Search the Community

This is what the government, Uncle Sam has time for instead of focusing on real solutions in public transit, more announcements and announcements with a smile, which is sugar for the voters to send a message: "We are doing something". How about ideas like including education initiatives in schools during the year and leveraging technology, such as virtual reality, to raise awareness about the real risks associated with firearms Sit a few of these kids down in a VR Scenario and they will think about it is my take. It is crucial that practical measures are taken to address this complex issue is my rant for today. The federal government is proclaiming a National Day Against Gun Violence, to be held annually on the first Friday of June. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, and representatives of the Toronto Raptors basketball team are set to discuss the plans today at an event in Toronto. The government says the goal of the national day is to raise awareness and foster a national discussion about the causes and effects of gun violence. It comes as the Senate reviews a government bill that would cement restrictions on handguns, increase penalties for firearm trafficking, try to curb homemade ghost guns and ban assault-style firearms. Poll: Do you support the idea of a National Day in Canada to raise awareness about gun violence?

“The system started realizing that while they did identify the threat, at times the human operator would tell it not to kill that threat, but it got its points by killing that threat. So what did it do? It killed the operator. It killed the operator because that person was keeping it from accomplishing its objective.” “We trained the system – ‘Hey don’t kill the operator – that’s bad. You’re gonna lose points if you do that'. So what does it start doing? It starts destroying the communication tower that the operator uses to communicate with the drone to stop it from killing the target.” No real person was actually harmed outside of the simulation. Full Article: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ai-attack-drone-finds-shortcut-to-achieving-its-goals-kill-its-operators-rhpn8kscc --- I know of another story where Facebook launched an AI-based system and told it to moderate a section. At no point, Facebook told the AI to do something else, Facebook shut down the project after realizing the AI decided to create a section that it was not instructed to create to meet its goal. Its goal was productivity, I like productivity too, but at what cost? The AI was willing to take down anything in its way to meet that goal. --- AI, to me, is akin to a high-speed car. Utilizing it here saves me time, as it would be impractical to write all of this manually or on my own platforms, while also earning a living. Are you kidding?! AI functions as a swift vehicle, provided one knows how to pose the correct and critical questions. The person that asks the great questions, wins at the end the maximum output from AI. Negotiation skills help too. Somethings you need to negotiate with it as you are in a business deal. It manipulates information, sometimes subtly, so attention to detail is crucial. If one lacks attention to detail, it is advisable to steer clear of AI. Similarly, if one fails to verify sources or holds dogmatic beliefs, it is best to maintain distance from AI. If you drink too much whiskey, try to stay away from AI. 😄 Having spent time with ChatGPT, I have noticed a <-- left-wing bias. @ironstone I owe a bit of an apology however that does not mean it takes away from the engineer's work. Not to worry, Elon Musk will come up with his own, a more right-wing version -->. Will use both, which will be great for me that is not dogmatic to either. Less work. On multiple occasions, I've caught it presenting information contrary to my requests. This underscores the importance of filtering information. Just because a machine provides an answer that aligns with one's bias, it is essential to contemplate the veracity of that information. This principle applies to politicians as well. To safeguard our minds from AI and politicians alike, it is imperative to engage in critical thinking, scrutinize sources, and question whether what we perceive as reality is genuine or simply a result of winning an online argument and pushing a machine to give us the answer that we want. In my view, using AI tools requires a discerning mind. By maintaining a vigilant approach, one can navigate the complexities of information and make informed decisions. Next -> Brain Implants are coming up: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/25/elon-musks-neuralink-gets-fda-approval-for-in-human-study.html

Poll: Do you agree with GOP chairman's move to hold FBI director Wray in contempt over Biden documents? Why do you take this position? This is hot, like a freshly baked loaf of bread. ⬆️ 📰 Full Article: https://apnews.com/article/fbi-subpoena-biden-family-republicans-whistleblower-allegations-8dded7d781d8daf3f86343b72423b968

Many years ago, when some companies allowed me to work amongst people 😄, in-office, there was no remote work back then to make an income, some tried to sit me down when they realized I focus too much on people's flaws. I remember one person saying, "Do you want to be mediocre or make a difference?" They told me to "ditch the personal stuff and focus on ideas, my friend". Here's the deal: when you nitpick flaws and call people out by name, you lose. But when you concentrate on the ideas and respond accordingly, you win. It's that simple. Now, it's not always easy, especially after a night of whiskey. Personal biases can come in anytime. However, in the end, it's cowardly to let personal attacks cloud your focus on the idea. Still, don't mistake me for a pacifist. Sometimes, a good scolding is necessary for some folks, including myself. @I am Groot once gave me a reality check for trying to control everything my way on this forum. It's a whiskey drinker's flaw. The main point of this sermon is to stay locked onto the idea, it will achieve more results for you and society. Is not easy every day, however, trying is the key. Do you have a hard time staying focused on ideas?! What bothers you?! Do you only want to talk to yourself or people like you? And is that the excuse you are using to not stay focused on the idea? That would be boring man, to not have opposites, the reason most of us wake up and come here, and admit it, is to get that fix that you are "winning", is just the reality. Signed, The Hypocrite Enlightened Centrist (=)

Welcome to the poll where we delve into the realm of Joe Rogan's politics! In an era where political discourse is often divided, finding balanced voices can be a challenge. Some turn to left-leaning sources like <- Secular Talk with Kyle K or the <- <- TYT brigade @Americana Antifa while others seek right-leaning perspectives from figures like the retired and outspoken Michael Savage ->-> (whom I was a former customer of in my younger irrational years) or the somewhat reasonable Ben Shapiro. -> Maybe you have some reasonable choices to add to the list. However, many have found their way to Joe Rogan's YouTube videos, just like me in the past years, as ideology has evolved in terms of American Politics and occasionally these days, listening in the background. Lately, I have observed his cautious approach, skillfully blending discussions on sports while consciously steering clear of controversial topics. Although he occasionally touches on the cultural war, I believe he is a very astute individual who recognizes the depths of the current political climate and the potential consequences of missteps. Maybe I might be wrong, I watch 1-2 videos a week. Poll: Supportive: I support Joe Rogan's political views and find them insightful and well-reasoned. Neutral: I don't have a strong opinion or haven't closely followed Joe Rogan's political stances. Critical: I disagree with Joe Rogan's politics and have concerns about some of his viewpoints or statements.

I will vote yes. In my opinion, it is evident that a growing ⬆️ divide exists between the political elites and the everyday citizens they are meant to represent. This disconnect can have significant consequences for effective governance and the trust citizens place in their government institutions. Specifically, I believe that this disconnect may have influenced individuals within organizations like CSIS to take more politically motivated stands, sometimes even crossing the red line to make society aware in general. Poll based on the article from 📰 The Globe and the Mail: When the (literal) Laurentian elite forget who they are and who’s listening to them https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-when-the-literal-laurentian-elite-forget-who-they-are-and-whos/

On another thread, there was an attempt at a reasonable discussion, but it unfortunately fell apart when a member became upset and resorted to dishonourable tactics. Almighty knows, I tried with ideas. While I'm willing to give someone patience, using fake gender-based accusations during a simple disagreement is not productive, so I'll start this one. This thread will begin by answering 20 Questions put forward by a Covid-19 Skeptic. Other things to come, later on. I prefer to focus more on the ideas and research I've come across, rather than my direct personal struggles. Quickly about the personal too, as an intro 😄 - I should mention that my busy work and longstanding trust in my family doctor have made it unnecessary for me to devote significant time to studying Covid-19. During the peak of the pandemic, I found myself working twice as much as I do now because many people were staying home and receiving government aid. This thread is about my search to confirm that I made the correct decision in trusting my physician. Doctors are doctors, engineers are engineers, and programmers are programmers, however it's not just about the job title. It's about the trust that has been built over years in my community with my doctor, who went to medical school and has the necessary qualifications to provide sound medical advice. If some of this research is out of date, please respond and will engage. However, if you are going to talk about my personal flaws that I volunteered and other low level language, will not engage, you can post, but will not engage you here, lots of other threads for that. --- --> / Series 1 responding to "1. Covid transmission: Those 'brilliant minds' couldn't even figure out the basics of viral transmission principles. Why didn't they perform experiments consisting of a control group?" A study conducted in Japan found that COVID-19 can spread through aerosols and respiratory droplets, even in outdoor settings, highlighting the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission (source: The Lancet). Scientists have performed numerous studies on viral transmission principles, including the use of control groups. One such study conducted by the CDC found that individuals who had close contact with COVID-19 patients were more likely to contract the virus, providing evidence of person-to-person transmission (source: CDC). Earlier studies published in the journal Nature Medicine found that the virus can remain infectious in aerosols for up to three hours and on surfaces for up to three days, which supports the importance of wearing masks and maintaining good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. (source: Nature). https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0843-2 Centrist's View (=) it's important to recognize that scientific consensus is not always perfect, and that the scientific community is constantly learning and adapting to new information. As I am not a Covid-19 fanatic, maybe some information above is out of date, but still more reality-based than the wild theories I have been hearing around. 😄While it's important to be critical of claims made by experts, it's also important to acknowledge the vast amount of research and expertise that has gone into understanding the virus and developing effective strategies for prevention and treatment. Additionally, it's important to balance public health concerns with individual freedoms and personal responsibility, recognizing that both are important for a functioning society. --- --> / Series 2 responding to "2. Asymptomatic spread: Surprise, surprise, they got this one wrong too. It took ages for them to realize that there is nothing such as an asymptomatic spread spread. But to be honest, I am convinced they knew that since the beginning." 1. The delay in recognizing the potential for asymptomatic spread was due in part to the novelty of the virus and the rapidly evolving understanding of its transmission dynamics. However, the scientific community has been actively studying the issue since early in the pandemic, and the research continues to refine the understanding of the role of asymptomatic spread. A study published in JAMA Network Open focuses on that. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774707 2. This study from Nature found that individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 were able to transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms of the disease, or even if they never developed symptoms at all. This suggests that asymptomatic transmission of the virus is indeed possible. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0869-5 3. Centrist's view: It is important to acknowledge that during a pandemic, scientific understanding of the virus and its transmission can evolve as new evidence emerges. While the study cited earlier provides evidence for the possibility of asymptomatic transmission of Covid-19, it is possible that later in the pandemic, there was more information available on this topic. Please add to the conversation if you consider that my points are wrong. --- --> / Series 3 responding to "3. PCR testing: Flawed, over-sensitive, and generally misleading. Bravo, consensus! Bravo, Drosten! No test, no pandemic - which is why that PCR test was introduced." 1. A study conducted in Belgium, compared the diagnostic performance of four different PCR-based tests for Covid-19. The study found that all four tests had high levels of sensitivity and specificity, indicating that PCR testing is a reliable method for diagnosing COVID-19. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jmv.26531 2. A study in South Korea found that widespread testing, including PCR testing, was crucial in controlling the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The study reported that aggressive testing, tracing, and isolation measures helped to reduce the spread of the virus, even without the need for strict lockdowns. https://ourworldindata.org/covid-exemplar-south-korea 3. Centrist's View: While it is true that some people have raised concerns about the accuracy and reliability of PCR testing, multiple studies have found that this method is an effective way to diagnose COVID-19. That being said, it is important to acknowledge that no testing method is perfect, and there may be some limitations to PCR testing. However, the medical community has been working hard to address any issues with testing accuracy. --- --> / Series 4 responding to "4. No early treatment: They were so adamant about waiting for the experimental shot that they discriminated against those who called for early interventions. Imagine if everyone was encouraged to take vitamin D, which would have caused a new record low for excess mortality while being in the middle of a dangerous pandemic!?" 1. While some studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may have potential benefits for preventing and treating respiratory infections, there is insufficient evidence (unless you can present some new studies) to support the use of vitamin D as a treatment for COVID-19. A meta-analysis published in the BMJ found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infections, but the studies included in the analysis were not specific to COVID-19. Additionally, a study published in JAMA found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation did not significantly reduce hospital length of stay, ICU admission, or mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.It's important to note that while vitamin D may have potential benefits for overall health, in my opinion, it should not be viewed as a substitute for COVID-19 vaccinations or other medical treatments. https://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i6583 2. Several European studies have examined the efficacy of early treatments for COVID-19, including the use of antivirals such as remdesivir, and monoclonal antibodies such as bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab.A study conducted in France found that early treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin did not improve clinical outcomes or reduce mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Another study conducted in the UK found that treatment with remdesivir did not significantly reduce mortality or hospital stay in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.In contrast, monoclonal antibody therapies have shown promising results in reducing hospitalization and death in high-risk COVID-19 patients. A study conducted in Germany found that treatment with bamlanivimab reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 70% in high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Another study conducted in the UK found that treatment with casirivimab/imdevimab reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 70% in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.While early treatment is important, it's crucial to rely on evidence-based medicine to determine the most effective and safe treatments for COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody therapies have shown promising results in reducing hospitalization and death in high-risk COVID-19 patients, while other treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir have not shown significant benefits in clinical trials. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2012410 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2109682 3. A centrist view would recognize the importance of early treatment for COVID-19, while also acknowledging the limitations of such treatments. Consulting with a healthcare provider (family doctor) is crucial in determining the most appropriate course of treatment based on individual circumstances. --- --> / Series 5 will be responding to "5. Fatality rate: Wildly overestimated (thanks to the fraudulent PCR test), causing unnecessary panic, which most likely caused the observed excess mortality. Great job, guys." *This will air in a few days, as information gets circulates better when is released gradually. 😎 Thank you.

Neuralink cleared by US FDA to study implant allowing an interface between human brains and computers. United States regulators have given approval for Elon Musk's start-up Neuralink to test its brain implants on people. Poll: Brain + Computer Interfaces - The Next Frontier or Too Much, Too Soon? Options: 1. The Next Frontier 2. Too Much, Too Soon Trending via: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/25/elon-musk-neuralink-fda-approval/

While the goal, is important to approach discussions with fairness and respect, it is undeniable that certain labels are frequently employed on these forums or in the real world. First to admit again, not a saint, have used them, the ones according to one's BIAS. Poll: What is the perceived strength of political labels in shaping public opinion? Significant influence Some influence Minimal influence This is what I came up with: <-- used by the left when the debate gets heated: Fascists Racists Bigots Capitalist pigs Climate deniers --> used by the right when the debate gets heated: Socialists Snowflakes Communists Globalists MSM (=) used by the center when the debate gets heated: Extremist ideologues/Dogmatics Tribalistic partisans Populists Echo chambers followers Propaganda peddlers My Opinion: Labels in the social media world have a powerful impact on people, particularly politicians. Many blindly follow their leaders without thinking, leading to shouting matches via labels, on a daily basis, instead of meaningful discussions. In a world with a short attention span, a label can impact political discourse. In my view, is best to observe this phenomenon in the DeSantis vs Trump shout matches in the next couple of months. 😎

Breaking - Tragedy: A car crash took place outside a migrant shelter in the border city, and police reportedly think it may have been intentional. Unclear if the suspect is: a fellow migrant / or someone that targeted them with domestic radical ties / or a lunatic / or just an accident. This follows yesterday's mall gun attack that claimed the lives of 9 people: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/06/us/allen-mall-texas-shooting.html The debate on guns continues online. Now, in my view, the theories over this story will make it even uglier.One can read the comments on outside news websites to get a picture. Both suspects have not been identified just yet unless I am not up to date. It is a tragedy for the State.

⬆️ Trending via The New York Times: FBI makes arrests over alleged secret CCP 'police stations' in New York. Secret Police Stations were revealed in Canada too: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/chinese-police-station-folo-1.6691240 Poll: In your opinion -> How serious is China's breach in US and Canada? Options: Very serious Somewhat serious Not serious Other

The MAGA man from New York just finished another episode speaking to a Hungarian TV Channel. “We are fighting against barbarians who want to demolish our liberty and our traditions and everything we hold dear,” Trump said. Poll: Do you agree with Donald Trump that "Conservatives are engaged in a historic battle with the Marxists, globalists, and communists all over the world?" 😯 Options: 1. Yes 2. No 3. Other answer

2 stories are trending so decided to ask a few questions about them. I think these questions need a debate. 1. Are concerns about Houston's only lesbian bar being denied insurance for hosting drag shows indicative of an ongoing assault on LGBTQ+ spaces from the right ->, or is it an isolated incident that certain forces from the <- left are using to create more polarization? 2. Do recent laws signed by DeSantis -> against transgender care and the extension of 'Don't Say Gay' reflect a genuine concern for children's well-being, or are they part of a broader attack on transgender rights as some from the <- left claim through various media channels? What are your thoughts?

The ignore list is a feature that allows users to block certain members on online forums and social media platforms. While it can be a useful tool for managing online interactions, it has also been the subject of debate. As the anarchy continues and no official person has the stick, as @Moonbox says: "free for all", have you found yourself using the list more? Who is on your list and why? Are you considering taking them off ignore if they find a reasonable point? Ignore List Pros: Reducing exposure to trolls: By using the ignore list, users can limit their exposure to low IQ material from specific individuals. This can help create a more positive online environment for ideas to flourish. Personal control: The ignore list gives users control over who they want to interact with. Cons: Limiting other views: The ignore list can lead to an echo chamber, where users only interact with those who share similar views. This can limit exposure to other perspectives and stifle productive dialogue. Potential for misuse: The ignore list can be used to silence opposing viewpoints, rather than engaging with them. This can lead to a lack of constructive discussion and reinforce existing biases.

Toronto - A community is sounding concerned after a number of attacks by off-leash dogs on school property outside of school hours, at least one of them resulting in serious injuries. A group of students were at the school playing when an off-leash dog approached them and bit one of the students in the face. Full Article: https://www.cp24.com/news/community-urged-to-use-extreme-caution-after-boy-mauled-by-off-leash-dog-in-schoolyard-1.6401411 My understanding there is a bylaw in place, the Poll question is: Should the practice of allowing dogs to be off-leash near school premises be classified as a criminal offense?

⬆️ DeSantis signs a bill that bans Chinese citizens from buying land in Florida. Some critics say the measure discriminates. Poll: Do you agree? Should other States follow? or do you take the side of the critics? Why? https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/08/florida-ron-desantis-china-property

⬆️ Trending via Reuters Florida education officials voted to prohibit virtually any classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in all public school grades (until Grade 12), expanding on a law signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis that barred such lessons for younger students. What is your opinion on the matter?

Was reading a debate between @Moonbox and @CdnFox and wanted to start a Poll about it. What is your view about abstaining from a vote? Options: Good decision - I think abstaining is a valid choice and can be an effective decision in some cases, as a form of protest or other reasons. Bad decision - I think abstaining is a missed opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and voice one's opinion.

I specialize in opening up controversial discussions. I was thinking about discussing Danielle Smith of Alberta, but I want to make it clear that questionable language is used by politicians from all sides, all the way to the Federal Level, AND not just conservatives, + this was in private. Some use "communists", not "nazis". I use both. 😄 Trudeau's public display of anger during the convoy protests makes me wonder what he may have said in private. Oh, I have some theories about that, when he stood around announcing the Emergency Act, before then, my theory is that he said a lot in private about the convoy group, which I don't agree with by the way, just looking at the politician's hypocrisy. SERIOUS NOTE - Danielle Smith recently apologized for comments linking COVID vaccinations to Nazi followers, which doesn't surprise me due to the prevalence of such tactics even here on the board, on a daily basis. If people are so angry over Covid-19, a self-defense mechanism kicks in, and the word "nazi" "communist" "deep state" "conspiracy" "sheep" come out. I think it's important to be open-minded and start a poll to gauge whether people find it appropriate to use the word "Nazi" when discussing COVID-19? Options: 1. Yes, it's appropriate 2. No, is not appropriate 3. Other opinion

When faced with a difficult decision, do you tend to rely more on: 1. Rational thinking? or 2. Emotions? or 3. or do you have another answer? Has there been a time when you chose only by emotions and later regretted it? or maybe it turned out to be a great choice?

A shocking story of the day: Five people, including an 8-year-old child and a 15-year-old girl, were killed in the latest violence, according to the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, Texas. https://news.yahoo.com/complaint-over-gun-noise-turned-213441961.html He allegedly opened fire on his neighbors after they asked him to stop shooting rounds in his yard, with an AR-15 type of weapon. The deceased, who ranged in age from eight to their early forties, were originally from Honduras. Authorities at the scene told reporters that the shooter, the so-called man, Mr Oropeza, an illegal alien from Mexico, had been deported at least twice before the tragedy, according to Univision 45 Houston. Here is a case where an illegal immigrant who was deported twice got himself access to a weapon, so how can the argument be made that more laws stop access to guns? I stated before that the criminal element will always find a way to get a hold of a weapon, and that strict enforcement is needed for the current laws to be applied. What is your take? What is the alternative to reducing gun violence? Looking for an answer beyond: "A bad guy with a gun is stopped by a good guy with a gun". I know that tape already. Maybe some ideas outside the box, to go at the root of the problem, I said mine, is more enforcement of laws, going after weapons smugglers, since that is the only way criminals such as this have access to such weapons.

After waiting nearly 74 years to become King, the coronation of Charles III is here. Scheduled for Saturday. The ceremony comes nearly 8 months after the death of the country’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. How will a new King impact the world? There has been a lot of discussion online from those who fail to appreciate the contribution of the British Empire. While it is true that the empire had its share of flaws, like any imperialistic force, I believe it's important to look at the frameworks that the British left behind and how it has helped others to improve. This is just my personal opinion, of course, but evidence supports it. Just look at all the countries where the British went and one will see the product today. After that, compare it with other empires' work and one should see the difference. Live via AP:

Do you believe rap music has a positive impact on society? Yes or No? and why?

Discrimination is a nonlinear issue that raises questions about the principles that guide society. In this poll, consider 2 of these principles: 1. the right to discriminate and 2. the freedom from discrimination. Which of these principles do you believe is more important, and why? *Outside-the-box thinking thread. 😎

Poll: What is your stance on the legitimization and regulation of sex work in Canada? Options: Yes, prostitution should be legalized and regulated like any other industry. No, prostitution should remain illegal as it is morally wrong and harmful to society. I am undecided or do not have an opinion on the legalization of prostitution.