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Celerity
Celerity's Journal
Celerity's Journal
November 10, 2021
Honeybees make a chilling warning noise when attacked by hive-destroying murder hornets
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/09/asia/bees-warning-noise-murder-hornets-scn/index.html(CNN)When a pack of giant hornets attacks a honeybee hive, the slaughter is brutal and quick. They descend en masse after a scout has identified the target hive, killing the defending adult bees, occupying their nest and harvesting the bees' brood to feed to their own young. The marauders can decimate a hive in hours.
But honeybees aren't defenseless against the so-called murder hornets, which are native to Asia but surfaced in the United States for the first time in 2019. The bees have their own survival strategies, including a unique and frenetic warning signal that triggers defensive moves, which has now been documented by scientists for the first time.
"I feel a visceral reaction when I hear them because it is clear that the bees are agitated," said Heather Mattila, an associate professor at Wellesley College's department of biological sciences, who was part of a team of scientists that identified the warning noise.
She described the warning signal, known as an "antipredator pipe," as harsh and noisy, with different durations and pitches similar to the shrieks, screams and panic calls used by mammals like primates and meerkats when they are afraid.
But honeybees aren't defenseless against the so-called murder hornets, which are native to Asia but surfaced in the United States for the first time in 2019. The bees have their own survival strategies, including a unique and frenetic warning signal that triggers defensive moves, which has now been documented by scientists for the first time.
"I feel a visceral reaction when I hear them because it is clear that the bees are agitated," said Heather Mattila, an associate professor at Wellesley College's department of biological sciences, who was part of a team of scientists that identified the warning noise.
She described the warning signal, known as an "antipredator pipe," as harsh and noisy, with different durations and pitches similar to the shrieks, screams and panic calls used by mammals like primates and meerkats when they are afraid.
November 10, 2021
Google loses appeal of $2.8 billion fine in E.U. antitrust case.
Source: The New York Times
In a major ruling that bolsters the European Union’s efforts to clamp down on the world’s largest technology companies, Google lost an appeal on Wednesday to overturn a landmark antitrust ruling by European regulators against the internet giant.
The decision by the Luxembourg-based General Court related to a 2017 decision by the European Commission, the bloc’s executive branch, to fine Google 2.4 billion euros (about $2.8 billion) for giving preferential treatment to its own price-comparison shopping service over rival services.
The penalty was the first of three issued by Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission’s top antitrust enforcer, against Google. And with the other cases also being appealed — and additional European investigations underway against Amazon, Apple and Facebook — the case has been closely watched as a signal of the court’s view of the European Commission’s aggressive use of antitrust law against the American tech giants. Google can appeal the decision to the European Union’s highest court, the European Court of Justice.
Amid increasing support for regulating large tech platforms in the United States and European Union, courts will play a central role in determining just how far governments will be able to go when intervening in the digital economy. In the United States, Google is facing a Justice Department lawsuit for anticompetitive behavior and Facebook is facing another from the Federal Trade Commission.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/10/business/google-eu-appeal-antitrust.html
November 10, 2021
https://www.thedailybeast.com/facebook-has-made-society-worse-say-vast-majority-of-americans
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/10/business/cnn-poll-facebook/index.html
Vast Majority of Americans Say Facebook Has Made Society Worse
https://www.thedailybeast.com/facebook-has-made-society-worse-say-vast-majority-of-americans
These results might help explain why Mark Zuckerberg was so eager to rename his business last month. A new poll from CNN shows that over three-quarters of Americans surveyed said they believe Facebook has harmed U.S. society—and half of respondents said they personally know someone who believes in a conspiracy theory because of something they saw on the social network.
The headline poll result showed that an astonishing 76 percent of Americans believe that Facebook has made society worse, with just 11 percent saying that Facebook had improved society. The results also showed that 49 percent of people know someone who they think has fallen for a conspiracy theory because of content they saw on Facebook. The CNN Poll was carried out by SSRS between Nov. 1 through 4, days after Zuckerberg confirmed that Facebook would be rebranded with the new name Meta.
The headline poll result showed that an astonishing 76 percent of Americans believe that Facebook has made society worse, with just 11 percent saying that Facebook had improved society. The results also showed that 49 percent of people know someone who they think has fallen for a conspiracy theory because of content they saw on Facebook. The CNN Poll was carried out by SSRS between Nov. 1 through 4, days after Zuckerberg confirmed that Facebook would be rebranded with the new name Meta.
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/10/business/cnn-poll-facebook/index.html
November 10, 2021
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/the-economy-is-in-surprisingly-good
The economy is, well, not quite roaring, but it’s straining at the Covid chains holding it back and the chains are starting to snap, one by one. Even with those chains in place, we are in the middle of an economic recovery unmatched in over half a century. More so because it does not rely on an artificial bubble like real estate or magical dot com fairy tales. Unemployment is down, wages are up, the stock market (still regarded as a measure of the economy even though it is not) is up. But no one really seems to be aware of what is going on which suggests there is a concerted effort to downplay the news. Now why would that be the case? I have a few ideas on that. But first, an update.
Where Are We Now?
A few months ago, the economy was not bad, but not nearly as great as it should have been. August and September’s job reports were pretty weak. The supply chain snags were getting worse. Delta was still running rampant. Today, August and September’s reports have been revised upward by 235,000 jobs, putting them on par or significantly ahead of the average over the last decade. October came in at a strong 531,000 jobs, blowing past expectations by over 100,000. Unemployment dropped to 4.6% despite the ongoing Great Resignation. Jobless claims are down to the lowest point since the pandemic started and are almost in line with historical norms. But wait! There’s more!
Covid is on the brink of getting beaten back. There is a vaccine available for children aged 5-11 and parents are rushing out to get their kids protected with little of the resistance from the right I predicted. Schools will, soon or later, be mandating Covid vaccines all over the country and it will not matter how loudly Republicans scream about it. Biden’s vaccine mandate for large employers is being temporarily held up in the courts but companies are going to keep doing it anyway because it’s good business. Finally, Pfizer has a pill that can keep you from getting seriously ill if you contract Covid, meaning that the people who cannot (or will not) get vaccinated or have a rare breakthrough infection, will no longer be at the mercy of the virus.
Barring a new variant that evades vaccines, all of that spells the end of Covid in the United States which will allow us to turn our attention to vaccinating the rest of the world. Or, at least as much as our extremely xenophobic country is capable of doing so. So why don’t people seem to be aware of this? Sure, I write about the news for a living so I consume far more than the average person. Even so, this stuff is not exactly obscure information and it certainly is not minor news. Not all of it is page one screaming headline worthy but it is far from unimportant. This is where we are but that is not where people see us.
Media Infallibility
Roughly ten seconds after President Biden was sworn into office, the media began prepping for a new narrative that his presidency had failed. I am exaggerating of course, but not by much..................................................
snip , much much more at the link
The Economy Is In Surprisingly Good Shape. Why Doesn't Anyone Know About It?
Biden has a jobs record any president would kill for and Covid numbers are down, but the press refuses to talk about it. Here's why.https://thebanter.substack.com/p/the-economy-is-in-surprisingly-good
The economy is, well, not quite roaring, but it’s straining at the Covid chains holding it back and the chains are starting to snap, one by one. Even with those chains in place, we are in the middle of an economic recovery unmatched in over half a century. More so because it does not rely on an artificial bubble like real estate or magical dot com fairy tales. Unemployment is down, wages are up, the stock market (still regarded as a measure of the economy even though it is not) is up. But no one really seems to be aware of what is going on which suggests there is a concerted effort to downplay the news. Now why would that be the case? I have a few ideas on that. But first, an update.
Where Are We Now?
A few months ago, the economy was not bad, but not nearly as great as it should have been. August and September’s job reports were pretty weak. The supply chain snags were getting worse. Delta was still running rampant. Today, August and September’s reports have been revised upward by 235,000 jobs, putting them on par or significantly ahead of the average over the last decade. October came in at a strong 531,000 jobs, blowing past expectations by over 100,000. Unemployment dropped to 4.6% despite the ongoing Great Resignation. Jobless claims are down to the lowest point since the pandemic started and are almost in line with historical norms. But wait! There’s more!
Covid is on the brink of getting beaten back. There is a vaccine available for children aged 5-11 and parents are rushing out to get their kids protected with little of the resistance from the right I predicted. Schools will, soon or later, be mandating Covid vaccines all over the country and it will not matter how loudly Republicans scream about it. Biden’s vaccine mandate for large employers is being temporarily held up in the courts but companies are going to keep doing it anyway because it’s good business. Finally, Pfizer has a pill that can keep you from getting seriously ill if you contract Covid, meaning that the people who cannot (or will not) get vaccinated or have a rare breakthrough infection, will no longer be at the mercy of the virus.
Barring a new variant that evades vaccines, all of that spells the end of Covid in the United States which will allow us to turn our attention to vaccinating the rest of the world. Or, at least as much as our extremely xenophobic country is capable of doing so. So why don’t people seem to be aware of this? Sure, I write about the news for a living so I consume far more than the average person. Even so, this stuff is not exactly obscure information and it certainly is not minor news. Not all of it is page one screaming headline worthy but it is far from unimportant. This is where we are but that is not where people see us.
Media Infallibility
Roughly ten seconds after President Biden was sworn into office, the media began prepping for a new narrative that his presidency had failed. I am exaggerating of course, but not by much..................................................
snip , much much more at the link
November 10, 2021
T-Pain Just Released a Cocktail Book
It contains 50 cocktail recipes.
https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/t-pain-new-cocktail-recipe-book
November 10, 2021
https://ra.co/news/76360
The news was announced via the band's official Twitter account. The cause of death has not yet been revealed, and 808 State says that "his family and friends [ask] that people respect their privacy at this time."
Barker was one of the core members of 808 State up until his death, co-piloting the group with founder Graham Massey for their most recent album, 2019's Transmission Suite. He originally joined the band in 1989, following the release of their mega-hit "Pacific State" and the departure of A Guy Called Gerald from the group.
Barker's first release with 808 State was 1989's Quadrastate, and he was a key part of the group's most successful album, 1991's ex:el, which featured collaborations with Björk and New Order's Bernard Sumner. The band were one of the most important acts in the UK acid house scene, and helped to define the country's crossover-leaning dance music scene through the late '80s and into the '90s.
Before Barker joined 808 State, he was part of a duo called the Spinmasters with Darren Partington, and was a regular DJ in and around Manchester.
RIP
808 State - Bird
https://twitter.com/state808/status/1457331399682363397
808 State's Andy Barker dies
He joined the pioneering UK group in 1989 and remained one of its core members since.https://ra.co/news/76360
The news was announced via the band's official Twitter account. The cause of death has not yet been revealed, and 808 State says that "his family and friends [ask] that people respect their privacy at this time."
Barker was one of the core members of 808 State up until his death, co-piloting the group with founder Graham Massey for their most recent album, 2019's Transmission Suite. He originally joined the band in 1989, following the release of their mega-hit "Pacific State" and the departure of A Guy Called Gerald from the group.
Barker's first release with 808 State was 1989's Quadrastate, and he was a key part of the group's most successful album, 1991's ex:el, which featured collaborations with Björk and New Order's Bernard Sumner. The band were one of the most important acts in the UK acid house scene, and helped to define the country's crossover-leaning dance music scene through the late '80s and into the '90s.
Before Barker joined 808 State, he was part of a duo called the Spinmasters with Darren Partington, and was a regular DJ in and around Manchester.
RIP
808 State - Bird
https://twitter.com/state808/status/1457331399682363397
November 8, 2021
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/non-critical-race-theory
snip
Non-Critical Race Theory
Presenting a brief non-critical race history of the United States of America.https://thebanter.substack.com/p/non-critical-race-theory
snip
November 8, 2021
https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/tiktok-recipes-to-try-out-now
https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYydNL4/
https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYUvadT/
5 TikTok Recipes to Try This Month
Homemade falafel, mini pumpkin pies, and orange cashew tofu are calling your name.https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/tiktok-recipes-to-try-out-now
https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYydNL4/
https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYUvadT/
November 8, 2021
https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/dr-brain-apple-tv-review
snip
Apple TV+'s First Korean Series 'Dr. Brain' Is Mind-Melting Horror Hit
Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, 'Dr. Brain' could be the next international sensation post-'Squid Game.'https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/dr-brain-apple-tv-review
snip
November 8, 2021
This is a country that is starting to feel the very real fear of hunger.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59202880
The weather is turning from early autumn warmth to a sharp chill. Several areas are reporting drought, which adds to the sense of growing catastrophe.
At Maidan Wardak, 50 miles west of Kabul, a crowd of several hundred men had gathered in the hope of getting flour from an official distribution point. The flour was provided by the World Food Programme.
Taliban soldiers kept the crowd reasonably quiet, but people who were told they weren't eligible for a hand-out were angry and frightened. "The winter is nearly here," said one old man. "I don't know how I'll get through it if I can't make bread."
The WFP is faced with having to raise its supplies to Afghanistan to help more than 22 million people. If the weather is as bad as experts are predicting this winter, the expectation is that large numbers will be threatened with acute hunger and widespread famine.
snip
23 million people are at risk of starvation. Afghans facing 'hell on earth' as winter looms.
This is a country that is starting to feel the very real fear of hunger.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59202880
The weather is turning from early autumn warmth to a sharp chill. Several areas are reporting drought, which adds to the sense of growing catastrophe.
At Maidan Wardak, 50 miles west of Kabul, a crowd of several hundred men had gathered in the hope of getting flour from an official distribution point. The flour was provided by the World Food Programme.
Taliban soldiers kept the crowd reasonably quiet, but people who were told they weren't eligible for a hand-out were angry and frightened. "The winter is nearly here," said one old man. "I don't know how I'll get through it if I can't make bread."
The WFP is faced with having to raise its supplies to Afghanistan to help more than 22 million people. If the weather is as bad as experts are predicting this winter, the expectation is that large numbers will be threatened with acute hunger and widespread famine.
snip
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Member since: Sun Jul 1, 2018, 07:25 PM
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