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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM

Title: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
So funny I almost want to cry.

Big Bird got 'vaccinated' against COVID-19, drawing outrage from Republicans (https://www.npr.org/2021/11/08/1053548074/big-bird-covid-19-vaccine-conservative-backlash-ted-cruzl)

Somehow I missed this back in the day:

When Mississippi Once Banned Sesame Street (https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/611570/when-mississippi-banned-sesame-street)

I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 08, 2021, 03:11:17 PM
Well my blood pressure just went up.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 03:18:39 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
...
I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.

Like the global warming apocalypse, in eight years.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: marshwiggle on November 08, 2021, 04:31:27 PM
Don't forget how Cookie Monster caused controversy (https://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/13390/cookie-monster-veggie-monster/).
Quote
As concerns have grown over childhood obesity, it was decided Cookie Monster should be shown eating a more diverse diet.
In 2006, the show began airing segments entitled Healthy Habits for Life, where he and other puppets talk about healthy eating habits. A rumor spread that Cookie Monster was becoming "Veggie Monster", who would be foregoing his favorite snack for a healthier diet.
However, this is false. Cookie Monster will remain as he is, a fervent food lover but with a more diverse palate. He has since been brought onto shows like Martha Stewart's and The Colbert Report to explain that "cookies are a sometimes food."

And here's a wrap-up of various Sesame Street scandals (https://heavy.com/entertainment/sesame-street-scandals-inappropriate-controversy/). (Including the Katy Perry with Elmo incident.)
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: jimbogumbo on November 08, 2021, 04:33:14 PM
Anti-vaxx Muppet from Brent Terhune: https://twitter.com/BrentTerhune/status/1457799950528434178?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 03:18:39 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
...
I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.

Like the global warming apocalypse, in eight years.

That actually looks like it's happening.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 05:36:25 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 03:18:39 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
...
I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.

Like the global warming apocalypse, in eight years.

That actually looks like it's happening.

Yup, the clock is ticking! As it did toward the year 1000. The Y1K problem. Antichrist, you know.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 07:12:39 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 05:36:25 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 03:18:39 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
...
I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.

Like the global warming apocalypse, in eight years.

That actually looks like it's happening.

Yup, the clock is ticking! As it did toward the year 1000. The Y1K problem. Antichrist, you know.

I don't know, of course, but when people are reduced to hyperbole and reductio ad absurdum in the face of science and fact do they actually have anything to say?

Or are they just avoiding the obvious?
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:17:20 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 07:12:39 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 05:36:25 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 03:18:39 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
...
I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.

Like the global warming apocalypse, in eight years.

That actually looks like it's happening.

Yup, the clock is ticking! As it did toward the year 1000. The Y1K problem. Antichrist, you know.

I don't know, of course, but when people are reduced to hyperbole and reductio ad absurdum in the face of science and fact do they actually have anything to say?

Or are they just avoiding the obvious?

Eight years. In science.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 07:33:15 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:17:20 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 07:12:39 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 05:36:25 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 03:18:39 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
...
I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.

Like the global warming apocalypse, in eight years.

That actually looks like it's happening.

Yup, the clock is ticking! As it did toward the year 1000. The Y1K problem. Antichrist, you know.

I don't know, of course, but when people are reduced to hyperbole and reductio ad absurdum in the face of science and fact do they actually have anything to say?

Or are they just avoiding the obvious?

Eight years. In science.

NOAA: Hottest summer on record.

I don't know why you keep repeating "8 years" (Inconvenient Truth, maybe?).  NASA is doing projections in the decades and into the next century. 

If all one has is misinformation...
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: ciao_yall on November 08, 2021, 07:34:03 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 03:18:39 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 02:33:28 PM
...
I try remember that people of a certain age are ALWAYS seeing apocalypses and dystopias...but maybe this really is the end of the western empire.

Like the global warming apocalypse, in eight years.

That actually looks like it's happening.

Yep. Tell that to this guy

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/08/tuvalu-minister-gives-cop26-speech-knee-deep-in-the-ocean-to-highlight-rising-sea-levels.html
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:48:43 PM
--Higher CO2 concentration increases agricultural yields.
--More warmth, especially in high latitudes, at night, as expected, reduces deaths from the cold.
--There are not more weather catastrophes reaching the shore. The damage they do, as a share of stuff, is lower, even though there's more stuff.
--If the sea level rises, ask some Dutch engineers what to do. Pay them for their knowledge.

Best of all, Greenland will be green again. Note the name.

I welcome global warming. It will make us better off on average. We can pay people who are hurt.

There will be no apocalypse, in eight years or longer.

Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 08:04:19 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:48:43 PM
--Higher CO2 concentration increases agricultural yields.
--More warmth, especially in high latitudes, at night, as expected, reduces deaths from the cold.
--There are not more weather catastrophes reaching the shore. The damage they do, as a share of stuff, is lower, even though there's more stuff.
--If the sea level rises, ask some Dutch engineers what to do. Pay them for their knowledge.

Best of all, Greenland will be green again. Note the name.

I welcome global warming. It will make us better off on average. We can pay people who are hurt.

There will be no apocalypse, in eight years or longer.

So you are in the planetary sciences then?

What happens to old people in heat waves?

Dangerous weather patterns?  How many flights did American cancel last week because of dangerous winds?

A new level of insanity affects some people these days.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 08:21:58 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 08:04:19 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:48:43 PM
--Higher CO2 concentration increases agricultural yields.
--More warmth, especially in high latitudes, at night, as expected, reduces deaths from the cold.
--There are not more weather catastrophes reaching the shore. The damage they do, as a share of stuff, is lower, even though there's more stuff.
--If the sea level rises, ask some Dutch engineers what to do. Pay them for their knowledge.

Best of all, Greenland will be green again. Note the name.

I welcome global warming. It will make us better off on average. We can pay people who are hurt.

There will be no apocalypse, in eight years or longer.

So you are in the planetary sciences then?

What happens to old people in heat waves?


Dangerous weather patterns?  How many flights did American cancel last week because of dangerous winds?

A new level of insanity affects some people these days.

Perhaps we can cancel using automobiles to reduce the number of old people's premature deaths.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: quasihumanist on November 08, 2021, 08:26:40 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 08:04:19 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:48:43 PM
--Higher CO2 concentration increases agricultural yields.
--More warmth, especially in high latitudes, at night, as expected, reduces deaths from the cold.
--There are not more weather catastrophes reaching the shore. The damage they do, as a share of stuff, is lower, even though there's more stuff.
--If the sea level rises, ask some Dutch engineers what to do. Pay them for their knowledge.

Best of all, Greenland will be green again. Note the name.

I welcome global warming. It will make us better off on average. We can pay people who are hurt.

There will be no apocalypse, in eight years or longer.

So you are in the planetary sciences then?

What happens to old people in heat waves?

Dangerous weather patterns?  How many flights did American cancel last week because of dangerous winds?

A new level of insanity affects some people these days.

Yes dangerous weather patterns in some places, but it's also true that fewer people in Minnesota (or Manitoba) are dying from the cold every winter now.

Dismalist is just pointing out that the whole history of humankind is some people making lives worse off for other people in order to make it better for themselves, and global warming is no different.

Personally, I think automation and climate change are both so disruptive that either by itself would lead to nuclear war.  Combined I think we are doomed to it, but do note that nuclear war isn't completely destructive; tens of millions will survive, and they will still mostly know about the iron plow and the germ theory of disease, which puts them ahead of the Romans in both respects.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 08:37:25 PM
Quote from: quasihumanist on November 08, 2021, 08:26:40 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 08:04:19 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:48:43 PM
--Higher CO2 concentration increases agricultural yields.
--More warmth, especially in high latitudes, at night, as expected, reduces deaths from the cold.
--There are not more weather catastrophes reaching the shore. The damage they do, as a share of stuff, is lower, even though there's more stuff.
--If the sea level rises, ask some Dutch engineers what to do. Pay them for their knowledge.

Best of all, Greenland will be green again. Note the name.

I welcome global warming. It will make us better off on average. We can pay people who are hurt.

There will be no apocalypse, in eight years or longer.

So you are in the planetary sciences then?

What happens to old people in heat waves?

Dangerous weather patterns?  How many flights did American cancel last week because of dangerous winds?

A new level of insanity affects some people these days.

Yes dangerous weather patterns in some places, but it's also true that fewer people in Minnesota (or Manitoba) are dying from the cold every winter now.

Dismalist is just pointing out that the whole history of humankind is some people making lives worse off for other people in order to make it better for themselves, and global warming is no different.

Personally, I think automation and climate change are both so disruptive that either by itself would lead to nuclear war.  Combined I think we are doomed to it, but do note that nuclear war isn't completely destructive; tens of millions will survive, and they will still mostly know about the iron plow and the germ theory of disease, which puts them ahead of the Romans in both respects.

Mercy, you're really quasi, quasi! No one planned extra global warming. We won't have nuclear war, on account anyone starting one will get nuked with high probability. Deterrence has kept and will keep the big peace.

Another apocalypse dethroned!

Christ, will you kids stop worrying, please?

Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 08:45:33 PM
Okay.

Enjoy.

I personally believe the scientists being, you know, as they are all science-y and stuff.  I find the rationales like the ones above about as tortuous and as well-thought-out as people who get mad about, say, vaccines.

And I suspect some people are mad that the hippies were right about some things after all.

But if you ain't worried, don't be worried.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: mahagonny on November 09, 2021, 03:00:18 AM
When is Big Bird going to tell the children about man-boy oral sex like they've been doing in Virginia?

ETA: I ask that as one who as a very young child was told in graphic detail about the sex act, and specifically that I would be doing it, by and elder, a person with authority over me. I'm here to tell you it's not a nice experience to have. And not just the information itself, but more the fact that someone in authority wants you to be thinking about it. Your first question is why? To which no answer is given, not that any would be comprehensible or warranted anyway.

Telling young children about pederasty is worse by far.

Liberals can make us listen to their concerns about what should be taught to the young children, but not until they get their house in order.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: nebo113 on November 09, 2021, 05:16:50 AM
Or we could just support a congressman murdering a congresswoman.....

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/paul-gosar-aoc-biden-video_n_6189b9a1e4b0a518aca4a03c
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: mahagonny on November 09, 2021, 05:44:57 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 09, 2021, 05:16:50 AM
Or we could just support a congressman murdering a congresswoman.....

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/paul-gosar-aoc-biden-video_n_6189b9a1e4b0a518aca4a03c

That's terrible, Nebo. He shouldn't be doing that. Thanks for letting me know.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Aster on November 09, 2021, 06:13:59 AM
Quote from: dismalist on November 08, 2021, 07:48:43 PM
--Higher CO2 concentration increases agricultural yields.
--More warmth, especially in high latitudes, at night, as expected, reduces deaths from the cold.
--There are not more weather catastrophes reaching the shore. The damage they do, as a share of stuff, is lower, even though there's more stuff.
--If the sea level rises, ask some Dutch engineers what to do. Pay them for their knowledge.

Best of all, Greenland will be green again. Note the name.

I welcome global warming. It will make us better off on average. We can pay people who are hurt.



That is some seriously deep sarcasm, even for a professional academic to catch. I salute you.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: marshwiggle on November 09, 2021, 06:26:15 AM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 08, 2021, 08:45:33 PM
Okay.

Enjoy.

I personally believe the scientists being, you know, as they are all science-y and stuff.  I find the rationales like the ones above about as tortuous and as well-thought-out as people who get mad about, say, vaccines.

And I suspect some people are mad that the hippies were right about some things after all.

But if you ain't worried, don't be worried.

I think the point is that the magical "8 year" (or 20 year, or whatever) timeline to apocalypse is ridiculous and not helpful.
(Climate change is real and needs to be addressed. I have voted for the Green party in several elections.)

Some facts:

And so on.

The changes that need to happen, and are happening, will realistically take decades, no matter how many time Greta Thunberg says "HOW DARE YOU!"

THAT is also science.

Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: marshwiggle on November 09, 2021, 06:46:30 AM
Sorry for the double post, but here's an example of the kinds of choices that have to be made. From CBC (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-electric-vehicle-mining-ring-of-fire-1.6238261).

Quote
Premier Doug Ford's government is touting Ontario as a future electric vehicle manufacturing hub, and linking that to a fresh push for a huge mining development in the northern part of the province.

Ford's Progressive Conservatives want to lure the big automakers to produce electric vehicles in southern Ontario. A key part of that strategy involves opening up the so-called Ring of Fire mineral deposit, located more than 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay in an area home to Indigenous people.

The Ring of Fire was originally promoted as a source of chromite, an important component in steel. Now the hype centres on its supply of minerals used in EV batteries and energy storage systems, including cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel, graphite and copper.

Accelerating changes to "green" the planet will raise more issues like this.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on November 09, 2021, 07:04:04 AM
Conservatives can't actually defend this idiotic anti-vaccine stuff, so instead they change the subject to "global warming is a moral panic" and Big Bird is encouraging "man-boy oral sex." You guys are really living in loony town these days.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: mamselle on November 09, 2021, 07:13:12 AM
Quote from: nebo113 on November 09, 2021, 05:16:50 AM
Or we could just support a congressman murdering a congresswoman.....

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/paul-gosar-aoc-biden-video_n_6189b9a1e4b0a518aca4a03c

I'm torn between being glad Twitter attached a PSA to it and limited its re-publication, and wishing they'd shut down his account entirely.

The will to kill another is what defines hatred, and the will to imagine, depict, and represent oneself as following through on such hatred prompts dangerous responses in other unstable individuals.

I may not like everything about AOC, but she definitely doesn't deserve this. I hope she's getting added Secret Service protections as a result.

Such idiocy prompts action in very sick, misguided individuals.

M.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: Anselm on November 09, 2021, 08:02:30 AM
I am bombarded daily with stories in the mass media about climate change but I seem to never hear any discussions about urban planning and mass transit.  Why are people living so far from work?  Why can't they walk to a grocery store?  Why is mass transit not available or inconvenient?  We can cut out lots of carbon emissions with maglev trains replacing airplane flights.

I do tend to read gloom and doom stories and maybe that is a cognitive bias.  I just think others are too optimistic.   

Sesame Street has never been the same without Morgan Freeman, the voice of God, on the show.
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: marshwiggle on November 09, 2021, 08:19:26 AM
Quote from: Anselm on November 09, 2021, 08:02:30 AM
I am bombarded daily with stories in the mass media about climate change but I seem to never hear any discussions about urban planning and mass transit.  Why are people living so far from work?  Why can't they walk to a grocery store?  Why is mass transit not available or inconvenient? 


Here's a great Bill Maher clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYSLyvbR_1w) that pretty much sums it up. (The same principle applies to all age groups in fact.)
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: dismalist on November 09, 2021, 08:26:46 AM
Quote from: marshwiggle on November 09, 2021, 06:26:15 AM


...

Some facts:

  • If we stopped using fossil fuels tomorrow, we'd be in the dark, and our transportation industry would collapse.
  • If we had all electric cars on the road tomorrow, the grid couldn't handle the load, and would collapse.
  • If we tried to produce all electric cars tomorrow, it would take centuries at the current extraction rate to get enough lithium for the batteries.
[/b]

And so on.

The changes that need to happen, and are happening, will realistically take decades, no matter how many time Greta Thunberg says "HOW DARE YOU!"

THAT is also science.


Quote from: Anselm on November 09, 2021, 08:02:30 AM
I am bombarded daily with stories in the mass media about climate change but I seem to never hear any discussions about urban planning and mass transit.  Why are people living so far from work?  Why can't they walk to a grocery store?  Why is mass transit not available or inconvenient?  We can cut out lots of carbon emissions with maglev trains replacing airplane flights.

...

All this could solve itself spontaneously if we had a sufficiently high carbon tax. People would move closer together to drive less and fly less. Nuclear power would become really popular. And on and on.

Until political parties and Greta demand a high carbon tax, I call bullshit.

While I do not worry about global warming, a carbon tax would also alleviate the parking problem.

Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: marshwiggle on November 09, 2021, 10:04:15 AM
Quote from: dismalist on November 09, 2021, 08:26:46 AM

All this could solve itself spontaneously if we had a sufficiently high carbon tax. People would move closer together to drive less and fly less. Nuclear power would become really popular. And on and on.

Until political parties and Greta demand a high carbon tax, I call bullshit.

While I do not worry about global warming, a carbon tax would also alleviate the parking problem.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE CARBON TAX ON AN IPHONE WOULD BE???

Next you'll be wanting it to apply to all the server farms for social media.

Monster.

Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: jimbogumbo on November 09, 2021, 10:42:36 AM
Alexandra Petri's take: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/11/09/big-bird-vaccine-communist-propaganda-satire/
Title: Re: Conservatives angry at Big Bird: a new level of insanity
Post by: mahagonny on November 09, 2021, 10:49:30 AM
No, he's not a communist. He's a racist who gets his picture taken with black people in order to colonize them.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fn2KOylWLjk/hqdefault.jpg