News Without Trump

Thursday, November 30, 2017, 10am to 11:30 in the Meeting Room (behind the fireplace)

Just got back from Hawaii and I completely ignored the news while I was there. Since I am totally unprepared we are going to have an open session. We can talk about any news as long as there is no relation to Trump. If you draw a blank, I will show a TED Talk that have nothing to do with Trump or anything else upsetting. Here is an example:

• How to engineer a viral music video

Due to the flu, I had to let Norm substitute for me. Without the videos. a non Trump meeting would not have worked. We may try this format later this year.

Showdown at COP23

Thursday, November 16, 2017, 10am to 11:30 in the Meeting Room (behind the fireplace)

The 2015 Paris Climate Accord was threaten when Trump announced his intension to withdraw. COP23 in Bonn Germany, November 6 to 17, will be the first test of the resolve of the rest of he world. The Paris Accord has been severely criticized for being ineffective and Trump has encouraged the nations of the world to act in their self-interest. But Trump has seemed to unite the rest of the world to stay in the Paris agreement. In fact, Nicaragua and Syria, the only two holdouts have now joined, totally isolating the US.

Here are the videos for the next meeting:

• Trump’s push for fossil fuels overshadows Bonn climate talks
• Bonn Climate Change Conference takes on CO2 challenge
• Syria signs up to Paris climate deal, isolating Trump
• Anti-Trump US delegates back Paris Agreement
• The inside story of the Paris climate agreement 

----------------------------------- Updated 11/16/17 ----------------------------------

Here are the other videos shown at the meeting:

• Revolt at Trump’s Pro-Coal, Pro-Nuclear & Pro-Gas Panel (long version)
• Yeah, Petra Nova's kinda a big deal
• Trump Has Made China Great Again

Bad Guy with a Gun

Thursday, November 9, 2017, 10am to 11:30 in the Meeting Room (behind the fireplace)

We talked about mass shootings before; last time after the Las Vegas shooting just five weeks ago. Last SundaySutherland Springs became the fifth worse shooting in modern US history, pushing Columbine out of the top ten. An assault rifle was once the again the weapon of choice, but in spite of the outcry no action is expected. However, Sutherland Springs had others elements that became the focus of media attention.

This time there was outside intervention by a private citizen, which stopped the shooter from escaping. This played into the pro-gun rallying cry, "only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun". Meanwhile, gun-control advocates focused on the shooters history of domestic abuse, which should have kept this bad guy from getting a gun.

Here are the videos for the meeting, note that the comedy videos were made before the shooting:

• What happened when a gunman opened fire at Texas church
• Man who shot Texas church attacker recounts confrontation
• Good Guy with a Gun
• Why Did Media Overlook Sept. Shooting in Plano
• Close the Boyfriend Loophole

----------------------------------- Updated 11/9/17 --------------------------------------

Here are the other videos shown ay the meeting:

• Karma Election
• Unlocking Texas Shooter Phone

While not shown at the meeting, HERE are the 10 most deadly shootings. Note that Columbine which had 13 victims, excluding the two shooters, is no longer on the list.