This is such an Oakland story. The city of Oakland, California, known for its extreme leftism, is replacing some traffic lights in the city with a 4-way stop sign, according to CBS News  The city isn’t taking this step to improve the flow of traffic or anything like that. Instead, city officials decided to remove the traffic signal because copper theft has become rampant, and thieves keep tampering with the electrical boxes that control the lights. Amusingly, the city put up a stop sign to replace the traffic light at the E. 12th St. and 16th Ave. intersection. Locals say that even though it looks strange it’s a huge improvement because usually the traffic light is broken and is causing accidents. However, as with many cases of dysfunctional blue city governance, the deeper problem is that the city won’t address the most fundamental issues: repeat criminality and general lawlessness. Democrat run Oakland can’t keep traffic lights operating, so they replace them with stop signs. Homeless from nearby encampments are stealing copper wires from the traffic lights and stealing power. The city doesn’t know what to do, so they gave up. pic.twitter.com/RQQhoq9Dvz— Ryan Petty (@rpetty) May 20, 2024 According to the locals CBS interviewed in the story, most of the people tampering with the traffic signals are coming from a nearby homeless encampment. Tam Le, owner of an auto repair shop at the corner of the intersection, said of the city’s “solution” in an interview with CBS: “It’s just telling us that the city is giving up on us.” Pretty much, yes. City officials said that the stop signs are temporary and that the traffic lights will come back. But they put no timeline on when that will happen so good luck. Maybe, just maybe, the issue isn’t with the traffic signal or even with the thieves. “If you really want to fix the stop sign, I think you really have to clean up this homeless encampment,” Le said, delivering the kind of commonsense solution to the problem that has apparently escaped the people who run the city. And therein lies the problem. For those who haven’t traveled to a West Coast city recently, homeless encampments have taken over urban landscapes. Oakland is particularly bad. It’s become so bad that the city requested help from the state to start clearing the encampments out. Plenty of other cities have found solutions a lot quicker, but places like Portland and Oakland are slow on the uptake. This is mostly due to the ideology of government officials and the activist organizations who pressure them. They really think that the problem with homelessness is just a “housing” issue and that pushing people off the streets and into shelters is oppressive. Cities like Oakland have only begun to act when it’s become obvious that large, perpetual homeless encampments and open-air drug markets create a climate of criminality and disorder. And even when the city does eventually do something there is typically no follow-up enforcement to ensure that the problem doesn’t simply manifest itself again once the coast is clear. Le, whose auto business has been affected by the homeless encampment, said in the CBS story that the city has moved some of it in the past, but it keeps coming back and getting bigger. He then said if it continues to grow, he will shutter his business like many other people have in the area. So, the city will keep the encampment and lose the dutiful business owner. Sounds like a recipe for success, right? It’s this sort of governance that contributed to the so-called doom loop that places like Oakland and downtown San Francisco are stuck in. It should be no surprise that the In-N-Out fast-food restaurant that closed in Oakland—the first In-N-Out to close, ever—was close to where the problematic intersection is. In almost all these cases of urban decay we see a similar pattern. Lax enforcement of laws—or predictably terrible laws, a retreat from proactive policing, and mind-boggling recidivism. A man apprehended by Oakland police for robbing an ATM in Oakland in January had 25 arrests since 2014. According to Crime Voice, a California crime journalism media outlet, the 39-year-old repeat offender had “previous arrests for kidnappings, robberies, motor vehicle thefts, possession of a controlled substance, and for shootings.” Is it any wonder crime is out of control? In July of last year, the Oakland chapter of the NAACP called on the authorities in the city to start taking its crime problem seriously. “Oakland residents are sick and tired of our intolerable public safety crisis that overwhelmingly impacts minority communities,” the NAACP wrote in a letter. “There is nothing compassionate or progressive about allowing criminal behavior to fester and rob Oakland residents of their basic rights to public safety. It is not racist or unkind to want to be safe from crime.” Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price responded insultingly, “We are disappointed that a great African-American pastor and a great African-American organization would take a false narrative on such an important matter. We would expect more from Bishop Bob Jackson and the Oakland Chapter of the NAACP.” What cities like Oakland have done is create a situation where the burden of disorder has been placed on innocent, helpless citizens who have little recourse other than to leave—if that’s even possible. Even when these cities have begrudgingly rediscovered the value of the police post-George Floyd riot crime boom, they haven’t exactly recovered. Restoring order and creating a healthy, thriving city environment is difficult once anarchy becomes the norm. For some places like Oakland the road back is a long one. Maybe a combination of failure and outraged citizens will get city leaders to wake up to reality. The post A Signal That Oakland Is Slipping Further Into a Doom Loop appeared first on The Daily Signal.

The left's propaganda campaign to indoctrinate children with gender ideology continues. "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire" is a new animated series on the Disney+ streaming service. It's rated TV-PG, meaning it "contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children." The show listing says it offers "a six...

The Biden administration issued a pathetic, groveling and out-of-touch statement on Monday about the Sunday death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi died alongside his country's foreign minister and a number of other people in a helicopter crash, and fingerpointing at the U.S. over the apparent accident was immediate. But...

We review the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, which offer improved stability, handling, braking distances, and mileage versus the S22. (Photos courtesy Bridgestone) When choosing a motorcycle tire, what do you look for? The answer varies from person to person. For my street riding, I prioritize longevity, grip, and price. Due to its versatility and reliability, Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires have been my trusted companion on the streets, during spirited canyon rides, and even on the racetrack. Given my extensive experience with the S22, I was excited to try the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires have updated compounds and a new tread pattern (front tire on left, rear tire on right). Building on the solid foundation of the S22, Bridgestone’s goals in developing the S23 were “improved handling precision, maximum stability, and incredible grip, even in wet conditions” as well as better mileage. The S23 tires maintain the same shape and MS-Belt construction as the S22 but feature new compounds and a new tread pattern. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires on the Buell Hammerhead 1190 The updated compounds offer increased grip thanks to additional carbon and a newly developed “grip improver” that makes it easier for the tire to follow the road surface. The front shoulder and rear edge of the S23 also has optimized resin components for better grip at high lean angles. Compared to the S22, the new tread pattern has a higher land-sea ratio (more rubber, fewer grooves) and higher pattern stiffness, contributing to improved handling, dry/wet traction, and feedback. Bridgestone’s proprietary Pulse Groove technology was added to the rear tire, improving water drainage and grip in wet conditions. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires use the same shape and MS-Belt construction as the S22, but with a new tread pattern and different compounds. Bridgestone’s testing has shown faster dry and wet lap times, shorter braking distances, and improved mileage for the S23 compared to the S22. For a real-world test of the new Hypersport S23s, Bridgestone hosted a press launch in Encinitas, California. There was a variety of sporty motorcycles on hand, allowing me to evaluate the tires on several motorcycles, including the Suzuki GSX-S1000, Indian FTR1200, and Buell Hammerhead 1190. Related: Suzuki GSX-S1000 Road Test Review Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires on the Suzuki GSX-S1000 Starting our ride on city streets and backroads aboard the S23-shod Suzuki, a sense of familiarity washed over me. The transition from the S22 to its successor felt seamless, like greeting an old friend. As we navigated the initial turns, the inherent stability afforded by the S23 became immediately evident, instilling confidence in every lean and maneuver. On our way to lunch in the mountain town of Julian, I put the S23s through their paces, eager to gauge their responsiveness and grip. Despite my deliberate attempts to upset the tires, they maintained their hold on the road surface. Even when I pushed the limits, accelerating out of corners a little too fast, the S23s exhibited reassuring grip even as the TC light flashed, indicating some rear wheel slip. The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 rear tire features Pulse Groove technology for better water dispersion. After lunch, we descended from the mountains to the desert on the tightly winding roads of Banner Grade (CA Route 78), a perfect playground to test the tires’ responsiveness in the sort of twisties where most riders will put them to use. Negotiating each curve, I found my confidence bolstered by the stability and predictability of the S23s. The ultimate test awaited us as Keith Culver, an instructor from Yamaha Champions Riding School, led our group down Engineers Road, a narrow, unpainted byway full of abrupt transitions and tight technical corners. Despite the demanding terrain, I was impressed by the front tire’s ability to maintain grip under hard, downhill braking. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires on the Indian FTR1200 On the sunny day of our test, we didn’t have an opportunity to evaluate the wet handling characteristics of the S23s. Nor did we evaluate them on a racetrack. For what it’s worth, the Yamaha Champions Riding School runs S23s on its fleet of Yamaha sportbikes. Related: A Cruiser Guy Goes to Yamaha ChampSchool After a full day of thrashing three different bikes shod with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, I can confidently say that they exceed the excellent standards set by the S22s. They offer confident grip, reassuring stability, and outstanding handling on a variety of roads. The ZR17 tires are available in one front (120/70) and five rear (160/60, 180/55, 190/50, 190/55, and 200/55) sizes starting at $249.49. Shop for Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 Tires The post Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 Tire Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

According to a study published in Toxicological Sciences, researchers found microplastics in all 23 human testes analyzed. The scientists also studied 47 testes from pet dogs. Every sample contained microplastic pollution. “Researchers from the University of New Mexico found 12 types of microplastics in all 23 human testes studied,” Daily Mail reports. NEW: Cancer-causing microplastics are found in 100% of men's testicles in new study — Daily Mail — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) May 20, 2024 The findings made the researchers question the impact of microplastics on the human reproductive system and male fertility. Oxford Academic shared the study’s abstract: The ubiquitous existence of microplastics and nanoplastics raises concerns about their potential impact on the human reproductive system. Limited data exists on microplastics within the human reproductive system and their potential consequences on sperm quality. Our objectives were to quantify and characterize the prevalence and composition of microplastics within both canine and human testes and investigate potential associations with the sperm count, and weights of testis and epididymis. Using advanced sensitive Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), we quantified 12 types of microplastics within 47 canine and 23 human testes. Data on reproductive organ weights, and sperm count in dogs were collected. Statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis, correlational analysis, and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to investigate the association of microplastics with reproductive functions. Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all canine and human testes, with significant inter-individual variability. Mean total microplastic levels were 122.63 µg/g in dogs and 328.44 µg/g in humans. Both humans and canines exhibit relatively similar proportions of the major polymer types, with PE being dominant. Furthermore, a negative correlation between specific polymers such as PVC and PET and the normalized weight of the testis was observed. These findings highlight the pervasive presence of microplastics in the male reproductive system in both canine and human testes, with potential consequences on male fertility. NEW: Researchers from the University of New Mexico found 12 types of microplastics in all 23 human testes studied. Data has shown that sperm counts have decreased by 59 percent in the past few decades. pic.twitter.com/KBBZVjPoTu — Global Dissident (@GlobalDiss) May 20, 2024 The highly pro-inflammatory and pervasive microplastics and nanoplastics: previously found in arteries and associated with increased in heart attacks and strokes, now in all human testes that were assessed. https://t.co/cGXxrrlwbn pic.twitter.com/pHXrvDsRqU — Eric Topol (@EricTopol) May 20, 2024 Per Daily Mail: Data has shown that sperm counts have decreased by 59 percent in the past few decades, with other culprits ranging from cell phones in pants pockets to vape pens. ‘We don’t want to scare people,’ the study’s lead author said. ‘We want to scientifically provide the data and make people aware.’ The team found that the most prevalent of the 12 microplastics was a polymer material, polyethylene, used in plastic bags and bottles. The average human concentration was 329.44 micrograms per gram of tissue — vastly more than recent studies of human blood, which came to only tens of micrograms per gram. Microplastics, smaller than five millimeters in length, enter our bodies through plastic packaging, certain food, tap water and even the air we breathe – and have been linked to cancer and fertility issues. The scientists tested 23 human testes, as well as 47 testes from pet dogs. They found microplastic pollution in every sample. I'm sure everything is fine.https://t.co/ngyaTHqSOp — Jane van Dis MD (@janevandis) May 20, 2024 Today's most shared health story: microplastics have been found in human testicles – the discovery might be linked to declining sperm counts . Scientists tested 23 human testes and 47 from pet dogs. They found microplastic pollution in every sample. https://t.co/OVKJWksceR — Global Action on Men's Health (@Globalmenhealth) May 20, 2024 From The Guardian: The human testicles had been preserved and so their sperm count could not be measured. However, the sperm count in the dogs’ testes could be assessed and was lower in samples with higher contamination with PVC. The study demonstrates a correlation but further research is needed to prove microplastics cause sperm counts to fall. Sperm counts in men have been falling for decades, with chemical pollution such as pesticides implicated by many studies. Microplastics have also recently been discovered in human blood, placentas and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination of people’s bodies. The impact on health is as yet unknown but microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells in the laboratory. Vast amounts of plastic waste are dumped in the environment and microplastics have polluted the entire planet, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. People are known to consume the tiny particles via food and water as well as breathing them in. The particles could lodge in tissue and cause inflammation, as air pollution particles do, or chemicals in the plastics could cause harm. In March, doctors warned of potentially life-threatening effects after finding a substantially raised risk of stroke, heart attack and earlier death in people whose blood vessels were contaminated with microscopic plastics. “At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system,” said Prof Xiaozhong Yu, at the University of New Mexico in the US. “When I first received the results for dogs I was surprised. I was even more surprised when I received the results for humans.” The testes analysed were obtained from postmortems in 2016, with the men ranging in age from 16 to 88 when they died. “The impact on the younger generation might be more concerning” now that there is more plastic than ever in the environment, Yu said.