Bacon1

Meme removed @Yellowtail

I’d probably hold a grudge too if they’d turned my koi pond into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Did you restock your pond, after their banquet? 😂👍🙂🙂

I’ve seen a lot of these beautiful birds over the years of living here, but I’ve never managed to get any decent pictures, although I’ve tried many times. VID_20251218_140907.mp4 They’re very shy, but they are such beautiful birds. They have an enormous wingspan, and the way they just glide overhead is incredible. But I don’t know exactly what kind they are. Are they purple herons? They don't look purple though 😁 Do you know what sort they are? @Bredbury Blue VID_20251218_141039.mp4

Reference to a previously moderated post removed. @Airalee

AI-designed xenobots — tiny clusters of living cells — are prompting scientists to rethink what life is and whether basic cells might have a form of autonomous behavior akin to consciousness. These bioengineered organisms, created from re-purposed cells, display unexpected capacities that challenge traditional biological assumptions. Researchers from several institutions including the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the City of Hope cancer center argue that xenobots exemplify a potential “third state” of life that sits between life and death, where cells reorganize and take on new roles such as locomotion after an organism dies. This idea stems from observing xenobots adapt in ways their original host biology would not predict. Proponents like evolutionary biologist William Miller suggest these behaviors indicate a kind of decision-making at the cellular level, challenging the view that cells are mere automatons. Miller contends that if subsets of cells can act independently, this could redefine how scientists view agency in biology. However, the notion of cellular consciousness is controversial. Critics in the scientific community argue that evidence for true consciousness in cells is lacking and that altered behaviors in isolated or reprogrammed cells don’t necessarily imply awareness. Some biologists emphasize that experimental conditions can cause cells to behave in atypical ways that aren’t reflective of consciousness at all. Despite debate, both sides agree that exploring xenobots and related phenomena opens new possibilities for medical and biotechnological innovation. Future research may illuminate how cellular autonomy could be harnessed for tailored medicine or deeper understanding of life’s fundamentals. Key Takeaways Scientists argue that xenobots represent a “third state” of life where cells can reorganize and act autonomously. Supporters claim these behaviors suggest basic cellular consciousness or decision-making ability. Critics maintain there’s no empirical proof that cells are conscious and urge caution in interpretation. Adapted From https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a69797512/xenobots-conscious-cells/

Inflammatory post removed @captain_shane

Offensive meme removed @shdmn

Belgian politicians and senior finance executives have been subjected to a campaign of intimidation orchestrated by Russian intelligence aimed at pressuring Belgium to block plans to use €185 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets to support Ukraine’s war effort. European intelligence agencies identified targeting of key figures at Belgium’s Euroclear depository and government as EU leaders prepared to debate the issue in Brussels this week. The moves could influence a crucial EU decision on emergency funding for Kyiv and heighten geopolitical tensions. Russia’s GRU military intelligence is believed to be behind the intimidation efforts, which European officials say are designed to dissuade Belgium from backing a €90 billion loan to Ukraine secured on those frozen assets. Belgium holds the bulk of the EU’s €210 billion in immobilised Russian reserves at Euroclear, making it central to the bloc’s funding debate. The assets were frozen under EU sanctions after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Officials report that threats and pressure have been directed at Euroclear’s chief executive Valérie Urbain and other senior executives, though the precise level of threat remains debated among security services. Euroclear declined to comment on reported intimidation, saying potential threats are taken seriously and investigated with appropriate authorities. Russia has publicly warned that using the assets would be “theft” and its central bank is pursuing $230 billion in damages in a lawsuit against Euroclear. Belgian authorities have been cautious in their public response, balancing security concerns with diplomatic and legal considerations. The EU debate comes as Ukrainian officials stress the urgency of new funding for defence and social budgets through 2027. A decision at the European Council could shape the bloc’s financial and geopolitical stance in the coming months. Key Takeaways Russian intelligence allegedly targeted Belgian officials to deter support for using €185 billion in frozen assets for Ukraine. Threats reportedly focused on Euroclear executives amid heated EU debate on a €90 billion Ukraine loan plan. Moscow has filed a $230 billion lawsuit against Euroclear and warned that seizing assets constitutes “theft.” Adapted From https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/17/belgian-politicians-finance-bosses-targeted-russian-intelligence-seized-assets

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich a firm ultimatum to release £2.5 billion from the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club for humanitarian aid in Ukraine or face court action. The funds, frozen in a UK bank due to sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are earmarked to help victims of the war. Starmer said the clock is ticking and legal steps will follow if Abramovich fails to act. The proceeds stem from Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea to a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in May 2022. At the time, he pledged the money would benefit victims of Russia’s war, but no transfer has occurred. UK sanctions on Abramovich were imposed in 2022 because of his ties to the Kremlin, and the government required the funds to remain frozen until properly allocated for humanitarian purposes. Starmer’s warning came during Prime Minister’s Questions on 17 December 2025, when he told MPs Abramovich must “honour the commitment you made and pay up now”, adding that the government is ready to take the matter to court to ensure the funds help those affected by Putin’s “illegal war”. The government has issued a licence enabling the transfer but insists the money must be used solely for Ukraine-related aid. Legal and political sources say Abramovich has 90 days to establish a humanitarian foundation and arrange the transfer. If he does not comply, ministers plan to pursue enforcement through the courts. Opposition voices including the Liberal Democrats have argued the deadline should be even shorter to ensure the money reaches intended beneficiaries quickly. Key Takeaways UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ordered Roman Abramovich to transfer £2.5 billion from his Chelsea FC sale for humanitarian aid in Ukraine or face legal action. The funds were frozen in the UK under sanctions related to Russia’s 2022 invasion and remain subject to government licence and conditions. Abramovich has a 90-day deadline to set up a foundation and comply, or the UK government will proceed to court. Adapted From https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2e64lr3zeo

The White House unveiled new plaques under portraits of former U.S. presidents that sharply criticize Democratic and Republican predecessors, a move marking an unusually partisan change in the historic venue. The signs are part of President Donald Trump’s “Presidential Walk of Fame” and immediately drew controversy for their tone and content. Traditionally, the White House displays presidents’ portraits without political commentary as a symbol of unity, but Trump’s plaques break from that norm. The new additions include derogatory descriptions and contentious statements beneath images of past leaders, diverging from customary nonpartisan representation in the executive mansion. One plaque under Joe Biden’s former portrait reads that he was “by far, the worst President in American history,” accuses him of winning through “the most corrupt election ever,” and notes unprecedented use of an autopen instead of a traditional portrait. Barack Obama’s plaque labels him “one of the most divisive political figures,” and Bill Clinton’s references Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss to Trump. Even Republican George W. Bush is criticized, with his plaque saying he started wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that “should not have happened.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the plaques as “eloquent” reflections of presidential legacies, noting many were written by Trump himself. The changes are part of broader renovations to White House décor under Trump, including lavish new accents reflecting his personal style. Critics argue the plaques undermine the nonpartisan tradition of the presidential residence and could deepen political divisions. Supporters view the display as Trump asserting his interpretation of history, while detractors see it as politicizing a national monument. In coming days, responses from former presidents or their representatives are expected, and the plaques may prompt debate over the boundaries of presidential authority in shaping White House symbolism. Key Takeaways New plaques at the White House under Trump sharply criticize predecessors with partisan language. Biden, Obama, Clinton and even Bush are characterized with controversial statements reflecting Trump’s views. The additions depart from tradition and could spark debate on politicizing presidential monuments. Adapted From https://www.reuters.com/world/us/new-white-house-plaques-attack-trumps-democratic-predecessors-bush-2025-12-17/

An offensive and unacceptable post has been removed. @Nick Carter icp

Please be advised that this forum is for health and medical discussions only and is not a place for idle chat. Thank you.

Offensive comment removed @BritManToo A reply was also removed

Vulgar comment removed @blaze master

Bickering posts removed @NickyLouie

Two trolling posts removed @newbee2022

A London council painted a disabled parking bay around a man’s legally parked Audi in New Addington, south London, then issued him four penalty charge notices while he was on holiday, only for the tickets to be cancelled later. The owner returned to find the road marking contractors had painted lines and a wheelchair symbol around his car on 17 November, despite no restrictions being in place when he parked. Parking attendants unaware of the situation issued four PCNs dated 22–26 November, each carrying a £160 charge if enforced. Croydon Council said its contractor normally records the registrations of vehicles present when bays are installed so they are not penalised, but a communication breakdown meant a warden did not see the exemption and issued notices. The authority later confirmed those PCNs were cancelled before the video of the incident went viral online. The council also apologised for the confusion and said painting around stationary cars was “fairly common practice” to avoid delays in installing disabled bays, which are laid out to assist residents with mobility needs and usually require applications under the local scheme. The resident criticised Mayor Jason Perry’s refusal to apologise publicly, calling the response “disgraceful” and saying he shared the footage because of previous issues with the authority over parking. At a full council meeting on 10 December, a local councillor pressed the mayor for assurances such errors will not recur and questioned how many other motorists might have been affected. Transport and parking enforcement experts note that proper advance notice is typically required when traffic regulations change, and errors in communication can lead to wrongful ticketing even if penalties are later withdrawn. Looking ahead, the council has promised to review internal communication procedures between road-marking contractors and enforcement officers to prevent similar incidents, and residents are awaiting clarification on notice procedures for future bay installations. Key Takeaways A disabled bay was painted around a legally parked car and four fines issued before council cancelled them due to internal miscommunication. The mayor declined to apologise, sparking criticism from the resident and local councillors. The council says practice will be reviewed to improve communication and avoid repeating the error. Adapted From https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/croydon-council-paints-disabled-bay-around-car-parking-warden-fines-b1261391.html

Russia has, for the first time, deployed all eight of its nuclear-powered icebreakers at once to keep key Arctic shipping lanes open during winter, a move aimed at sustaining exports of oil, liquefied natural gas and minerals from northern production hubs. The unprecedented mobilization is focused on the Gulf of Ob and the Yenisei Gulf, where ice conditions typically hinder navigation in the cold season, threatening the flow of energy and resource cargoes destined for domestic and international markets. The eight vessels include Russia’s entire operational fleet of nuclear icebreakers, representing a concentration of escort power not seen before in the Northern Sea Route’s history. Previous winters saw fewer vessels engaged simultaneously, limiting how much heavy ice could be broken and how reliably shipping corridors could be kept open. Despite the full deployment, significant winter ice continues to block some LNG shipments, highlighting persistent logistical challenges even with maximum icebreaker support. Experts say the move underscores Russia’s strategic prioritization of Arctic export infrastructure, which Moscow views as critical to its broader economic and geopolitical interests in the face of global competition for shipping and energy markets. Industry analysts note that maintaining uninterrupted Arctic shipping is central to Russia’s ability to deliver hydrocarbons during harsh winter months, when many traditional ports are icebound and alternative routes are longer or less accessible. Nevertheless, the early winter conditions and ongoing ice challenges suggest that even a fully mobilized icebreaker fleet may not entirely overcome natural barriers without further investment and adaptation. Looking ahead, Russia is expected to continue deploying its icebreaker fleet throughout the winter navigation season, potentially adjusting operations as ice thickness and shipping demand evolve. Longer term, expanding icebreaker capacity and upgrading support vessels may form part of efforts to ensure year-round use of the Northern Sea Route for export traffic. Key Takeaways Russia has simultaneously deployed all eight of its nuclear icebreakers to keep Arctic export routes open this winter. The full deployment aims to sustain flows of oil, LNG and minerals despite challenging ice conditions. Even with maximum icebreaker support, winter ice continues to impede some LNG shipments. Adapted From https://gcaptain.com/russia-deploys-all-eight-nuclear-icebreakers-for-first-time-to-keep-arctic-export-routes-open/

June 12 2026... https://m.imdb.com/title/tt15047880/ https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/16/disclosure-day-trailer-steven-spielberg

President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion defamation and deceptive-practices lawsuit against the BBC on December 16, 2025, accusing the British broadcaster of misrepresenting his January 6, 2021 speech in a documentary and harming his reputation. The suit was lodged in federal court in Miami, where Trump’s legal team argues the edits made it appear he incited violence at the U.S. Capitol. The lawsuit targets a BBC Panorama documentary that aired shortly before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, alleging key portions of Trump’s remarks were spliced together out of context and omitted his calls for peaceful protest. Trump seeks $5 billion each for defamation and violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, claiming the broadcast was “false, defamatory, deceptive, disparaging, inflammatory and malicious.” The BBC had already apologised earlier this year, calling the edit an “error of judgment,” and withdrew the documentary from its platforms, but it denies that the issue meets legal standards for defamation. Network leadership resignations and internal criticism followed the controversy, spotlighting editorial practices and political bias concerns within the corporation. Legal analysts say Trump’s case faces significant hurdles, including proving that the documentary was shown widely in the U.S. and that the BBC acted with actual malice — a high bar in American defamation law for public figures. Because the programme did not officially air in the United States, establishing harm to Trump’s reputation could be challenging. Trump’s legal action adds to his broader pattern of litigation against media outlets, coming after multimillion-dollar settlements with U.S. networks over other defamation disputes. The initial court proceedings are expected to focus on jurisdiction and whether the BBC’s editorial decisions legally qualify as defamatory. Key Takeaways Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, alleging defamatory editing of his January 6 speech in a documentary. The BBC apologised for the edit but disputes the legal claim and plans to defend itself. Legal challenges include proving U.S. harm and meeting the high standard for defamation by a public figure. Adapted From https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/16/media/trump-bbc-lawsuit-libel-media-10-billion

Laugh emoji removed. @newbee2022

Two flame posts removed @rumak

A post targeting Russian people has been removed. Please don’t post things like that. It comes across as racist. @JoePai

Offensive post removed @Harrisfan Very unpleasant comment.