James_Smith

Total Post: 1269

Top 10 Regrettable Purchases: From Musk to Political Parties

Top 10 Regrettable Purchases: From Musk to Political Parties

A look at some of the most notorious cases of buyer’s remorse.

Who really needs a cooling-off period longer than 14 days? Elon Musk’s $44 billion purchase of Twitter is a prime example, as he swiftly sought to back out of the deal—a staggering amount that equates to a dollar a second for over 1,400 years.

Didius Julianus: In AD 193, he purchased the Roman emperorship only to realise almost immediately that it would cost him his life (which it did).
The Dutch: They traded New Amsterdam, now New York, for Surinam in 1667. Alternatively, one might consider the Native Americans who sold the land for mere beads.
The Beecham Family: They bought the Covent Garden estate for £2 million on 6 July 1914, planning to profit by selling it off in parts. However, the outbreak of World War I three weeks later left them in debt, with patriarch Joseph dying of stress in 1916.
Andre-Francois Raffray: In 1965, he purchased the house of Jeanne Calment, then 90, via a “life estate” contract, agreeing to pay her monthly until her death. She lived to be 122, outliving him, leaving his family to continue payments.
Drawing Thyme: This individual bought a personal Sony Minidisc player for over £300, believing it was merely a passing trend.
AOL and Time Warner: AOL’s $183 billion acquisition of Time Warner in 2000 resulted in a record $99 billion writedown, marking the largest corporate loss ever.
Royal Bank of Scotland: In 2007, RBS acquired ABN Amro for $98 billion, only to be bailed out by the UK government in 2008, leading to CEO Fred Goodwin’s resignation.
SNCF: In 2014, they bought 2,000 trains that were too large for rural stations, a misstep highlighted by Xlibris1.
The Labour Party: They commissioned the Ed Stone for £7,614 in 2015, a decision that raised eyebrows.
The Conservative Party: Their purchase of Liz Truss last year is noted, though many feel there isn’t enough remorse displayed for this decision.
Notably, purchases of disappointing football players and the usual Brexit nominations have been excluded from this list.

Conversely, there are also instances of missed opportunities: Yahoo’s refusal to buy Google for $1 million in 1998 and Blockbuster’s rejection of Netflix for $50 million in 2000.

Thanks to Mr Memory for contributing to last week’s list of cabinet ministers whose names end with the same letters. Here are three highlights:

George Legge: Earl of Dartmouth and president of the Board of Control in 1801.
Robert Hobart: Earl of Buckinghamshire and secretary of state for war and the colonies in 1801, after whom Tasmania’s capital is named.
William Fitzwilliam: Lord Fitzwilliam and Lord President of the Council in 1794.

Michigan Ice Storm Encases US Flag in Solid Ice

Michigan Ice Storm Encases US Flag in Solid Ice

Extreme cold leads to power outages and school closures across the state.

A resident in Michigan captured a remarkable sight as their US flag became completely frozen due to a severe ice storm affecting the area.

On Wednesday, 22 February, Twitter user Cody (@BahaCur_10) shared video footage depicting the harsh weather conditions, explaining that when he tried to remove the flag, it was “frozen into the base.”

The snowstorm resulted in hundreds of thousands of residents losing power on Thursday. In light of the dangerous conditions, school districts in Ottawa, Kent, and Kalamazoo counties opted to close for two days to ensure student safety amid the frigid temperatures.

This Week’s False Claims Exposed

This Week’s False Claims Exposed

A roundup of popular misinformation and the facts behind them.

A review of some of the most popular yet completely inaccurate stories and visuals that circulated on social media this week. The Associated Press has fact-checked these claims and found them to be untrue. Here are the details:

Myth of Forced Relocation to ‘Smart Cities’
CLAIM: Under a plan known as Agenda 2030, governments can forcibly relocate people living on polluted land into so-called “smart cities.”
FACTS: The U.N.’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development does not endorse such actions. It aims for universal peace and prosperity over 15 years, focusing on broad goals like eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable cities. Claims linking this agenda to recent environmental incidents are unfounded. The term “smart cities” merely refers to urban areas using technology for better management, and the Agenda does not empower governments to displace citizens.
Haley’s Name Controversy
CLAIM: Nikki Haley changed her name for political gain.
FACTS: Haley has always used her legal middle name, Nikki, since her birth name is Nimarata Nikki Randhawa. The false narrative that she altered her name for electoral appeal has resurfaced but is inaccurate. Haley has publicly clarified her name’s significance and usage throughout her life.
Soros’ Alleged Endorsement of DeSantis
CLAIM: George Soros has endorsed Ron DeSantis for the 2024 presidential election.
FACTS: Soros expressed hope that DeSantis would win the Republican nomination, but he did not endorse him. His remarks aimed to illustrate a potential strategic scenario involving Trump and DeSantis, not a personal endorsement.
CDC’s Vinyl Chloride Report Misinterpretation
CLAIM: The CDC omitted critical information regarding vinyl chloride’s dangers for children and cancer in its draft report.
FACTS: The draft update does not exclude vital safety information. While the format has changed, all crucial details about vinyl chloride’s risks remain present. Experts confirm that the new report continues to address the dangers associated with exposure.

UK Fisheries minister to give evidence to MPs on fishing grounds in Scotland

UK Fisheries minister to give evidence to MPs on fishing grounds in Scotland

Mark Spencer MP faces scrutiny over fishing policies and their impacts on Scotland’s fisheries.

UK Government Minister Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP is set to give evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee regarding fishing grounds in Scotland. The session, scheduled for 2 February 2023, will address key issues affecting the fishing industry, including the impact of the ‘spatial squeeze’ on fishing grounds, labor shortages, and ongoing fisheries negotiations with the EU and Norway.

The ‘spatial squeeze’ refers to the increasing pressure on fishing grounds, exacerbated by the expansion of marine conservation zones and the growth of offshore energy projects. The Committee previously heard how these developments have restricted access to fishing areas, which has become a significant concern for the Scottish fishing sector. Members of the Committee are expected to press the Minister on how the UK Government plans to address these challenges and ensure that Scottish fishermen can access sufficient and sustainable fishing grounds.

Another critical issue to be discussed is the UK Government’s approach to migration, particularly how immigration policies are affecting the fisheries workforce. The sector has faced labor shortages, with many fishing jobs traditionally filled by migrant workers. The Committee is likely to examine whether the Government’s immigration restrictions are contributing to this problem and what steps are being taken to resolve it.

Additionally, the Committee will explore the implications of the UK Government’s proposal to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and the potential impact on the fishing industry. The introduction of HPMAs could further restrict access to certain fishing areas, raising concerns within the industry about the long-term viability of fishing operations.

Finally, the Committee will discuss recent catch allocation agreements between the UK, the EU, and Norway. These agreements are vital for ensuring that UK fishermen have access to a fair share of fishing quotas, and the Committee is expected to scrutinize the details of these deals to ensure they are in the best interests of Scottish fisheries.

This inquiry is part of a broader effort to address the ongoing challenges facing Scotland’s fishing industry in the wake of Brexit and shifting international agreements.

Aid spending in the UK: Development, Home Office, and Treasury Ministers to face questions

Aid spending in the UK: Development, Home Office, and Treasury Ministers to face questions

The International Development Committee investigates the use of UK foreign aid for refugees in the UK.

The International Development Committee is scrutinizing the UK government’s allocation of foreign aid funds, particularly the portion spent on refugees and asylum seekers within the country. A session scheduled for 8 February 2023 will see ministers from the Foreign Office, Home Office, and HM Treasury give evidence on the rationale behind this controversial decision to spend a significant portion of the aid budget domestically.

In 2021, nearly 10% of the UK’s foreign aid budget, or approximately £1 in every £10, was spent on supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. This expenditure was primarily driven by the Home Office, which saw its official development assistance (ODA) budget rise by 74.3%, amounting to over a billion pounds. The increase was attributed to the rising costs of accommodating and supporting asylum seekers in the UK, including expenses related to housing, subsistence, healthcare, and education.

The UK government argues that these expenses are legitimate under the guidelines set by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee, which allows the costs incurred during the first year of an asylum seeker’s stay to be counted as ODA. However, the decision has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that the primary goal of ODA should be to promote economic development and welfare in developing countries, not to fund domestic services in the UK.

The inquiry will question whether this spending is both effective and ethical, especially in light of the UK’s reduction in international aid from 0.7% to 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI). The Committee’s concerns center around whether the government’s spending priorities are in line with the original goals of ODA and whether funds could be better used to address poverty and development challenges in low- and middle-income countries.

The scrutiny of these funds comes amid broader debates on the efficiency of the UK’s foreign aid spending, with many calling for a clearer alignment between the UK’s international development objectives and its domestic policies. The inquiry will also examine if the government is meeting its international commitments while balancing domestic demands for refugee support.

This session marks a critical moment in the ongoing discussion about the future of UK foreign aid spending, with implications for both domestic refugee policies and the UK’s role in global development.

Sarina Wiegman Addresses Lack of Diversity in Lionesses Squad

Sarina Wiegman Addresses Lack of Diversity in Lionesses Squad

England Coach Emphasises Need for Long-Term Change

Sarina Wiegman has acknowledged that the lack of diversity within the England women’s football team is an issue that “will not change overnight.” This statement follows the under-23 victory over Belgium on Monday, where all 13 players featured for the Lionesses were white.

“Hopefully in the future, and I don’t know how long it will take, we will have very, very good players to work with, but also [players] who better represent the diversity of our community,” Wiegman told reporters.

In the current squad for the Arnold Clark Cup, three Black players have been named among the 26-woman roster, highlighting the ongoing need for broader representation within the team.

Georgia Grand Jury Foreperson Reacts to Trump’s Claim of ‘Exoneration’

Georgia Grand Jury Foreperson Reacts to Trump’s Claim of ‘Exoneration’

Emily Kohrs Laughs Off Former President’s Statement During Interview

Emily Kohrs, the foreperson of the Georgia special grand jury investigating attempts by Donald Trump and his associates to overturn the 2020 election results, reacted with laughter when informed of Trump’s claim to have been “totally exonerated.”

In an interview, the 30-year-old resident of north Fulton was asked about Trump’s assertion made on social media, where he thanked the grand jury for their “patriotism and courage.” Kohrs rolled her eyes and exclaimed, “Did he really say that? Oh, that’s fantastic. That’s phenomenal. I love it.”

When pressed for a response to Trump’s comments, she invoked her Fifth Amendment rights, stating, “That’s what I have to say to that.”

The special grand jury has recommended indictments for over a dozen individuals on multiple charges, with only parts of its report released so far. Kohrs noted, “It is not a short list,” and mentioned that the jury included eight pages of legal code cited throughout their findings. She served as the leader of the 23-person jury, which convened from May last year until January, hearing testimony from 75 witnesses.

Reflecting on the weight of the grand jury’s work, Kohrs shared her thoughts with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, saying, “I told my boyfriend that if I were in a room with Donald Trump and Joe Biden, they would both want to speak to me.”

Overall, Kohrs described her experience on the special grand jury as “really cool,” underscoring the significance of their investigation.

Court Rules on Shamima Begum’s Citizenship Appeal: Ten Key Findings

Court Rules on Shamima Begum’s Citizenship Appeal: Ten Key Findings

Ruling Raises Serious Concerns About Government’s Actions and Responsibilities

Shamima Begum’s latest attempt to reclaim her British citizenship has been met with a ruling from the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) that, while upholding the decision to revoke her citizenship, raises significant concerns about governmental actions and responsibilities. Here are ten crucial findings from the ruling:

Trafficking Concerns: The court established a “credible suspicion” that Begum, who was 15 at the time, was trafficked to Syria for sexual exploitation by ISIS fighters. This underscores the serious implications of her age at the time of travel.
Failure of Protective Duties: The ruling indicated that UK authorities—including Begum’s school, police, and local council—potentially violated their protective duties by failing to prevent her travel to ISIS-controlled areas, especially after her friend’s similar journey.
Radicalisation and Grooming Issues: Mr Justice Jay expressed concerns that MI5 had minimised the significance of Begum’s grooming and radicalisation, despite acknowledging that her case was not unique.
Public Interest vs. National Security: While the court found that the then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid’s decision to revoke Begum’s citizenship was lawful, it highlighted that reasonable people could disagree with this judgement, especially regarding public interest versus national security.
State Failures: The commission noted possible state failures in handling Begum’s case, suggesting an investigation into missed opportunities to protect her from radicalisation and travel.
Connection to ISIS Recruiters: Evidence revealed that Begum’s friend had contact with Aqsa Mahmood, a known ISIS recruiter, raising concerns about the influence on Begum and her friends.
Facilitation of Travel: The court found that Begum and her friends received assistance from a facilitator linked to both ISIS and Canadian intelligence, which could have provided an opportunity for authorities to intervene.
Media Pressure on Decision-Making: The ruling acknowledged that a media storm surrounding Begum’s situation likely influenced the speed at which decisions were made regarding her citizenship.
Victim Status of Minors: The court recognised that individuals who were radicalised as minors should primarily be seen as victims, but noted that once they reach adulthood, their cases may be evaluated for national security risks.
Ongoing Security Threat: MI5 maintains that Begum poses a threat to national security, regardless of her claims about her role within ISIS, indicating that her activities, even as a housewife, could still represent a risk.

Sister of Gun Victim Kelly Fitzgibbons Advocates for Firearm Licensing Reforms

Sister of Gun Victim Kelly Fitzgibbons Advocates for Firearm Licensing Reforms

Emma Ambler Calls for Legislative Changes Following Family Tragedy

Emma Ambler, the twin sister of Kelly Fitzgibbons, who was tragically shot alongside her two daughters by her partner, is urging reforms to the UK’s firearms legislation. The incident, which occurred in March 2020, saw Kelly, 40, and her daughters Ava and Lexi, aged four and two, killed with a legally-held shotgun by Robert Needham, their father, before he turned the weapon on himself.

An inquest revealed that Needham, a cocaine user, had been granted a shotgun certificate despite lying on his application about previous mental health issues and a police caution from his youth. In response to this tragedy, Emma has established the Kelly Fitzgibbons Foundation to advocate for stricter gun laws.

“We believe several changes need to be made regarding gun licensing,” Mrs Ambler stated. “These changes could be implemented immediately and would save lives. For instance, individuals caught lying on their application should not be granted a gun licence, as was the case with Rob.”

She also emphasised the importance of more frequent reviews of firearms and shotgun certificates, pointing out that the current five-year renewal period is insufficient. “At my sister’s inquest, three police officers suggested that reviews should be annual, yet this is not happening due to a lack of resources,” she added.

Mrs Ambler supports aligning shotgun legislation with stricter regulations for other firearms, such as rifles, which require applicants to provide two referees and a valid reason for ownership. “People should clearly explain their purpose for wanting a firearm, and that should be verified,” she argued. She believes that storing both the gun and ammunition at home should not be permitted if shooting is only allowed on designated land.

She further suggested increasing the application fee to support more thorough background checks, stating, “The current fee is cheaper than a fishing licence, and I do not want my taxes subsidising someone’s gun licence, especially when the NHS is struggling.”

Ambler also highlighted the need for better communication between GPs and police regarding changes in a gun holder’s health. “Currently, GPs are only required to use best efforts to inform the police of any health changes. This should be mandatory to ensure nothing is overlooked,” she stressed.

She agrees with MP Luke Pollard’s campaign for firearms reform, which includes proposals to ban pump-action shotguns from homes. Additionally, she is calling for improved training for firearms enquiry officers, criticising their lack of thoroughness during assessments. “Many licensing officers have minimal training and do not seem to take their responsibilities seriously,” she noted.

Mrs Ambler concluded, “Right now, it feels like having a gun is prioritised over public safety. Owning a firearm should be a privilege, not a right.”

Innovative Spinal Stimulation Restores Hand Function in Stroke Survivor After Nine Years

Innovative Spinal Stimulation Restores Hand Function in Stroke Survivor After Nine Years

Breakthrough Research Offers New Hope for Stroke Rehabilitation

A remarkable advancement in rehabilitation has enabled Heather Rendulic, aged 22 at the time of her stroke in 2012, to regain movement in her hand and arm for the first time in almost a decade. Following her stroke, Ms. Rendulic experienced severe muscle weakness, leaving her with no mobility in her left hand. However, thanks to pioneering spinal cord stimulation techniques developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, she has seen significant improvement.

This non-invasive procedure involves the careful placement of thin metal electrodes along the neck to stimulate functioning nerve cells. While receiving stimulation, Ms. Rendulic successfully opened and closed her fist, lifted a can of soup, and even used a knife and fork to cut a piece of steak—activities she had not performed for nearly nine years.

“It feels somewhat like a tickle, and it’s not painful, but it does take some getting used to,” Ms. Rendulic shared. “It’s incredible to be able to move my arm and hands in ways I haven’t done in almost a decade.”

In the UK, around 100,000 people experience strokes annually, and there are approximately 1.2 million survivors, many of whom struggle to return to work due to lasting motor control issues.

Marco Capogrosso, assistant professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and co-senior author of the study, stated, “Our findings reveal that targeted electrical stimulation of specific spinal cord regions allows patients to achieve movements that are otherwise impossible.” He recalled the emotional moment when Ms. Rendulic moved her hand for the first time after nine years, saying, “We were all in tears because we didn’t expect such immediate results.”

The researchers noted that the positive effects of spinal stimulation can persist for up to four weeks after treatment concludes, with no serious side effects reported. This technology holds promise for individuals with disabilities that are typically considered irreversible, as current treatments for chronic stroke paralysis are limited.

Douglas Weber, co-senior author and professor at Carnegie Mellon’s Neuroscience Institute, explained, “By stimulating the sensory nerves from the arm and hand, we can enhance the activity of weakened muscles in stroke patients.”

The groundbreaking findings of this research have been published in Nature Medicine, offering new hope for the future of stroke rehabilitation.