Wednesday Overnight Open Thread (8/16/23)

Quote I

“Socialism is. I think it should always have been called ‘Capitalism Plus.’ Do I think we should get rid of capitalism? Not at all. But there is some need for socialism because there are some things that should not be left to the private sector, healthcare being one of them,” Bill Maher

Quote II

“Elites of previous eras won world wars, established lasting peace, raised prosperity around the globe and transformed a backwater set of colonies into a global hegemon, Today’s crew can’t defeat third-world foes, police our cities, pay their bills, or keep the power on.” Jon Gabriel

Quote III

“Connie’s retirement was not listed and the previous reports have now been updated,” Rachel Petri, a spokeswoman for Brown’s campaign

See Quote II, nothing but the best professors for our Ivy League brats.

The man who led the Biden administration’s negotiations with Iran before having his security clearance suspended is now joining the faculty of an elite Ivy League school as a visiting professor and lecturer.

Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs on Tuesday announced the hiring of Robert Malley, who has been on unpaid leave from his role as Iran envoy at the State Department since June.

Don't be an ass clown.

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, Colo. — People who drove up a closed mountain pass got stuck on a steep cliff this week in southwest Colorado.

The San Miguel Sherriff's Office (SMSO) said drivers are venturing up Black Bear Pass, which is officially closed, and are unable to make it over.

The sheriff's office said Monday that despite the mountain pass being officially closed, a vehicle got stuck below "the stairs," partially off the roadway, with the road completely blocked behind it.

What happens when you look at a condo for sale and Search the owner, Kaitlyn Bryniarski?

CHICAGO — It’s a different kind of “neighborhood watch.”

Female residents of a downtown high-rise say they’ve seen enough of a male neighbor, who allegedly exposes himself on a regular basis in front of his windows. They claim the harassing behavior has gone on for several years.

The women complained to police and their building management company. They say they were told that nothing could be done because the man was inside his own home.

So, they turned to WGN Investigates.

“Daily nightmare,” said one of the residents, Kaitlyn Bryniarski.

She describes a view so violating she fears opening her curtains and is considering selling her condo.

It wasn't so long ago when some male friend of these women would visit Mr. Naked As A Jaybird and bring this matter to a conclusion.

I am not an attorney nor play one on TV or the webz. But The ONT Is Always Looking Out For You^TM

DENVER (KDVR) — It might sound a little “Wild West,” but where there are horses and alcohol in the same place, it isn’t unheard of for someone to try mixing the two.

If you’ve ever wondered what might happen — or even heard a rumor about someone getting a DUI for riding horseback while drunk — you may be curious about what the law actually entails.

Colorado’s driving under the influence law applies to people who are driving vehicles, and the law describes exactly what is and isn’t considered a vehicle.

Animals are not vehicles

Transportation issues for a COMoMe are now resolved........

Speaking of transportation......Is it time to ban the EV? The insurance industry wouldn't mind that. Certain Fire Departments concur.

The New York Fire Department recently reported that so far this year there have been 108 lithium-ion battery fires in New York City, which have injured 66 people and killed 13. According to FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, "There is not a small amount of fire, it [the vehicle] literally explodes." The resulting fire is "very difficult to extinguish and so it is particularly dangerous."

Last year there were more than 200 fires from batteries from e-bikes, EVs and other devices.

A fire ignited at an e-bike shop and killed four people near midnight on the morning of June 20. Two individuals were left in critical condition. The fire commissioner has warned New Yorkers that such devices could be very dangerous and typically explode in such a way that renders escape impossible.

Recently the drivers for UPS secured a new 5 year contract. I have no problem with their new deal. I'll probably use other delivery services as we all know that the raises will be passed along to the consumer.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kourtney, a 30-year-old hairdresser and wife of a UPS driver in Rhode Island. Her last name has been omitted for privacy reasons. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

After the Teamsters union secured a win guaranteeing that UPS delivery drivers would make $170,000 in salary and benefits by the end of a 5-year period, people in tech and other white-collar workers had a lot to say about it. As the wife of a UPS driver, so do I.

Let's start with the facts. The $170,000 is not a base salary — it takes into consideration healthcare and pension benefits. But that's not even what bothers me most about people's reactions, which range from wondering why drivers would make that much money to calling them overpaid and undeserving.

I really want people to think about why they believe UPS workers don't deserve to be fairly compensated

Let us take a look at perversity and mental illness across the great pond.

Come, huddle round. Let us poke at the Guardian:

We’re a queer couple looking for co-parents to raise a child with.
The parenting pages. Let’s start there.

For us, the ideal parenting setup would consist of three or four of us sharing responsibility for a child (the others involved would also be responsible for providing the sperm).
Providing the sperm. A joyous and maternal turn of phrase. Also of note, the idea of wanting a baby, but with only a third or a quarter of the responsibility. A kind of low-commitment parenting. Bodes well.

What happens when you test the real-world efficiency of hybrids and EVs? 18 drivers and 18 hybrids and EVs, tested on the same day on the same route.

How do you put EPA mileage numbers to the test? You could buy a wind tunnel and a lab and start doing a massive science experiment. Or you could find 20 auto writers, put them in 20 different cars, and tell them they're in a contest of efficiency where the winner gets bragging rights.

Every year, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada does the latter. About 20 of the country's top journalists come to take part in EcoRun, an event where automakers are invited to bring their most efficient models to one place for three days of fighting to use less.

No word what month of the year, temperature and other factors which would affect EVs.

So what happened in your neighborhood this past year that was interesting? Probably not the Somerset Gimp.

Man accused of being 'Somerset gimp' banned from 'crawling, wriggling or writhing'

Joshua Hunt, the man accused of being the 'Somerset gimp', has been banned from 'crawling, wriggling or writhing' on the ground while wearing full-body coverings, an interim order has confirmed

This looks like a good way to dodge jury duty.

A Utah mother had her hands full when she was called for jury duty and couldn't find a babysitter.

Torrey Scow, a mother of triplets, caught some of her family's day in court on camera.

"I just knew it was gonna be a crap show so that's why I'm like, 'I'm gonna film some of this,'” she said.

On this day: August 16, 2018 - Aretha Franklin
American singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin died in Detroit at the age of 76. Known as ‘The Queen of Soul’ and one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. During her career she scored over 15 Top 40 hits and won 18 Grammy Awards. Hits include the 1967 US No.1 & UK No.10 single 'Respect', the 1968 UK No.4 single 'I Say A Little Prayer' and the 1987 UK No.1 single with George Michael, 'I Knew You Were Waiting'. In 2010 Rolling Stone magazine ranked her number one on their list of the ‘100 Greatest Singers of All Time’. via thisdayinmusic.com

On this day: August 16, 1977 - Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was found dead lying on the floor in his bathroom by his girlfriend Ginger Alden, he had been seated on the toilet reading 'The Scientific Search For Jesus'. He died of heart failure at the age of 42. His first record for RCA, 'Heartbreak Hotel' was also his first US No.1. He starred in 31 films. Elvis holds the record for the most entries on the US Hot 100 chart with 154. Elvis became the first rock 'n' roll artist to be honoured by the US Postal Service with a stamp. via thisdayibnmusic.com

If she isn't embarrassed of herself. I'm proud to announce she is our Genius Award Winner.

A mother-of-one has revealed she ditched her relationship and spent thousands of pounds on a Stranger Things romance scam.

McKala, from Kentucky, United States, believed she was dating Dacre Montgomery, who plays Billy Hargrove in the Netflix drama, and subsequently divorced her husband.

The mother-of-one, who has a daughter nearly aged seven, also sent the person posing as the 28-year-old Australian actor $10,000 (£7,836) after they asked for financial help.

A very cool record to hold. Tonight's Feel Good Story of The Day.

Wrestler John Cena Sets New Record For Most Make-A-Wish Foundation Dreams Fulfilled

He’s known for being a renowned professional wrestler, a meme and overall, a good guy, but recently John Cena achieved an actual world record for being a very muscular fairy godmother. Confused at that last statement? Well, he just granted 650 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, breaking a Guinness World Record. Top that, fairies and leprechauns. The WWE champion has another championship under his belt, one that is better than any trophies – smiles of children who are facing serious illness.

Tonight's ONT has been brought to you by Ill-conceived Ideas.

Notice: Posted with permission by the Ace Media Empire & AceCorp, LLC. The ONT keeps chugging along.......

posted by Misanthropic Humanitarian at 10:00 PM

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