CBDunkerson |
A thread for sharing and discussing major news stories of the day.
Sufferers of 'locked in syndrome' able to communicate for first time via scan of brain activity
As this syndrome makes it impossible for the person to move any part of their body it has long been believed to be a hellish existence. However, all the participants in the studay were able to answer yes/no personal questions, proving that they were really communicating, and reported that they were happy with their quality of life.
CBDunkerson |
MMCJawa |
The world's smallest whale, the Vaquita Porpoise, is down to only 30 individuals
Welp, looks like the Baiji, Steller's Sea Cow, Sea Mink, Caribbean Monk Seal, and Japanese Sea Lion are going to have some company soon :(
CBDunkerson |
It is horrible when we wipe out species due to converting their habitat for human use... but that we put creatures at risk or destroy them for 'medicinal purposes' that have no basis in reality is just sick.
I find myself wishing that when stocks of 'virility giving' animal parts are captured they would be infused with chemical castration materials and then re-introduced to the black market.
CBDunkerson |
New robot carries luggage/groceries and follows owner
It can also be given a programmed route to walk your dog.
I have been expecting something like this to become common for delivery functions. As in, instead of some guy in an old car delivering your pizza there'd be a little robot/car with a locked compartment that you can open by swiping a credit card or other ID. This seems to have most of the required functionality.
Scythia |
It's not from today, but is relatively recent and good news.
Tests are promising for a usb device that can test HIV viral load of blood samples.
This is huge for places that lack access to reliable lab/testing space, particularly impoverished areas hard hit in Africa.
CBDunkerson |
Israel's parliament says settlements are now legal
The nation's high court is expected to disagree.
CBDunkerson |
Secretary General condemns North Korean missile test
An ego-maniacal regime with long range missiles? What could possibly go wrong?
CBDunkerson |
Catapult used to hurl drugs over US-Mexico border
Who sez Golarion tech has no practical application in the modern world? :]
CBDunkerson |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Federal appeals court rules assault weapons not covered by 2nd amendment
NRA going into complete meltdown in 5... 4... 3...
CBDunkerson |
...I definitely expect an appeal on that one, yes.
The only remaining possible appeal would be to the Supreme Court... and they've already declined to take a few other cases upholding bans on semi-automatic weapons.
Indeed, the SCOTUS Heller decision, which created the 'individual right' to bear arms, specifically stated that it did not apply to weapons which were primarily designed for military applications (citing the M-16 as an example).
The thing which was significant about this ruling, aside from the fact that it was a 10 to 4 finding with both liberals and conservatives on the majority side, is that it found that such weapons aren't even included in the definition of 'arms' as applicable to the 2nd amendment... only hand guns (with clips of 10 or less), hunting rifles, shotguns, and the like are protected. Military weapons, "and their copies" (like the AR-16) are excluded. If upheld, that would take the 2nd amendment off the table for such weapons and allow them to be easily banned in any jurisdiction (e.g. federal, state, county... even local town ordinances).
thejeff |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rednal wrote:...I definitely expect an appeal on that one, yes.The only remaining possible appeal would be to the Supreme Court... and they've already declined to take a few other cases upholding bans on semi-automatic weapons.
Indeed, the SCOTUS Heller decision, which created the 'individual right' to bear arms, specifically stated that it did not apply to weapons which were primarily designed for military applications (citing the M-16 as an example).
The thing which was significant about this ruling, aside from the fact that it was a 10 to 4 finding with both liberals and conservatives on the majority side, is that it found that such weapons aren't even included in the definition of 'arms' as applicable to the 2nd amendment... only hand guns (with clips of 10 or less), hunting rifles, shotguns, and the like are protected. Military weapons, "and their copies" (like the AR-16) are excluded. If upheld, that would take the 2nd amendment off the table for such weapons and allow them to be easily banned in any jurisdiction (e.g. federal, state, county... even local town ordinances).
If it's appealed and struck down, I suspect it'll be on the grounds that the reference in Heller was intended to apply to full auto assault rifles, not to civilian semi-auto knock offs.
Which is kind of difficult to argue against. Such weapons have long been more strictly limited with little controversy.Orville Redenbacher |
Well AR parts are at 10 year lows so stock up now.
In other news, #changepopeyesweriot
CBDunkerson |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Which is good, because we apparently aren't going to find any on this planet.
CBDunkerson |
House of Lords fights elitism in support of immigrants... House of Commons sez no way!
I really don't understand UK government. Like, at all.
The Mad Comrade |
Earlier articles linked at the bottom include:
Draft bill before the legislature wants to set the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 9
The Mad Comrade |
The Mad Comrade |
Yeah, though on the other hand... they've got a lot in common. Maybe they'll be bros like Trump and Putin.
Chuckling
Trump doesn't seem inclined to recognize North Korea's Dear Leader as an equal. Far as I can tell on a quick look, he barely acknowledges his existence. Maybe Trump envies Kim's absolute 'adoration'? ;)