October 16, 2026 11:24 AM (xvV+O) 70
F1 cars are now part electric and part internal combustion, and there is programming required to make the two forms of propulsion integrate. That software apparently didn’t take into account such unforeseen things as low speed and wet roads, which rendered the cars undriveable.
------- WTF is wrong with you people? It's a car. You get in it and drive the damned thing. Posted by: Barney Oldfield at October 16, 2026 11:24 AM (XeU6L) 71
65 It can be lunch time, misled lunch on Wednesday
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:22 AM (EduVx) You lied to your sammich? Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at October 16, 2026 11:24 AM (SgdqL) 72
66 Your on line coffee maker is plotting world domination.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:23 AM (uOLcV) Only for two hours. Then you gotta push the button again. Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:24 AM (Ae6Br) 73
I think the Norwegian Home Guard all share one rifle, so what secrets could they possibly need to protect?
Posted by: Lutefisk Strategic Reserve? at October 16, 2026 11:25 AM (EdP2u) 74
>>Our main software product was released almost two years ago. We have had to do 10 maintenance releases to fix bugs in those 2 years. That's one release every 9 weeks to fix problems we found in previous releases. Of course, each new release often brings new problems and upgrades take time to plan and implement. I am still convinced that "Agile" is Greek for "We don't test."
Heh!! I worked at a software company for years. One project had a PM overseas at site where a lot of work was being moved to IYKWIMAITYD. He never closed a release, ever. He just kept throwing random ticket fixes in, and each customer's release was different based on when they upgraded. These were not hotfixes or maintenance releases, he just kept everyone working on it past the close date. It was INSANE, no one knew what releases were out there being implemented, it was always "it depends" a years-long rolling window, while the next official release was opened and worked on. Posted by: Lizzy at October 16, 2026 11:25 AM (rOKnE) 75
The peasants may experience shortages sure, but what will Pelosi do if her expensive ice cream all melts?
She'll find that her husband hid hammers inside all the ice cream containers? Posted by: Ian S. at October 16, 2026 11:25 AM (2ocoG) 76
54 And it's not like they're looking at long-term costs/efficiencies. Short-term, quarterly profits, that's it. Long-term strategy? Huh?
Posted by: RandomDave Not sure anymore if that is even the issue. A lot of trading activity now is based on any scrap of information that gets into the algorithms and then causes derivative tails to wag the market dog. So an executive could get rich just by betting using derivative markets on inside information or even inside created volatility by their own actions. This is what financialization of an economy eventually brings us--not efficiency nor well run companies, but endless seeking a riskless yield and what can be more riskless than knowing in advance an event is about to occur. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:25 AM (E4rtv) 77
WTF is wrong with you people? It's a car. You get in it and drive the damned thing.
F1 is mostly a Euro thing. They regulate EVERYTHING whether it makes sense or not. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:26 AM (Riz8t) 78
Some years ago I got a whole house appliance warranty. If anything breaks, they send a guy out to fix it. I pay a flat fee of $100. It's great.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:20 AM (ZOv7s) I have a similar one, likely the same one. It is pretty great. But, when you have Very Expensive Repairs, they can get a bit lame about it... for instance, when my water heater went kaput, it was suddenly "well, we're giving you the cheapest one on the market, and if you want better like your old one was, then it'll cost extra and... PS, we'll only cover half the price of that cheap one, anyway." But all in, it was still a few hundred bucks cheaper anyway, so it's a win. Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at October 16, 2026 11:26 AM (BI5O2) 79
All governments want control; commies want absolute control, and the CCP is especially sensitive to this.
Falun Gong was a threat, not because they were traitors to the CCP, but because of their size and the fact the CCP didn't control them. All these laws being passed in places like Kalifornia meant to "protect the children" that give Gov't more control and observation over our lives and our vehicles and our appliances aren't meant to protect us, but protect Gov't. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:26 AM (l3cgK) 80
73 I think the Norwegian Home Guard all share one rifle, so what secrets could they possibly need to protect?
Posted by: Lutefisk Strategic Reserve? ====== They share a small but important border with Russia. And China and Russia are friendz. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:26 AM (E4rtv) 81
WTF is wrong with you people? It's a car. You get in it and drive the damned thing.
Posted by: Barney Oldfield at October 16, 2026 11:24 AM (XeU6L) --- They got woke. Gas is eeeevil, so they have to use "green" technology that self-evidently doesn't work. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:27 AM (ZOv7s) 82
Wondered why freezers in France were on line, a feezer should be a set it and forget it.
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:27 AM (EduVx) 83
I think the Norwegian Home Guard all share one rifle, so what secrets could they possibly need to protect?
Posted by: Lutefisk Strategic Reserve? --- How to properly drop one. They have french advisors for that though. Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at October 16, 2026 11:27 AM (xvV+O) 84
Starting to see NY Dems run from Hochul - one even stated that she's got to go...publicly in a debate!
Blakeman's been impressive and his campaign has mojo - are we about to see a huge upset here? Posted by: Boswell at October 16, 2026 11:29 AM (j10i6) 85
The real problem seems to be not so much hacking the particular appliance in question, but rather that you're granting buggy, backdoor-prone software access to your router, and therefore the rest of your network.
Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:21 AM (Riz8t) It's different for consumer products. That's mostly on the consumer. For a large corporation, even in France, it should be standard practice to secure their networks end-to-end, especially something as critical as the freezers in your grocery store. They may have left their IoT freezers open to the entire internet just because it made it easier for their people to monitor and manage the freezers, for all we know. This was a lesson learned (which happens a lot in cybersecurity due to unknown unknowns), and I bet a lot of grocery corps across the world checked their systems this week. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:29 AM (6ydKt) 86
Shame after following F-1 for 27 years had to drop it or pay up, I dropped it like I did football that was 50 years spent watching it.
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:30 AM (EduVx) 87
Norway's military is small, but potent.
Norway's military is a technologically advanced, regionally specialized force designed primarily for Arctic terrain, maritime surveillance, and territorial defense as a strategic NATO member on the alliance's northern flank. • Air Power: Operates a modern fleet of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets equipped with advanced precision strike capabilities like the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), backed by maritime patrol aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon. • Naval & Subsurface Power: Maintains a strong coastal and maritime force featuring Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, fast Skjold-class corvettes, and upcoming Type 212CD submarines. • Air Defense & Artillery: Fields world-class NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) air defense networks alongside mobile K9 VIDAR self-propelled artillery. • Arctic & Total Defense: Relies on compulsory military service, a well-trained Home Guard reserve component, and deep integration with Nordic allies and NATO. • Global Rankings: Ranked around 39th to 43rd globally in overall military index power (such as Global Firepower), punching ), punching well above its modest population size Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:30 AM (Riz8t) 88
man o man I can relate to this subject
Had 4 year warranty on a 65" TV from WalMart, it pooped out at 3 yr and 3 mo. WalMart honored it and gave me a choice of which brand I wanted to replace it. It was an ONN so I figured I'd try a Samsung. This is the most complicated piece of shit I've ever dealt with. It wants to go with voice control, I can't figure out how to get my computer to display, it is way to busy for me. Posted by: DanMan at October 16, 2026 11:30 AM (8uzBS) 89
But all in, it was still a few hundred bucks cheaper anyway, so it's a win. Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at October 16, 2026 11:26 AM (BI5O2) Although power efficiency is good, there are always trade-offs involved. The more complex a machine is, the more likely a part will fail. My dad had a fridge built in the 1950's that only stopped in the 1990's because a refrigerant line was hit with an ice pick when it was being defrosted. In the last 30 years, I've had to replace my refrigerator at least 3 times and my stove twice, and the last fridge failure (the refrigerant compressor) cost as much to replace as a new fridge. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:30 AM (l3cgK) 90
I love my Nest thermostat and the fact that I can start cooling the house on my way home and that it tells me how many hours the A/C ran each day.
That being said, if it gets uppity the old mechanical t'stat it replaced is still in the garage ready to go at a moment's notice. Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 16, 2026 11:30 AM (QGaXH) 91
Starting to see NY Dems run from Hochul - one even stated that she's got to go...publicly in a debate!
Blakeman's been impressive and his campaign has mojo - are we about to see a huge upset here? Posted by: Boswell --- Unfortunately no. New York's vote cheat and fraud machine is second only to kalifornia's. Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at October 16, 2026 11:30 AM (xvV+O) 92
we also have to be "concerned" about our own devices also receiving the "Go Signal" telling them to shut down, or commit some malicious act.
The peasants may experience shortages sure, but what will Pelosi do if her expensive ice cream all melts? Posted by: illiniwek at October 16, 2026 11:23 AM (vbXSk) --- *** Mom's Friendly Robot Company has entered the chat *** Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (FZ29D) 93
84 Starting to see NY Dems run from Hochul - one even stated that she's got to go...publicly in a debate! Blakeman's been impressive and his campaign has mojo - are we about to see a huge upset here? Posted by: Boswell at October 16, 2026 11:29 AM (j10i6) ======== Nah. Turnout differential for a party out of power at the federal level will get Hochul over the line. But it'll be closer than Texas senate or governor. And no lessons will be learned by anyone anywhere about the relative purpleness of any state. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (MdQMu) 94
I think something may be up. Comments are really slow today.
Where is everybody? Oh, I remember now. I'm a looser who can't get my ducks in a row enough to do anything I want to do. Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (Ae6Br) 95
...
Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (nEUC6) 96
94 I think something may be up. Comments are really slow today. Where is everybody? Oh, I remember now. I'm a looser who can't get my ducks in a row enough to do anything I want to do. Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (Ae6Br) ======= Was like this yesterday. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (MdQMu) 97
All governments want control; commies want absolute control, and the CCP is especially sensitive to this.
Falun Gong was a threat, not because they were traitors to the CCP, but because of their size and the fact the CCP didn't control them. All these laws being passed in places like Kalifornia meant to "protect the children" that give Gov't more control and observation over our lives and our vehicles and our appliances aren't meant to protect us, but protect Gov't. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:26 AM (l3cgK) --- This ties back to the previous thread regarding religious art. The CCP has ordered all the crosses and crucifixes removed from Christian churches and replaced with pictures of Xi Jinping, because he is Mao 2.0. To materialists, religion is a mortal threat, because it causes people to make "irrational" decisions, like sacrificing for their beliefs or standing up to tyrrany. And that's why you're seeing so much Christian persecution in leftist states. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:32 AM (ZOv7s) 98
82 Wondered why freezers in France were on line, a feezer should be a set it and forget it.
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:27 AM (EduVx) Their freezers were undoubtedly internet-connected, allowing the hack to happen in the first place; otherwise, the hackers would've had to send out people to each location. Lesson? Don't connect your appliances to the net. In Kali, there are folks that have their home thermostats connected to the internet...during heatwaves, the local power company was able to raise the temperature the AC turned on... Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:33 AM (l3cgK) 99
*overhead speakers click*
Welcome aboard Fat Chance Airlines! Today is a day for aviation history. This flight is to be the first completely automated flight. There is no crew aboard. But please note every precaution has been taken for your safety...safety...safety...saf-snap. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz.... Posted by: Diogenes at October 16, 2026 11:33 AM (2WIwB) 100
I think something may be up. Comments are really slow today.
Where is everybody? Going to the TX MoMe. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:33 AM (Riz8t) 101
Perhaps my damn cellphone needs to stop disappearing my pictures and contact info.
Posted by: Eromero at October 16, 2026 11:33 AM (oJjJL) 102
94 I think something may be up. Comments are really slow today.
Where is everybody? Oh, I remember now. I'm a looser who can't get my ducks in a row enough to do anything I want to do. Posted by: Reforger ===== People traveling to the big MoMeet in Texas today and tomorrow. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:33 AM (E4rtv) 103
Paul is a well-known troll, and he should be ignored at all times.
Same with Sid, Karl, Joe Xiden, and TheJamesMadison. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:20 AM (MdQMu) I don't worry about the last one. He can't read. Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 16, 2026 11:34 AM (g8Ew8) 104
I'm sure the TX MoMe doesn't help. Or the fact that it's the end of a week during some of the most beautiful weather of the year. People have stuff to do.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (BI5O2) 105
@15.-Diogenes
10 acres in Idaho or Wyoming are looking better all the time. Yeah, I get your message. Get away from it all. I have already done so. Why put up with crap if you don't have to? Self reliance is a good thing. Seems like the more people around you is just more misery you have to put up with. Posted by: Case at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (ROPCF) 106
Turnout differential for a party out of power at the federal level will get Hochul over the line.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (MdQMu) --- Last I saw that differential is gone. Michigan's red counties were voting early at higher rates than blue ones, which never happens. The Dems may finally have alienated enough of their base that they will just stay home. I do think it strange that there are almost no yard signs for anyone other than federal offices in my area. No state rep, state senator, governor. Never seen that before. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (ZOv7s) 107
I started a list of troll hashes once. It got big fast.
Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (Ae6Br) 108
10 acres in Idaho or Wyoming are looking better all the time.
Yeah, I get your message. Get away from it all. I have already done so. Why put up with crap if you don't have to? Self reliance is a good thing. Seems like the more people around you is just more misery you have to put up with. Extroverts would go crazy in what you consider an ideal situation. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:36 AM (Riz8t) 109
*overhead speakers click*
Welcome aboard Fat Chance Airlines! Today is a day for aviation history. This flight is to be the first completely automated flight. There is no crew aboard. But please note every precaution has been taken for your safety...safety...safety...saf-snap. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz.... Posted by: Diogenes at October 16, 2026 11:33 AM (2WIwB) ----- Do you have flights to Itchy and Scratchy Land, where nothing can possibly go wrong? Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 16, 2026 11:36 AM (FZ29D) 110
Diogenes
10 acres in Idaho or Wyoming are looking better all the time. Yeah, I get your message. Get away from it all. I have already done so. Why put up with crap if you don't have to? Self reliance is a good thing. Seems like the more people around you is just more misery you have to put up with. Posted by: Case at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (ROPCF) Yup. *side eye at Mrs D* Posted by: Diogenes at October 16, 2026 11:37 AM (2WIwB) 111
88 man o man I can relate to this subject
Had 4 year warranty on a 65" TV from WalMart, it pooped out at 3 yr and 3 mo. WalMart honored it and gave me a choice of which brand I wanted to replace it. It was an ONN so I figured I'd try a Samsung. This is the most complicated piece of shit I've ever dealt with. It wants to go with voice control, I can't figure out how to get my computer to display, it is way to busy for me. Posted by: DanMan at October 16, 2026 11:30 AM (8uzBS) Do NOT connect it to the internet...It's been proven that LG TVs spy on you (recording every device in it's range that's connected to the internet, including your mobile phones) and recording voice and sounds IN YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT PERMISSION. It's undoubtedly true Samsung and Chinesium TVs do the same or worse. Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:37 AM (l3cgK) 112
104 I'm sure the TX MoMe doesn't help. Or the fact that it's the end of a week during some of the most beautiful weather of the year. People have stuff to do.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (BI5O2) And the ever-present disruptive pop-up ad. Posted by: garbage at October 16, 2026 11:37 AM (5KUP2) 113
Norwegians were pretty good fighters in WWII
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:37 AM (EduVx) 114
I do think it strange that there are almost no yard signs for anyone other than federal offices in my area. No state rep, state senator, governor. Never seen that before.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (ZOv7s) I'm not even seeing those. The only campaigning I see are Mark Warner's ads infesting my streaming service. Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at October 16, 2026 11:38 AM (SgdqL) 115
56 Same with.........and TheJamesMadison.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:20 AM (MdQMu) Laughing! I am aware of his status but just think 'disappearing' an innocuous comment runs counter to the idea trolls should be ignored. Isn't disappearing a form of attention? I'll shut up about it now because I don't want to be another clown in the clown car....LOL! Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 16, 2026 11:38 AM (QGaXH) 116
106 Last I saw that differential is gone. Michigan's red counties were voting early at higher rates than blue ones, which never happens. The Dems may finally have alienated enough of their base that they will just stay home.
I do think it strange that there are almost no yard signs for anyone other than federal offices in my area. No state rep, state senator, governor. Never seen that before. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (ZOv7s) ======== It's always a state by state thing. "waves" crest higher in the enclaves of the party being advantaged. New York is a blue state. Turnout for Democrats will be relatively higher than turnout for Democrats in Texas or even Michigan, which is very much a purple state. Contentious senate races drive up overall turnout to reflect PVI overall of the state during midterms, while not having that creates vote sinks. So, New York is still a blue state, so turnout differential will still advantage Democrats. It's just not as blue as Texas is red. Hell, Virginia is probably bluer now than New York is. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:38 AM (MdQMu) 117
92 we also have to be "concerned" about our own devices also receiving the "Go Signal" telling them to shut down, or commit some malicious act.
The peasants may experience shortages sure, but what will Pelosi do if her expensive ice cream all melts? Posted by: illiniwek at October 16, 2026 11:23 AM (vbXSk) --- *** Mom's Friendly Robot Company has entered the chat *** Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (FZ29D) Prescient? https://youtu.be/KXnL7sdElno Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:39 AM (l3cgK) 118
Must really suck to run as a democrap without all that USAID money.
Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:39 AM (Ae6Br) 119
Wait... so Hertz is now ultimately controlled by China?!?
Well, that will extend the "I'll never rent from them again" time period I was already in. Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 11:39 AM (kU0PQ) 120
84 Starting to see NY Dems run from Hochul - one even stated that she's got to go...publicly in a debate!
Blakeman's been impressive and his campaign has mojo - are we about to see a huge upset here? Posted by: Boswell Weird shit can happen. Holchul is not a popular governor and gubernatorial races are not as national partisan aligned as senate races are. Often the only escape clause for a bad state government dominated by one party is to vote the other party for governor at times. KS, AK, or WY are examples of Dems winning deep Red states, MA, ME, and VT are examples of GOP governors of blue state phenomenon. At the end of the day, you get one party in power too long and you end up getting screwed by the in party corruption network getting too comfortable. Putting in mail in ballots as the primary form of voting is guaranteeing that the corruption cannot be overturned at the ballot box. Which is why Democrats and RINOs love it. Similar gaming occurs in RCV states. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:39 AM (E4rtv) 121
Elon's been having fun mocking Lieawatha's new obsession - opposing a consolidation of McCormick's and Unilever.
The merger will combine McCormick's spice portfolio with iconic brands like Hellmann’s and Knorr, creating a global flavor powerhouse. The owner of McCormick's told her to GFY. Elon basically did the same. https://tinyurl.com/yc5zfpuk Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:40 AM (Riz8t) 122
I don't worry about the last one. He can't read.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 16, 2026 Its the camera lights in his eyes fault Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:40 AM (EduVx) 123
Plenty of Dr Annie Andrews signs. AOC with a stethoscope.
And we have Lindsey Graham with a vagina. What a fucking choice. Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:40 AM (uOLcV) 124
I'm not even seeing those. The only campaigning I see are Mark Warner's ads infesting my streaming service.
Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at October 16, 2026 11:38 AM (SgdqL) --- I got an email yesterday saying that Saginaw County's Dem sheriff has endorsed Rogers and James. I don't recall that happening before, and at least one Dem rep in the House has endorsed Rogers as well. I hate to be optimistic, but I'm struggling to find the math that puts him over the top without Bloomfield, Detroit and now Flint/Saginaw. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:40 AM (ZOv7s) 125
Same with Sid, Karl, Joe Xiden, and TheJamesMadison. ------ Back off dude. [Stands with James Madison] Oh...wait. Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 16, 2026 11:41 AM (XeU6L) 126
124 I got an email yesterday saying that Saginaw County's Dem sheriff has endorsed Rogers and James. I don't recall that happening before, and at least one Dem rep in the House has endorsed Rogers as well.
I hate to be optimistic, but I'm struggling to find the math that puts him over the top without Bloomfield, Detroit and now Flint/Saginaw. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:40 AM (ZOv7s) ======== Trading out Tillis for Cooper (even trade since both are Democrats) but getting Rogers in MI would be an interesting and amusing way to stay at 53 seat majority. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (MdQMu) 127
Oh, I remember now. I'm a looser who can't get my ducks in a row enough to do anything I want to do.
Posted by: Reforger Why a duck? Why not a chicken? Posted by: Chico Marx at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (EdP2u) 128
And the ever-present disruptive pop-up ad.
Posted by: garbage at October 16, 2026 11:37 AM (5KUP2) I tried the site on an iPhone the other day and Brave browser wouldn't even load the page. Safari worked, but that ad is a beast. It hides itself, then pops up when you're zoomed in to read and then it's a pain in the ass to zoom out because the ad has a scrollbar in it and wants to move the pages inside of it instead of zooming out. On iPad, Brave works fine and I don't even see the ad, but I feel sorry for people trying to get on here on iPhones because you are screwed unless you've got some kind of ad blocker working for you. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (6ydKt) 129
107 I started a list of troll hashes once. It got big fast.
Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:35 AM (Ae6Br) Some folks' hashes rotate often...what happens when using a VPN... Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (l3cgK) 130
114 I do think it strange that there are almost no yard signs for anyone other than federal offices in my area. No state rep, state senator, governor. Never seen that before.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd GOP folks don't want insane Democrats burning their house down and normal gimmedat Democrats are becoming embarrassed by the weird and freaky DSA and genderqueer candidates being served up. So only place you get the political signs are the hate has no home here, and about twenty other signs of social virtue. Or at highway intersections, etc. where the greatest risk is the other side stealing them. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (E4rtv) 131
113 Norwegians were pretty good fighters in WWII
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:37 AM (EduVx) pikers. Posted by: The Finnish at October 16, 2026 11:43 AM (l3cgK) 132
65 It can be lunch time, misled lunch on Wednesday
Posted by: Skip at October 16, 2026 11:22 AM (EduVx) You misled lunch? Who was she? Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 16, 2026 11:44 AM (QGaXH) 133
Why a duck? Why not a chicken?
Posted by: Chico Marx at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (EdP2u) They went home to roost. Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (Ae6Br) 134
Hell, Virginia is probably bluer now than New York is.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:38 AM (MdQMu) The Northern part may as well be filled with Smurfs it's so blue. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (6ydKt) 135
So only place you get the political signs are the hate has no home here, and about twenty other signs of social virtue. Or at highway intersections, etc. where the greatest risk is the other side stealing them.
Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (E4rtv) --- Whitmer had lots of signs, and so did the other down ballot races. It's really weird. I've never seen anything like it, and even the junk mail is lower than normal. I live in a very blue city and I have no idea who the Dem candidate is for state senator. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (ZOv7s) 136
What Paul does is too weak to be called trolling.
He aspires to troll and fails. Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (rZMEN) 137
Do NOT connect it to the internet...It's been proven that LG TVs spy on you (recording every device in it's range that's connected to the internet, including your mobile phones) and recording voice and sounds IN YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT PERMISSION. It's undoubtedly true Samsung and Chinesium TVs do the same or worse.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 16, 2026 11:37 AM (l3cgK) ------ There are safe ways to have smart TVs (and basically any other smart device) in your home without them spying on you. Requires a bit of technical know-how but there are umpteen YT videos and other docs on how to put these things on their own subnet that can't call home, and other protections you can use. Posted by: ballistic at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (oqH4h) 138
Other things that contributed to the fridge issue:
Putting it on the internet, instead of a dedicated circuit not accessible from outside the company's LAN. All of those different stores using THE SAME APP PROVIDER. (Does no one remember Crowdstrike from 2024?) Did a programmer leave a backdoor or a default password somewhere? (Yes, the dedicated circuit is produced through encrypting and encapsulating traffic over the internet. And, if done right, is totally secure, compared to an internet-facing login mechanism.) Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (kU0PQ) 139
119 Wait... so Hertz is now ultimately controlled by China?!?
Well, that will extend the "I'll never rent from them again" time period I was already in. Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 11:39 AM (kU0PQ) Beware of the Hertz Donut... HS Physics Teacher: "Do you know what the Hertz Donut is?" Student: "No" HS Physics Teacher: ::: punches student in shoulder ::: HS Physics Teacher: "Hurts, don'it?" Posted by: The Finnish at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (l3cgK) 140
That being said, if it gets uppity the old mechanical t'stat it replaced is still in the garage ready to go at a moment's notice.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue ------ [eyes classic Honeywell mercury thermostat on the wall] Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 16, 2026 11:46 AM (XeU6L) 141
134 Hell, Virginia is probably bluer now than New York is.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:38 AM (MdQMu) The Northern part may as well be filled with Smurfs it's so blue. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (6ydKt) ========= And they're facing an existential crisis in the downsizing of government and the limitation of government grants that affects the surrounding "industries". I expected more people affected to move out of the area, to be honest. To move to Boston to find more gainful employment in government, for instance. But, apparently, they're all clinging to that bit of NOVA in the hope that Democrats bring back their jobs as they were. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:46 AM (MdQMu) 142
On iPad, Brave works fine and I don't even see the ad, but I feel sorry for people trying to get on here on iPhones because you are screwed unless you've got some kind of ad blocker working for you.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:42 AM (6ydKt) --- I have a gogglephone and windows laptop and Brave works great on both. Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:46 AM (ZOv7s) 143
113 Norwegians were pretty good fighters in WWII
Posted by: Skip My oldest uncle was in the Norwegian Army in 1940 and died fighting the Nazis in the initial invasion. I am 100% Norwegian heritage on both sides, married a Norwegian heritage girl, and have many more relatives in the old country than here. Posted by: Jens Jenssen at October 16, 2026 11:47 AM (EdP2u) 144
123 Plenty of Dr Annie Andrews signs. AOC with a stethoscope.
And we have Lindsey Graham with a vagina. What a fucking choice. Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:40 AM (uOLcV) I saw about 20 Annie Andrews ads in an hour on a local tv channel the other night. She is unloading on some ad buys, for sure. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:47 AM (6ydKt) 145
@Diogenes - we kicked off our St. Barb planning for our February 2027 event last night. Already have LTG Rafferty signed up as our guest speaker. 83 Honorable and 9 Ancient awards. The Field Artillery peeps have about another 20-ish and two Ancients. We sold out our venue last year with 520-ish seats. Should be able to do the same again in '27 too. Posted by: BifBewalski - at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (QVmho) 146
Also, they're about 20 years into a demographic collapse that is going to last another 2-3 generations, at least.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:15 AM (MdQMu) == I think that is optimistic. The woman shortage is acute. Some demographer types question whether they can really recover at all. I think 2-3 generations to bottom out - then I think they are at the new normal. And then there are questions about the ability of the country to stay together as currently constituted. Posted by: Black JEM at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (7/DDO) 147
Now we can starve the world!
Posted by: WE F at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (H88Wh) 148
Most of elections here are "local." I think we're going to vote on McConnell's replacement and one House rep. Everything else is local, county or state only.
Being rural... our ballot is pretty thin. No city council or mayor races or similar. Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (RORbl) 149
I have a gogglephone and windows laptop and Brave works great on both.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at October 16, 2026 11:46 AM (ZOv7s) Yeah, it's weird. There is something going on with the site that either slows Brave on iPhone to a crawl or stops it from loading the front page completely. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (6ydKt) 150
It's undoubtedly true Samsung and Chinesium TVs do the same or worse.
that's the vibe I get, I have had a mini tower hooked up to my TVs for years. So nice to get up, sit on the couch with a coffee while perusing the news and emails. This TV is no bueno and it creeps me out. It also doesn't have any of the ports for speakers and other inputs, just two HDMI slots and a coax port. I can't figure out how to access the HDMIs and got suspicious when it kept wanting me to talk to it. Posted by: DanMan at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (8uzBS) 151
Under the t-stat are 5 or 7 wires. Cross the red and white for heat and I think... the blue and white for A/C. Been a while since I did HVAC stuff.
Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (Ae6Br) 152
One of the parent companies of the grocery stores in Europe owns Food Lion and several other grocery chains, i.e. Giant of Pennsylvania. Their websites have been down for several days as they work to fix the hacking issues. I check those two websites for sales before I go to the store. And I did verify that this is interconnected.
Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (OpLc2) 153
146 I think that is optimistic. The woman shortage is acute. Some demographer types question whether they can really recover at all. I think 2-3 generations to bottom out - then I think they are at the new normal. And then there are questions about the ability of the country to stay together as currently constituted.
Posted by: Black JEM at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (7/DDO) ======= Then they'll have plenty of room for big families. There's a solid chance we have more people in America than China has in China by 2060. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (MdQMu) 154
It's different for consumer products.
That's mostly on the consumer. For a large corporation, even in France, it should be standard practice to secure their networks end-to-end, especially something as critical as the freezers in your grocery store. They may have left their IoT freezers open to the entire internet just because it made it easier for their people to monitor and manage the freezers, for all we know. This was a lesson learned (which happens a lot in cybersecurity due to unknown unknowns), and I bet a lot of grocery corps across the world checked their systems this week. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:29 AM (6ydKt) But manual thermometer and one guy on shift (so 2-3 total) who goes freezer to freezer checking has got to be cheaper b/c you never need to set up any of the software or monitor it with expensive cybersecurity guys... Posted by: Nova Local at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (tOcjL) 155
There are safe ways to have smart TVs (and basically any other smart device) in your home without them spying on you.
Posted by: ballistic at October 16, 2026 11:45 AM (oqH4h) I wouldn't even put it on a subnet. Just don't even connect it to ANY networking. Of course, if you're using the streaming services built into the tv, then that will be difficult. At that, connecting it to a subnet does NOT prevent it spying on you - it can still record everything and, if the subnet is accessible to the internet (which it has to be for streaming to work), then it can report that. 1/2 Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (kU0PQ) 156
HS Physics Teacher: "Do you know what the Hertz Donut is?"
Student: "No" ------- [recalls recent ONTdiscussions re topography] [submits Piet Hein's 'Superegg'] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superegg Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 16, 2026 11:50 AM (XeU6L) 157
But, apparently, they're all clinging to that bit of NOVA in the hope that Democrats bring back their jobs as they were.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:46 AM (MdQMu) Oh, I'm sure. They can live off of their multitudes of ill-gotten gains until the Dems takeover DC again. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:50 AM (6ydKt) 158
And they're facing an existential crisis in the downsizing of government and the limitation of government grants that affects the surrounding "industries".
I expected more people affected to move out of the area, to be honest. To move to Boston to find more gainful employment in government, for instance. But, apparently, they're all clinging to that bit of NOVA in the hope that Democrats bring back their jobs as they were. And yet, the median sales price is up 4% from Sept. '25. There are plenty of new non-government jobs in the area, many of which pay better than government jobs, so thoughts of a major collapse are overblown. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:50 AM (Riz8t) 159
On iPad, Brave works fine and I don't even see the ad, but I feel sorry for people trying to get on here on iPhones because you are screwed unless you've got some kind of ad blocker working for you.
Posted by: SpeakingOf Apple's codebase for IOS means most of the browsers ( I was informed that Chrome ironically is not based on Webkit) are simply UI skins over the code base. Main reason I don't have an apple phone--apple wants to lock down monetizing its IOS users as does Google with Android. But Android being open source based rather than closed source based IOS and also lacking the hardware-software ties of a closed garden tech eco system, you have more freedom to avoid crap that doesn't work right. Safari was a reason that I have avoided Apple laptops because I had one about ten years ago as a university provided laptop and I could not readily install what products might work best like browsers. All my home machines that I use regularly are Linux and down to dual booting windoze 11 on one just to do my taxes on it. Microsux is getting so bad and annoying that I will probably get an Apple Mac cube just to do taxes and dump Windoze permanently. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:51 AM (E4rtv) 160
Under the t-stat are 5 or 7 wires. Cross the red and white for heat and I think... the blue and white for A/C. Been a while since I did HVAC stuff.
Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (Ae6Br) Never, NEVER cut the blue wire. Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at October 16, 2026 11:51 AM (g8Ew8) 161
But manual thermometer and one guy on shift (so 2-3 total) who goes freezer to freezer checking has got to be cheaper b/c you never need to set up any of the software or monitor it with expensive cybersecurity guys...
Posted by: Nova Local at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (tOcjL) ------ Remote monitoring and one dude in a van on call to go fix it when it breaks is really the solution. Posted by: ballistic at October 16, 2026 11:53 AM (oqH4h) 162
The whole area of connecting critical infrastructure (and in this case, important private infrastructure) to the web has baffled me from the outset.
Every single activity, industry, and sector* that was connected since the web developed in the 90s was in place, functioning, and just as efficient before the web existed. The "benefits" of web connection are trivial. The risks, obviously, are enormous, and were obviously so before the process even began. * finance might be an exception, and "cybersecurity" should be an issue only in that sector, along with national security of course. Posted by: rhomboid at October 16, 2026 11:53 AM (U/Byj) 163
94 Oh, I remember now. I'm a looser who can't get my ducks in a row enough to do anything I want to do.
Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:31 AM (Ae6Br) Well...try tightening up a little and those ducks will straighten right out. I guess everybody is at the place attending the thing.... I wonder if they're wasting their breath talking about us....? Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 16, 2026 11:53 AM (QGaXH) 164
There's a solid chance we have more people in America than China has in China by 2060.
Yeah, no. China: Projected to have a population of approximately 1.14 billion (around 1.135 to 1.14 billion) in 2060, according to PopulationPyramid.net based on United Nations data. China's population is in a steady downward trajectory due to low fertility rates and an aging demographic. United States: Projected to have a population of approximately 389 million to 404 million in 2060. U.S. Census Bureau estimates point toward slow, steady growth driven increasingly by international migration as natural birth increases slow down Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:53 AM (Riz8t) 165
It also doesn't have any of the ports for speakers and other inputs, just two HDMI slots and a coax port. I can't figure out how to access the HDMIs and got suspicious when it kept wanting me to talk to it.
Posted by: DanMan at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (8uzBS) Most Samsung TVs I've used have a "Source" button to access inputs. If your remote doesn't have the Source button you can hit the Home button and scroll sideways to the left on the bottom tiles menu and the source inputs - HDMI1, HDMI2, COAX (Live TV) - are way over towards the end. Just look for "Source" somewhere and pick the HDMI port you plugged your PC into. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:55 AM (6ydKt) 166
And as noted by others, closed or dedicated systems can bring 100% of the "benefits" with zero risk (apart from the irreducible risk of insiders collaborating with outsiders on some kind of sabotage or penetration scheme, which has always and will always exist).
Posted by: rhomboid at October 16, 2026 11:55 AM (U/Byj) 167
2/2
An important thing to check is whether you can manually turn off the microphone in the TV. That helps, a lot. If it can only be turned off via software, then an update can turn it right back on. Check whether it has a camera built-in. If it does, don't buy that one. (Sony Bravia meets both of those criteria. Our 15-20yo Toshiba pre-smart TV just died, so I've been looking into this.) Also, use a separate device to do the streaming. A Roku or Fire stick can be kept from recording, and it won't have any idea what you're watching on the TV apart from its streaming services (DVDs, tapes, other devices, laptop, antenna connection for over-air TV, etc.). (I'm assuming there you plug those things directly into the TV, instead of the streaming device.) Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 11:55 AM (kU0PQ) 168
164 China: Projected to have a population of approximately 1.14 billion (around 1.135 to 1.14 billion) in 2060, according to PopulationPyramid.net based on United Nations data. China's population is in a steady downward trajectory due to low fertility rates and an aging demographic.
United States: Projected to have a population of approximately 389 million to 404 million in 2060. U.S. Census Bureau estimates point toward slow, steady growth driven increasingly by international migration as natural birth increases slow down Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:53 AM (Riz8t) ======== They have a replacement rate below 1...right now. Their average age is about 50. They will have 1/3 the population size in a couple of generations without a massive reversal. And that's assuming you believe their stated population numbers, because the Chinese government would never lie about those. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 11:55 AM (MdQMu) 169
I wonder if they're wasting their breath talking about us....?
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 16, 2026 11:53 AM (QGaXH) Laughing. Posted by: Reforger at October 16, 2026 11:55 AM (Ae6Br) 170
But manual thermometer and one guy on shift (so 2-3 total) who goes freezer to freezer checking has got to be cheaper b/c you never need to set up any of the software or monitor it with expensive cybersecurity guys...
Posted by: Nova Local at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (tOcjL) It's probably just a matter of the producer of the freezers shifting in this more tech-focused direction and selling it to customers as an improvement. The business probably has people going in and out of these facilities all the time during the day, so remote control isn't even particularly helpful, it's a mild convenience feature. Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at October 16, 2026 11:56 AM (okun6) 171
Oh, I'm sure.
They can live off of their multitudes of ill-gotten gains until the Dems takeover DC again. Posted by: SpeakingOf ====== Even for Democrats, the era of looting the government is coming rapidly to a close. Interest payments on debt is why. It is eating the budget now like a giant Pac Man. Saw that China's debt service is now up to 20 percent of its budget (and its govt debt is about three times its gdp while ours is about 100-110 percent of gdp. Japan is in the same boat. So are France and the UK among other Euro states. Aging populations make that more and more difficult to provide the economic growth necessary to stabilize that government debt. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:58 AM (E4rtv) 172
Safari was a reason that I have avoided Apple laptops because I had one about ten years ago as a university provided laptop and I could not readily install what products might work best like browsers.
All my home machines that I use regularly are Linux and down to dual booting windoze 11 on one just to do my taxes on it. Microsux is getting so bad and annoying that I will probably get an Apple Mac cube just to do taxes and dump Windoze permanently. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:51 AM (E4rtv) Macs can use most browsers put there with the Mac OS version of the installer. I use Firefox and Waterfox on my iMac because I don't like Safari much either. Yeah, the only difference on iOS browsers is the UI, and some features like ad blocking on Brave which Safari doesn't have. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:58 AM (6ydKt) 173
put there = out there.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 11:58 AM (6ydKt) 174
@Diogenes - we kicked off our St. Barb planning for our February 2027 event last night. Already have LTG Rafferty signed up as our guest speaker. 83 Honorable and 9 Ancient awards. The Field Artillery peeps have about another 20-ish and two Ancients.
We sold out our venue last year with 520-ish seats. Should be able to do the same again in '27 too. Posted by: BifBewalski - at October 16, 2026 11:48 AM (QVmho) *** Yeah, it if doesn't sell out I'll be surprised. This has got to be the biggest St Barbara's Ball in the country. You ought to send an invite to the White House. Posted by: Diogenes at October 16, 2026 11:59 AM (2WIwB) 175
Saw a funny meme on the topic just today.
Guy says my wife asked me why I whisper in the house. I said it’s so Google can’t hear me. She laughed at me and called me paranoid. Then Siri laughed. And Alexa laughed. Any my fridge laughed. Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at October 16, 2026 12:00 PM (3qdok) 176
Saw that China's debt service is now up to 20 percent of its budget (and its govt debt is about three times its gdp while ours is about 100-110 percent of gdp. Japan is in the same boat. So are France and the UK among other Euro states.
One wonders about the possibility of a global repudiation of debt. That should do wonders for the global economy. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 12:00 PM (Riz8t) 177
Yeah, it's weird.
There is something going on with the site that either slows Brave on iPhone to a crawl or stops it from loading the front page completely. Posted by: SpeakingOf ====== Probably a webkit bug of some sort. And sometimes malware adverts are designed to take advantage of such. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 12:01 PM (E4rtv) 178
monitor it with expensive cybersecurity guys...
Posted by: Nova Local at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (tOcjL) Ummm, who are these "expensive" cybersecurity guys of which you speak? No, once they build the system, the guy monitoring it is a Help Desk denizen, with a script and a huge quantity of "FAQ"s. Who will lie to you with his first breath when you call: (in heavy Pakistani accent) "Hello, my name is Bill." Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 12:01 PM (kU0PQ) 179
Aging populations make that more and more difficult to provide the economic growth necessary to stabilize that government debt.
Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 11:58 AM (E4rtv) They are going to fix that with inflation, and importing immigrants to increase the tax base to 10+/1 for worker/beneficiary. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 12:01 PM (6ydKt) 180
They are going to fix that with inflation, and importing immigrants to increase the tax base to 10+/1 for worker/beneficiary.
It worked great for Europe. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 12:02 PM (Riz8t) 181
179
They are going to fix that with inflation, and importing immigrants to increase the tax base to 10+/1 for worker/beneficiary. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 12:01 PM (6ydKt) ======= China doesn't import populations. It enslaves disfavored ethnicities within its borders. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 12:02 PM (MdQMu) 182
I think some people have issues with this site because they've got old, phones or tablets full of bloatware.
I have issues with my Android phone and the overlay or popup ads. It's scripting... I think, that my phone can't deal with. My Android tablet with Brave does just fine. It's nearly the same OS, but there's got to be some code differences for the platform it's running on; phone or tablet. Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 16, 2026 12:02 PM (RORbl) 183
178 monitor it with expensive cybersecurity guys...
Posted by: Nova Local at October 16, 2026 11:49 AM (tOcjL) Ummm, who are these "expensive" cybersecurity guys of which you speak? No, once they build the system, the guy monitoring it is a Help Desk denizen, with a script and a huge quantity of "FAQ"s. Who will lie to you with his first breath when you call: (in heavy Pakistani accent) "Hello, my name is Bill." Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 12:01 PM (kU0PQ) Then, it's not actually monitored and you're better off with the guy checking manually with a $2 thermometer... Posted by: Nova Local at October 16, 2026 12:02 PM (tOcjL) 184
Ummm, who are these "expensive" cybersecurity guys of which you speak? No, once they build the system, the guy monitoring it is a Help Desk denizen, with a script and a huge quantity of "FAQ"s. Who will lie to you with his first breath when you call: (in heavy Pakistani accent) "Hello, my name is Bill."
Posted by: GWB at October 16, 2026 12:01 PM (kU0PQ) It's France so it's more like, "Bonjour, je m'appelle Abdul. Alahu Akkbar!!!" Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 12:04 PM (6ydKt) 185
One wonders about the possibility of a global repudiation of debt. That should do wonders for the global economy.
Posted by: Archimedes The repudiation is going to be inflating it away most likely. Nations that went through IMF austerity measures typically had severe political instability after but the IMF is not big enough to rescue China, Japan, or the US, and possibly not enough for the UK nor France either without the big superpowers putting in a lot of ious to the IMF to bolster it. I think the Eurozone and UK are simply trying to steal Russia's frozen assets in the West to survive a bit longer which is why they keep supporting Zelinskyy not ending the war. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 12:04 PM (E4rtv) 186
The peasants may experience shortages sure, but what will Pelosi do if her expensive ice cream all melts? Posted by: illiniwek --- *** Mom's Friendly Robot Company has entered the chat *** Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel Asimov's first law of robotics is never melt the ice cream. Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at October 16, 2026 12:04 PM (Cqx++) 187
China doesn't import populations.
It enslaves disfavored ethnicities within its borders. Posted by: TheJamesMadison, precisely framed and deadpan with Wes Anderson at October 16, 2026 12:02 PM (MdQMu) But the U.S, EU, and the rest of the west just tax people to death and bring in replacements. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 12:05 PM (6ydKt) 188
One wonders about the possibility of a global repudiation of debt. That should do wonders for the global economy.
Posted by: Archimedes The repudiation is going to be inflating it away most likely. Also possible, but either way, it leads to the kind of fracturing into small entities that occurred after the fall of the Roman Empire. Nobody wants someone else's depreciated currency. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 12:06 PM (Riz8t) 189
They are going to fix that with inflation, and importing immigrants to increase the tax base to 10+/1 for worker/beneficiary.
Posted by: SpeakingOf ===== They aren't going to fix anything. The immigrants are to be the new servile class for the rich and the heritage populations are due for MAID in one form or another. At a certain point, the heritage folks are going to have to decide whether or not to liquidate their ruling classes before the ruling classes liquidate and subjugate them with their new migrant pets. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 12:06 PM (E4rtv) Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 12:09 PM (pfXMo) 191
The Norway story is stunning. In the current way where it's also, at the same time, not surprising.
The collapse of Canada and Norway as small countries that more than distinguished themselves in war-time is sickening but of course merely part of the sad overall picture. Not sure about Norway, but in Canada it's a glorious (and recent) past that's just about been erased in cultural memory, even as endless "first nations" nonsense blights the culture (in some cases leading to violence and even more bigotry against civilized elements). Posted by: rhomboid at October 16, 2026 12:09 PM (U/Byj) 192
I think the Eurozone and UK are simply trying to steal Russia's frozen assets in the West to survive a bit longer which is why they keep supporting Zelinskyy not ending the war. Posted by: whig at October 16, 2026 12:04 PM (E4rtv) That and they've been painting themselves into a corner for a five years over the evil Putin to win elections. They'd look like real assholes, well, more than they already do, if it turns out they can deal with evil Putin they just chose not to because it got their base to the polls. Posted by: SpeakingOf at October 16, 2026 12:09 PM (6ydKt) Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 12:10 PM (pfXMo) 194
186 Asimov's first law of robotics is never melt the ice cream, nor through inaction allow the ice cream to melt.
fixt Posted by: anachronda at October 16, 2026 12:10 PM (oY6Yp) 195
It's not quite that simple. The problem is that a lot of corporate morons have decided that IT work needs to be remote.
So through a combination of H1B and hiring remotely that aren't even in the US to begin with, they INTENTIONALLY put these systems in place that are DESIGNED so that their outsourced Indian IT peons can access the programming remotely. They've been warned repeatedly that obviously leaves them extremely vulnerable to remote bad actors, but they don't care, short term profits go up. Posted by: DudeAbiding at October 16, 2026 12:11 PM (setIA) 196
Asimov's first law of robotics is never melt the ice cream, nor through inaction allow the ice cream to melt.
And if choices must be made, the Neapolitan goes in the trash first. Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 12:11 PM (Riz8t) 197
Nood.
Posted by: Nazdar at October 16, 2026 12:12 PM (NcvvS) Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 12:12 PM (Riz8t) 199
nobody will read what i write
Posted by: Paul at October 16, 2026 12:12 PM (Yiq+D) 200
and importing immigrants to increase the tax base to 10+/1 for worker/beneficiary."
*EU officials taking note... Posted by: man at October 16, 2026 12:12 PM (pfXMo) 201
A few days ago, he was wishing death on Trump.
“Big Bang Theory” Producer Chuck Lorre Warns a Society That Abandons God Turns to Communism Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Mr. September 2026 at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (ndZc7) I have the box set of BBT, and if you freeze his vanity cards at the end of each show, he does have some strange issues. And he admits it on some of the cards. Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at October 16, 2026 12:12 PM (hmYU4) Posted by: Joe Kidd at October 16, 2026 12:13 PM (08OqX) 203
Where were you for the “Paul is dead,” prank?
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at October 16, 2026 12:13 PM (5nSU6) 204
168 They have a replacement rate below 1...right now. Their average age is about 50.
They will have 1/3 the population size in a couple of generations without a massive reversal. they'll make up for it with robots. Posted by: anachronda at October 16, 2026 12:15 PM (oY6Yp) 205
China: Projected to have a population of approximately 1.14 billion (around 1.135 to 1.14 billion) in 2060, according to PopulationPyramid.net based on United Nations data. China's population is in a steady downward trajectory due to low fertility rates and an aging demographic.
United States: Projected to have a population of approximately 389 million to 404 million in 2060. U.S. Census Bureau estimates point toward slow, steady growth driven increasingly by international migration as natural birth increases slow down Posted by: Archimedes at October 16, 2026 11:53 AM (Riz8t) == Your sourcing is pretty bad. Questions right now about how close to 1B they are right now. By 2050 I'd guess between 600-650M. If they are right about the shortage of child bearing age women (much lower than the official China numbers) - they won't be able to hold that and could easily fall below 400m by 2075. They are in a world of hurt. The country won't be able to hold together. Posted by: Black JEM at October 16, 2026 12:21 PM (7/DDO) 206
Posted by: Paul at October 16, 2026 12:12 PM (Yiq+D)
GM didn't pay the loan back, you lying cunt, let alone with interest. The Treasury took an equity position in GM as most of the loan. It (and the US taxpayer) took a $10-12 billion loss as it slowly sold its position off. Do you ever get tired of being so fucking stupid and wrong about every single thing? Posted by: far cry at October 16, 2026 12:25 PM (pBJ6M) 207
“Big Bang Theory” Producer Chuck Lorre Warns a Society That Abandons God Turns to Communism
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Mr. September 2026 at October 16, 2026 11:05 AM (ndZc7) Then he votes straight Democrat. Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 16, 2026 11:16 AM (uOLcV) I worked with many people "in the bizz" who were at mass every Sunday or at Temple on Saturday, and they all voted Dem. Remember, the Democrats care about the poor. That's why they created so many of them. Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at October 16, 2026 12:59 PM (hmYU4) Processing 0.04, elapsed 0.0414 seconds. |
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Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings) George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer Top Top Tens
Democratic Forays into Erotica New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party" Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?" Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance Collective Names for Groups of People John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive" Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments John Edwards Campaign Excuses John Kerry Pick-Up Lines Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney Torments in Dog-Hell Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny More Margaret Cho Abuse Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed" Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means Wonkette's Stand-Up Act Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report! Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet The House of Love: Paul Krugman A Michael Moore Mystery (TM) The Dowd-O-Matic! Liberal Consistency and Other Myths Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate "Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long) The Donkey ("The Raven" parody) News/Chat
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