The Bad News Thread

The Bad News Thread

This is for those who want to highlight events that spell Bad News for them.

... and for those who feel just plain Grumpy.

, , and

Sang, that's terrible news indeed. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Originally posted by rjhowie:

Bit Africa IS plagued with the very things you say! I

Is it? Most African nations, don't have reliable statistics, but those that tend to be in the same neighborhood as, say the American South.



South Africa and Madagascar do have high murder rates, but other countries, aren't especially high (although higher than Western Europe)

Well, I got the update about what happened to my nephew. It was fucking minor surgery! They were doing a tracheotomy and removing a tube form his throat, which seemed to be going well. On the way back from the operating room, his heart stopped.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Sang, that's terrible news indeed. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Thank you

I want my winter!
Where is my winter? Where is my snow? We had one day where it dropped two inches of slush and then it melted. Most days it has not remained below freezing. I am aggrieved.

Bad news? You want bad news, I'll give you bad news!
A bunker buster bomb...

Specifications.....
Length: 20.5 feet (6.2 m) [7]
Diameter: 31.5 inches (0.8 m) [7]
Weight: 30,000 pounds (14 metric tons)
Warhead: 5,300 pounds (2.4 metric tons) high explosive
Penetration:
200 ft (61 m) of 5,000 psi (34 MPa) reinforced concrete
26 ft (7.9 m) of 10,000 psi (69 MPa) reinforced concrete
130 ft (40 m) of moderately hard rock

You'll never guess who owns it. No, it isn't Jaybro.

One couldn't begin to think which progressive owner has this?

Originally posted by rjhowie:

One couldn't begin to think which progressive owner has this?

Hint...it begins with 'United'.

If we had a 'Theater of the Absurd' thread, I'd know where to post this. Since we don't, here goes...

Karzai condemns video of urination on corpses By ROBERT BURNS | Associated Press – 1 hr 43 mins ago

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2012-01-12/marines-taliban-corpses/52511346/1

Killing them is ok...just don't pee on them afterwards.

You're in the wrong room, hoanglong88th.

Many thanks for the clue Jaybro I'm still musing on the answer....

As for that despicable incident in Afghanistan, this is not the first time the army and the marines have been guilty of dreadful misdemeanours. There was the wholesale and deliberate slaughter of a couple of dozen women and children and other such events resulting in court action. I have thought that the military was more progressive and professional these days. What the goodness is going on?

Fools away from home, I guess. I knew some unsavory goons when I was in the navy, too vile to mention.

Read and weep, sir.

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Killing them is ok...just don't pee on them afterwards.

The Taliban: those awfully nice chaps who pour acid into the eyes of girls they find in possession of reading material, who cut the noses & ears off women who run away from arranged marriages & abusive husbands, who execute television sets & arrest & imprison people who have the audacity to wear shirts & ties in public.

So, a few jarheads whizzed over some dead Taliban, big deal. Were they 'taking the piss' I wonder?

Does anyone really care?

Well be thankful you weren't in the submarines Jaybro becuase somehow I think you would have been rather bored?

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Killing them is ok...just don't pee on them afterwards.

The Taliban: those awfully nice chaps who pour acid into the eyes of girls they find in possession of reading material, who cut the noses & ears off women who run away from arranged marriages & abusive husbands, who execute television sets & arrest & imprison people who have the audacity to wear shirts & ties in public.

Nobody's perfect. But you must read the following :
All religions are corrosive, but some are more corrosive than others.

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

So, a few jarheads whizzed over some dead Taliban, big deal. Were they 'taking the piss' I wonder? Does anyone really care?

Yes, they're supposed to be professionals, doing a difficult job on our behalf. I wouldn't expect police to do that to serial killers post-execution either.

If the things that "The Taliban" (as you so generally put it) do make you angry - and they should - then you should be able to see how retaliation in like is going to make lots of other, non-Taliban, people feel the same.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

So, a few jarheads whizzed over some dead Taliban, big deal. Were they 'taking the piss' I wonder? Does anyone really care?

Yes, they're supposed to be professionals, doing a difficult job on our behalf.

Oh get off your sanctimonious high horse.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

I wouldn't expect police to do that to serial killers post-execution either.

A pointless analogy.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

If the things that "The Taliban" (as you so generally put it)

So, tell me, how should I un-generally put it?

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

do make you angry - and they should - then you should be able to see how retaliation in like is going to make lots of other, non-Taliban, people feel the same.

Who cares?

So, a few jarheads whizzed over some Taliban. Big deal.

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

So, a few jarheads whizzed over some Taliban. Big deal.

How does that level of cognitive dissonance not really hurt? Don't you get headaches or something?
It's wrong if they do it, it's wrong if we do it.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

So, a few jarheads whizzed over some Taliban. Big deal.

How does that level of cognitive dissonance not really hurt? Don't you get headaches or something?
It's wrong if they do it, it's wrong if we do it.

Ooh my, studied a bit of pop psychology have we? Grow up! Far worse atrocities happen in war. So, a few marines, probably angry, tired & frustrated urinated over some dead Taliban. Killing them was OK then? Admittedly taking a jpeg of it was a bit of a mistake.

Yes, the world can now throw up its arms in horror & righteous indignation at the action of those nasty American marines.

How does that level of sanctimonious self-righteous, moralising, smugness not really hurt? Don't you get headaches or something?

So, a few jarheads whizzed over some Taliban. Big deal.

In war, as in life, glory to the winner and honor to the loser.

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

Ooh my, studied a bit of pop psychology have we? Grow up!

No. It's just common sense. Pop psychology would be pointing out childish tantrums, that "Big deal", "I don't care", "they deserve it" is a childish level of debate.

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

Far worse atrocities happen in war. So, a few marines, probably angry, tired & frustrated urinated over some dead Taliban. Killing them was OK then? Admittedly taking a jpeg of it was a bit of a mistake.

Yes, far worse atrocities happen in war.
So, it's fine for smaller ones to happen? If it's fine to do it, then why would it be a mistake to take a jpeg of it? Perhaps because you know that it can't be justified. Killing them is never desirable, but necessary in war. Urinating over the corpses is not necessary in any way or means. As is saying that you can do whatever you want as long as you don't get caught for it.

Come on, have some sense of perspective.

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

How does that level of sanctimonious self-righteous, moralising, smugness not really hurt? Don't you get headaches or something?

You seem to be managing to embrace self-righteous indignation far better than I ever could.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

Ooh my, studied a bit of pop psychology have we? Grow up!

No. It's just common sense. Pop psychology would be pointing out childish tantrums, that "Big deal", "I don't care", "they deserve it" is a childish level of debate.

You are reading into this something I never said. Who's the 'tantrum' now? You know what *Nietzsche said about common sense right? This has nothing to do with 'common sense' & everything to do with your twisted pompous view of reality. I never stated that the Taliban deserved being urinated on. I just think that too many self-righteous tossers want to utilise this for their own propaganda. These things happen all the time in war. If this jpeg hadn't gone viral no one would care particularly.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

Far worse atrocities happen in war. So, a few marines, probably angry, tired & frustrated urinated over some dead Taliban. Killing them was OK then? Admittedly taking a jpeg of it was a bit of a mistake.

Yes, far worse atrocities happen in war.
So, it's fine for smaller ones to happen? If it's fine to do it, then why would it be a mistake to take a jpeg of it? Perhaps because you know that it can't be justified. Killing them is never desirable, but necessary in war.

Oh, it's never desirable to kill is it? Why not just abolish all war then? You really are becoming a bore now. Why resond to my posts at all?

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Urinating over the corpses is not necessary in any way or means. As is saying that you can do whatever you want as long as you don't get caught for it.

Oh I'm sorry, did I say it was necessary? Does your arse get sore riding that high horse? When did I say that it was OK as long as you don't get caught for it? Like I said, it isn't really a big deal. I have more sympathy for the USMC than the Taliban. How many of those marines have seen their comrades killed, maimed or tortured to death by the Taliban? Oh my, they whizzed on a few corpses. Big deal.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

How does that level of sanctimonious self-righteous, moralising, smugness not really hurt? Don't you get headaches or something?

You seem to be managing to embrace self-righteous indignation far better than I ever could.

No, you are the king of self-righteous indignation. I bow to you on that.

*Only the uncommon is valuable.

Oh yeah, I forgot: So, a few jarheads whizzed over some Taliban. Big deal.

Well, if you haven't actually got anything constructive to add to the discussion, I'll leave you to it. Apparently, you prefer personal insults and browbeating to debate. If you want to play that game, you can play by yourself.

Originally posted by johnnysaucepn:

Well, if you haven't actually got anything constructive to add to the discussion, I'll leave you to it. Apparently, you prefer personal insults and browbeating to debate. If you want to play that game, you can play by yourself.

OK. You can put me on ignore if you want as well.

"Apparently, you prefer personal insults and browbeating to debate."

Is that code for 'I completely read far too much into your statement because I am so busy riding my high horse of righteous indignation that I didn't actually realise what you said but projected my own subjective ontological interpretation onto it?'

WOT ... no more pop psychology? I expected more from you.

Oh yeah, I forgot: So, a few jarheads whizzed over some Taliban. Big deal.

Operabloke, where obnoxious meets insipid.

Abused as a child, he haunts the byways of the normal searching for scraps of humanity. Alas.....

I find this bad news:
Abu Qatada wins Jordan deportation appeal
at three levels:

first - because I do not like the UK's law, which has been through all levels of appeal, being over-ridden by the European Court

second - because I would dearly like to get rid of this person.

third - it is alleged that he has committed crimes and he should be tried for that and either sentenced or set free.

I suggest that Jordan, if they have a case, in that it is probably a matter of crimes against humanity (*), ask for an arrest warrant to be issued against this man so that he can be tried in the Haag; then the International Court can sentence him and then either keep him locked up themselves or deport him anywhere they like, but not back here please.

(*) if that is not the case I'd like to know the reason why.

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Operabloke, where obnoxious meets insipid.

Abused as a child, he haunts the byways of the normal searching for scraps of humanity. Alas.....

Thanks Jaybro, that's the nicest thing you've ever said about me.

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Tell me it ain't true.

European Soccer's Fight Against Racism Not Yet Won by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS text size A A A PARIS January 19, 2012, 06:02 am ET PARIS (AP) — For fans of soccer, Feb. 1 promises to be a sad day. John Terry, one of the most rugged, fearsome and admired defenders anywhere in the world, a natural leader who captains his club, Chelsea, and his country, England, will appear at a London courthouse to face a criminal charge that he abused a black colleague with a torrent of vile, racially insulting language.

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Tell me it ain't true.

No, it's called FOOTBALL, not soccer. Nobody in England under the age of 90 has ever referred to football as 'soccer'. We invented football. It is called football because your foot kicks the ball. It makes perfect sense. There is Rugby Football of course. I don't know anything about that, even though I lived in Wales for years. In fact, I can remember when it was the Five Nations competition.

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Tell me it ain't true.

No, it's called FOOTBALL, not soccer. Nobody in England under the age of 90 has ever referred to football as 'soccer'. We invented football. It is called football because your foot kicks the ball. It makes perfect sense. There is Rugby Football of course. I don't know anything about that, even though I lived in Wales for years. In fact, I can remember when it was the Five Nations competition.

Don't blame me, I didn't say it. Jeezzzz.

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Originally posted by OperaBloke:

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

Tell me it ain't true.

No, it's called FOOTBALL, not soccer. Nobody in England under the age of 90 has ever referred to football as 'soccer'. We invented football. It is called football because your foot kicks the ball. It makes perfect sense. There is Rugby Football of course. I don't know anything about that, even though I lived in Wales for years. In fact, I can remember when it was the Five Nations competition.

Don't blame me, I didn't say it. Jeezzzz.

Just thought I'd say. I get a nervous tic every time I read the word 'soccer' (I bet quite a few English people do also).

http://news.yahoo.com/france-mulls-early-afghanistan-pullout-4-killed-120907512.html

"The French army is in Afghanistan at the service of the Afghans against terrorism and against the Taliban. The French army is not in Afghanistan so that Afghan soldiers can shoot at them," Sarkozy said.

Of course it's awful when anyone is killed, but it strikes me as somewhat absurd when a nation sends troops into a war zone, then seems surprised when they are shot at. If the French want to leave, fine, as I wish our troops would, too, but the apparent surprise on Sarkozy's part is bizarre.

Originally posted by jbrothernew37:

... somewhat absurd when a nation sends troops into a war zone, then seems surprised when they are shot at.

Old habits die hard.

I know that this can't be good news!

Iran shuts down shops selling Barbie dolls

Police have closed down dozens of toy shop for selling Barbie dolls, part of a decades-long crackdown on signs of Western culture in Iran, the semiofficial Mehr news agency reported Jan. 20.
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/iran-shuts-down-shops-selling-barbie-dolls-1327075809-slideshow/

As Barbie goes, so goes the nation.

Isn't there a burkha Barbie accessory?

Well Jaybro regarding the French. They mutinied in WW1 and gave up and nearly did us in re WW2.

Originally posted by rjhowie:

Well Jaybro regarding the French. They mutinied in WW1 and gave up and nearly did us in re WW2.

I wouldn't mock the French too much Howie, you may need them after independence. We won't.

Thank you for your advice there bighead.

Originally posted by banduser:

Isn't there a burkha Barbie accessory?

Think about it.

Originally posted by rjhowie:

Thank you for your advice there bighead.

You'll just fall to sleep & knock yourself out on your keyboard as usual & forget what I said. This consistent damaging of the cranium over time has obviously taken its toll.

Thank you for that helpful explanation. Much appreciated.

This is appalling and then some.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57363990/marine-pleads-guilty-in-haditha-iraqi-killings/

I remember this disgusting and horrible incident. One would expect a harsher sentence?

Originally posted by rjhowie:

I remember this disgusting and horrible incident. One would expect a harsher sentence?

Hope for one! Disgusting.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/02/05/ayaan-hirsi-ali-the-global-war-on-christians-in-the-muslim-world.html

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/03/son-of-acta-meet-the-next-secret-copyright-treaty.ars

... on the other hand -
European Court of Justice blocks net-filtering bid
We have certain rights in Europe!

Meddling in the affairs of countries peopled by religious nutcases is a horrible practice.

U.S. service members wounded in protest
From Nick Paton Walsh and Masoud Popalzai, CNN Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) --

A demonstrator died and several U.S. service members and Afghan police were injured as protests over the burning of Qurans at a U.S. military base turned violent Sunday, said officials.

The bloodshed in northern Kunduz province came a day after a gunman killed two U.S. military officers inside their office in the highly secured Afghanistan Ministry of Interior -- one of several incidents targeting allied forces after reports emerged last week that NATO troops had burned Muslim holy books at Bagram Airfield.
http://www.cnn.com/