The Daily News 2.0

[Heald]

The Daily News

BREAKING STORY!

Daily News thread becomes too large! Second thread created!

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Also, the last news story was Dragoknight posting about Some kid being starved to death for not saying Amen. Tragic.

And here's some news from me:

British Army preparing to leave Iraq

This is the first good news I've heard for a long time; finally, after years of being bogged down in this farce, our government has pulled its head out of its arse and is bringing the boys out of a war they never should have been in in the first place.

By May 31st, most of the 4000 UK troops in Iraq will have been withdrawn. 179 UK personnel has died so far, and hopefully no one else will have to die. Those deaths are on the heads of Tony Blair and the rest of the useless government that decided to throw thousands of lives at risk in such a haphazard fashion, plus the countless lives of innocent civilians killed in Iraq through the total mismanagement of this war by this government. May all those murdered in this fiasco rest in peace.

[Mew Master]

In response to Dragoknights comment.

This just makes me mad. Similar to the parents who do nothing but pray for their child to get healthy instead of taking them to trained medical professionals who can save their child, instead doing nothing but wishful thinking and their child dies.

It frankly pisses me off.

[Roy Karrde]

Okay so is this just ego? Is he just a bad gift giver? Is it a April Fools Joke? What?!

Obama's bad gift giving strikes again

So this has been batted about all day as a possible April Fools Joke, and I really hope it is. He gives the Queen a Ipod...which she apparently already has one. And it contains pictures of her from her trip over here. As well as....Pictures of himself, and....Audio of his speeches.

Because as we all know, the Queen of England just so wants to hear a very good speech in between her songs.

[Jeff]

Well, the gift exchange with the prime minister wasn't exactly even either. I'm thinking Obama is just a bad gift giver.

[Heald]

To be honest, there is almost nothing the Queen hasn't got, so no matter what Obama could give her, she probably has already got one. Even if he rolled a cigar using the original US Constitution as paper, she would probably have one already.

And honestly, I found it hilarious Obama gave our Prime Minister Gordon Brown a set of DVDs that are unplayable in our DVD region. Considering Brown is one of the worst Prime Ministers in one of the most corrupt governments that wasn't even elected, Obama should not have treated him any differently than an African dictator or a warlord.

[Pichu Luver]

A bit of ridiculousness,

Canadian PM misses G20 photo

¬¬''' He says he was talking to officials but I'm more inclined to believe the bathroom story. *cough* Lol, I wonder what's worse, that he missed it or no one noticed XD.

Course then the Italian PM missed the second. So maybe third times the charm?

[Drago]

Funny how everyone has such a fervent opinion on how silly the Canadian is for missing the photo opportunity, and then gets so defensive whenever someone mentions the ills of their country. No doubt he just didn't want to stand there with all the plebs.

Also, Lorn from Angel died. I had liked him in Angel, and would have liked to have seen his career continue to flourish in some capacity. A real shame.

[Katie]

Re: Obama's gift, I don't think it's that bad of a gift. I believe the pictures were of her on her visits, it's always nice to have pictures of yourself when you visit interesting places or people. The songs were show tunes, old people love show tunes. Plus a "rare musical songbook signed by Richard Rodgers" which isn't exactly easy to come by. I think it shows more thought than a signed photograph of herself; seriously, who does that?

I think we'd all enjoy it if world leaders gave each other tigers and jewelry with gigantic gems and ridiculously priceless art, but times are achangin'

[classy_cat18]

Also, Lorn from Angel died. I had liked him in Angel, and would have liked to have seen his career continue to flourish in some capacity. A real shame.

Dude, he was my favorite character! That totally sucks!

[Roy Karrde]

North Korea just launched their rocket. Shit has hit the fan.

Edit: There is a video up by the Writer/Producer of Angel as a tribute to The Host/Lorne

http://www.facebook.com/video/video....9946724&ref=mf

[Heald]

EU to force ISPs to spy on their customers

A new EU law coming into effect this week means all ISPs will have to store data on everything their customers do, I guess so the EU can make sure no one is speaking ill of their wonderful super-state. I can't wait until the EU gestapo turns up at my door arresting me for thought-crimes.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

Hehe, one more thing to unite me and Heald. My beloved neighbour Sweden has the eagerness to ignore the change, but they can't just pretend they haven't noticed a thing, can they?

[Jeff]

Wisconsin man charged with arson says he was cleaning with gasoline while smoking

Yeah, I'm sure that was a cigarette he was smoking.

[Heald]

WHY SO ECSTASY?

lol...just lol.

[Drago]

LULZORS. Fantastic article - I love the fact that it took actual pills in his game to realise that perhaps his 12-year-old shouldn't be playing GTA. Also...

£25 is a bargain for four of them. Ungrateful bastard.

EDIT: I bring news from the world of entertainment. Billy Bob Thornton is weird. There's nothing quite like seeing uncomfortable interviews with eccentric celebrities. Video contained, plus bonus footage that I hadn't been aware of; Joaquin Phoenix being completely rude and spaced out on Letterman.

[Heald]

FOX News on '4chon'

FOX once again shows how hilariously inept and out of touch it is with the modern world with a rather pathetic and error-filled report on everyone's favourite image board.

EDIT This just came up for me :

UK inmates to earn voting rights

...this is just...incredible. I honestly cannot believe this is happening. All aboard the crazy train!

[Ultimate Charizard]

On a more sombre note...
Woman Shoots her own Son

A woman, diagnosed with mental illness turns a gun on her Son and then herself. Its played down on the news story above but in the press it says she left a note saying 'She heard the voice of God telling her she was wicked. The Devil and God had corrupted her and that she had to send her son to heaven and herself to hell'

Another example of what happens when Religion is beat relentlessy into someones psyche with no chance of a concious choice or the excuses of a depressed woman?

What i find amazing however (and again this isnt mentioned on the clip, only in the press) is that she was actually Barred from that same range for trying to kill herself the same way 7 years ago, yet was able to get in with her son.

[Roy Karrde]

Idiot Governor talks about Texas leaving the Union

Well Tea Parties are happening all over the US today as we reach tax day, with possibly millions protesting Obama's spending policies. But the rhetoric from Rick Perry is getting kind of scary. He is against Kay Baily in a Governor election next year and the "Anti Washington" tone is helping his poll numbers. But this type of rhetoric as well as Texas quickly becoming the "Go to" place for major companies is not good for any of us.

[Heald]

Rebecca Knowlton, 45, of Smithville, said she took the day off of home-schooling her three children and brought them to the rally to teach them about civic duty. She felt camaraderie at the demonstration.

I don't think any more really needs to be said. Also Glenn Beck approved, and by rule of thumb, anything Glenn Beck approves of or agrees with is automatically wrong.

[Roy Karrde]

I don't think any more really needs to be said. Also Glenn Beck approved, and by rule of thumb, anything Glenn Beck approves of or agrees with is automatically wrong.

Funny how you choose that, there is nothing wrong with homeschooling children. I have a aunt that does so.

Anyway the White House Tea Party was broken up after 3,000 people stood outside in the cold and rain, when some one threw a package of tea bags over the fence.

[Heald]

Perhaps if you are qualified, yes, but I find it hilarious that a woman who homeschools her 3 kids thinks teaching them that if you disagree with the government over a particular policy, you ought to scream 'secede' is teaching them about civic duty. It wasn't intended as a jibe against home-schooling.

[Roy Karrde]

Perhaps if you are qualified, yes, but I find it hilarious that a woman who homeschools her 3 kids thinks teaching them that if you disagree with the government over a particular policy, you ought to scream 'secede' is teaching them about civic duty. It wasn't intended as a jibe against home-schooling.

You might be a bit confused. The protest wasn't about seceding, it was the Governor that has brought that up. The tea party was in protest of the out of control spending Washington has done and their inability to listen to the people. The woman brought her children to a protest of Government programs which is what this country was founded on.

[Ultimate Charizard]

The thing is though Roy is that no matter who is in power, theres always someone who isnt happy. Just because the ruling party isnt your party (and i mean generally here not specifically you) then you cant all of a sudden turn your back on your government because u dont happen to like the decisions its making.
Saying 'they arent listening to the people' isnt right. There are obviously people who support what theyre doing and how theyre spending. Because these people shout their opinion and it isnt immediately obeyed they claim they arent being listend to? There would be no point to government if they immediately bent over and followed every demand made of them by their people.
Its called Democracy. You keep bleating about how America is a free country and founded on morals and ideals but that seems to stop for Some Americans when its the other guy in charge.

[Heald]

The woman brought her children to a protest of Government programs which is what this country was founded on.

So instead of allowing her children to make their own minds up, she's decided to drag them to a protest that they probably don't understand and might not agree with if they had the education under the pretence of 'it's your civil duty'.

That said, 99% of Americans probably don't get what the hell they're protesting about. They probably think, 'Some Conservative commentator told me to protest about taxes and stuff', just like those idiots who invaded London last week.

[Roy Karrde]

The thing is though Roy is that no matter who is in power, theres always someone who isnt happy. Just because the ruling party isnt your party (and i mean generally here not specifically you) then you cant all of a sudden turn your back on your government because u dont happen to like the decisions its making.

That is right, but I do want to remind you that this is a Bi Partisan event, with hundreds of thousands from both sides of the ideological spectrum showing up.

Saying 'they arent listening to the people' isnt right. There are obviously people who support what theyre doing and how theyre spending.

That is true, but there are millions who do not and that is what today is for.

Because these people shout their opinion and it isnt immediately obeyed they claim they arent being listend to? There would be no point to government if they immediately bent over and followed every demand made of them by their people.

True, but then again there was not popular support for trillions of dollars of spending in either the Stimulus or Obama's new budget. The price is so high, and so utterly destructive, that more and more people are getting fed up with it, and yes their representatives should obey.

Its called Democracy. You keep bleating about how America is a free country and founded on morals and ideals but that seems to stop for Some Americans when its the other guy in charge.

Excuse me but I believe there were protests against Bush, maybe not on this massive of a scale but there were protests against him. I have no problem with that happening, but with the damage and spending that has gone on, on this scale, is very very dangerous.

[Ultimate Charizard]

The thing is though, and im sorry if im wrong (im not that knowledgeable about American Politics) but Bush was 'your party'. I can understand why you would have no problems with people demonstrating against him. Because you could say 'Tough shit, he's in office, deal with it' then sit back and smile, despite the entire world knowin he was about as smart as a box of Dog biscuits.

Now again im not too upto date but what is all this money being spent on? If its hookers and parties on the White House lawn then fair enough. If its on things that will benefit the country (if not the world) but you dont agree with for whatever reason then again i think thats just something u should accept. If representatives should obey then Bush would have gone and sat in a play-pen and left the country to someone who knew what they were doing.

Lets not forget that there are other reasons some are protesting. Basically the fact that Obama isnt a White, God-fearin kinda person and his name is suspiciously close to both 'Osama' and 'A Bomber'. From what ive seen he's a very intelligent guy who isnt just gonna squander billions on nothing but hes being hounded by the ignorant and the bigoted whipped up into a fear frenzy by the last regime.

[Roy Karrde]

The thing is though, and im sorry if im wrong (im not that knowledgeable about American Politics) but Bush was 'your party'. I can understand why you would have no problems with people demonstrating against him. Because you could say 'Tough shit, he's in office, deal with it' then sit back and smile, despite the entire world knowin he was about as smart as a box of Dog biscuits.

These protests are basically the cumulative anger of Bush's last year and Obama's first. Which is why you are getting so much Bypartisan support. Thing is that the Government is spending trillions and trillions of dollars, that the Anger toward it is finally boiling over.

Now again im not too upto date but what is all this money being spent on? If its hookers and parties on the White House lawn then fair enough. If its on things that will benefit the country (if not the world) but you dont agree with for whatever reason then again i think thats just something u should accept. If representatives should obey then Bush would have gone and sat in a play-pen and left the country to someone who knew what they were doing.

It being beneficial is pretty much relative, as for some things like Parks and Roads will probably be taken up by Illegal Immigrants and will not stimulate anything. There is also the very sizeable amount of money that will not be spent until 2011 which most likely the recession will be over with. And then there is the stupidity of spending it to produce Universal Health Care, which in the middle of a Economic Crisis should not be a priority.

Lets not forget that there are other reasons some are protesting. Basically the fact that Obama isnt a White, God-fearin kinda person and his name is suspiciously close to both 'Osama' and 'A Bomber'. From what ive seen he's a very intelligent guy who isnt just gonna squander billions on nothing but hes being hounded by the ignorant and the bigoted whipped up into a fear frenzy by the last regime.

Well it is pretty ignorant to dismiss them like that. But there have been some very very horrid things Obama has been doing these last few months. And I mean nauseating horrible things that I would rather not get in discussion with. I would rather not turn this discussion into Obama as so far he has been a nightmare of a President and I would rather not spend pages venting.

[Ultimate Charizard]

Did you just say Universal Healthcare (which i assume is similar to the NHS), where anyone can be seen and treated as a human being, not only those that can pay the bills, is a stupid idea?

I got into this kind of argument with some Christian Extremists nut the other day quoting that Obama's ideas to take money in taxes from the rich to fund national programs for the less well off was ungodly. As soon as i pointed out that he was infering that the Rich have a greater priority in the afterlife than the faithfull he shut up. Is this really what im seeing? People so obsessed with the fact its 'the other sides ideas' that theyre doing their best to ridicule anything they come up with? Even if its blatanty a good idea?

[Blademaster]

Of course if BUSH was the one doing these mysterious horrible atrocities on the other hand...

[Roy Karrde]

Did you just say Universal Healthcare (which i assume is similar to the NHS), where anyone can be seen and treated as a human being, not only those that can pay the bills, is a stupid idea?

Seeing how we are in a Economic Crisis, and do not have the trillions to pay for it. Yes right now it is a stupid idea.

I got into this kind of argument with some Christian Extremists nut the other day quoting that Obama's ideas to take money in taxes from the rich to fund national programs for the less well off was ungodly.

Sick me on them, that kind of stupidity really....well I believe castration would benifit this world greatly

As soon as i pointed out that he was infering that the Rich have a greater priority in the afterlife than the faithfull he shut up. Is this really what im seeing? People so obsessed with the fact its 'the other sides ideas' that theyre doing their best to ridicule anything they come up with? Even if its blatanty a good idea?

Those people tend to be at the fringe of society, and I mean absolute fringe.

Of course if BUSH was the one doing these mysterious horrible atrocities on the other hand...

If Bush had lifted the ban on news organizations covering coffins of servicemen coming off aircraft, or tried to pass the idea that Veterans injured in a war should pay for their own Health Care for the injuries. I promise you I would be just as pissed.

[Ultimate Charizard]

or tried to pass the idea that Veterans injured in a war should pay for their own Health Care for the injuries. I promise you I would be just as pissed.

Thats called politics. If hes wanting to push for Universal Healthcare, and it gets instated they wont have to pay for it anyway...

[Roy Karrde]

Thats called politics. If hes wanting to push for Universal Healthcare, and it gets instated they wont have to pay for it anyway...

I think you picked the wrong quote.

As for paying for it, Obama's budged already has a "Down payment" of 600 Billion dollars for Universal Healthcare. If that is just a down payment, you can imagine how many trillions the actual number goes to, to finance it.

Now I don't mind Health Care Reform, as long as it is a original idea and not a copy and paste of Britain or Canada. But we just can't afford it right now. I mean that is what these tea parties are about, the anger of so much out of control spending.

[MToolen]

I realize this is a serious conversation with dire consequences, not only to us here in the states but also as a ripple effect to our friends beyond our borders, but this was just too good to pass up.

[Drago]

Thank you for that MToolen. Thank you very much. Good to see that Australia retains its reputation as the wild and crazy nation of snakes and stuff - I don't mind having that, actually.

Not the best piece of news, but it makes you ponder - the poorly trained state of 000 operators (911 for some of y'all).

[Heald]

Pirate Bay founders found guilty

It's a scary day when big business is allowed to legislate from the courts. Maybe I'd have sympathy if they actually had a case, but frankly, it was an appalling sham trial.

[Blademaster]

Serves the bastards right. Every game that gets pirated is a game that detracts from sales. That means game devs lose more money. That means I have to spend more money. Let the fuckers share a cell with Bubba for the next twelve months. I doubt it'll detract from anyone else pirating games, but at least that's one less group out for themselves ruining things for the rest of us.

[Heald]

Pirate Bay is not doing anything illegal, it's the people who are illegally downloading games without license who are the real criminals. Saying you should prosecute people for providing a frankly wonderful infrastructure (torrents can be used for legal reason too and torrenting is one of the greatest forms of file-sharing) that a certain number of people use for illegal reasons is like saying you should prosecute the people who build roads because people use roads for illegal reasons (smuggling, car chases, speeding etc.), which is frankly appalling.

There are ways for developers and musicians to deliver products that are near impossible to pirate. Look at Steam: one of the greatest success stories. No DRM, no secret software that spies on your computer, no malware, no bullshit, and frankly, it works.

The best thing, and quite a likely outcome, that pirating will bring about is the destruction of the corrupt music producers and games publishers who exploit decent musicians and developers. If they collapse, then music and games will be cheaper, because its the producers and publishers who take the largest cut from the profits in the first place.

And even if you disagree with pirating, then fine, but this trial was an entire sham. It was brought about by a collection of businessmen not interested in protecting music, games or any other form of art or entertainment but making money who are entirely clueless about how the internet works, much like the court, so they just screamed 'INTERNET EVIL PIRATES BLAH BLAH BLAH' for a week. It stops being about piracy any more and sets a dangerous new precedent: Big businesses being allowed to legislate from the courts. Never mind the stranglehold big business has over government in the first place in the form of lobbying and paying off politicians and committees, being able to win court cases by presenting lies, mis-truths and misleading the court on all counts by going after people who possibly have not enough money to hire any sort of decent defence against their own legal teams and they are effectively allowed to set legal precedents.

A few years ago, Norway set a fantastic legal precedence: the film industry brought a case against some guy who had been ripping his DVDs onto his PC for storage reasons. The court ruled in favour of the guy, saying that because the DVD was his physical property, he could do whatever he wanted with it. If we see that kind of progression in other countries, we could finally get rid of stuff such as those horrible EULAs and SecuROM.

[Blademaster]

Hey, in my defense, the place is called The PIRATE Bay, so can you blame me for assuming that the place was BUILT around the illegal practices that have made it (in)famous?

[Heald]

Yeah, I bet that probably didn't help their case. I imagine most of the court thought they were Somalian.

[Blademaster]

Astronomers discover what could be the oldest galaxy in the known Universe.

OK, that ain't EXACTLY what the article says, but it's still interesting to find something 40 billion times the size of the Sun and have no damn clue what it is.