New Zealand has scrapped legislation that would have prevented a generation of young people from legally purchasing cigarettes.

On Monday, after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was newly sworn into office, the conservative leader confirmed his government would repeal the strict tobacco restrictions before they came into effect.

The legislation would have banned the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008.

Canada's economy shrank in the three months up to September. Statistics Canada reported Thursday that the country's gross domestic product shrank by 0.3 per cent.

They also reported that the three month period up to June also saw a slight decline, so Thursday's numbers would have been the second consecutive quarterly contraction in a row which means we are officially in a recession.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is expected to collapse.

 Following investigations last month, the city is instigating a civil protection plan for the "sudden and unexpected collapse of the tower," which has dominated the Bologna skyline since the 12th century.

Quote from: Herman on December 01, 2023, 09:51:30 PMThe Leaning Tower of Pisa is expected to collapse.

 Following investigations last month, the city is instigating a civil protection plan for the "sudden and unexpected collapse of the tower," which has dominated the Bologna skyline since the 12th century.

So the claims of it being good for another 300 years were... (heh) ...bologna?

"Unexpected" my ass. They fucked up the foundation, that embarrassment (sorry, "tourist attraction") has been an accident waiting to happen for eight centuries and everyone knows it. You don't evacuate dwellings in the path of an anticipated collapse just so the next generation can wail "we didn't knowwwwwww"...

A former FBI informant stabbed Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer who was convicted for murdering George Floyd, according to court documents filed on Dec. 1.

John Turscak, 52, stabbed Mr. Chauvin 22 times with an "improvised knife" in federal prison in Arizona, according to the documents.

The first SMS text message was sent on this day in 1992.

It eighty two years ago today that Imperial Japan Launched their attack on Pearl Harbour.

Quote from: DKG on December 07, 2023, 11:08:59 AMIt eighty two years ago today that Imperial Japan Launched their attack on Pearl Harbour.

Japan also attacked Guam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaya on that day.

A California grand jury has returned a nine-count indictment against Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, charging him with three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor tax offenses.

McDonald's officially announced that its universe is expanding with CosMc's, a new, small-format, beverage-led restaurant concept.

What this means is a broad range of drinks, from lemonades and coffees to energy-boosting beverages like Sour Cherry Energy Slush, Tropical Spiceade and S'mores Cold Brew. Patrons can customize their drinks by adding fruity boba, flavor syrups, energy shots and more.

As far as food goes, CosMc's Spicy Queso Sandwich and Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich are its sandwich options, but there are many more sweet and savory snacks to pick and choose from.

On the savory side, CosMc's offers Savory Hash Brown Bites and Pretzel Bites, and on the sweet side, it's got a Blueberry Lemon Cookie Sundae, Caramel Fudge Brownie and more.

And yes, you can expect to find a few McDonald's classics on the menu — but no combo meals.

Americans are being advised to exercise caution when traveling to Mexico, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issuing a travel advisory due to reports of an illness known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be deadly.

"There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico," the CDC said in the advisory, which was issued on Dec. 8.

The CDC said there are reports of the disease being found in urban areas in some states in northern Mexico (including Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León). However, the illness isn't exclusive to those regions, the CDC noted in its warning.

Be aware of scams

Quote from: DKG on December 11, 2023, 08:56:20 AMBe aware of scams

They oughta hang that filthy gook!

A Turkish lawmaker had a heart attack on Tuesday immediately after calling on Allah to bring his wrath on Israel.

Hasan Bitmez, a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, was delivering a speech on the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when he called down the wrath of Allah to strike Israel.

Quote from: Herman on December 13, 2023, 11:02:13 PMA Turkish lawmaker had a heart attack on Tuesday immediately after calling on Allah to bring his wrath on Israel.

Hasan Bitmez, a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, was delivering a speech on the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when he called down the wrath of Allah to strike Israel.

"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."