Jim, I don't hold any flags out for google, perhaps I should have explained more clearly why I see it as more impartial than your favourite site - there are articles written from more than one viewpoint.
Your characterisation of me is way off base, as usual (I am being reminded of when you were here last time, aren't you going to try being nicer?)
I could say more, but re google that's the crucial point - more than one viewpoint.
My conspiracy theory friend came around yesterday. She came bursting in with all the shock and horror of it, have you seen what happened in Dubai! Oh no, I reply, was there an earthquake I ask, not having watched the news.
I looked it up on Google. Bad storm, heavy rain, flooding meets up with construction not able to deal with it all. We had the same amount of storm and rain in Sydney recently and I don't recall her being at all concerned though it is clear Dubai has suffered a disaster it's not immediately clear to me why she's so upset.
Then she pulls it up on her feed - not only is there apocalyptic text about cloud seeding in thick coloured letters over the images, there is one photo with this huge black twister looming over the cityscape. It is rather scary.
I go back to google, no mention of tornados or hurricanes anywhere. Just strong winds.
From my perspective, that's a crack in the facade, now she knows what a beat up that article on her feed is and indeed she does calm down.
But where's the quiet reflection. Do I think she will go on to see how her feed is managing her emotions just like any religious preacher does. No. I think she went back home and dived back into it.
