Posts made in July 2019

How Conspiracists Dominate YouTube Climate Content

The geoengineering of consent: how conspiracists dominate YouTube climate content

Most YouTube videos relating to climate change prevention oppose scientific consensus and hijack technical terms to appear credible, says study using YouTube to learn about climate science will expose you to video content that mostly opposes worldwide scientific consensus.

That’s the finding of a new study published in Frontiers in Communication, which also reveals that some scientific terms, such as geoengineering, have been ‘hijacked’ by conspiracy theorists so that searches provide entirely non-scientific video content. Scientists could counteract this by forming alliances with influential YouTubers, politicians and those in popular culture, to ensure scientifically accurate video content reaches the widest-possible audience.

“Searching YouTube for climate-science and climate-engineering-related terms finds fewer than half of the videos represent mainstream scientific views,” says study author Dr. Joachim Allgaier, Senior Researcher at the RWTH Aachen University. “It’s alarming to find that the majority of videos propagate conspiracy theories about climate science and technology.”

Nearly 2 billion logged-in users – half the world online – visit YouTube every month, and research has shown that users see it as a platform for learning about science, health and technology.

Climate conspiracists

Allgaier wanted to know if the information YouTube users found, when searching for scientific information on climate change and climate modification, represented scientifically accurate views.

“So far, research has focused on the most-watched videos, checking their scientific accuracy, but this doesn’t tell us what an average internet user will find, as the results are influenced by previous search and watch histories,” reports Allgaier. “To combat this, I used the anonymization tool TOR to avoid personalization of the results.”

Employing ten climate change-related search terms, Allgaier analyzed 200 videos about climate change and climate modification topics. He found that the majority of these videos opposed the worldwide scientific consensus, as detailed by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Most videos propagated the so-called “chemtrails” conspiracy theory, which is a belief that the condensation trails of airplanes are purposefully enriched with harmful substances to modify the weather, control human populations, or for biological or chemical warfare. Scientists have clearly shown there is no evidence for such a large-scale secret atmospheric spraying program.

Geoengineering has been hijacked

Alarmingly, Allgaier found that the conspiracy theorists have ‘hijacked’ some relatively recent scientific terms by using them to describe their worldview of a global conspiracy. In fact, ‘chemtrailers’, as they are known, explicitly advise their followers to use scientific terms in their content, so that they are not immediately identified as conspiracy theorists.

“Within the scientific community, ‘geoengineering’ describes technology with the potential to deal with the serious consequences of climate change, if we don’t manage to reduce greenhouse gases successfully. For example, greenhouse gas removal, solar radiation management or massive forestation to absorb carbon dioxide,” explains Allgaier. “However, people searching for ‘geoengineering’ or ‘climate modification’ on YouTube won’t find any information on these topics in the way they are discussed by scientists and engineers. Instead, searching for these terms results in videos that leave users exposed to entirely non-scientific video content.”

Allgaier also questions YouTube search algorithms – does its business model direct traffic towards videos of dubious scientific content? He found some of the conspiracy videos being monetized by the users via adverts or the sale of merchandise with conspiracy-theory motives.

“The way YouTube search algorithms work is not very transparent. We should be aware this powerful artificial intelligence is already making decisions for us, for example, if you choose to use ‘auto-play’. I think YouTube should take responsibility to ensure its users will find high-quality information if they search for scientific and biomedical terms, instead of being exposed to doubtful conspiracy videos,” argues Allgaier.

Scientists and YouTubers unite!

To counter the non-scientific content on YouTube, Allgaier, who recently spoke at the World Conference of Science Journalists about his work, suggests scientists and science communicators should take YouTube seriously as a platform for sharing scientific information.

“YouTube has an enormous reach as an information channel, and some of the popular science YouTubers are doing an excellent job at communicating complex subjects and reaching new audiences. Scientists could form alliances with science-communicators, politicians and those in popular culture in order to reach out to the widest-possible audience. They should speak out publicly about their research and be transparent in order to keep established trustful relationships with citizens and society.”

7 Things To Give Up To Help You Get Pregnant This Year

by Mary Jane Minkin, MD, Clinical Professor of OB/GYN at Yale University

Unfortunately, a simple do-it-yourself plan doesn’t exist, but fertility specialists and women’s health experts agree that certain measures can create the best possible chances for fertilization to occur. So, without ironclad guarantees, here are 7 things to give up to help you get pregnant this year:Every couple mired in infertility, every woman who has ever spent hours scouring the Internet for new breakthroughs and conception tips has had the same wish: For a clear-cut, easy-to-follow program that would guarantee a healthy pregnancy. 

    • Alcohol. Studies focusing on alcohol’s effect on conception have produced mixed results, with some indicating that pregnancy is more likely if women give up drinking entirely and others suggesting that those who drink moderately might increase their chances of conception – perhaps because an occasional glass of wine makes them more relaxed. But experts agree that women who give up alcohol will increase their chances of a healthy baby once conception does happen, and that alone is reason enough for most women to quit.

 

    • Tobacco. Unlike alcohol, the data smoking’s correlation to pregnancy is undisputed. Both primary and secondhand smoke are detrimental to a woman’s chance of conceiving and to a developing fetus as well. Quitting is never easy, but resources and support to help you find a plan and stick to it.

 

    • Caffeine. As the daily substance of choice for most Americans, dependency on those morning cups of coffee is difficult to break. Try cutting back on your intake if you drink multiple cups a day- a recent study confirms ACOG guidelines that one standard 12 oz. cup of regular coffee (200 mg of caffeine) is safe for pregnancy. 

 

    • Your Spot on the Couch. In other words, get up and move around! Couch potatoes aren’t helping any aspect of their health, but women who are trying to conceive have an extra-compelling reason to kick it into high gear. Experts agree that women who stay within their ideal weight have a better chance of becoming pregnant, and a study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology reported that women who exercise 30 minutes or more a day had a reduced risk of ovulation disorders, which often lead to infertility.

 

    • Junk food. Generally speaking, any change that moves you toward a healthier lifestyle will promote fertility. But when it comes to diet, advice seems to fall all over the map. Specific fertility diets advocate for eating foods like oysters, garlic and yams, but an extensive 2009 study advised women to follow simpler guidelines – healthy fats, selective proteins, whole grains and plenty of iron and other vitamins. It’s important to start taking supplemental folic acid to help prevent birth defects. The sooner you can start taking a prenatal vitamin with sufficient folic acid like vitafusion, the better! You should begin taking prenatals even before you begin trying to conceive. And, obviously, putting down the potato chips and the candy bars is an excellent first step to take to help you get pregnant this year. 

 

    • Excessive Stress. Granted, this step is easier said than done, especially when the chief cause of the stress is the infertility itself. But if external factors are causing undue anxiety, a woman’s chance at conception can decrease, and the stress of waiting for that positive pregnancy test month after month could be the last straw for her emotional health. Give up extra responsibilities whenever possible, talk to your boss about reducing your job stress and work in regular “mental health” days to be refreshed by activities and people you enjoy.

 

  • Lubricants Containing Glycerin. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) “Guidelines for Optimizing Natural Fertility”, several leading vaginal lubricants (e.g. K-Y) may decrease fertility based on their observed effects on sperm survival. Another study showed that lubricants containing glycerin had an adverse effect on sperm motility. Fertility experts recommend using a fertility friendly lubricant like Pre-Seed that is specially formulated without glycerin that will not harm sperm and allows sperm to swim freely. 

Like we said, there is no checklist you can complete that guarantees a healthy pregnancy, but giving up these 7 things can help you get pregnant. It’s all about creating the ideal environment for the pregnancy to happen; a healthy, happy and active lifestyle is a solid base and giving up the aforementioned things will get you there.

360 MAGAZINE, Anthony Sovinsky, vaughn lowery

Why Are Online Casinos So Attractive for Gamers?

Casinos have always attracted a large number of people. The casino primarily attracts players with the availability of quick and easy winnings. And if earlier, it was necessary to leave the house, today gambling has mastered the Internet, and therefore it is not difficult to find a casino on the Internet. In this article, we will find out why people like online gambling house so much.

According to statistics, such factors are the most attractive:

● Reliability;

● Deposit and withdrawal methods;

● Assortment of games;

● Bonuses;

● Support;

● Mobility;

● Demo games;

● Low rates.

Reliability

The most reliable online casinos are licensed. Players should not be deceived. Usually, the license and its validity period are listed at the bottom of the main page. Some services offer to go through the process of verification of identity, which also speaks about the reliability of the service. When choosing a gambling house, beginners often make a mistake and are guided by the number of payouts and are looking for online casinos with good returns. This indicator is not always informative. For example, such honest online casinos as gametwist casino usually try not to embellish the possibility of winning at their gambling house. But fraudsters can lure users to their resources, promising them big and easy money in online casinos.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

An important criterion when choosing a casino is the flexibility of the deposit and withdrawal system. In most cases, only a credit card is required to play at an online gambling house. Also, a large number of services provides the possibility of payments in Bitcoin, which is important for those people whose assets are located in cryptocurrency.

Assortment of Games

Online casinos can provide not only a wide selection of games but also live games. Even an experienced player will be able to choose a real gambling adventure.

Bonuses and Loyalty Program

Due to the high competition, each service seeks not only to attract but also to keep the user. Online gaming platforms usually offer a bonus for the first deposit. Often a reward can be obtained for the subsequent replenishment of your balance.

Online Support

Modern online casinos provide technical support at a very high level. Almost all online gaming services are ready to answer a question or solve your problem around the clock. Comprehensive services provide technical support in different languages.

Mobility

Those players who do not like to be tied to their computer can choose gaming sites with responsive design or download the application for their smartphone. Mobile casinos provide the convenience of playing at any time of the day.

Demo Games

Thanks to the demo game, you can learn the rules and subtleties of playing in a gambling house without risking your money. Usually the gameplay of the demo mode is no different from the usual game.

Ability to Play at Low Rates

Modern online casinos allow you to play at bets equal to one cent. This allows players to experience the full emotion of gambling without risking large sums.

The modern gambling industry has already gone beyond the classic casinos. A simple hobby can easily become a regular job. After all, a casino is a place where winning largely depends on luck, and a simple person can easily become a billionaire.

How to Spot Fentanyl Abuse in the Workplace – And What To Do About It

Synthetic opioids – primarily illegal fentanyl which is 50-100x more potent than morphine – are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the United States. The effects of fentanyl use and misuse are not isolated to the home of course; there are consequences that can affect an individual’s work environment, including fellow employees and customers. Employers who are not aware of this may face a startling wake-up call. Addiction expert Dr. Deni Carise of Recovery Centers of America is speaking at the 2019 Labor Assistance Professionals Conference this week on the topic of addiction, relapse and recovery and is available for an interview on the topic of spotting fentanyl (and other opioids) abuse in the workplace, as well as what to do about it.

According to Dr. Carise: “Drug use in the workplace can be obvious or subtle as different drugs present in different ways. An employee under the influence of fentanyl may exhibit extreme happiness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, sedation, have problems breathing, or become unconscious. Overdosing on fentanyl presents as slow or shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, severe sleepiness, cold and clammy skin, trouble walking or talking, feeling faint, dizzy, or confused, or complete unresponsiveness. Employees under the influence of fentanyl may seem completely normal and functioning well, then experience noticeable mood or energy swings. They may appear to doze off while working which can endanger themselves and those around them depending on their profession. The most important thing to remember is that fentanyl and opioid abuse is a treatable disease. Employees can and do recover from opioid dependence to return to work as fully productive, contributing members of a work team.”

Dr. Deni Carise bio: For nearly 30 years, Deni Carise, PhD, has served as an important national voice on substance use disorder, treatment and recovery and regularly speaks at national conferences on current trends in the field. She is a clinical psychologist and assistant adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and chief scientific officer for Recovery Centers of America. Dr. Carise has provided consult for the White House and internationally with treatment providers in other countries to develop national systems of clinical treatment delivery. She has published over 100 articles, books and chapters on addiction and related topics. With extensive knowledge, media experience and her own personal experience in recovery, Dr. Carise speaks in plain truths and succinct sound-bites about the scope and stigma of addiction, the quest for treatment, and the challenges of recovery.

Donald Trump Is Deliberately Distorting What Ilhan Omar Says About America

During President Trump’s attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar  he said: “And she looks down with contempt on the hard-working Americans, saying that ignorance is pervasive in many parts of this country.” Trump directly quoted an interview Omar did with national affairs correspondent John Nichols on the inaugural episode of Next Left, The Nation’s new podcast where politics gets personal with the next generation of leading progressive politicians.

Nichols is available for comment from Madison, WI, to explain how Omar’s comments were entirely mischaracterized and how, ironically, Trump is reaffirming Omar’s critique.

“It’s an interesting dynamic,” says Nichols. “What Omar was actually talking about was the way in which politicians, in this case Republican politicians, manipulate information to achieve political ends. And about her interest in countering the misinformation. If anything, Omar was putting her faith in the power of information, and dialogue, with people who do not share her views. She’s talking about challenging the politicians who foster misconceptions about refugees, and about presenting information that might counter those misconceptions—not about insulting voters.”

At the time of its airing, Omar’s Next Left episode was widely picked up by conservative media from Breitbart to FOX—with headlines like “Ilhan Omar: ‘Ignorance Is Really Pervasive in Many Parts of This Country’” and “Ilhan Omar on Trump voters: ‘Ignorance really is pervasive in many parts of this country” and “Ilhan Omar insults Republican voters: ‘Ignorance really is pervasive in many parts of this country.’”—which is likely how it came to the attention of the president and/or his staff. Nichols can also speak to how this right-wing echo chamber misinforms the president’s worldview.

In the actual interview, Omar said:

The Republicans are really good at misinformation and sort of really reorganizing facts to sort of paint a picture that really eventually is not rooted in fact…. And so it is not that they might not be knowledgeable about [resettlement programs], but they use it as a tool to stir up hate and division. And ignorance really is pervasive in many parts of, of this country. And as someone who was raised by educators, I really like to inform people about things that they might be ignorant to, willingly or unwillingly.

In that same interview, Omar told Nichols:

There’s a reason that I got elected to be in Congress and it has nothing to do with the fact that I’m a refugee, an immigrant Muslim or woman, or Black woman. It’s because I am someone who has a particular lens about how we approach policy domestically and internationally and to many of the people here my approach is more threatening to them. And I think for them it is more pleasant for me to just be seen as like this person who, you know, is sort of like an example of like hope still being alive, which is wonderful. But I’m someone who is agitated about things, the way things work here. I’m someone who believes that Congress needs to be beholden to the people and not special interests, that we have to be consistent in our values, whether they are domestically or internationally, and that fighting for prosperity shouldn’t be that hard. We don’t have to settle.

ABOUT: From the grassroots to the ballot box, we are witnessing an explosion of progressive political energy. New candidates are running for offices high and low—and they’re winning. In Next Left, a new podcast from The Nation hosted by national-affairs correspondent John Nichols, these insurgent politicians let us into their lives, tell us

their stories, and explain how they plan to change our country for the better. New episodes air every Tuesday.

Founded by abolitionists in 1865, The Nation has chronicled the breadth and depth of political and cultural life from the debut of the telegraph to the rise of Twitter, serving as a critical, independent, and progressive voice in American journalism.

Key West BrewFest to Add Zest to Labor Day Weekend

During a festival “crafted” for Labor Day weekend, attendees can sample nearly 200 beers and ales while also discovering the flavors of the continental United States’ southernmost city. The 10th annual Key West BrewFest is set for Thursday through Monday, Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, highlighted by a lavish oceanside tasting festival.

Featured beers range from the intriguingly named Monk in the Trunk, Funky Buddha and Andygator to local favorites from the Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Co.

BrewFest starts at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, with a kick-off party at Key West’s Waterfront Brewery, 201 William St., home of Crazy Lady blonde ale and other offerings crafted in-house.

Subsequent festival events include beer-focused brunches, pool parties featuring specialty beers, daytime tap takeovers and dinners pairing each course with brews that complement the cuisine.

The undisputed festival highlight is Saturday’s BrewFest Signature Tasting Festival.  Featuring nearly 200 beers from around the world, the tasting extravaganza is set for 5-8 p.m. on Key West’s South Beach beside the Atlantic Ocean at 1405 Duval St. General admission is $40 per person in advance or $45 at the door.

Lager lovers also can choose to pay $90 per person in advance for admission to a 3-5 p.m. VIP tasting with passed appetizers from the Southernmost Beach Cafe. VIP attendees also receive exclusive 10th anniversary BrewFest memorabilia.

At 8 p.m. a Second Line March led by the New Orleans band Water Seed is scheduled to depart South Beach. Participants dance down Key West’s legendary Duval Street to a party at the funky Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St.

Presented by the Southernmost Beach Resort and the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic, BrewFest benefits Rotary charitable initiatives.

The festival continues through Labor Day with events including a beer dinner at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St., and a lively evening of bingo at the Green Parrot.

Clips from This Sunday’s Episode of E’s Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian Now Available

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

 Thinnest “Revenge Body” Guy Tells Khloé Why He’s Afraid to Gain Weight After His Ex Cheating

Khloé Kardashian sits down with the “Revenge Body” participant to hear his story. Hear Eddie’s experience with heartbreak, loss of confidence & fear of gaining weight.

Amy Trains With L.A. Lakers Strength & Conditioning Coach Gunnar Peterson

Celebrity fitness trainer Gunnar Peterson meets Amy who has very high fitness expectations. See what Gunnar says about her “Revenge Body” goals.

“REVENGE BODY WITH KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN” AIRS SUNDAYS AT 9:00P ON E!

 

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Marvel Fans Petition for Power Rangers’ Liana Ramirez to Play Kate Bishop

Fan-favorite character Kate Bishop is said to be introduced in Disney’s upcoming Disney+ series starring Jeremy Renner. Powerful young actress, Liana Ramirez, is Marvel fan’s first choice to play the role of Kate Bishop. Liana is an actress and writer who published “The Secrets Within Me” at the age of nineteen.

Currently, Liana stars as the recurring villainous role of Roxy in the 2019 series, “Power Rangers Beast Morphers” on Nickelodeon. Because of this role, Disney fans want more from Liana.

In a ComicBook.com article, writer Matthew Aguilar discusses Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a new set of shows coming to Disney’s streaming service, Disney+. One of those series includes Hawkeye that will continue with Jeremy Renner in his historic role. The show will also feature Kate Bishop and fans made it clear they want Liana to play the role. After hearing this news, fans took to Twitter to show their support.

Liana is also known for appearances in the film “Be Somebody”, starring alongside internet star Mathew Espinosa, feature Destruction Los Angeles, and CBS’ “Criminal Minds.” At the age of fourteen, Liana moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry

Photo Credit: Tyler Rowell

SUMMER ReFRESH!

SUMMER ReFRESH!

Works from the collection

On view through September 21, 2019

Gilles Clement Gallery presents a gathering of their latest collection of cutting- edge Contemporary, Pop, Op and Street Art. An array of artwork delights and inspires the viewer with iconic imagery, vivid colors, and culturally significant themes. Rotating throughout the season, the exhibition will showcase an eclectic mix from the gallery’s stable of artists, and a range of mediums and techniques including photography, painting, mixed media, collage and neon. Fresh additions to the gallery are the vibrant abstract works of Philadelphia-based modernist painter Michael Gallagher; Spanish artist Lino Lago’s clever oil paintings that juxtapose classical and contemporary art; and the exploded pop sculptures of French artist Francois Bel. Other featured artists include: Curtis Cutshaw (oil enamel on birch), David Datuna (mixed media), Robert Mars (vintage collage and neon), Clement Kamena (acrylic on canvas), MARCK (video sculpture) and TRAN$PARENT (money art).

SUMMER ReFRESH: works from the collection will be on view through September 21, 2019 at the Gilles Clement Gallery, 45 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich CT 06830.

WEBSITE: http://www.gclementgallery.com/upcoming-exhibitions

Images:

Michael Gallagher, Pink and Green Acrylic on canvas on panel, 36” x 48”

Francois Bel, Warhology Turquoise Caps Mixed media, acrylic glass, 17”x 5.5”x 4” (feature photo)

Lino Lago, Fake Abstract Blue Oil on canvas, 43.3” x 39.4”