Monday Evening Open Thread – Budget Diogenes in need of a lamp

So, in looking through my youtube feed yesterday, I came across a clip that detailed the Ukrainian stealth drone carriers that were used to destroy Russian aircraft while at their bases thousands of kilometers from Ukraine.  My first thought was “Is this real?”, which was even my wife’s comment when I mentioned it to her, followed by her admonishing me not to bother her as she is trying to finish her book (a courtesy that is never returned).  It turns out it was actual footage and that the report was true.  But to me, it brings up the fact that my first reaction to any news, no matter the source – internet, print, televised, or major media outlets, I immediately doubt the veracity of what I am seeing and hearing.  I had to wait for several sources to report the attack in Colorado before I believed it, and that was from CNN!

I have no idea if Walter Cronkite actually was telling the truth when he reported, but you know what, I fucking believed what he said.  Because of who he was and the reputation he had built.  Anymore, I can’t even trust the reputation or the credentials of experts or witnesses, because who knows how the media was manipulated, from one sided reporting, blind refusal to see evidence in front of them, or using AI to fake a video clip or alter one.  It seems the faster we can get our news the less likely it is to being remotely correct.  Instead of the time being available before publishing or going live where facts could be established, multiple eyewitnesses accounts could be brought together into a coherent narrative, and just time for the info to settle a bit, we have get it out there now and make sure it fits our narrative.  At least I am able to do quite a bit of critical thinking and do the research if possible.  Trust but verify not longer applies to any media for me, it is all verify, never trust.

Anyway, not sure what is on tonight but I am going to try and finish up Mob Land, which has been fantastic so far.

One other thing about the Ukrainian attack – I really, really wanted to geek out over it with my friends like I used to over things.  You know, where you just sit and bullshit about what ever your group finds interesting.  Comment section works well, but sometimes you just need to be together and talking over each other.  Makes me realize I need to get out more and get some local friends as mine are dead, traveling, or grown too far apart to really relax in each others presence. I love my wife, but someone to discuss Space:1999 and it’s design esthetic, she is not.

So what news outlets are are you using to get correct info?  And do you think the Eagle Transporter is one of the coolest space ships ever?  Don’t even talk to me about the Hawk Interceptor variant, sullying a beautiful design just to add weapons.