On the Nature of Truth

[sophia-sadek.livejournal.com]

Some people argue that it is impossible to know the truth, so why bother trying. Others read a sentence in a collection of ancient literature that tells them that the truth will set them free. They assume that they are free, so it follows that they already know the truth. If you already know the truth, there is no reason to look for it. Their whole paradigm is based a a faulty initial assumption.

Let us consider the basic structure of truth. We start out with a misconception and we assume that it is true. ( It's not that long, but I cut it anyway... )

Move with the times!

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

Greetings, my fellow isolationist ignoramuses curious folks who are dying to hear some funny news from around the world! See, last week someone sprayed one of the most symbolic monuments in the center of our capital Sofia, the Monument of the Soviet Army (a central place for communist-time festivities). The anonymous painter depicted the iron soldiers at the front side of the monument as colorful superheroes (Spiderman, Captain America, the McDonalds clown, the Joker, even Santa Claus) and wrote beneath: "Let's move along with the times!" It was hilarious. It caused a massive outcry. It has divided the nation along the lines of "heritage respecting folks" (read: nostalgic ex-commies now-turned-pro-socialists) VS "modern people who want to forget the past" (read: socialism-haters). And us moderates have a vast source of LULz. It has been glorious.

"Our soldier is great!", the old military song goes. Well, guess what? Now he's not just great, he's super-mighty! Because he's been gifted and fully equipped with superpowers and supernatural abilities. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Superman!

( So what's there to get so worked up about? )

What exactly are "extrajudicial operations"?

[sandwichwarrior.livejournal.com]

...and why are we engaging in them?

I've posted about this scandal before, here and here, but now that the Congressional Oversight Commitee has gotten a hold of it I think another update is in order.

In December of 2010 US Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed in a shoot out with Mexican Drug smugglers. The rifle used to kill him was registered to the US Bureau of Alcohal Tabocco and Firearms (ATF).

This was the first piece of physical evidence to support a nasty rumor that had been circulating for the last 6 months. Namely that the Pheonix Arizona Branch of the ATF was actively aiding Mexican Drug Smugglers. The initial position of the ATF was flat denial but as evidence against them mounted the ATF admitted that the weapon in question was from a "botched" sting operation called refered to as Operation Fast and Furious. (now known by the more decriptive title "Gunwalker") I put the word botched in quatation marks because according to ATF whistle-blowers the operation was never intended to stop guns from crossing the border. It now seems that a policy of allowing known gun runners to purchase weapons and cross the border unmolested orginated at the highest levels of the ATF. If true the Gunwalker scandal could hold potentially disasterous implications for US foreign policy and the Obama Administration.

The House Oversight Commitee's offical report
Pertinent EMails from the Deputy Director (redacted)

( Highlights and analysis behind the cut )

Glittterati or "Making Republican presidential candidates FABULOUS!"

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Tim Pawlenty's table after he was glitter bombed.

Michelle Bachmann (in Minneapolis on June 18, 2011) has been the most recent in a series of glitter-bomb incidents, following Tim Pawlenty (at a book signing in San Francisco on June 16, 2011), and Newt Gingrich (at a book signing in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 17, 2011). In Pawlenty's incident, The Los Angeles Times points out that, as governor, Pawlenty vetoed a bill that would have granted gay men and women the right to the remains of their deceased partners. Regarding a bill that would have allowed domestic partners to sue in wrongful death cases, Pawlenty said, "I oppose efforts to treat domestic relationships as the equivalent of traditional marriage. Accordingly, I am opposed to this bill.” As she was being escorted out by San Francisco police, Code Pink campaigner and glitter thrower Nancy Mancias said, “Where’s your courage to stand for gay rights and for women’s reproductive rights?” adding, “Welcome to San Francisco!”

( More behind the cut )

The most boring countries in the world

[ddstory.livejournal.com]

Germany is the "most un-amusing" country in the world, a recent international survey shows (it included 30,000 people from 15 countries). The research was commissioned by the social network Badoo.com, which reports that the Germans are brilliant in lots of things, including making awesome cars and playing soccer like goal machines. Unfortunately, humor is not exactly their strong side. And telling jokes is the discipline where they fail most badly.

It's a stereotype of course, but funny nonetheless. I've met Germans who have a great sense of humor, but still. This label of the Germans being dull and uninteresting, almost with an amputated LOL-center in the brain, probably originates from their reputation of being exacting, efficient, precision-obsessed, workaholic, and rational cyborgs, which are great qualities in certain circumstances, but could be a detriment in others.

Further down the chart of the most boring countries we see Russia, Turkey, UK, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, etc... I'm sure many could dispute the way these have been ranked, so, sure - go ahead if you like. I wouldn't dispute the findings of such a reputed social network like Badoo. :P

The funniest of all? Americans, of course! :)

( Some examples that would make you weep )