THREAD: titan sub

PUB’S Wild Beer Names Ignite Fury And Laughter

19 November 2024 — A pub in England is under fire for its bold beer names, but the owner calls it harmless fun. The Coach and Horses in Billinghay offers beers like “Osama Bin Lager” and “Kim Jong Ale.” These names have sparked a buzz on social media, with some laughing while others voice concern.

Catherine Mitchell owns the pub with her husband Luke Mitchell, who runs Mitchell Brewing Co., a microbrewery. Earlier this year, “Osama Bin Lager” went viral and sold out fast. Despite the uproar, many patrons reportedly enjoy these playful beverage names.

Mitchell Brewing Co.’s top-selling line is called “The Dictator,” featuring several edgy titles. Luke Mitchell claims most customers appreciate the humor when visiting The Coach and Horses. While some find them offensive, others see it as clever marketing fun.

NEW FIGHTER JET Program Aims to Counter China and Russia Threats

20 October 2024 — Japan, the U.K., and Italy are teaming up to create a new combat aircraft by 2035 under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This project aims to strengthen defense against threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The advanced stealth fighter will replace Japan’s F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced the creation of the GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) by year’s end. GIGO will manage aircraft development from its base in the U.K., led by a Japanese official. This announcement came after a meeting with his U.K. and Italian counterparts at the Group of Seven defense ministers meeting in Naples, Italy.

Private companies like Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Britain’s BAE Systems PLC, and Italy’s Leonardo are part of this effort. Nakatani confirmed that GIGO is on track to sign its first contract next year despite leadership changes in Japan and the U.K. This partnership highlights a commitment to boosting military capabilities amid global security concerns.

VENEZUELAN GANG’S Chaos: US Communities Under Threat

17 October 2024 — In New York City, kids as young as 11 are reportedly involved in violent robberies linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua (TdA). Surveillance footage from Aurora, Colorado shows a brutal attack on a worker by men refusing to accept a bribe. In Texas, two foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly planning to transport firearms for criminal use.

These incidents highlight the growing influence of TdA across the United States. The gang has gained notoriety through violent crimes that have alarmed law enforcement and policymakers. Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas has been vocal about the threat posed by TdA, especially in border communities unprepared for such brutality.

Gonzales and other GOP lawmakers have urged President Biden to designate TdA as a Transnational Criminal Organization. They warn that if unchecked, the gang could unleash terror similar to its impact in Central and South America. The gang’s activities include drug trafficking and human trafficking, leaving devastation across multiple countries.

Authorities caution that Tren De Aragua’s criminal operations pose an increasing danger to American communities nationwide. With its roots in Venezuela’s prisons, this “thug-for-hire” organization is spreading chaos from major cities like New York City down to small towns along border states like Texas.

MIRACLE at SEA: Russian Survivor Rescued After Two Months Adrift

16 October 2024 — Emergency crews in Russia have saved Mikhail Pichugin, who drifted at sea for over two months in an inflatable boat. His brother and nephew tragically died during the ordeal, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The rescue happened after a fishing vessel spotted him near the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Pichugin, 46, went on a whale-watching trip with his 49-year-old brother and 15-year-old nephew in early August. They traveled to the Shantar Islands but disappeared after leaving for Sakhalin Island from Cape Perovsky on August 9. Despite initial rescue efforts, they stayed lost until Pichugin’s recent discovery by the Angel fishing vessel.

Reports say their boat’s engine failed, leaving them adrift with minimal supplies — only a small food ration and about 5 gallons of water. The fishing crew first mistook their radar blip for debris or a buoy before finding Pichugin using their spotlight. Shocked to find a starving man instead of junk, they quickly rescued him from his dire situation.

GERMAN Warship STUNS London with "Star Wars" Theme

25 August 2024 — A German naval vessel sailed into London this week, playing Darth Vader’s “The Imperial March” from “Star Wars.” A bystander captured the moment on video and shared it on social media.

The German navy clarified there was “no deeper message” behind the music choice. “The commander can choose the music freely,” stated the navy.

The warship Braunschweig was in London for training and to take on supplies. Another video showed the ship playing The Clash’s “London Calling” as it arrived at port.

TRAGIC Migrant RESCUE in English Channel Exposes Border Crisis

13 July 2024 — Around 60 migrants were rescued by the French navy and coastguard from a capsized inflatable boat near Boulogne-sur-Mer. Four migrants were found unresponsive and could not be revived. The rescue operation is ongoing, with concerns that more victims may still be in the water.

The migrant crisis on Britain’s southern shore remains unresolved, contributing to the downfall of the previous British government. The new Labour government has promised action but has yet to deliver any meaningful results.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, criticized the new government for its inaction following the recent deaths in the Channel. He warned that he would hold them accountable just as he did with their predecessors.

People smugglers continue to exploit desperate migrants, leading to overcrowded and dangerous crossings. This year alone, 19 people have died attempting to cross the English Channel, while 14,000 have successfully made it across — a nearly 20% increase from last year.

TIKTOK On The BRINK: Biden’s Bold Move to Ban or Force Sale of Chinese App

02 May 2024 — TikTok and Universal Music Group have just renewed their partnership. This deal brings UMG’s music back to TikTok after a short break. The agreement includes better promotion strategies and new AI protections. Universal CEO Lucian Grainge said the deal will help artists and creators on the platform.

President Joe Biden has signed a new law that gives TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This decision is due to worries from both political sides about national security and protecting American youth from foreign influence.

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, announced plans to fight this law in U.S courts, claiming it supports their constitutional rights. Yet, ByteDance would rather close TikTok in the U.S than sell it if they lose their legal battle.

This conflict shows the ongoing struggle between TikTok’s business goals and America’s national security needs. It points out big worries about data privacy and foreign influence in American digital spaces by China’s tech sector.

NYT SUBSCRIPTION Dropped: Keith Olbermann Slams Biden Coverage

28 April 2024 — Keith Olbermann, once a prominent face on SportsCenter, has publicly ended his subscription to the New York Times. He pointed out what he sees as biased reporting on President Biden. Olbermann announced his decision to his nearly one million social media followers.

Olbermann directly accused A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the Times, of holding a personal grudge against President Biden. He believes this resentment influences the newspaper’s focus on Biden’s age and results in unduly negative coverage.

The root of this issue appears in a Politico piece discussing tension between the White House and the New York Times. Olbermann suggests that Sulzberger’s dissatisfaction with Biden’s limited interactions with the press is prompting harsher scrutiny from reporters at the Times.

However, skepticism surrounds Olbermann’s assertion that he has been a subscriber since 1969 — a claim that would mean he started his subscription at age ten — raising questions about his accuracy and reliability in this controversy.

HEROIC Navy Seals SACRIFICED in Iranian Weapons Seizure: Four Arrested

23 February 2024 — Four individuals of foreign nationality have been charged after a vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. Navy seized the ship, which was allegedly carrying Iranian-made weapons.

In a devastating turn of events, two brave Navy SEALs lost their lives during this operation. The fallen warriors were identified as Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram.

David Sundberg, Assistant Director of the FBI Washington Field Office, stated that these charges serve as a stern warning to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He stressed that any hostile actions from foreign governments will not go unchecked by the U.S..

The FBI and other U.S Government agencies pledge to persistently disrupt attempts by hostile foreign entities aiming to instill fear and inflict harm through violent means.

US NAVY SAVES the Day: Huthi Missile Attack on Oil Tanker Thwarted

18 February 2024 — The Huthis, a rebel group based in Yemen, announced that they had targeted a British oil tanker, named the Pollux, in the Red Sea using missiles. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), however, clarified that this vessel is actually Danish-owned and registered in Panama.

CENTCOM confirmed that from areas of Yemen under Huthi control, four anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched. It was reported that at least three of these missiles were directed towards MT Pollux.

In reaction to this looming threat, CENTCOM successfully executed two self-defence strikes against one mobile anti-ship cruise missile and one mobile unmanned surface vessel located in Yemen. This incident happened just as Washington’s reclassification of the Huthis as a terrorist group became official along with related sanctions.

This event underscores the importance of vigilance and quick action in maintaining security on international waters. It also highlights Washington’s commitment to combating terrorism globally.

MASSIVE BLOW: Tata Steel Shutters Wales Plant, 2,800 Jobs Vanish Overnight

20 January 2024 — Indian steel titan, Tata Steel, has revealed plans to close both blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant in Wales. This drastic move will result in the loss of 2,800 jobs and is part of a broader strategy to streamline their unprofitable UK operation and make it more eco-friendly.

The company intends to transition from coal-fired blast furnaces to an electric arc furnace. This modern method emits less carbon and requires fewer workers. The British government backs this shift with a hefty £500 million ($634 million) investment. Tata Steel is confident that this transition will “turn around over a decade of losses” and foster a greener steel industry.

This decision strikes a severe blow to Port Talbot — a town heavily dependent on the steel industry since the early 20th century. Unions had suggested keeping one blast furnace operational while constructing the electric one as an attempt to mitigate job cuts — a proposal that Tata dismissed.

Both blast furnaces are slated for closure within this year. Meanwhile, plans for installing the new electric furnace are set for completion by 2027.

JAMES BOND Classics HIT With Trigger Warnings: British Film Institute’s Shocking Move Stirs Controversy

14 January 2024 — The British Film Institute (BFI), a leading UK film organization and cultural charity, has unexpectedly turned against James Bond. The BFI has introduced trigger warnings to several iconic Bond films, sparking controversy among fans.

These warnings are shown before the screenings at the BFI theater. They alert viewers to language, images, or content that might be considered offensive in today’s context but were common during the time of the film’s release. The BFI maintains that these views are not supported by them or their associates.

Two films singled out by these warnings are “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice.” This action is part of the BFI’s tribute to John Barry, who wrote soundtracks for 50 years. It appears that even James Bond can’t escape from contemporary political correctness.

HANEDA HORROR: Five Perish in Explosive Runway Collision Between Passenger Plane and Coast Guard Aircraft

02 January 2024 — A devastating collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Tuesday has left five dead. A passenger plane and a Japanese coast guard aircraft clashed on the runway, resulting in a fiery explosion that claimed the lives of the smaller aircraft’s crew.

All 379 passengers aboard Japan Airlines flight JAL-516 were able to escape unscathed before fire consumed the plane. The Airbus A350 involved, one of the industry’s most recent large passenger planes, suffered its first serious damage since entering commercial service in 2015.

The coast guard’s Bombardier Dash-8 aircraft was en route to deliver relief goods to earthquake victims in Niigata when it met with this fatal accident.

The disaster unfolded as the JAL plane touched down on one of Haneda’s four runways where the coast guard aircraft was preparing for takeoff. Investigations are underway to uncover what communication failures between aviation control officials and both planes led to this catastrophic event.

PROJECT DYNAMO Gears Up for Heroic Rescues in Taiwan and China Amid Rising Tensions

01 January 2024 — Project Dynamo, a nonprofit dedicated to saving endangered Americans overseas, is gearing up for possible rescue missions in Taiwan and mainland China. The move comes as worries intensify over Beijing’s military upgrades, nuclear growth, and aggressive stance towards Taiwan. China regards Taiwan as a rebellious province and has made threats of forceful annexation.

Established by former U.S. military and intelligence officers in August 2021, Project Dynamo initially concentrated on rescuing Americans stranded in Afghanistan after the U.S. military pullout. Since then, the organization has broadened its reach globally to assist Americans who were not part of the U.S. military’s rescue plan.

Bryan Stern, a combat veteran and founder of Project Dynamo conveyed that while it’s unclear if they’ll conduct rescue operations in both mainland China and Taiwan, they are ready for any scenario. Stern stressed that there are more Americans living in China than Taiwan, making their safety just as crucial.

Project Dynamo has named potential rescues in Taiwan and China “Marco Polo”. Operating solely on donations without government support, the group has saved over 6,000 people from various worldwide crises within less than three years of operation.

TIKTOK’S SHADOW BAN: Suppressing Content Critical of Chinese Communist Party?

28 December 2023 — A recent investigation by Rutgers University’s Network Contagion Research Institute has unveiled unsettling details about TikTok’s content guidelines. The popular social media platform, notorious for its data collection and sharing with its parent company in China, now stands accused of stifling content that criticizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The research team found a stark contrast in the number of posts featuring contentious hashtags such as China’s conflict with India over Kashmir, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and the Uyghur genocide on TikTok compared to other platforms like Instagram. For instance, there were 206 Instagram posts tagged #HongKongProtests for every single one on TikTok. Similar ratios were observed for #StandWithKashmir, #FreeUyghurs, and #DalaiLama.

The report suggests that there is a high likelihood that TikTok either boosts or suppresses content depending on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests. This is worrisome since many Generation Z users rely on TikTok as their primary news source — interestingly enough, this is also the only generation reported not to take pride in being American.

TikTok cannot deny these findings as they mirror the methodology used by them last month to prove their platform was not biased against Israel. This revelation raises serious questions about

US STEEL Takeover: BLOCKING Japanese Buyout Could Save American Jobs

22 December 2023 — Nippon Steel, Japan’s leading steel company, is facing a storm of criticism over its planned $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation. The deal, unveiled on Monday, values U.S. Steel at $55 per share and has sparked immediate opposition, especially in the Rust Belt where U.S. Steel has been a cornerstone since 1901.

Despite U.S. Steel’s assurances that the merger would unite “two storied companies with rich histories,” lawmakers are demanding action. Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) have written to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to halt the deal.

The senators contend that domestic steel production is vital for national security and needs careful scrutiny before permitting foreign investment. CFIUS, led by Yellen, holds the authority to stop such investments after a review process.

While experts predict CFIUS is more likely to block deals involving countries perceived as adversaries like Russia or China rather than allies like Japan, this situation highlights bipartisan worries about foreign control over crucial industries.

US and UK GEAR UP for Imminent Strikes on Yemen’s Houthi Forces: A Tense Standoff Unfolds

20 December 2023 — The United States and the United Kingdom are making strategic moves near Yemen, hinting at a potential offensive against the Houthi forces. This includes positioning sensitive air and naval assets in the region, alongside a U.S.-led naval task force.

The Iran-backed Houthis have recently escalated tensions by launching multiple attacks on civilian shipping vessels in the Red Sea. These assaults have severely disrupted international shipping routes, compelling many companies to reroute their vessels around Africa’s southern tip. This diversion has led to increased time and costs.

While specific details about the military forces positioned closer to Yemen are not disclosed, it is confirmed that both strike and supporting platforms are involved. The Eisenhower carrier strike group is currently stationed off the Yemeni coast with four F/A-18 fighter squadrons and an electronic warfare squadron.

Given these developments, it appears increasingly probable that strikes against Houthi targets inside Yemen will be executed by U.S. and U.K. forces in the near future.

OIL TYCOONS Rule COP28: A Shocking Paradox or a Bold Leap for Climate Goals?

30 November 2023 — The forthcoming COP28 climate summit, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is stirring up a storm of controversy. Critics are questioning the seemingly ironic choice of Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of UAE’s state oil company, as the event’s overseer.

UK Guardian columnist Marina Hyde has expressed concerns about this decision. She compares it to China’s temporary factory closures during the 2008 Olympics for cleaner air. She questions whether UAE will also pause its gas flaring operations during the conference.

Climate advocates fear that powerful politicians and industrialists could twist climate policies for personal gain. These fears are amplified by reports that Al Jaber and UAE may exploit COP28 to broker oil and gas deals with other nations.

Despite these apprehensions, some believe that involving major oil producers is key to meeting climate objectives. But with President Joe Biden absent and protests pushed to distant locations, doubts over COP28’s effectiveness continue to mount.

DEFENDING Our Skies: Innovative EYEWEAR Shields Aircrew from Surge in Laser Attacks

29 November 2023 — The Human Systems Division of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is on a mission. They’re developing state-of-the-art protective eyewear for aircrew operators, a response to the alarming rise in laser pointer incidents. Based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the division is focusing on the Block 3 product line. This new gear will offer both laser and ballistic protection — a first in its field.

Capt. Pete Coats, who leads the division’s Aircrew Laser Eye Protection Program, stressed how vital eye health is for pilots. He warned that being hit by a laser without adequate protection could endanger not just safe flying and landing but also jeopardize a pilot’s career itself. The innovative eyewear will come in eight different models, each tailored to specific mission needs and other key factors.

Mark Beer, deputy program manager of the same program, clarified that aircrews engaged in low-speed missions or hovering would gain most from this dual ballistic and laser protection feature. However, those piloting fighter aircraft or high-altitude bombers might not need as much ballistic coverage. In just this year alone, pilots have reported nearly 9,500 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation

FRONTIER AI: A Ticking Time Bomb? World Leaders and Tech Titans Convene to Discuss Risks

01 November 2023 — The latest buzzword in the realm of artificial intelligence, Frontier AI, has been causing a stir due to its potential threats to human existence. Advanced chatbots like ChatGPT have dazzled with their capabilities, but fears about the risks associated with such technology are escalating. Top researchers, leading AI companies, and governments are advocating for protective measures against these looming dangers.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is orchestrating a two-day summit on frontier AI at Bletchley Park. The event is set to draw around 100 officials from 28 nations including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Executives from prominent U.S. artificial intelligence firms such as OpenAI, Google’s Deepmind and Anthropic will also be in attendance.

Sunak asserts that only governments can shield people from the hazards posed by this technology. However, he stressed that the U.K.'s strategy is not to hastily impose regulation despite identifying potential threats like using AI for crafting chemical or biological weapons.

Jeff Clune, an associate computer science professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in AI and machine learning was among those urging for more government intervention in mitigating risks from AI last week — echoing warnings issued by tech tycoons like Elon Musk and Open