genxlib
genxlib's JournalOutrage of the day
So there is this...
https://www.foxnews.com/us/ohio-state-university-sex-week-event-encourages-students-to-thank-abortion-providers
Student Advocates for Sexual Health Awareness is hosting the "Sex Week," but told Fox News Digital that several Ohio State University departments such as the Ohio State University Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies and the College of Social Work are providing financial support for the week-long event.
One event hosted during "Sex Week" is "Valentine's for Abortion Providers" where students can "help thank abortion providers" for the work that they do.
Proud to say that mini-genxlib (or genzlib perhaps) is one of the organizers. Apples and trees and all. We made sure she got a decent Sexual Health Education and she has made it her own mission at college.
I just hope it doesn't stir up some crazies to harass them or worse.
The vaccine mandate falls and I'm not mad about it
So this happened today https://www.politico.com/news/2022/01/13/scotus-blocks-bidens-workplace-vaccine-rule-527054
But I have to say, I am not upset. I expect this opinion to be very unpopular but hear me out.
Here are three thoughts.
1. They have already accomplished most of what they could
2. Things were about to get very messy
3. I did not see a clear exit strategy
I have to say I was never a big fan. I have been uneasy about it in ways that may have been solved today. So allow me to elaborate on my above thoughts.
1. Many companies pushed forward and set early deadlines that have already motivated most of the reasonable fence sitters. Those are gains that cannot be taken back. What is left are the stubborn hold-outs that are desperately hoping for a medical or health exemption. It seems to me like we have already gotten much of the benefit that was ever available.
2. Going forward, things were going to get very messy to actually enforce the mandate. The hardened hold-outs were mostly going to ride this to the bitter end. We were going to see daily stories about denied waivers and employee terminations. All of this in the face of staffing issues, inflation, product shortages, etc. It was going to be a PR nightmare and we were going to create a shitload of martyrs in the process. Most of that would come with very few additional vaccinations.
3. I don't for one second believe that #2 was going to play out quickly. I suspect it would take till at least the end of the year to really close the books on enforcement due to court challenges and appeals, etc.. Personally, I think the Omicron wave may be the last serious wave to this pandemic. The infection rates are high and fast and have dropped off precipitously in other Countries. The net result of that could leave a relatively resistant Country better prepared to fight off future waves. Combined with better treatments and higher vaccine rates, things are better now than they were six months ago. Which begs the question, would we be enforcing this mandate on a population that no longer wants it. I could easily see a time when the population feels like we are past this and the Government is left wondering what to do with the mandate. Enforce it even though it no longer feels necessary? Forget it and empower the martyrs? Revoke it at the last minute? It just seems like a mess.
So I say this is an ugly end that might have avoided an even uglier end. I would just release a strongly worded statement to the effect of "we tried to do the right thing but those partisan assholes over there have left us to suffer more pain and suffering every bit of which will now be their fault"
I fully expect to take a lot of grief in the comments so do your worst.
Just a word of warning
I heard from two different people today that they tested positive for Covid19 after getting a negative rapid test.
Maybe that is a coincidence but appears that Omicron could be going undetected by the quick tests. Rapid tests have always been more faulty but I am getting the feeling that they might be giving us a false sense of security on this particular wave.
It appears the good Dr. Fauci was right when he said the Rapid tests might have issues with this variety.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/fauci-omicron-home-tests-covid-b1978511.html
Even testing before gatherings might not help keep the virus away.
Stay safe.
Time to surrender in the war on Christmas
I mean we were never fighting it anyway but clearly we lost.
This season, there are 146 NEW Christmas Movies out! Not new showings or re-releases. New, never before seen movies. Almost all of them schlocky rom-com, save-Christmas, find-love, Hallmark cringey swill.
We never stood a chance. We have been overwhelmed with superior weaponry and troops.
It was a pleasure (not) fighting by your side but it is time to wave the white flag my comrades.
I am just hoping we don't end up in a POW camp forced to watch all those movies. That would be a violation of the Geneva Convention for sure.
https://ew.com/tv/every-christmas-movie-2021-premiere-dates/
I have a question about Rittenhouse trial
I am always appreciative of the various expertise that we have around here so this one goes out to our legal experts.
I understand that there is a feeling that Rittenhouse will be found not guilty because he had reason to be afraid and act in self defense.
OK I get that...BUT
To what degree is that fear a valid defense in the context of an illegal act. If someone robs a liquor store, they are not allowed to shoot the clerk when he pulls out a bat to defend the register. It seems that being in the act of a crime would nullify any claim of self defense.
So the question is, to what degree is a person like this responsible for putting himself into that situation by carrying an illegal firearm into a volatile situation?
Sure seems like some gray area there.
The unmentioned electoral factor
I see lots of wringing of hands over underperforming Democrats but I see one major factor being overlooked.
IT SUCKS TO BE THE ADULT IN THE ROOM WHEN MORE MATURITY IS NEEDED
Specifically I mean COVID. People are exhausted from it and just want to move on. We keep trying to do the right thing and it does nothing but generate hatred.
In a kind world, people would want to wear masks to protect others. We do not live in a kind Country.
In a sane world, people would get the vaccine of their own accord. We do not live in a sane Country.
In a smart world, people would avoid interactions and crowded conditions. We do not live in a smart Country.
Time and time again, we have to be the adults in the room and enforce measures that should be followed of their own accord.
The vaccine mandate is the perfect example. People should just get the fucking shot but we can't just do what is right. So after we fell short of the goal and people kept dying, we had to be the adults and make people do it. And then we have to absorb all the backlash and get blamed for airline cancelations, staffing shortages, supply chain issues, etc. It is infuriating to me.
It is terrible way to expend political capital and I think there is a an under appreciated political cost to it . And I think it goes back to the election last year as well. People just wanted to be done with it and many bought into the candidates that told them it should be behind us.
It is like the classic stereotype of divorced parents. The single mom has to provide decent food and enforce homework while the weekend Dad spoils them all weekend. It is why we are constantly governing in repair mode because the voters always come home to us Sunday night after eating cake and ice cream all weekend.
We may as well be called the "Eat Your Vegetables Party".
So this is cool
My friend John Englander is a pretty well known author and lecturer on Sea Level Rise. His name has popped up on DU a number of times so I know a few people here are familiar with him.
https://www.amazon.com/John-Englander/e/B00ACQ3EQY%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
So he was interviewed by Captain Kirk on his show "I Don't Understand with William Shatner"
https://www.rt.com/shows/i-don-t-understand-with-william-shatner/538436-idu-sea-level-rise/?fbclid=IwAR1v1RGakdjlVZOIuNcLHg20LELBK36QAH8aboS2-OMjNQ4RF_BuHWIIV4s
I think that is cool.
Go John 
Maybe I'm missing something but this bothered me
So I saw this trailer yesterday and it just seems wrong. I love Will Smith and it seems well done. But I just recoil at the idea of telling the story of two accomplished women and making it all about their father. It is the very definition of paternalistic.
In truth, I am a middle aged white guy so maybe my reaction doesn't matter. It just seems unfair to the strong and competent women that should be the center of their own story.
What say you?
Shatner going into space is everything that is right AND wrong with the Universe
On one hand, it is a heartwarming story for a cultural icon to bring his illustrious career full circle at the delight of his fans.
On the other hand, it is a grotesque waste of resources. Or at best, a publicity stunt attempting to hide the insidious nature of a bunch of billionaires wanting to leave the planet that they have helped screw up.
I know..."lighten up Francis",
I can't help when my cynical side takes over.
Tesla has jumped the shark
This is just a terrible idea
https://slate.com/technology/2021/09/tesla-yoke-steering-wheel-safety.html
OK, I think they may have actually jumped the shark several years when they introduced the Cybertruck https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck but at least that could be written off as a niche market.
Now they are screwing with the functionality of one of their mainline cars for the vanity of how it looks. Obviously it just stems from the fact that they think the cars will drive themselves which is crazy in itself.
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