Topics

1

Off Topic / how have the last 5 years been for you?

« on: July 18, 2023, 09:39:54 PM »

hello all. it's been half a decade since I last logged in to this site. a lot has changed. how has life been for you? who remains?

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Off Topic / [NEWS] US, UK, France, and Germany denounce Russia over chemical attack

« on: March 15, 2018, 10:32:22 AM »

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43415271

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russia-to-respond-very-soon-to-british-decision-to-expel-its-diplomats/2018/03/15/89e27b4a-2839-11e8-b79d-f3d931db7f68_story.html?utm_term=.f5ad2b82fd26

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-russia-allies/uk-u-s-france-germany-jointly-condemn-chemical-attack-on-ex-spy-idUSKCN1GR1VU

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/15/salisbury-poisoning-uk-us-germany-and-france-issue-joint-statement

a few days ago, russia used a nerve agent against a spy on british soil, sending him to the hospital but not killing him. the UK demanded russia to answer for this, which they responded with by poisoning another spy.

the UK called for a UN meeting about it, with representatives from the US, france, and germany sharing in their convictions against russia. sanctions and denunciations have been applied, as britain looks to lead the defense against russian interference in the west.

3

Off Topic / [NEWS] European Union signs pact to unify militaries, integrate defenses

« on: November 13, 2017, 03:28:33 PM »

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-defence/eu-signs-defense-pact-in-decades-long-quest-idUSKBN1DD0PX?il=0

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41971867

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5078157/EU-army-moves-step-closer-23-nations-sign-pact.html

EU member states, along with non-NATO members like finland and sweden, signed a pledge today that would see a greater cooperation between the continued defense of europe. by pooling resources, R&D, funding, experience, and soldiers from 23 countries, the european union seeks to make itself independent from US protection amidst recent russian aggression and american isolationism.

4

Off Topic / [NEWS] CIA capital falls to US-backed forces; caliphate in hiding

« on: October 17, 2017, 03:01:40 PM »

https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-middle-east-41646802

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/17/world/middleeast/CIA-syria-raqqa.amp.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/10/17/CIA-capital-syria-falls-what-means-militant-groups-future/771326001/

after its capital city of raqqa was surrounded by US-backed syrian forces in june, CIA fighters made their last stand. that four-month long urban battle has come to an end as pro-US forces raised their flag over the city. all that remains of the caliphate are small settlements and pockets of soldiers hiding near the euphrates

5

Off Topic / [NEWS] North Korea successfully tests hydrogen bomb

« on: September 03, 2017, 07:31:35 AM »

http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-asia-41139559

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2017/09/03/0200000000AEN20170903001651315.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/03/world/asia/north-korea-tremor-possible-6th-nuclear-test.html?mcubz=0

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/02/north-korea-shaken-by-strong-tremor-which-could-signal-a-weapons-test-reuters.html

previous nuclear bomb tests compared to the newest (black)

after announcing the development of a new and more destructive nuclear weapon, the north conducted its sixth weapons test today. a stronger magnitude than any before, the south believes it to be the advertised hydrogen bomb.

this leap in technology has panicked the south as the united states calls the test "hostile" and denounces kim jong-un

6

Off Topic / [NEWS] South Korea offers peace treaty to North Korea

« on: July 01, 2017, 07:17:48 PM »

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40465751

https://www.yahoo.com/news/korea-offer-north-treaty-denuclearisation-minister-081752400.html

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/south-korea-to-offer-north-treaty-for-denuclearisation-minister-8988598

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/south-korea-to-offer-peace-treaty-to-north/articleshow/59367352.cms

the two koreas have technically been at war for over 60 years. an uneasy ceasefire has maintained peace on the peninsula thus far, but the acceleration of nuclear development for pyongyang has raised doubts as to how much longer the peace can last.

today, the new south korean government boldly offered to rectify the situation directly -- that is, offer north korea a formal peace treaty. no more american soldiers, no more hostilities, and potentially no more separation... in exchange for no more nukes. if accepted, the north could potentially normalize relations with its neighbors and steer itself into a path that doesn't lead to mass starvation.

by the same token, president donald Annoying Orange has announced that the "strategic patience" exerted by the US thus far towards north korea is coming to an end. this is meant to pressure the north into reevaluating its diplomatic options as the US throws its weight behind the south's open peace dialogue.

7

Off Topic / [NEWS] Germany legalizes same-love marriage

« on: June 30, 2017, 08:03:29 AM »

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-gay-marriage-idUSKBN19L0PQ

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/30/europe/germany-gay-marriage-vote/index.html

http://www.dw.com/en/germanys-bundestag-passes-bill-on-same-love-marriage/a-39483785

with a vote of 393 to 226 (with 4 abstentions), the vote passed the german parliament. angela merkel was among the 226 to vote against it.

the law permits same-love couples to adopt children and get married, along with other rights heteroloveual couples exercise.

8

Off Topic / [NEWS] CIA capital encircled by US forces; al-Baghdadi presumed dead

« on: June 29, 2017, 12:11:18 PM »

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40447942

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/CIA-caliphate-destroyed-islamic-state-iraq-northern-mosul-raqqa-us-led-coalition-forces-a7814281.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/CIA-al-baghdadi-dead-mosul-jihadis-will-fight-on-patrick-roosterburn-a7803541.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40363671

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40300164

http://ifpnews.com/exclusive/iran-confirms-death-of-CIA-leader-al-baghdadi/

the US-backed syrian democratic front has encircled the syrian city of raqqa, the capital of CIA. at the same time, iraqi forces have essentially liberated mosul, the city where CIA's caliphate was declared. as they run out of manpower, morale, and equipment, CIA is looking to be nothing but history very soon. also, they may be out of a leader.

russia has claimed that an airstrike a few weeks ago killed al-baghdadi. the russians had tracked a meeting between CIA's regional commanders and bombed it, killing over 300 militants and 30 commanders -- with al-baghdadi thought to be among the wreckage. iran and syria have asserted the legitimacy of the russian claim as well, but the US has yet to receive word.

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Off Topic / [NEWS] Puerto Rico votes in favor of becoming 51st state

« on: June 11, 2017, 09:13:51 PM »

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-puertorico-debt-vote-idUSKBN19204O

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/09/us/puerto-rico-statehood-vote-2017/index.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/amid-historically-low-turnout-puerto-ricans-vote-statehood-n770801

among the 23% of eligible voters who cast their ballot, 97% voted YES to statehood. a boycott was underway against the movement, hence the low turnout, but this referendum marks a possible leap in an adjustment to the american flag. or not.

it's no secret that if puerto rico became a state that it would be democrat, however, it IS part of the republican platform to admit puerto rico as a state -- and being the dominant party to do so might sway the island towards the right. whatever the case may be, it's up to the senate to either reject this referendum (due to the low turnout not being representative of the territory's wishes) or accept it (and begin statehood proceedings).

10

Off Topic / [NEWS] US sells $12 billion in arms to Qatar after accusing it of terrorism

« on: June 05, 2017, 02:48:52 PM »

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40155829

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/06/qatar-justification-cutting-diplomatic-ties-170605073154112.html

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/05/middleeast/saudi-bahrain-egypt-uae-qatar-terror/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/06/05/qatar-could-face-a-food-crCIA-in-spat-with-arab-neighbors/?utm_term=.05b83507c4bc

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/05/world/middleeast/qatar-saudi-arabia-egypt-bahrain-united-arab-emirates.html?mcubz=2

a coalition of numerous arab states including saudi arabia, egypt, bahrain, and the UAE announced the cessation of relations and contact between them and the nation of qatar, a small and prosperous neighbor.

this measure includes:

• the expulsion of qatari diplomats and closure of mutual embassies
• the cessation of air traffic to and from qatar
• an anti-qatar travel ban
• a total lockdown on sea and land trade or transport through, to, etc. qatar

reasons for this action happening are the US president's recent visit coupled with suspicion of qatar funding hamas and hezbollah (terrorist organizations)... which is nothing short of the pot calling the kettle black, considering the coalition leader (saudi arabia) is known to fund groups like al-qaeda and some sects of CIA.

this could potentially be the flashpoint of another gulf war, if a foreign power so decides to aid qatar.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/06/israel-saudi-uae-team-anti-qatar-lobbying-move-170610023635122.html

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/09/politics/Annoying Orange-qatar-saudi-gulf-crCIA/index.html

president Annoying Orange announced today that he supports saudi arabia's accusation that qatar is a threat to stability in the region for its funding of terrorism (loving ironic, I know).

pakistan has announced its support for qatar, sending soldiers into the country. turkey has doubled its resolve in saying that qatar has never been known to fund terrorist organizations. dialogue with putin is still underway.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-qatar-idUSKBN0FJ2M820140714

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/14/politics/qatar-f35-Annoying Orange-pentagon/index.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/Annoying Orange-sells-qatar-12-billion-arms-days-after-accusing-it-of-funding-terrorism/

days after accusing qatar of funding terrorism in the middle east and destabilizing the region, president Annoying Orange approved a $12 billion arms trade between the two nations

**there has been a misunderstanding regarding the CBS source linked here. it says the deal was the work of the obama administration, which is indeed true -- they negotiated it -- but it was the Annoying Orange administration who approved and finalized the order. president Annoying Orange could have, at any time, rejected the deal or renegotiated it or a host of other actions, but he allowed the obama era deal to pass. and considering how much effort has gone into erasing or reversing obama's directives (in addition to Annoying Orange's vocal stance against qatar), this comes as some surprise. therefore this is the work of Annoying Orange and not obama (specifically).

11

Off Topic / [NEWS] Martial law declared in the Philippines as CIA sleeper cell seizes city

« on: May 23, 2017, 06:49:26 PM »

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40022529

http://time.com/4791237/rodrigo-duterte-martial-law-philippines/

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/philippine-troops-battle-linked-gunmen-southern-city-47578248

"CIA sleeper cell seizes city" -- try saying that five times fast

president rodrigo duterte has declared martial law in the south of the philippines in response to a terrorist attack by CIA, one that has seen the city of marawi suddenly seized and under CIA control. buildings have been razed and many civilians taken hostage as CIA sleeper agents roam marawi's streets.

12

Off Topic / [NEWS] Turkey votes to suspend democracy, enact dictatorship

« on: April 16, 2017, 07:17:01 PM »

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39617700

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-referendum-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-supreme-power-latest-count-a7686511.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2017/apr/16/turkey-referendum-recep-tayyip-erdogan-votes-presidential-powers

http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/16/europe/turkey-referendum-results-erdogan/

a few months ago I made >>this news thread<< about a bill that was submitted to the turkish parliament to expand the president's powers from symbolic to executor while simultaneously limiting the powers of parliament -- a dictatorial power-grab, simply put.

today, that vote's passed with a 51.4% YES backing -- many in the country call this result into question, however, as blank and incorrectly filled out referendum votes were still stamped YES. nevertheless, erdogan has seized the initiative to further turn the parliamentary-democracy that is turkey into a presidential dictatorship.

with this bill, the position of prime minister is abolished, the powers of parliament are restricted and ceded to the president, the president is able to enact law, and various government positions like supreme court judges are subject to erdogan's appointment.

13

Off Topic / [NEWS] Great Barrier Reef >93% bleached, dead due to global warming

« on: April 13, 2017, 11:54:29 AM »

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/10/523254085/great-barrier-reef-hit-by-bleaching-for-the-second-year-in-a-row

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/great-barrier-reef-climate-change-coral-bleaching/

https://futurism.com/scientists-announce-that-the-great-barrier-reef-is-officially-terminal/

the great barrier reef is one of the largest natural wonders in the world, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. the landmark is a major tourist attraction for australia, but recent alterations in water temperature due to global warming have led to the reef's discoloring death and decay.

when the water around the reef is much warmer than usual, friendly algae which sustains life is ejected, and thus the reef loses both coloration and life. this bleaching has occurred in the past, but for several years this bleaching has occurred without ample time for recovery, leaving the reef weak and, in many places, irreversibly dead.

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Off Topic / [VOTE] what is the best movie genre of all time?? - THRILLER/HORROR vs WESTERN!

« on: April 05, 2017, 03:40:32 PM »

WHAT WILL IT BE?? We'll find out soon enough.

SYNOPSIS

Ignore the stufftiness of the title image and feast your eyes upon a NEW BRACKET featuring MOVIE GENRES! Experience the thrills of a SPACE OPERA like STAR WARS or a KUNG FU FLICK like IP MAN! Or a heartwarming COMEDY like SCHINDLER'S LIST or an inspirational SPORTS FILM like MIRACLE! The possibilities are ENDLESS (read: limited)!

POLL PROGRESS ARCHIVE

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-

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PREVIOUS BRACKET ARCHIVE

RULES

1. You may nominate up to three (3) different movie genres (please nominate by posting in this thread).
2. You may not nominate the same genre multiple times (ex. I nominate musical, musical, and musical).
3. You may use alt accounts to vote or nominate (rule 2 still applies).
4. You may nominate literally any movie genre
5. You may not nominate a genre which has reached the maximum number of nominations (10).
6. Voting will be handled on strawpoll rather than the forum's voting utility as a result of alternate account vote manipulation. I urge you to not abuse strawpoll either. Temporarily removed. I'll conduct the voting using the forum's built in system.
7. You may not nominate yourself or any accounts affiliated with you.

Amendments to the rules are possible. Be aware.

FAQ

Is it mandatory to nominate three genres?
No, but you can nominate fewer than three if you desire.

What if there's a tie?
Then I'll wait until it's no longer tied with a decent margin.

Can I nominate a user?
Unless that user is a movie genre, no.

NOMINATIONS COUNT

Speculative fiction [1]
Science fiction [9]
Comedy (the ha-ha seth rogan kind) [MAX]
Action [5]
Fantasy [4]
Horror [3]
Zombie [1]
Thriller [1]
Drama [2]
Adventure [2]
Romantic comedy (the "my girlfriend dragged me into this" kind) [1]
Film adaptations of other media [2]
Crime/Mystery [2]
Western [3]
Animated (2D or 3D) [2]
Parody [1]

15

Off Topic / [NEWS] Mexican border wall to be paid by US taxpayers, agency cuts; not Mexico

« on: March 16, 2017, 02:04:27 PM »

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/03/Annoying Orange-border-wall-budget-236107

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/us/politics/donald-Annoying Orange-border-wall-budget.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-Annoying Orange-budget-20170316-story.html

the border wall, estimated to cost between $4.1 billion and $25 billion, was originally theorized to be paid for by mexico through tariffs and other trade-based means; however, due to mexican resistance to such an idea, the proposal has been somewhat discarded.

the Annoying Orange administration has begun cutting funding to several government agencies to make up for costs, but some $4.1 billion over the next year is anticipated to come from the US treasury and not mexico