Friday, November 26, 2021

And another day of the new omicron variant, restricting travel, the US gun culture vs the rest of the world, first ever weather ‘red alert’ for BC, PTSD service dogs, a gay Santa Claus, AI controlled weapons, and Madonna and IGs nipple policy comes to a close:

“Giving thanks that I have managed to maintain my sanity through four decades of censorship… sexism… ageism and misogyny.” -- Madonna

Deaths

US: 799,138 (+587)

World: 5,206,265 (+7284)

Cases

US: 49,050,917 (+51,180)

World: 260,877,017 (+574,427)

World races to contain new COVID threat, the omicron variant. Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the world raced Friday to contain a new coronavirus variant potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled relentless waves of infection on nearly every continent.

Rise of a new coronavirus variant in Africa looks like the disaster scenario experts warned of if rich nations hoarded vaccines for themselves. Experts are describing B.1.1.529 as worrying, pointing to its high number of mutations, which means it could render existing antibodies, vaccines, and treatments less effective.

Belgium has become the first European country to confirm the presence of the new COVID variant first detected in South Africa.

Biden to restrict travel from South Africa and seven other countries starting Monday. Acting on advice from the nation's top infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Biden administration will restrict travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

Canada is closing its borders to travelers who have recently been to seven southern African nations to help stop the spread of the Omicron variant, its health minister says.

How US gun culture stacks up with the world. Ubiquitous gun violence in the United States has left few places unscathed over the decades. Still, many Americans hold their right to bear arms, enshrined in the US Constitution, as sacrosanct. But critics of the Second Amendment say that right threatens another: The right to life. America's relationship to gun ownership is unique, and its gun culture is a global outlier…The United States is the only nation in the world where civilian guns outnumber people…In 2019, the number of US deaths from gun violence was about 4 per 100,000 people. That's 18 times the average rate in other developed countries. Multiple studies show access to guns contributes to higher firearm-related homicide rates…The country recorded the largest number of gun-related suicides in the world every year from 1990 to 2019…Half of the world's developed countries had at least one public mass shooting between 1998 and 2019.* But no other nation saw more than eight incidents over 22 years, while the United States had over 100 — with almost 2,000 people killed or injured…Many countries around the world have been able to tackle gun violence. Yet, despite the thousands of lost lives in the US, only around half of US adults favor stricter gun laws, according to the recent Pew survey, and political reform remains at a standstill. The deadly cycle of violence seems destined to continue.

Editorial: And speaking of American gun culture. Matt Gaetz is actively trying to get more people killed “I will be introducing a National Stand Your Ground Law following Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial.”

Many parents of color see the not guilty verdicts in the Rittenhouse trial as just one example of what their children face every day.

Canada issues weather 'red alert' for British Columbia. Environment Canada has issued its first "red alert" for British Columbia ahead of what officials are characterizing as a dangerous weather system expected to push more atmospheric rivers into the province. "The red level is something new that we have not issued,"

More veterans with PTSD will soon get help from service dogs. Thank the 'PAWS' Act. A growing body of research into PTSD and service animals paved the way for President Joe Biden to sign into law the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act. The legislation, enacted in August, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to open its service dog referral program to veterans with PTSD, and to launch a five-year pilot program in which veterans with PTSD help train service dogs for other veterans.

Madonna’s defiant lingerie photoshoot removed by Instagram for violating its nipple policy. Across a series of photographs, the 63-year-old posed in leather lingerie and fishnets sprawled across – and under – her bed. In some shots, one of her nipples can be seen. It was Madonna doing what she does best – fighting against the pernicious idea that older women no longer matter…Madonna also laced into the unfair double standards that mean men can freely show their chest while women cannot. “Can’t a man’s nipple be experienced as erotic ??!!” she fumed. “And what about a woman’s ass which is never censored anywhere. Giving thanks that I have managed to maintain my sanity through four decades of censorship… sexism… ageism and misogyny.’

Santa Claus is gay in new Norwegian ad. An ad titled "When Harry met Santa" depicts Father Christmas in a relationship with a man to mark 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalized in Norway.

'World-leading' Down's syndrome bill clears first hurdle in Parliament. Plans to ensure people with Down's syndrome get lifelong care have passed the first hurdle on the way to being law in England.

The Pentagon Inches Toward Letting AI Control Weapons. Drills involving swarms of drones raise questions about whether machines could outperform a human operator in complex scenarios. “Is it even necessary to have a human in the loop?” — And Skynet smiles. 

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Stay safe and stay sane. Good night.