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erronis
erronis's Journal
erronis's Journal
April 18, 2024
I know the DU "Latest Breaking News" is highly vetted and many only think the MSM should show up here.
The ICIJ is responsible for publishing many breaking investigative stories including The Panama Papers, The Pandora Papers, and many others.
UK freezes London property linked to Putin ally after ICIJ report
Source: ICIJ (for those who don't know, the Internation Consortium of Investigative Journalists)
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the U.K. government has faced criticism for failing to enforce sanctions, reportedly overlooking even poorly hidden Kremlin-linked funds and assets.
U.K. authorities froze a multimillion-dollar London townhouse linked to Igor Komarov roughly one week after the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed the property appeared untouched by sanctions against the high-ranking Kremlin official.
In February, ICIJ showed the ongoing connection between Komarov and the townhouse on Herbert Crescent — a prime location in central London — which was purchased for more than $16.5 million in 2007 through a British Virgin Islands-based shell company he previously controlled.
...
“Without leaked data, this property would have remained hidden behind a trust arrangement, despite recent efforts by the UK to bring greater transparency to property ownership.”
Cowdock described the Herbert Crescent townhouse as “just the tip of the iceberg,” and warned that properties belonging to sanctioned individuals remained hidden behind opaque trusts, which are exempt from the reporting requirements of the ROE.
Read more: https://www.icij.org/investigations/pandora-papers/uk-freezes-london-property-linked-to-putin-ally-after-icij-report/
I know the DU "Latest Breaking News" is highly vetted and many only think the MSM should show up here.
The ICIJ is responsible for publishing many breaking investigative stories including The Panama Papers, The Pandora Papers, and many others.
April 16, 2024
Bill Barr: The GOP's Master "Fixer" for Decades Exposed -- Hartmann
https://hartmannreport.com/p/bill-barr-the-gops-master-fixer-forAnd now we learn he apparently covered up Trump’s link to Russia (the Mueller Report) & his scheme to fix the 2016 election by shutting up Stormy Daniels, Karen MacDougal & the Trump Tower doorman…
“By July 2019 ... federal prosecutors determined that no additional people would be charged alongside [Michael] Cohen. ... [Y]our apparent decision to pursue criminal charges where federal authorities declined to do so requires oversight....”
They were furious that Bragg would prosecute Trump for a crime that the federal Department of Justice had already decided in 2019 and announced that they weren’t going to pursue.
But why didn’t Bill Barr’s Department of Justice proceed after they’d already put Michael Cohen in prison for a year for delivering the check to Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet at least until after the election, and then lying about it? Why didn’t they go after the guy who ordered the check written, the guy who’d had sex with Daniels, the guy whose run for the presidency was hanging in the balance?
They were furious that Bragg would prosecute Trump for a crime that the federal Department of Justice had already decided in 2019 and announced that they weren’t going to pursue.
But why didn’t Bill Barr’s Department of Justice proceed after they’d already put Michael Cohen in prison for a year for delivering the check to Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet at least until after the election, and then lying about it? Why didn’t they go after the guy who ordered the check written, the guy who’d had sex with Daniels, the guy whose run for the presidency was hanging in the balance?
April 13, 2024
This seems a very unintuitive solution to a long-standing mystery. But it totally makes sense.
The science of static shock jolted into the 21st century - phys.org
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-science-static-jolted-21st-century.htmlThis seems a very unintuitive solution to a long-standing mystery. But it totally makes sense.
Shuffling across the carpet to zap a friend may be the oldest trick in the book, but on a deep level that prank still mystifies scientists, even after thousands of years of study.
Now Princeton researchers have sparked new life into static. Using millions of hours of computational time to run detailed simulations, the researchers found a way to describe static charge atom-by-atom with the mathematics of heat and work. Their paper, "Thermodynamic driving forces in contact electrification between polymeric materials," appears in Nature Communications.
The study looked specifically at how charge moves between materials that do not allow the free flow of electrons, called insulating materials, such as vinyl and acrylic. The researchers said there is no established view on what mechanisms drive these jolts, despite the ubiquity of static: the crackle and pop of clothes pulled from a dryer, packing peanuts that cling to a box.
"We know it's not electrons," said Mike Webb, assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering, who led the study. "What is it?"
...
Now Princeton researchers have sparked new life into static. Using millions of hours of computational time to run detailed simulations, the researchers found a way to describe static charge atom-by-atom with the mathematics of heat and work. Their paper, "Thermodynamic driving forces in contact electrification between polymeric materials," appears in Nature Communications.
The study looked specifically at how charge moves between materials that do not allow the free flow of electrons, called insulating materials, such as vinyl and acrylic. The researchers said there is no established view on what mechanisms drive these jolts, despite the ubiquity of static: the crackle and pop of clothes pulled from a dryer, packing peanuts that cling to a box.
"We know it's not electrons," said Mike Webb, assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering, who led the study. "What is it?"
In other words, they used math to simulate the movement of around 80,000 atoms. Those simulations matched real-life observations with a very high degree of precision. It turns out, in all likelihood, static shock is a function of water, and more specifically, the free energy of stray water ions.
With that framework, Webb and Zhang revealed the molecular underpinnings of those familiar shocks in infinitesimal detail. They blew Sundaresan's black box wide open. If only Thales could see.
With that framework, Webb and Zhang revealed the molecular underpinnings of those familiar shocks in infinitesimal detail. They blew Sundaresan's black box wide open. If only Thales could see.
April 12, 2024
Shared: https://wapo.st/3JhU5mc
This should scare anyone with a retirement account.
How did so many Americans' retirement money end up in Bermuda? -- Opinion WaPo
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/12/us-retirement-nest-eggs-reinsurance-bermuda/Shared: https://wapo.st/3JhU5mc
This should scare anyone with a retirement account.
Without meaning to, the world’s soccer fans and sportswriters have opened a window into the secretive but influential world of Bermuda reinsurance. Just a glimpse is enough to raise concerns about the retirement security of millions of Americans.
We’re talking here about people who have either earned a defined-benefit pension at work or bought an annuity from a life insurer. No one ever asked them whether they would like to have their nest eggs moved offshore, or leveraged, or put in the hands of a non-U.S. regulator.
But increasingly, this is what’s happening. Countless Americans now depend on the skill and dedication of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, and they don’t even know it.
We’re talking here about people who have either earned a defined-benefit pension at work or bought an annuity from a life insurer. No one ever asked them whether they would like to have their nest eggs moved offshore, or leveraged, or put in the hands of a non-U.S. regulator.
But increasingly, this is what’s happening. Countless Americans now depend on the skill and dedication of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, and they don’t even know it.
April 11, 2024
This is basically describing a technology that would allow people to control their own data while using computing power in the cloud. Currently we are required to upload (albeit perhaps invisibly) our information to the cloud for processing. This includes personal information (PII, PHI), financials, documents, etc.
...
New advances promise secure quantum computing at home -- phys.org
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-advances-quantum-home.htmlThis is basically describing a technology that would allow people to control their own data while using computing power in the cloud. Currently we are required to upload (albeit perhaps invisibly) our information to the cloud for processing. This includes personal information (PII, PHI), financials, documents, etc.
The full power of next-generation quantum computing could soon be harnessed by millions of individuals and companies, thanks to a breakthrough by scientists at Oxford University Physics guaranteeing security and privacy. This advance promises to unlock the transformative potential of cloud-based quantum computing and is detailed in a new study published in Physical Review Letters. The paper is titled "Verifiable blind quantum computing with trapped ions and single photons."
Quantum computing is developing rapidly, paving the way for new applications that could transform services in many areas like health care and financial services. It works in a fundamentally different way than conventional computing and is potentially far more powerful. However, it currently requires controlled conditions to remain stable and there are concerns around data authenticity and the effectiveness of current security and encryption systems.
Quantum computing is developing rapidly, paving the way for new applications that could transform services in many areas like health care and financial services. It works in a fundamentally different way than conventional computing and is potentially far more powerful. However, it currently requires controlled conditions to remain stable and there are concerns around data authenticity and the effectiveness of current security and encryption systems.
...
"Never in history have the issues surrounding privacy of data and code been more urgently debated than in the present era of cloud computing and artificial intelligence," said Professor David Lucas. "As quantum computers become more capable, people will seek to use them with complete security and privacy over networks, and our new results mark a step change in capability in this respect."
The results could ultimately lead to commercial development of devices to plug into laptops, to safeguard data when people are using quantum cloud computing services.
The results could ultimately lead to commercial development of devices to plug into laptops, to safeguard data when people are using quantum cloud computing services.
April 10, 2024
We have been warned.
Much more to digest and worry about.
Anticipate Stochastic Terrorism : Tom Sullivan - DIgbysblog
https://digbysblog.net/2024/04/10/anticipate-stochastic-terrorism/We have been warned.
“No one in law enforcement should be caught off guard if trouble breaks out before, during, or after the November presidential election,” Juliette Kayyem begins in The Atlantic.
It is not too soon for the Biden administration and the Department of Justice to start what-iffing a response, and to take seriously recommendations made by the January 6th Committee . It appears the administration means to get ahead of the next insurrection. “A show of readiness,” Kayyem writes, “can also deter people who might have learned the wrong lesson from the Capitol riot: that just a bit more violence might have changed the outcome of the 2020 election.” Because the most hardcore MAGA soldiers not already in jail (especially those with military training) will have learned from Jan. 6 how to do a coup and how not to.
Kayyem adds:
It is not too soon for the Biden administration and the Department of Justice to start what-iffing a response, and to take seriously recommendations made by the January 6th Committee . It appears the administration means to get ahead of the next insurrection. “A show of readiness,” Kayyem writes, “can also deter people who might have learned the wrong lesson from the Capitol riot: that just a bit more violence might have changed the outcome of the 2020 election.” Because the most hardcore MAGA soldiers not already in jail (especially those with military training) will have learned from Jan. 6 how to do a coup and how not to.
Kayyem adds:
Any attempts to shore up the nation’s defenses against political violence might be misinterpreted—or intentionally misconstrued—by some of Trump’s supporters as an attempt by a Democratic administration to use federal power to interfere in the 2024 election. But the fact that everything Biden does at this stage will be seen through a politicized lens shouldn’t scare him into inaction.
If Trump and his supporters want to quibble with plans to protect election officials from external pressure during vote counts in Georgia and Wisconsin, or to protect members of Congress from rioters during the certification process, then they should do so out loud, before the election. But preparing for election turmoil shouldn’t be a partisan issue. The right keeps warning us of the potential for left-wing antifa violence; surely conservatives would want the executive branch to prevent it from affecting the vote certification if Trump wins. The best course is to lay out transparent plans to safeguard the electoral process no matter who is ultimately sworn in.
Much more to digest and worry about.
April 10, 2024
Do the US gun-humpers think they'll be able to keep their weapons when Putin takes charge?
If the (r)epuglicon party wins the presidency in the US, the process of controlling gun ownership will start.
They (the russians) will first install a new leader soon after trump takes power - perhaps with trump's help - but in the end he'll be disposed of. They will subvert the DOD, DOJ, and any other necessary obstacles. During the early phases of this new Special Military Operation, magats will be allowed to help get rid of state enemies (and we know who they/we are.) After the prophesied blood-bath has happened, the population including the magats will be disarmed. I'm sure this will be another "interesting" time.
If the magats/(r)epuglicons think they'll be able to keep humping their weapons, look at the laws on the books in russia. Of course, the USofR, being a satellite state will have even less ability to fight back or keep any weapons.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_control_in_Russia
Overview
As of 2013 Russian citizens over 18 years of age can obtain a firearms license after attending gun-safety classes and passing a federal test and background check. Firearms may be acquired for self-defense, hunting, or sports activities, as well as for collection purposes.
Carrying permits may be issued for hunting firearms licensed for hunting purposes. Initially, purchases are limited to long smooth-bore firearms and pneumatic weapons with a muzzle energy of up to 25 joules (18 ft?lbf). After five years of shotgun ownership, rifles may be purchased. Handguns were generally not allowed, but with the growing popularity of practical shooting events and competitions in Russia in recent years (e.g., IPSC), handgun ownership has now been allowed and you must be 21 years of age, a legal Russian citizen and possess a valid firearms permit. Originally, handguns were only used for sports and competitive shooting, but have recently been allowed for the purposes of self-defense on an owner's property.
As of 2023, handguns using live ammunition are not allowed to be concealed carry in public. The only legal handguns allowed in public are handguns using rubber bullets, and may be used for the purposes of self-defense. The only exception to this federal law are commemoration pistols, which have special engravings, and these can only be gifted by government officials for acts of heroism. These engraved pistols may use live ammunition and are allowed to be concealed carried, and used for the purposes of self-defense, provided the recipient is 21 years of age or older, and possess a valid firearms permit. Rifles and shotguns with barrels less than 500 mm (20 in) long are prohibited, as are firearms which shoot in bursts or have more than a 10-round capacity. The only exception for the 10-round capacity, is for use on gun ranges. Suppressors are generally prohibited and must receive special government permission. An individual cannot possess more than ten guns (up to five shotguns and up to five rifles, either rifled or smooth-bore) unless they are part of a registered gun collection.[2]
As of 2013 Russian citizens over 18 years of age can obtain a firearms license after attending gun-safety classes and passing a federal test and background check. Firearms may be acquired for self-defense, hunting, or sports activities, as well as for collection purposes.
Carrying permits may be issued for hunting firearms licensed for hunting purposes. Initially, purchases are limited to long smooth-bore firearms and pneumatic weapons with a muzzle energy of up to 25 joules (18 ft?lbf). After five years of shotgun ownership, rifles may be purchased. Handguns were generally not allowed, but with the growing popularity of practical shooting events and competitions in Russia in recent years (e.g., IPSC), handgun ownership has now been allowed and you must be 21 years of age, a legal Russian citizen and possess a valid firearms permit. Originally, handguns were only used for sports and competitive shooting, but have recently been allowed for the purposes of self-defense on an owner's property.
As of 2023, handguns using live ammunition are not allowed to be concealed carry in public. The only legal handguns allowed in public are handguns using rubber bullets, and may be used for the purposes of self-defense. The only exception to this federal law are commemoration pistols, which have special engravings, and these can only be gifted by government officials for acts of heroism. These engraved pistols may use live ammunition and are allowed to be concealed carried, and used for the purposes of self-defense, provided the recipient is 21 years of age or older, and possess a valid firearms permit. Rifles and shotguns with barrels less than 500 mm (20 in) long are prohibited, as are firearms which shoot in bursts or have more than a 10-round capacity. The only exception for the 10-round capacity, is for use on gun ranges. Suppressors are generally prohibited and must receive special government permission. An individual cannot possess more than ten guns (up to five shotguns and up to five rifles, either rifled or smooth-bore) unless they are part of a registered gun collection.[2]
March 30, 2024
But trump just needs to let putin and the "owners" tell him what they want him to do.
Ex-Trump adviser says former president 'hasn't got the brains' for dictatorship
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/30/john-bolton-donald-trump-dictatorshipBut trump just needs to let putin and the "owners" tell him what they want him to do.
A former national security adviser in the Donald Trump White House has said that the ex-president “hasn’t got the brains” to helm a dictatorship, despite his admiration for such rulers.
In an interview with the conservative French outlet Le Figaro, John Bolton, 75, was asked whether Trump had tendencies that mirror dictators like the ones he has previously praised. Bolton not only disparaged Trump’s intellectual capacity, he also disparaged the former president’s professional background, exclaiming: “He’s a property developer, for God’s sake!”
Older white man, poofy hair, dark suit, red tie, standing outside under an umbrella someone else is holding, with police officers in vaunted caps standing in formation behind him.
Trump rebuked for sharing video showing Biden hog-tied on pickup truck
Read more
Now a vocal critic of Trump, Bolton served as the former president’s national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019. Bolton had previously served as US ambassador to the UN during George W Bush’s presidency, developing a reputation as a foreign policy hawk.
Bolton’s remarks to Le Figaro suggesting Trump is not smart enough to be a dictator will almost certainly do little to allay fears on the political left at home or abroad about a second Trump presidency.
In an interview with the conservative French outlet Le Figaro, John Bolton, 75, was asked whether Trump had tendencies that mirror dictators like the ones he has previously praised. Bolton not only disparaged Trump’s intellectual capacity, he also disparaged the former president’s professional background, exclaiming: “He’s a property developer, for God’s sake!”
Older white man, poofy hair, dark suit, red tie, standing outside under an umbrella someone else is holding, with police officers in vaunted caps standing in formation behind him.
Trump rebuked for sharing video showing Biden hog-tied on pickup truck
Read more
Now a vocal critic of Trump, Bolton served as the former president’s national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019. Bolton had previously served as US ambassador to the UN during George W Bush’s presidency, developing a reputation as a foreign policy hawk.
Bolton’s remarks to Le Figaro suggesting Trump is not smart enough to be a dictator will almost certainly do little to allay fears on the political left at home or abroad about a second Trump presidency.
March 28, 2024
Chevron owns this city's news site. Many stories aren't told - NPR
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/28/1239650727/chevron-fossil-fuel-richmond-standard-california-newsRICHMOND, Calif. — Open flames shot upward from four smokestacks at the Chevron refinery on the western edge of Richmond, Calif. Soon, black smoke blanketed the sky.
News spread quickly that day last November, but by word of mouth, says Denny Khamphanthong, a 29-year-old Richmond resident. "We don't know the full story, but we know that you shouldn't breathe in the air or be outside for that matter," Khamphanthong says now. "It would be nice to have an actual news outlet that would actually go out there and figure it out themselves."
The city's primary local news source, The Richmond Standard, didn't cover the flare. Nor had it reported on a 2021 Chevron refinery pipeline rupture that dumped nearly 800 gallons of diesel fuel into San Francisco Bay.
Chevron is the city's largest employer, largest taxpayer and largest polluter. Yet when it comes to writing about Chevron, The Richmond Standard consistently toes the company line. ---- And there's a reason for that: Chevron owns The Richmond Standard.
News spread quickly that day last November, but by word of mouth, says Denny Khamphanthong, a 29-year-old Richmond resident. "We don't know the full story, but we know that you shouldn't breathe in the air or be outside for that matter," Khamphanthong says now. "It would be nice to have an actual news outlet that would actually go out there and figure it out themselves."
The city's primary local news source, The Richmond Standard, didn't cover the flare. Nor had it reported on a 2021 Chevron refinery pipeline rupture that dumped nearly 800 gallons of diesel fuel into San Francisco Bay.
Chevron is the city's largest employer, largest taxpayer and largest polluter. Yet when it comes to writing about Chevron, The Richmond Standard consistently toes the company line. ---- And there's a reason for that: Chevron owns The Richmond Standard.
March 26, 2024
Petri: Please, everyone, welcome the Joker to the Gotham news team!
Shared: https://wapo.st/3xbrhsy
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/26/ronna-mcdaniel-nbc-joker-satire/
Just writing to try to quell the unrest we’ve been hearing in our ranks at the addition of the Joker to our roster of contributors. First, I want to say that you are all valued — not just seen but also heard, unlike a child in the Victorian era. We appreciate the years you’ve put in and the sacrifices you’ve made for this organization. Please don’t be mad we hired the Joker! It’s stressing us out.
Gotham is going through a trying time. And who better to help us understand what’s really at play here than the Clown Prince of Crime? We were looking through our roster, and someone on our board asked, “Are any of the contributors not just clowns but also criminals?” and we were forced to admit that, no, in fact, we had no one whatsoever from that demographic. “Seems like an oversight,” the board said, and we agreed.
Gotham is going through a trying time. And who better to help us understand what’s really at play here than the Clown Prince of Crime? We were looking through our roster, and someone on our board asked, “Are any of the contributors not just clowns but also criminals?” and we were forced to admit that, no, in fact, we had no one whatsoever from that demographic. “Seems like an oversight,” the board said, and we agreed.
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