Still waiting in line for Hamilton tickets, so not much from this morning, sorry.
"An e. coli outbreak with no known source has spread to seven states, infecting 17 people and prompting an investigation by state and federal health officials."
"I quickly discovered that way back in 1988, the World Health Organization declared alcohol a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it’s been proved to cause cancer. There is no known safe dosage in humans, according to the WHO. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, but it kills more women from breast cancer than from any other. The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that for every drink consumed daily, the risk of breast cancer goes up 7 percent."
In connection with yesterday's link about redlining, "In 1965, the city of Charlottesville demolished a thriving black neighborhood… The razing of Vinegar Hill displaced families and dissolved the community." (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
Why is fake news and propaganda a problem? "One-third of Americans think 'substantially less' than 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, according to a new survey that highlights a worrying lack of basic knowledge about the World War II-era genocide." Because it distorts reality as it attempts to supplant it. Punch a Nazi for Jesus.
Let's give teachers guns. I mean, what could go wrong? "A pistol-packing Marjory Stoneman Douglas teacher who said he'd be willing to be trained to carry a gun to protect the high school faces a criminal charge after he left his Glock 9mm in a public restroom where it was later fired by an drunk homeless man, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office." Well to be fair, he didn't have the gun at school, but at a public park. (Grokked from someone, sorry)
"As part of the corporate welfare package, Wisconsin has agreed to secure a vast tract of land in Racine County for Foxconn's complex… To save money on the seizure of the homes of working people in Racine County, the county has declared the homes to be 'blighted' -- that is, in such poor condition that they are effectively worthless -- allowing it to seize the land for pittances, leaving the former owners of the homes with massive mortgage debts on houses that no longer exist, with no cash to buy a new place to live. They are being wiped out." Conservatives are all against eminent domain when it's farms or their own homes, but those poor people? Fuck them. (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
"Under Mulvaney's watch, the CFPB has dropped an investigation into a payday lender and announced that it will reconsider a rule to put stricter limits on companies that make high-interest, short-term loans. Consumer groups point to campaign contributions Mulvaney received from payday lenders when he was in Congress and say he is doing the industry's bidding. Mulvaney has said the campaign contributions do not constitute a conflict of interest." I'm sure we can trust him on that.
In case you were wondering if the whole GOP was as corrupt as Trump. "President Donald Trump is poised to pardon Scooter J. Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, according to sources familiar with the president’s thinking… The president has already signed off on the pardon, which is something he has been considering for several months, sources told ABC News." Considering Trump's "hate" of leakers, the answer is yes. Have been for a long time. And just a reminder, Libby's leak was connected to several killings in Europe and a decade long diminishment in the CIA's ability to recruit informants.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Linkee-poo, it's just no good anymore since you went away, now I spend my time just making rhymes of yesterday
So did we all have fun with Zuckerberg? There's a story about if you go to a poker game and you can't figure out who the sucker is, it's you. If you can't figure out what a company's money making product is, it's you (NPR story on if social media should be paying us - at this time still just audio). Mostly, IMHO, Facebook isn't upset with what Cambridge Analytica did with targeted marketing, they're upset that they didn't get paid for the data they scrapped (CA paid a third researcher $800,000 for his data gleaned from Facebook). You and your data are Facebook's (and all the companies they own) product, same as Google. Same as the news (there's a reason why news articles are written to fill the "news hole" in papers), same as almost all TV stations. The only difference between what CA (and some other companies) did and what direct marketing companies have done is the accuracy and granularity of the data has gotten finer and customization has gotten easier.
"David Meade tells the Daily Express that on April 23, the sun and moon will be in Virgo, as will Jupiter, which represents the Messiah." It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine). I really need to get my ass in gear and write the damn book. (Grokked from Dan)
"Take a virtual tour of the Moon in all-new 4K resolution, thanks to data provided by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft." (Grokked from Dan)
"How are you as a parent dealing with Oklahoma's teacher walkout?… Many parents responded, most showing their unyielding support of the movement, noting that teachers were not just demanding a pay raise for themselves, but also funding for better textbooks and classroom supplies." Also note the stories of the teachers helping out the students and their parents. Just like they did in West Virginia and Kentucky. Because teachers, for the most part, are all about the student's welfare and are often the front line of family support services.
"Many American Muslims found themselves on the defensive after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But this generation says it is tired of being expected to apologize. Instead, young Muslims are determined to take control of their own stories. And they are creating fresh paths for the estimated 3.45 million Muslims in America… Rather than defending themselves, they are defining themselves." And they're not keeping quiet about it. Can't wait to see the Religious Freedom folk stand up and shout, "Right on." Yeah, not holding my breath either.
"Housing segregation is in everything. But to understand the root of this issue, you have to look at the government-backed policies that created the housing disparities we see today." And very informative video. If you can get people who say, "But slavery ended over a century ago" to watch it, maybe they'll learn something.
"When she tried to leave, sobbing after a non-consensual sexual encounter, she says the man who would be governor physically stopped her… What happened next, she testified under oath to a Missouri House committee investigating allegations of misconduct against Republican Gov. Eric Greitens, is spelled out in graphic detail in a 25-page report the lawmakers released Wednesday." Trigger warning, detailed description of the encounter. (Grokked from Michelle)
"When Scott Pruitt wanted to refashion the Environmental Protection Agency’s 'challenge coin'… he proposed an unusual design: Make it bigger, and delete the E.P.A. logo… Mr. Pruitt instead wanted the coin to feature some combination of symbols more reflective of himself and the Trump administration. Among the possibilities: a buffalo, to evoke Mr. Pruitt’s native Oklahoma, and a Bible verse to reflect his faith… Other ideas included using the Great Seal of the United States — a design similar to the presidential seal — and putting Mr. Pruitt’s name around the rim in large letters…" So, you know, you can now definitively says his first-class and private/government aircraft travel, the extended security detail, his security caravan, and all the rest aren't really because of his "safety", but because of his insecurity and need to be a big boy at the table. (Grokked from someone, sorry).
"Vegetable prices may be going up soon, as a shortage of migrant workers is resulting in lost crops in California… Farmers say they’re having trouble hiring enough people to work during harvest season, causing some crops to rot before they can be picked. Already, the situation has triggered losses of more than $13 million in two California counties alone, according to NBC News." So much winning. (Grokked from Catherine Elizabeth)
"But a new analysis of all Fortune 500 companies found only 4.3 percent of workers will receive a one-time bonus or wage increase tied to the business tax cuts, while businesses received nine times more in cuts than what they passed on to their workers, according to Americans for Tax Fairness, a political advocacy group devoted to tax reform. The analysis also found that companies spent 37 times as much on stock buybacks than they did on bonuses and increased wages for workers." This is my shocked face. Although I think the GOP was hoping this kind of analysis wouldn't have happened until December, after the election. "In fact, this [analysis shows] that 433 corporations out of the Fortune 500 have announced no plans to share their tax cuts with employees." But what about that teacher in PA who got, what, an extra $1.50 every pay? (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)
The continuing media consolidation that was recently demonstrated with the power of the Sinclair TV network rolls on. "The Akron Beacon Journal is being sold to GateHouse Media, owner of several Ohio papers including The Columbus Dispatch and The Canton Repository." Now flavored with a little union busting.
"The Speaker of the Ohio House has announced he'll resign, days after he hired a lawyer and admitted he’d learned the FBI was asking questions about him." That's our second in a row.
"CIA Director Mike Pompeo… — who was recently nominated by Trump to be secretary of State — failed to disclose his business’ ties to a Chinese government oil and gas company in the questionnaire he was required to fill out to be confirmed as CIA director by the Senate." Like the Obama Administration had difficulties with nominees not filing taxes, the Trump Administration seems to have difficulties filling out their security questionnaires. How the hell did he even get a security clearance? (Grokked from Jim Wright)
Paul Ryan is out. Hey, he got his tax breaks and has scuttled the ship of state, so his job here is done. Also he faced a primary challenger that would force him to the right, and a blue wave election that might see him lose not only his seat, but his House of Representatives. This is what's known as "getting out while the getting is good." Also known as running away with your tail between your legs.
"David Greene talks with Jesse Hunt of the National Republican Congressional Committee about House Speaker Paul Ryan's decision not to seek re-election and its ripple effects on midterm elections." Shorter NRCC, "Everything is awesome!" and shows Nancy Pelosi still polls well (in the negative) among GOP base voters. If I thought he really believed what he was spewing I'd say, "You go with your crazy self."
"Regardless of the veracity of Sajudin’s claims (that Trump had a child with a Trump employee in the 80s), legal experts said that A.M.I.’s (who published the National Enquirer) payment to Sajudin is significant because it establishes the company’s pattern of buying and burying stories that could be damaging to Trump during the Presidential campaign." If another one comes out, my guess is that would be grounds for a federal election violation prosecution. But it also begs the question, since A.M.I. claims the story wasn't credible (as they did with Karen McDougal), why they'd pay so much for exclusive rights? (Grokked from Joy Reid)
Tweet of my heart: @mattyglesias Paul Ryan loves his kids so much that he’s willing to take time away from his life-long commitment to taking food and medicine away from poor children in order to spend more time with them. (Grokked from Joy Reid)
Double dip: @mzbat We need a Disney Princess who does incident response and explains persistent user sessions and SSH tunnels and screams about key rotation but no one listens until they figure it out themselves and say oh we need to rotate these keys and she’s like omfg I can’t even. (Grokked from Vince O'Connor)
"David Meade tells the Daily Express that on April 23, the sun and moon will be in Virgo, as will Jupiter, which represents the Messiah." It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine). I really need to get my ass in gear and write the damn book. (Grokked from Dan)
"Take a virtual tour of the Moon in all-new 4K resolution, thanks to data provided by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft." (Grokked from Dan)
"How are you as a parent dealing with Oklahoma's teacher walkout?… Many parents responded, most showing their unyielding support of the movement, noting that teachers were not just demanding a pay raise for themselves, but also funding for better textbooks and classroom supplies." Also note the stories of the teachers helping out the students and their parents. Just like they did in West Virginia and Kentucky. Because teachers, for the most part, are all about the student's welfare and are often the front line of family support services.
"Many American Muslims found themselves on the defensive after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But this generation says it is tired of being expected to apologize. Instead, young Muslims are determined to take control of their own stories. And they are creating fresh paths for the estimated 3.45 million Muslims in America… Rather than defending themselves, they are defining themselves." And they're not keeping quiet about it. Can't wait to see the Religious Freedom folk stand up and shout, "Right on." Yeah, not holding my breath either.
"Housing segregation is in everything. But to understand the root of this issue, you have to look at the government-backed policies that created the housing disparities we see today." And very informative video. If you can get people who say, "But slavery ended over a century ago" to watch it, maybe they'll learn something.
"When she tried to leave, sobbing after a non-consensual sexual encounter, she says the man who would be governor physically stopped her… What happened next, she testified under oath to a Missouri House committee investigating allegations of misconduct against Republican Gov. Eric Greitens, is spelled out in graphic detail in a 25-page report the lawmakers released Wednesday." Trigger warning, detailed description of the encounter. (Grokked from Michelle)
"When Scott Pruitt wanted to refashion the Environmental Protection Agency’s 'challenge coin'… he proposed an unusual design: Make it bigger, and delete the E.P.A. logo… Mr. Pruitt instead wanted the coin to feature some combination of symbols more reflective of himself and the Trump administration. Among the possibilities: a buffalo, to evoke Mr. Pruitt’s native Oklahoma, and a Bible verse to reflect his faith… Other ideas included using the Great Seal of the United States — a design similar to the presidential seal — and putting Mr. Pruitt’s name around the rim in large letters…" So, you know, you can now definitively says his first-class and private/government aircraft travel, the extended security detail, his security caravan, and all the rest aren't really because of his "safety", but because of his insecurity and need to be a big boy at the table. (Grokked from someone, sorry).
"Vegetable prices may be going up soon, as a shortage of migrant workers is resulting in lost crops in California… Farmers say they’re having trouble hiring enough people to work during harvest season, causing some crops to rot before they can be picked. Already, the situation has triggered losses of more than $13 million in two California counties alone, according to NBC News." So much winning. (Grokked from Catherine Elizabeth)
"But a new analysis of all Fortune 500 companies found only 4.3 percent of workers will receive a one-time bonus or wage increase tied to the business tax cuts, while businesses received nine times more in cuts than what they passed on to their workers, according to Americans for Tax Fairness, a political advocacy group devoted to tax reform. The analysis also found that companies spent 37 times as much on stock buybacks than they did on bonuses and increased wages for workers." This is my shocked face. Although I think the GOP was hoping this kind of analysis wouldn't have happened until December, after the election. "In fact, this [analysis shows] that 433 corporations out of the Fortune 500 have announced no plans to share their tax cuts with employees." But what about that teacher in PA who got, what, an extra $1.50 every pay? (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)
The continuing media consolidation that was recently demonstrated with the power of the Sinclair TV network rolls on. "The Akron Beacon Journal is being sold to GateHouse Media, owner of several Ohio papers including The Columbus Dispatch and The Canton Repository." Now flavored with a little union busting.
"The Speaker of the Ohio House has announced he'll resign, days after he hired a lawyer and admitted he’d learned the FBI was asking questions about him." That's our second in a row.
"CIA Director Mike Pompeo… — who was recently nominated by Trump to be secretary of State — failed to disclose his business’ ties to a Chinese government oil and gas company in the questionnaire he was required to fill out to be confirmed as CIA director by the Senate." Like the Obama Administration had difficulties with nominees not filing taxes, the Trump Administration seems to have difficulties filling out their security questionnaires. How the hell did he even get a security clearance? (Grokked from Jim Wright)
Paul Ryan is out. Hey, he got his tax breaks and has scuttled the ship of state, so his job here is done. Also he faced a primary challenger that would force him to the right, and a blue wave election that might see him lose not only his seat, but his House of Representatives. This is what's known as "getting out while the getting is good." Also known as running away with your tail between your legs.
"David Greene talks with Jesse Hunt of the National Republican Congressional Committee about House Speaker Paul Ryan's decision not to seek re-election and its ripple effects on midterm elections." Shorter NRCC, "Everything is awesome!" and shows Nancy Pelosi still polls well (in the negative) among GOP base voters. If I thought he really believed what he was spewing I'd say, "You go with your crazy self."
"Regardless of the veracity of Sajudin’s claims (that Trump had a child with a Trump employee in the 80s), legal experts said that A.M.I.’s (who published the National Enquirer) payment to Sajudin is significant because it establishes the company’s pattern of buying and burying stories that could be damaging to Trump during the Presidential campaign." If another one comes out, my guess is that would be grounds for a federal election violation prosecution. But it also begs the question, since A.M.I. claims the story wasn't credible (as they did with Karen McDougal), why they'd pay so much for exclusive rights? (Grokked from Joy Reid)
Tweet of my heart: @mattyglesias Paul Ryan loves his kids so much that he’s willing to take time away from his life-long commitment to taking food and medicine away from poor children in order to spend more time with them. (Grokked from Joy Reid)
Double dip: @mzbat We need a Disney Princess who does incident response and explains persistent user sessions and SSH tunnels and screams about key rotation but no one listens until they figure it out themselves and say oh we need to rotate these keys and she’s like omfg I can’t even. (Grokked from Vince O'Connor)
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Linkee-poo Wednesday
Our stable genius of a president is blustering at Russia in an attempt to make him look bigger, to not be seen as Putin's lapdog, and because he's lashing out. If I believed he was actually outraged at Assad's behavior regarding chemical weapons or intentionally targeting an American journalist, I would feel differently. But basically I see this as his thinking Assad a "small man" that he can beat up to make himself feel better about his impotence in other matters.
Found this handy today, you might as well. Is Mercury Retrograde? Easy website.
"If you've tried to delete your Facebook account and found yourself mysteriously lost and frustrated, welcome to the world of Dark Patterns, the website and app trickery designed to make you agree to things or otherwise fool you into doing something other than you intend." Here's a video that explains how it's done. In case you've ever tried to look at a bank or retirement fund account online you've seen this as well. Every time I log into Fidelity's 401k site I am challenged to "update my contact information" which is really just their attempt to send you electronic notices instead of paper notices. In case you ever wondered how "marketing" works, here's a good primer for some of the tricks. (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
There's trouble in Sweden. "After three members of the Swedish Academy resigned Friday, protesting its response to a long-simmering scandal, the committee known for awarding the Nobel Prize in literature has found itself in unfamiliar — and precarious — territory: Beyond examining the merits of an author's past work, as it does each year, the centuries-old group is now also facing questions about its own future."
"The federal agency that trains, tests and certifies the physicians who read X-rays and diagnose the deadly coal miners' disease black lung said today it was not consulted by Kentucky lawmakers in the 14 months they considered a new law that mostly limits diagnoses to pulmonologists working for coal companies." See, if they would have done that, they couldn't have protected the coal companies and swept the problem under the rug.
"The Charles Koch Foundation issued $100 million worth of grants in 2017 for higher education, up from about $35 million in 2014, according to figures provided by the foundation. The money funded programs at roughly 350 colleges and universities last year. But the shift at Wellesley’s Freedom Project raises questions about the sturdiness of the Koch-backed programs at a time when the organization is aggressively ramping up funding." "Academic Freedom Grifters" is an interesting concept, but not an entirely original one. (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
"The letters warn that FTC staff has concerns about the companies’ statements that consumers must use specified parts or service providers to keep their warranties intact. Unless warrantors provide the parts or services for free or receive a waiver from the FTC, such statements generally are prohibited by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a law that governs consumer product warranties. Similarly, such statements may be deceptive under the FTC Act." And this is why government is important.
"An Akron mother nodded in agreement Tuesday morning as she heard the verdicts reached by a Summit County jury in the murder trial of a man who shot and killed her son last year in a dispute over a dirt bike… After deliberating for about three hours Monday and early Tuesday, the jury of five women and seven men found William Knight guilty of all charges — two counts each of murder and felonious assault." (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
Why do unions get started? "Tronc has underpaid women and journalists of color by thousands of dollars a year at the Los Angeles Times, suggesting systemic salary gaps by race and gender, according to an analysis of newsroom salary data by the L.A. Times Guild." (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
"Forty-two years after founding one of the nation’s most influential evangelical megachurches, the Rev. Bill Hybels told his congregation Tuesday night that he would step down from the helm of Willow Creek Community Church six months ahead of schedule… His departure comes less than a month after a Chicago Tribune investigation disclosed that Hybels had been the subject of inquiries by church leaders into claims that he ran afoul of church teachings by engaging in inappropriate behavior with women in his congregation — including employees — allegedly spanning decades."
"A 2016 study published in the medical journal Obstetrics and Gynecology said that in 2012, Texas reported 147 women who died from pregnancy-related causes. The same journal on Monday released a new study by Texas Department of State Health Services researchers who say the number of maternal deaths was much lower 56… The cause for the discrepancy, according to the department, was likely mistakes made by doctors, justices of the peace and medical examiners, who incorrectly reported in the state's electronic death registration system that some women were pregnant at the time of their death, even though they weren't."
"You might recognize Wendy Vitter's last name… On Wednesday, she is likely to face some difficult questions about her statements on abortion and birth control at her Senate confirmation hearing to the post." This is why evangelicals love Trump, because he nominates people like this to judgeships. Also note that no less than Jeff Sessions has said to omit the speaking engagements from her forms was not only grounds to not approve her, but could possibly be a felony. Also note that I don't expect these "problems" (which halted several Obama nominations) to make a wit of difference with the Senate GOP approving her.
"A video obtained by NBC News shows U.S. Border Patrol agents attempting to break international law by forcing an injured and mentally unstable man back into Mexico by falsely claiming that he is not in their custody, failing to identify him and assuming he is Mexican because 'he looks like it.'" Our brave Customs and Border Patrol agents at work.
"Arizona students protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will no longer be eligible for in-state college tuition, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday." Because, you know, Arizona has been shown to promote a racist agenda before. Why should they stop now with Trump in the White House. I'm sure this isn't because the conservative talking point about the Dreamers being a drain on public services has been shown to not only be a lie, but that the Dreamers contribute significantly to our country and our economy.
"In elections past, the integrity of the vote was protected by poll workers and election officials. But in 2018 and likely beyond, elections are being protected by people like the anonymous man who works in the basement of the West Virginia Capitol… He's member of the West Virginia National Guard who is a cybersecurity specialist responsible for monitoring any computer-related threats to the state's elections."
"John Boehner is heading for the boardroom of a cannabis company, the former Speaker of the House announced Wednesday… 'I'm joining the board of #AcreageHoldings because my thinking on cannabis has evolved,' the Ohio Republican tweeted. 'I'm convinced de-scheduling the drug is needed so we can do research, help our veterans, and reverse the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities.'" I'm sure the profit motivation had nothing to do with it.
"House Speaker Paul Ryan told Republicans in the House Wednesday that he will not run for re-election in 2018." I'm sure his retirement pay will help. It's a little less important than if he had still been chairman of Ways and Means. There are also rumors he's a little upset because as a part of his deal to become Speaker of the House, he was supposed to be on the Presidential ticket in 2016.
Remember when candidate Trump said he would strengthen the social welfare net? "President Trump quietly signed an executive order Tuesday, directing federal agencies to strengthen the work requirements for various welfare programs. The move could eventually affect recipients of Medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance and cash welfare." This is what he meant. He will cut social programs (even if the money isn't cut, more will go toward administrative of education costs, just like what happened to welfare). "'This is one of the best economic environments we've seen in years, yet businesses are having a hard time finding qualified workers,' (Paul) Ryan said in a statement." This is an obvious bullshit argument by the addition of "qualified workers." It's not like people who have the abilities, skills, and location to work are sitting on their hands.
"President Trump had a ready retort to a Russian threat to shoot down any U.S. missiles in Syria: 'Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and "smart!"'" And so continues his weird use of scare quotes. Also, there are official channels for this (no, really, more than likely if there were Russians at the target zone there would be a quiet call between to commanders of the same level and a warning to get their people out and not say anything - it's rumored this is why there were no Russian - or Syrian - casualties during last year's missile attack). And finally, weak people threaten, strong people do. Finally there's this, "'He's doing exactly what he criticized Obama for doing,' Mara (Liasson) said on Morning Edition."
"New evidence presented in a Washington, D.C., federal court claims that American journalist Marie Colvin was killed in a targeted assassination by the Syrian regime in 2012… Key testimony comes from a Syrian defector, who had been a high-ranking intelligence officer and says he witnessed the orders that led to the death of Colvin." Casus belli.
"Trump's tunnel vision about widening legal probes surrounding him and his White House may not reflect reality, or even the views of many supposed allies on Capitol Hill, but it's a powerful driving force behind his actions, as everyone waits with dread to see what happens next following Monday's FBI raid targeting his personal lawyer Michael Cohen."
"Trump Organization lawyers wrote a letter to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela requesting his 'influence' in a private business dispute in Panama and implied that his government could pay consequences if he didn’t intervene… But the letter appears to be more than just a request — it also seems to be a thinly veiled threat. The lawyers wrote that the Panamanian court’s ruling violates a bilateral investment treaty between the US and Panama and hinted that Varela’s response could affect US-Panamanian relations more broadly." Even if the president was not directly involved in the drafting of that letter, this shows the level of corruption possible because the president didn't divest of his businesses (and there's little different between corruption directed and corruption expected). (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)
Found this handy today, you might as well. Is Mercury Retrograde? Easy website.
"If you've tried to delete your Facebook account and found yourself mysteriously lost and frustrated, welcome to the world of Dark Patterns, the website and app trickery designed to make you agree to things or otherwise fool you into doing something other than you intend." Here's a video that explains how it's done. In case you've ever tried to look at a bank or retirement fund account online you've seen this as well. Every time I log into Fidelity's 401k site I am challenged to "update my contact information" which is really just their attempt to send you electronic notices instead of paper notices. In case you ever wondered how "marketing" works, here's a good primer for some of the tricks. (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
There's trouble in Sweden. "After three members of the Swedish Academy resigned Friday, protesting its response to a long-simmering scandal, the committee known for awarding the Nobel Prize in literature has found itself in unfamiliar — and precarious — territory: Beyond examining the merits of an author's past work, as it does each year, the centuries-old group is now also facing questions about its own future."
"The federal agency that trains, tests and certifies the physicians who read X-rays and diagnose the deadly coal miners' disease black lung said today it was not consulted by Kentucky lawmakers in the 14 months they considered a new law that mostly limits diagnoses to pulmonologists working for coal companies." See, if they would have done that, they couldn't have protected the coal companies and swept the problem under the rug.
"The Charles Koch Foundation issued $100 million worth of grants in 2017 for higher education, up from about $35 million in 2014, according to figures provided by the foundation. The money funded programs at roughly 350 colleges and universities last year. But the shift at Wellesley’s Freedom Project raises questions about the sturdiness of the Koch-backed programs at a time when the organization is aggressively ramping up funding." "Academic Freedom Grifters" is an interesting concept, but not an entirely original one. (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
"The letters warn that FTC staff has concerns about the companies’ statements that consumers must use specified parts or service providers to keep their warranties intact. Unless warrantors provide the parts or services for free or receive a waiver from the FTC, such statements generally are prohibited by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a law that governs consumer product warranties. Similarly, such statements may be deceptive under the FTC Act." And this is why government is important.
"An Akron mother nodded in agreement Tuesday morning as she heard the verdicts reached by a Summit County jury in the murder trial of a man who shot and killed her son last year in a dispute over a dirt bike… After deliberating for about three hours Monday and early Tuesday, the jury of five women and seven men found William Knight guilty of all charges — two counts each of murder and felonious assault." (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
Why do unions get started? "Tronc has underpaid women and journalists of color by thousands of dollars a year at the Los Angeles Times, suggesting systemic salary gaps by race and gender, according to an analysis of newsroom salary data by the L.A. Times Guild." (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
"Forty-two years after founding one of the nation’s most influential evangelical megachurches, the Rev. Bill Hybels told his congregation Tuesday night that he would step down from the helm of Willow Creek Community Church six months ahead of schedule… His departure comes less than a month after a Chicago Tribune investigation disclosed that Hybels had been the subject of inquiries by church leaders into claims that he ran afoul of church teachings by engaging in inappropriate behavior with women in his congregation — including employees — allegedly spanning decades."
"A 2016 study published in the medical journal Obstetrics and Gynecology said that in 2012, Texas reported 147 women who died from pregnancy-related causes. The same journal on Monday released a new study by Texas Department of State Health Services researchers who say the number of maternal deaths was much lower 56… The cause for the discrepancy, according to the department, was likely mistakes made by doctors, justices of the peace and medical examiners, who incorrectly reported in the state's electronic death registration system that some women were pregnant at the time of their death, even though they weren't."
"You might recognize Wendy Vitter's last name… On Wednesday, she is likely to face some difficult questions about her statements on abortion and birth control at her Senate confirmation hearing to the post." This is why evangelicals love Trump, because he nominates people like this to judgeships. Also note that no less than Jeff Sessions has said to omit the speaking engagements from her forms was not only grounds to not approve her, but could possibly be a felony. Also note that I don't expect these "problems" (which halted several Obama nominations) to make a wit of difference with the Senate GOP approving her.
"A video obtained by NBC News shows U.S. Border Patrol agents attempting to break international law by forcing an injured and mentally unstable man back into Mexico by falsely claiming that he is not in their custody, failing to identify him and assuming he is Mexican because 'he looks like it.'" Our brave Customs and Border Patrol agents at work.
"Arizona students protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will no longer be eligible for in-state college tuition, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday." Because, you know, Arizona has been shown to promote a racist agenda before. Why should they stop now with Trump in the White House. I'm sure this isn't because the conservative talking point about the Dreamers being a drain on public services has been shown to not only be a lie, but that the Dreamers contribute significantly to our country and our economy.
"In elections past, the integrity of the vote was protected by poll workers and election officials. But in 2018 and likely beyond, elections are being protected by people like the anonymous man who works in the basement of the West Virginia Capitol… He's member of the West Virginia National Guard who is a cybersecurity specialist responsible for monitoring any computer-related threats to the state's elections."
"John Boehner is heading for the boardroom of a cannabis company, the former Speaker of the House announced Wednesday… 'I'm joining the board of #AcreageHoldings because my thinking on cannabis has evolved,' the Ohio Republican tweeted. 'I'm convinced de-scheduling the drug is needed so we can do research, help our veterans, and reverse the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities.'" I'm sure the profit motivation had nothing to do with it.
"House Speaker Paul Ryan told Republicans in the House Wednesday that he will not run for re-election in 2018." I'm sure his retirement pay will help. It's a little less important than if he had still been chairman of Ways and Means. There are also rumors he's a little upset because as a part of his deal to become Speaker of the House, he was supposed to be on the Presidential ticket in 2016.
Remember when candidate Trump said he would strengthen the social welfare net? "President Trump quietly signed an executive order Tuesday, directing federal agencies to strengthen the work requirements for various welfare programs. The move could eventually affect recipients of Medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance and cash welfare." This is what he meant. He will cut social programs (even if the money isn't cut, more will go toward administrative of education costs, just like what happened to welfare). "'This is one of the best economic environments we've seen in years, yet businesses are having a hard time finding qualified workers,' (Paul) Ryan said in a statement." This is an obvious bullshit argument by the addition of "qualified workers." It's not like people who have the abilities, skills, and location to work are sitting on their hands.
"President Trump had a ready retort to a Russian threat to shoot down any U.S. missiles in Syria: 'Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and "smart!"'" And so continues his weird use of scare quotes. Also, there are official channels for this (no, really, more than likely if there were Russians at the target zone there would be a quiet call between to commanders of the same level and a warning to get their people out and not say anything - it's rumored this is why there were no Russian - or Syrian - casualties during last year's missile attack). And finally, weak people threaten, strong people do. Finally there's this, "'He's doing exactly what he criticized Obama for doing,' Mara (Liasson) said on Morning Edition."
"New evidence presented in a Washington, D.C., federal court claims that American journalist Marie Colvin was killed in a targeted assassination by the Syrian regime in 2012… Key testimony comes from a Syrian defector, who had been a high-ranking intelligence officer and says he witnessed the orders that led to the death of Colvin." Casus belli.
"Trump's tunnel vision about widening legal probes surrounding him and his White House may not reflect reality, or even the views of many supposed allies on Capitol Hill, but it's a powerful driving force behind his actions, as everyone waits with dread to see what happens next following Monday's FBI raid targeting his personal lawyer Michael Cohen."
"Trump Organization lawyers wrote a letter to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela requesting his 'influence' in a private business dispute in Panama and implied that his government could pay consequences if he didn’t intervene… But the letter appears to be more than just a request — it also seems to be a thinly veiled threat. The lawyers wrote that the Panamanian court’s ruling violates a bilateral investment treaty between the US and Panama and hinted that Varela’s response could affect US-Panamanian relations more broadly." Even if the president was not directly involved in the drafting of that letter, this shows the level of corruption possible because the president didn't divest of his businesses (and there's little different between corruption directed and corruption expected). (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Linkee-poo wait, it's Tuesday, when did that happen
"As he neared completion this week on his latest novel, By The Water's Edge, author Edward Milligan marveled aloud to reporters how he was able to flesh out, in meticulous detail, every single corner of his book's vast and stunningly shitty world." Ouch, Onion, that stings a little (okay, it stings while I was giggling, which is the best form of satire). (Grokked from John Scalzi)
"Now, (the Bibliotheca Palatina) 'core inventory' of approximately 3,000 manuscripts has become available free online at the Bibliotheca Palatina Digital." (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
"If Fox News is national media with a conservative bent, Sinclair may be looking to become the same for local news… And if this sale goes through, Sinclair will reach nearly three-fourths of TV-watching audiences — and those people watch a lot more local news than cable news…" And they're using an FCC loophole created by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. (Grokked from Cat Rambo)
"LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Easton Town Center near Columbus is looking to fill a position for a 'master builder,' according to several job postings for the role." I knew I should have bought that 3d printer years ago! There will be a "competition" for the job, no word on if it requires being able to sing all verses of "Everything Is Awesome." (Grokked from John Scalzi)
"Archaeologists on Monday announced the discovery of a fossilized human finger bone in the desert of Saudi Arabia that they said was 85,000 years old… If confirmed, the finding would be the first and earliest Homo sapiens fossil found on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the oldest specimen of our species to be directly dated outside of Africa and its doorstep, the Levant." Ah yes, the big middle-finger of history is being flashed at us.
"The condition, called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, is characterized by recurring bouts of severe nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in heavy marijuana users, who often take hot showers to relieve their symptoms. The condition was first recognized in 2004, but U.S. doctors have reported seeing it more frequently in recent years, according to the New York Times." I don't know, sounds a little fishy to me.
"Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare condition that occurs as the result of a sudden constriction (tightening) of the vessels that supply blood to the brain. The main symptom of RCVS is sudden, severe, and disabling headaches that are sometimes called “thunderclap” headaches. Strokes or a bleeding into the brain may or may not be present." Unfortunately the "reversal" part doesn't seem to be able to be medically induced, but is a part of the "natural" body function.
"Instead of defining the disease through symptoms like memory problems or fuzzy thinking, the scientists want to focus on biological changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's. These include the plaques and tangles that build up in the brains of people with the disease… But they say the new approach is intended only for research studies, and isn't yet ready for use by most doctors who treat Alzheimer's patients." Yes, it's always good to have physical metrics to make a diagnosis and yes, some people diagnosed with Alzheimers have other diseases that cause similar symptoms. But (leans in and whispers) so far there's been no conclusive evidence to determine if the plaques and tangles are symptoms or cause of the disease and only mild evidence of a connection.
"Americans owe approximately $1.5 trillion in student debt. Is there anything that can be done to help alleviate the load? Former chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Sheila Bair joined David Brancaccio to talk about why she's advocating for student loan repayments to be tied to a person's income. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation." Only if they add in a time limit as well. I have a better idea, let's make student debt unsecured and dischargeable in bankruptcy. Want to see an industry change, put that in the pipeline and watch how much banks really want to be regulated (or, you know, fully federalize the loan program and take the banks out of the picture all together).
"Massachusetts-based American Superconductor seemed to be riding high in early 2011, reaping strong sales and even praise from the White House for successfully cracking the Asian import markets." Until their Chinese partner stole their technology (with possible insider help).
"If the Trump administration wins some concessions from China in the latest trade dispute, it could be a boost to U.S.-based multinationals."
One of the things that I think is interesting is watching a lot of the economics and business reporters talking about China's response and how it'll affect those farmers who send product to China (hog and soybean mostly). Um, no. It will affect all farmers who grow hogs and soybeans no matter where they sell because the sudden overstock of those commodities will tank the price for everybody (and, perversely, may negate the effect of the Chinese retaliatory tariffs in the Chinese markets). So the Chinese may get the same products, but at a reduced price, as American farmers go into the red (again).
"Here’s the executive summary: U.S. companies are valued less now than before Trump was elected, despite the run-up in stocks, big corporate tax cuts, reductions in regulations, and booming earnings. The cost to borrow for the U.S. has soared relative to other governments, a sign investors are worried about America’s creditworthiness. The dollar’s share of global currency reserves has dropped by the most since 2002." So much winning I can't stand it. Note it's an opinion article, so facts may be handled lose and fast. But this is also one of the reasons I say we'll have the start of a recession by the end of the year. (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
"Punching Nazis doesn't work," they said. Oh really? "The bottom line is that coordinated anti-fascist action like this has made it incredibly difficult for the 'alt-right' to organize. Major figures like Spencer have had their events turned into platforms for mass opposition, and his speeches shouted down. In 2016, he was able to host a sold out National Policy Institute conference at the famed Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, but last year, the organization got booted from the unheated barn they were forced to rent… 'The antifa has pretty much succeeded in achieving what the progressive left cannot, which is fully and finally de-platforming the hard right,' (cofounder of the Traditionalist Workers Matt) Parrott said. 'They demoralized and disabled the majority of the "alt-right," driving most of them off the streets and public square.'" This article from Truth-out says the "alt-right" is on the ropes. Don't believe it folks, they've just gone back underground (where they've thrived for decades). Their plan to come out into the sunlight has only been put on hold. To kill the vampire you must drive a stake through its heart and cut off it's head, fill the mouth with garlic (or a brick), burn the body at a crossroads and scatter the ashes to the wind. You have to do all of it. And even when you do that, there's always the chance of a new vampire in town. (Grokked from Xopher Halftongue)
"In her first appearance on Fox News since taking a previously unannounced vacation, Laura Ingraham didn’t directly mention the advertiser boycott campaign that, so far, has cut ad time on 'The Ingraham Angle' roughly in half."
"The combined effects of President Trump’s tax cuts and last month’s budget-busting spending bill is sending the government’s budget deficit toward the $1 trillion mark next year, according to a new analysis by the Congressional Budget Office." Remember when conservatives lost their shit about the deficit spending during Obama's presidency? (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
"But ethics officials in government are starting to speak out and raise red flags. The Office of Government Ethics on Monday issued a strongly worded letter… that lays out its case for why ethics matter." This only works if those in positions of power understand they're servants and stewards of the public interest. When they don't have that basic understanding of government, ethics don't mean a damn thing. And ethics are not "nitpicks" they are the foundation of behavior, character, and good governance. The president is corrupt, the beast rots from the head. The GOP doesn't care about their "standards" when they're dismantling government at the behest of their corporate masters just like evangelicals give us their own ethics when they get anti-abortion judges and have someone in power that will defend their right to bigotry.
"Gov. Matt Bevin (KY) on Monday vetoed both the state budget bill and the tax bill that his fellow Republicans in control of the Kentucky House and Senate passed a week ago." So we're going to see a miniature "alternate timeline" if Trump had spiked the budget like he threatened. This will not end well.
"Trump’s figures match up with international trade data (in automobiles between China and the US). But economists raised some important details that Trump omitted from his tweet, which put his claim in a slightly different light." Trump doesn't know all the details? This is my shocked face.
"'It's a disgraceful situation. It's a total witch hunt,' Trump said on Monday. 'When I saw this, when I heard about it, that is a whole new level of unfairness.'" Hey Mr. President, if you're totally innocent, as you claim, you've got nothing to worry about. You know, like conservatives told the rest of us as you stripped our civil rights and protections. And I know all the news reports say that getting a warrant for an attorney's office is very unusual and requires a huge amount of justification, most people are missing that if we take Mr. Cohen at his word, for what he's said in public, he's in legal trouble for his payment to Stormy Daniels, and the NY Bar may also want to look at his license (as he didn't get approval or even notify his client about the agreement). If some circumstantial evidence proves true (the reimbursement from the campaign to the Trump organization of the same amount Cohen paid Daniels minus 28 cents a week after the payment to Daniels was made) it could be bad for everybody.
"Now, (the Bibliotheca Palatina) 'core inventory' of approximately 3,000 manuscripts has become available free online at the Bibliotheca Palatina Digital." (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
"If Fox News is national media with a conservative bent, Sinclair may be looking to become the same for local news… And if this sale goes through, Sinclair will reach nearly three-fourths of TV-watching audiences — and those people watch a lot more local news than cable news…" And they're using an FCC loophole created by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. (Grokked from Cat Rambo)
"LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Easton Town Center near Columbus is looking to fill a position for a 'master builder,' according to several job postings for the role." I knew I should have bought that 3d printer years ago! There will be a "competition" for the job, no word on if it requires being able to sing all verses of "Everything Is Awesome." (Grokked from John Scalzi)
"Archaeologists on Monday announced the discovery of a fossilized human finger bone in the desert of Saudi Arabia that they said was 85,000 years old… If confirmed, the finding would be the first and earliest Homo sapiens fossil found on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the oldest specimen of our species to be directly dated outside of Africa and its doorstep, the Levant." Ah yes, the big middle-finger of history is being flashed at us.
"The condition, called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, is characterized by recurring bouts of severe nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in heavy marijuana users, who often take hot showers to relieve their symptoms. The condition was first recognized in 2004, but U.S. doctors have reported seeing it more frequently in recent years, according to the New York Times." I don't know, sounds a little fishy to me.
"Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare condition that occurs as the result of a sudden constriction (tightening) of the vessels that supply blood to the brain. The main symptom of RCVS is sudden, severe, and disabling headaches that are sometimes called “thunderclap” headaches. Strokes or a bleeding into the brain may or may not be present." Unfortunately the "reversal" part doesn't seem to be able to be medically induced, but is a part of the "natural" body function.
"Instead of defining the disease through symptoms like memory problems or fuzzy thinking, the scientists want to focus on biological changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's. These include the plaques and tangles that build up in the brains of people with the disease… But they say the new approach is intended only for research studies, and isn't yet ready for use by most doctors who treat Alzheimer's patients." Yes, it's always good to have physical metrics to make a diagnosis and yes, some people diagnosed with Alzheimers have other diseases that cause similar symptoms. But (leans in and whispers) so far there's been no conclusive evidence to determine if the plaques and tangles are symptoms or cause of the disease and only mild evidence of a connection.
"Americans owe approximately $1.5 trillion in student debt. Is there anything that can be done to help alleviate the load? Former chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Sheila Bair joined David Brancaccio to talk about why she's advocating for student loan repayments to be tied to a person's income. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation." Only if they add in a time limit as well. I have a better idea, let's make student debt unsecured and dischargeable in bankruptcy. Want to see an industry change, put that in the pipeline and watch how much banks really want to be regulated (or, you know, fully federalize the loan program and take the banks out of the picture all together).
"Massachusetts-based American Superconductor seemed to be riding high in early 2011, reaping strong sales and even praise from the White House for successfully cracking the Asian import markets." Until their Chinese partner stole their technology (with possible insider help).
"If the Trump administration wins some concessions from China in the latest trade dispute, it could be a boost to U.S.-based multinationals."
One of the things that I think is interesting is watching a lot of the economics and business reporters talking about China's response and how it'll affect those farmers who send product to China (hog and soybean mostly). Um, no. It will affect all farmers who grow hogs and soybeans no matter where they sell because the sudden overstock of those commodities will tank the price for everybody (and, perversely, may negate the effect of the Chinese retaliatory tariffs in the Chinese markets). So the Chinese may get the same products, but at a reduced price, as American farmers go into the red (again).
"Here’s the executive summary: U.S. companies are valued less now than before Trump was elected, despite the run-up in stocks, big corporate tax cuts, reductions in regulations, and booming earnings. The cost to borrow for the U.S. has soared relative to other governments, a sign investors are worried about America’s creditworthiness. The dollar’s share of global currency reserves has dropped by the most since 2002." So much winning I can't stand it. Note it's an opinion article, so facts may be handled lose and fast. But this is also one of the reasons I say we'll have the start of a recession by the end of the year. (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
"Punching Nazis doesn't work," they said. Oh really? "The bottom line is that coordinated anti-fascist action like this has made it incredibly difficult for the 'alt-right' to organize. Major figures like Spencer have had their events turned into platforms for mass opposition, and his speeches shouted down. In 2016, he was able to host a sold out National Policy Institute conference at the famed Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, but last year, the organization got booted from the unheated barn they were forced to rent… 'The antifa has pretty much succeeded in achieving what the progressive left cannot, which is fully and finally de-platforming the hard right,' (cofounder of the Traditionalist Workers Matt) Parrott said. 'They demoralized and disabled the majority of the "alt-right," driving most of them off the streets and public square.'" This article from Truth-out says the "alt-right" is on the ropes. Don't believe it folks, they've just gone back underground (where they've thrived for decades). Their plan to come out into the sunlight has only been put on hold. To kill the vampire you must drive a stake through its heart and cut off it's head, fill the mouth with garlic (or a brick), burn the body at a crossroads and scatter the ashes to the wind. You have to do all of it. And even when you do that, there's always the chance of a new vampire in town. (Grokked from Xopher Halftongue)
"In her first appearance on Fox News since taking a previously unannounced vacation, Laura Ingraham didn’t directly mention the advertiser boycott campaign that, so far, has cut ad time on 'The Ingraham Angle' roughly in half."
"The combined effects of President Trump’s tax cuts and last month’s budget-busting spending bill is sending the government’s budget deficit toward the $1 trillion mark next year, according to a new analysis by the Congressional Budget Office." Remember when conservatives lost their shit about the deficit spending during Obama's presidency? (Grokked from Xeni Jardin)
"But ethics officials in government are starting to speak out and raise red flags. The Office of Government Ethics on Monday issued a strongly worded letter… that lays out its case for why ethics matter." This only works if those in positions of power understand they're servants and stewards of the public interest. When they don't have that basic understanding of government, ethics don't mean a damn thing. And ethics are not "nitpicks" they are the foundation of behavior, character, and good governance. The president is corrupt, the beast rots from the head. The GOP doesn't care about their "standards" when they're dismantling government at the behest of their corporate masters just like evangelicals give us their own ethics when they get anti-abortion judges and have someone in power that will defend their right to bigotry.
"Gov. Matt Bevin (KY) on Monday vetoed both the state budget bill and the tax bill that his fellow Republicans in control of the Kentucky House and Senate passed a week ago." So we're going to see a miniature "alternate timeline" if Trump had spiked the budget like he threatened. This will not end well.
"Trump’s figures match up with international trade data (in automobiles between China and the US). But economists raised some important details that Trump omitted from his tweet, which put his claim in a slightly different light." Trump doesn't know all the details? This is my shocked face.
"'It's a disgraceful situation. It's a total witch hunt,' Trump said on Monday. 'When I saw this, when I heard about it, that is a whole new level of unfairness.'" Hey Mr. President, if you're totally innocent, as you claim, you've got nothing to worry about. You know, like conservatives told the rest of us as you stripped our civil rights and protections. And I know all the news reports say that getting a warrant for an attorney's office is very unusual and requires a huge amount of justification, most people are missing that if we take Mr. Cohen at his word, for what he's said in public, he's in legal trouble for his payment to Stormy Daniels, and the NY Bar may also want to look at his license (as he didn't get approval or even notify his client about the agreement). If some circumstantial evidence proves true (the reimbursement from the campaign to the Trump organization of the same amount Cohen paid Daniels minus 28 cents a week after the payment to Daniels was made) it could be bad for everybody.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Linkee-poo Monday morning couldn't guarantee
"Hynden was shocked when he got the second CT scan in January, and the listed price was $8,897 — 33 times what he paid for the first test." I have a little experience here. There's a big difference between an outpatient imaging center and a CT scan performed through an Emergency Room. Besides the differences they list in the article, there are a world of differences on the back end that they didn't explore. Now first, yes, hospital master price lists are egregiously out of line, but there is something to the discussion about having to care for people without insurance (and hospitals needing to make up the difference somewhere - yes even with the ACA and expanded Medicaid we still get people without insurance thanks to several reasons, most of which is GOP interference and disinformation). As I remember, Florida didn't expand Medicaid. Another difference can be the type of contrast used for the different scans (oral and IV, and the amount and type given). Then there's the timing. A Radiologist will give a report within 1 hour for the ER scan (and hospitals typically employ their own Radiologists to accomplish this), for the outpatient scan there's no timeline and could possibly have been read by a Radiologist in Australia or India (or really anywhere in the world). Then there is the difference in scanners. One reason why the outpatient facility may be seeing their reimbursements reduce is they're using an old and "outdated" scanner. Medicare is constantly updating their specifications and reducing payments for equipment considered "obsolete" or "less optimal/safe". One of the new requirements (started in 2017) is the CT scanner must calculate patient radiation dose (in a particular fashion). If the outpatient scanner can't, they get reduced payments. Also there are differences not only in quality but in ability. Without knowing anything about the scanners it's quite possible the outpatient scanner is a 16-slice where as the hospitals would most likely be a 64-slice or even an 256-slice (you can think of these as 2-megapixel cameras compared to 8 mega-pixel cameras compared to 20-megapixel cameras). The more slices, the faster the scan and the lower patient dose (it's complex, you don't want me to explain) but also increases the cost of the scanner greatly. More than likely the emergency room scan had thinner slices (how "thick" the images are), which means there were more images for the radiologist to read, which takes longer, which increases cost. So while it may sound like they're comparing apples to apples, it might be apples to pineapples.
"Oklahoma Republican Gov. Mary Fallin drew national outrage when she accused striking teachers of being like 'teenagers' who 'want a better car.'… The governor claimed that they have given teachers the largest pay raise in history and agreed to millions in funding for books and other supplies. The money comes after ten years of significant cuts to education. The additional funding promised to educators and schools doesn’t recoup the cuts." More of that compassionate conservatism we've heard about. (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
"At 5:15, Ken Ham mentions that 'we actually have a lot of jobs that we can’t fill here at the Creation Museum.' He says that applies to Ark Encounter, too. And he’s right; just look at the part-time, full-time, and seasonal job openings." I guess being a total douche has its problems. (Grokked from Fred Clark)
"Using 12 years of archival data from NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory, a team led by Columbia University astrophysicist Chuck Hailey has found a dozen potential black holes within a few light-years of the Milky Way’s center, well within the gravitational reach of our galaxy’s supermassive black hole…Based on the emissions and spatial distribution of these 12 systems, the team estimates 10,000 to 20,000 of these objects should be swirling around our galaxy’s core, mostly unseen." A swam of black holes.
"South Carolina Republican Trey Gowdy, who is retiring from Congress this year, told Vice News' Michael C. Moynihan that he felt being in Congress was largely a waste of time, as it was bogged down by 'ineffectiveness.'" Well, Trey, your time was largely wasted, but that was your choice. But I bet if you had just one more Benghazi investigation it would have all been worth while, right? "'To the extent men judge themselves based on what they do for a living, I don't have a lot to show for the last seven years.'" Because, you know, public service, civic duty, helping others, representing your constituents, all completely worthless in the conservative mind. Dear Trey, please feel free to fuck off and relinquish your retirement pay. (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
Ah, Crazy Uncle Pat is at it again. "Pat Robertson: I’m being dominated by homosexuals. If that visual doesn't keep you up and night, I don't know what will. Oh, and Uncle Pat, the word you're actually looking for is "pwned". (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"A conservative Republican congressman from South Carolina admitted pulling out a pistol during a 'coffee with constituents' event in Rock Hill, the Post and Courier reported Friday." Nice people. (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
"Meanwhile, the United States government, traditionally one of the bastions of press freedom, is about to compile a list of professional journalists and 'top media influencers,' which would seem to include bloggers and podcasters, and monitor what they're putting out to the public." Raises hand. Ooo, ooo, ooo, Mista Kotter! Well, at least the Russians think I'm important (actually my money is they're using me as a barometer of what the zeitgeist is). (Grokked from Kathryn Kramer)
"The Washington Post reported Thursday that, after watching a recorded video of a drone strike in Syria in which officials waited until the target was outside of his family’s home, Trump asked, 'Why did you wait?'" Moral bankruptcy. (Grokked from Xopher Halftounge)
"In an unusual twist, Fox News actually reported on something accurately Sunday — just not on purpose… The inadvertently honest moment took place during a segment on Fox News’ 'Media Buzz,' when host Howard Kurtz accidentally showed a graph revealing that Fox is the least trusted of any major cable news network." Well there's a broadcast graphics designer and producer looking for a new job this morning. (Grokked from Jer)
"Police have arrested six people suspected of planning a 'crime' during the Berlin Half Marathon on Sunday." But, hey, you can't treat terrorists as criminals because it' ineffective and something something potatoes.
"The National Rifle Association may have accepted more contributions from Russian donors than it first acknowledged, new documents show." This is my shocked face.
"Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said no evidence has been found of a chemical weapons attack in Syria's formerly rebel-held town of Douma… Medical sources say dozens were killed in Saturday's alleged attack but numbers are impossible to verify." I'll just note that Russia has always denied every Syrian chemical attack (including the use of chlorine gas delivered in "barrel" bombs). But the news reports on Israel's involvement in attacks on Syria is quite interesting and troubling.
"Oklahoma Republican Gov. Mary Fallin drew national outrage when she accused striking teachers of being like 'teenagers' who 'want a better car.'… The governor claimed that they have given teachers the largest pay raise in history and agreed to millions in funding for books and other supplies. The money comes after ten years of significant cuts to education. The additional funding promised to educators and schools doesn’t recoup the cuts." More of that compassionate conservatism we've heard about. (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
"At 5:15, Ken Ham mentions that 'we actually have a lot of jobs that we can’t fill here at the Creation Museum.' He says that applies to Ark Encounter, too. And he’s right; just look at the part-time, full-time, and seasonal job openings." I guess being a total douche has its problems. (Grokked from Fred Clark)
"Using 12 years of archival data from NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory, a team led by Columbia University astrophysicist Chuck Hailey has found a dozen potential black holes within a few light-years of the Milky Way’s center, well within the gravitational reach of our galaxy’s supermassive black hole…Based on the emissions and spatial distribution of these 12 systems, the team estimates 10,000 to 20,000 of these objects should be swirling around our galaxy’s core, mostly unseen." A swam of black holes.
"South Carolina Republican Trey Gowdy, who is retiring from Congress this year, told Vice News' Michael C. Moynihan that he felt being in Congress was largely a waste of time, as it was bogged down by 'ineffectiveness.'" Well, Trey, your time was largely wasted, but that was your choice. But I bet if you had just one more Benghazi investigation it would have all been worth while, right? "'To the extent men judge themselves based on what they do for a living, I don't have a lot to show for the last seven years.'" Because, you know, public service, civic duty, helping others, representing your constituents, all completely worthless in the conservative mind. Dear Trey, please feel free to fuck off and relinquish your retirement pay. (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
Ah, Crazy Uncle Pat is at it again. "Pat Robertson: I’m being dominated by homosexuals. If that visual doesn't keep you up and night, I don't know what will. Oh, and Uncle Pat, the word you're actually looking for is "pwned". (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"A conservative Republican congressman from South Carolina admitted pulling out a pistol during a 'coffee with constituents' event in Rock Hill, the Post and Courier reported Friday." Nice people. (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
"Meanwhile, the United States government, traditionally one of the bastions of press freedom, is about to compile a list of professional journalists and 'top media influencers,' which would seem to include bloggers and podcasters, and monitor what they're putting out to the public." Raises hand. Ooo, ooo, ooo, Mista Kotter! Well, at least the Russians think I'm important (actually my money is they're using me as a barometer of what the zeitgeist is). (Grokked from Kathryn Kramer)
"The Washington Post reported Thursday that, after watching a recorded video of a drone strike in Syria in which officials waited until the target was outside of his family’s home, Trump asked, 'Why did you wait?'" Moral bankruptcy. (Grokked from Xopher Halftounge)
"In an unusual twist, Fox News actually reported on something accurately Sunday — just not on purpose… The inadvertently honest moment took place during a segment on Fox News’ 'Media Buzz,' when host Howard Kurtz accidentally showed a graph revealing that Fox is the least trusted of any major cable news network." Well there's a broadcast graphics designer and producer looking for a new job this morning. (Grokked from Jer)
"Police have arrested six people suspected of planning a 'crime' during the Berlin Half Marathon on Sunday." But, hey, you can't treat terrorists as criminals because it' ineffective and something something potatoes.
"The National Rifle Association may have accepted more contributions from Russian donors than it first acknowledged, new documents show." This is my shocked face.
"Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said no evidence has been found of a chemical weapons attack in Syria's formerly rebel-held town of Douma… Medical sources say dozens were killed in Saturday's alleged attack but numbers are impossible to verify." I'll just note that Russia has always denied every Syrian chemical attack (including the use of chlorine gas delivered in "barrel" bombs). But the news reports on Israel's involvement in attacks on Syria is quite interesting and troubling.
Friday, April 6, 2018
Linkee-poo clothed myself in your glory and your love, how I loved you, how I cried
"At some point in the 7th or 8th century, a pregnant woman died and was buried in the medieval Italian town of Iola… But when the woman’s grave was discovered in 2010, two very strange details emerged. First, a cluster of tiny bones lay between the woman’s legs—the remains of her fetus, which appeared to have been born after her death." Coffin-birth, apparently a thing (note more than likely the fetus was also dead). (Grokked from Cherie Priest)
"In a major milestone, Virgin Galactic successfully completed the first rocket-powered test flight of its new SpaceShipTwo on Thursday, marking the first such test for the space tourism firm since a fatal accident in 2014."
About the link yesterday on women in STEM not having as high an esteem of their own abilities as compared to men, the Note to Self podcast on living with no filter. I also recommend the series this capped off with women with no filter.
"Be careful what you copy: Invisibly inserting usernames into text with Zero-Width Characters." Sort of like steganography/watermarking, but for copiable text (Grokked from Eric VanNewkirk)
"But the teacher walkouts are a reminder that even professionals with master's degrees in some of the country's largest cities endure many of the same economic challenges associated with those in blue-collar jobs." Ask me about my wife's PhD. And if you think we shamefully underpay and underfund grade school and high school teachers, you'll be positively floored with how little Adjunct Professors make. (Grokked from Vince O'Conner)
"A man detonated two explosive devices at a Sam's Club in Ontario (California) Thursday afternoon, igniting small fires and triggering an evacuation, authorities said."
"A battle is brewing over payday lending in Ohio. There are more than 650 storefronts in the state but the industry argues that a new bill threatens to shut them all down. However, consumer advocates say payday lending has been skirting around state law for years to prey on desperate borrowers." Ohio has some of the most egregious payday loan operations, sometimes charging near 600%. And then you have "Patrick Crowley… with the Ohio Consumer Lenders Association, which represents the payday lending industry… 'I could say the same thing about if I wanted to look at an interest rate of when I take -- an ATM -- I take $20 bucks out and I get charged $2 bucks. I mean what would the APR be on that, it would be exorbitant,' said Crowley." It would be 10%. That doesn't mean I don't agree with him that charging $2 at an ATM, which decreases the cost of operating a bank, isn't highway robbery of it's own, but 1) it's my money, why charge any fee for me to access it and 2) it's only 10%. Charge 10% Mr. Crowley and you wouldn't be in this predicament.
"The unprecedented rate at which the polar ice caps are melting is creating a flurry of activity. So far, Russia and China are leading the charge for the High North." Other countries are exploiting the opportunities of global climate change while we're still debating if it's real or not. (Grokked from Tobias Buckell)
You'll never be able to power a country with just renewables they said. "Last month, Portugal produced more than enough renewable energy to meet the country's entire electrical demand — a feat 'unmatched in the last 40 years,' according to the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, or APREN, says." There were some times when fossil fuel generated power was needed, but only in a backup manner.
"Consumer, business, and environmental groups are rallying to oppose FirstEnergy’s request for a federal bailout now that the company’s subsidiary FirstEnergy Solutions has filed for bankruptcy. This could be the major utility company’s last shot at keeping its nuclear and coal plants open."
"The U.S. economy marked its 90th consecutive month of job growth in March, but the U.S. added fewer jobs than had been expected, with a net gain of only 103,000." Remember just a few years ago when only 100,000 jobs would have been cause for two weeks of media and market breakouts? Note the revised numbers from January and February, which while they increased February's blowout, decreased January's mild numbers to the extent of a net reduction of employment for those months by 50,000.
"China's government on Friday hit back at President Trump's latest call for more tariffs by saying it was prepared to 'follow through to the end and fight back resolutely.'" So much winning. Say, remember when everybody also freaked out that China might use it's investments in US Treasury Bonds as a weapon, but said they wouldn't do it because it would cost China too much? Note China is now saying they will respond "whatever cost". I wonder if they're threatening to use their investments against us? Nah, I mean, they wouldn't do that to us. A trade war is not hard to start, but it's very damn hard to stop once it gets rolling even if both sides agree it should end.
"Conservative writer Kevin D. Williamson believes women who have abortions should be hanged, along with their doctors and nurses… And today he’s been fired by The Atlantic, after a podcast surfaced in which he expressed the same murderous position at greater length." So once it because obvious this guy was a jerk the Atlantic fired him. Next time, maybe you all should do due diligence first. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"Special Counsel Robert Mueller has obtained evidence that calls into question Congressional testimony given by Trump supporter and Blackwater founder Erik Prince last year, when he described a meeting in Seychelles with a Russian financier close to Vladimir Putin as a casual chance encounter 'over a beer,' sources tell ABC News." Erik Prince lied? This is my shocked face.
"At least five officials at the Environmental Protection Agency, four of them high-ranking, were reassigned or demoted, or requested new jobs in the past year after they raised concerns about the spending and management of the agency’s administrator, Scott Pruitt." Only the best people. I'm not sure these best people understand just how much they're putting the government at risk for workplace lawsuits.
"The Trump administration is laying sanctions on 38 Russian oligarchs, government officials and business entities, citing 'the Kremlin's malign agenda' that ranges from malicious online campaigns and efforts to undermine democracy to its actions in eastern Ukraine and Syria." Good thing we gave them enough time to move assets out of the US.
"As allegations continue to swirl about the president and a payout to a porn star to cover up a sexual encounter, evangelical leaders are organizing a sit-down with President Trump in June, four sources with knowledge of the planned meeting tell NPR." Look, Trump could receive a blowjob on the stage at this event from another porn star and as long as he appointed anti-abortion judges, allows evangelical "businesses" to discriminate in violation of EEOC rules, and keeps the IRS at bay from taxing their "churches" and not looking too closely at their accounting they will all stand and say, "Love the sinner, hate the sin."
"In a major milestone, Virgin Galactic successfully completed the first rocket-powered test flight of its new SpaceShipTwo on Thursday, marking the first such test for the space tourism firm since a fatal accident in 2014."
About the link yesterday on women in STEM not having as high an esteem of their own abilities as compared to men, the Note to Self podcast on living with no filter. I also recommend the series this capped off with women with no filter.
"Be careful what you copy: Invisibly inserting usernames into text with Zero-Width Characters." Sort of like steganography/watermarking, but for copiable text (Grokked from Eric VanNewkirk)
"But the teacher walkouts are a reminder that even professionals with master's degrees in some of the country's largest cities endure many of the same economic challenges associated with those in blue-collar jobs." Ask me about my wife's PhD. And if you think we shamefully underpay and underfund grade school and high school teachers, you'll be positively floored with how little Adjunct Professors make. (Grokked from Vince O'Conner)
"A man detonated two explosive devices at a Sam's Club in Ontario (California) Thursday afternoon, igniting small fires and triggering an evacuation, authorities said."
"A battle is brewing over payday lending in Ohio. There are more than 650 storefronts in the state but the industry argues that a new bill threatens to shut them all down. However, consumer advocates say payday lending has been skirting around state law for years to prey on desperate borrowers." Ohio has some of the most egregious payday loan operations, sometimes charging near 600%. And then you have "Patrick Crowley… with the Ohio Consumer Lenders Association, which represents the payday lending industry… 'I could say the same thing about if I wanted to look at an interest rate of when I take -- an ATM -- I take $20 bucks out and I get charged $2 bucks. I mean what would the APR be on that, it would be exorbitant,' said Crowley." It would be 10%. That doesn't mean I don't agree with him that charging $2 at an ATM, which decreases the cost of operating a bank, isn't highway robbery of it's own, but 1) it's my money, why charge any fee for me to access it and 2) it's only 10%. Charge 10% Mr. Crowley and you wouldn't be in this predicament.
"The unprecedented rate at which the polar ice caps are melting is creating a flurry of activity. So far, Russia and China are leading the charge for the High North." Other countries are exploiting the opportunities of global climate change while we're still debating if it's real or not. (Grokked from Tobias Buckell)
You'll never be able to power a country with just renewables they said. "Last month, Portugal produced more than enough renewable energy to meet the country's entire electrical demand — a feat 'unmatched in the last 40 years,' according to the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, or APREN, says." There were some times when fossil fuel generated power was needed, but only in a backup manner.
"Consumer, business, and environmental groups are rallying to oppose FirstEnergy’s request for a federal bailout now that the company’s subsidiary FirstEnergy Solutions has filed for bankruptcy. This could be the major utility company’s last shot at keeping its nuclear and coal plants open."
"The U.S. economy marked its 90th consecutive month of job growth in March, but the U.S. added fewer jobs than had been expected, with a net gain of only 103,000." Remember just a few years ago when only 100,000 jobs would have been cause for two weeks of media and market breakouts? Note the revised numbers from January and February, which while they increased February's blowout, decreased January's mild numbers to the extent of a net reduction of employment for those months by 50,000.
"China's government on Friday hit back at President Trump's latest call for more tariffs by saying it was prepared to 'follow through to the end and fight back resolutely.'" So much winning. Say, remember when everybody also freaked out that China might use it's investments in US Treasury Bonds as a weapon, but said they wouldn't do it because it would cost China too much? Note China is now saying they will respond "whatever cost". I wonder if they're threatening to use their investments against us? Nah, I mean, they wouldn't do that to us. A trade war is not hard to start, but it's very damn hard to stop once it gets rolling even if both sides agree it should end.
"Conservative writer Kevin D. Williamson believes women who have abortions should be hanged, along with their doctors and nurses… And today he’s been fired by The Atlantic, after a podcast surfaced in which he expressed the same murderous position at greater length." So once it because obvious this guy was a jerk the Atlantic fired him. Next time, maybe you all should do due diligence first. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"Special Counsel Robert Mueller has obtained evidence that calls into question Congressional testimony given by Trump supporter and Blackwater founder Erik Prince last year, when he described a meeting in Seychelles with a Russian financier close to Vladimir Putin as a casual chance encounter 'over a beer,' sources tell ABC News." Erik Prince lied? This is my shocked face.
"At least five officials at the Environmental Protection Agency, four of them high-ranking, were reassigned or demoted, or requested new jobs in the past year after they raised concerns about the spending and management of the agency’s administrator, Scott Pruitt." Only the best people. I'm not sure these best people understand just how much they're putting the government at risk for workplace lawsuits.
"The Trump administration is laying sanctions on 38 Russian oligarchs, government officials and business entities, citing 'the Kremlin's malign agenda' that ranges from malicious online campaigns and efforts to undermine democracy to its actions in eastern Ukraine and Syria." Good thing we gave them enough time to move assets out of the US.
"As allegations continue to swirl about the president and a payout to a porn star to cover up a sexual encounter, evangelical leaders are organizing a sit-down with President Trump in June, four sources with knowledge of the planned meeting tell NPR." Look, Trump could receive a blowjob on the stage at this event from another porn star and as long as he appointed anti-abortion judges, allows evangelical "businesses" to discriminate in violation of EEOC rules, and keeps the IRS at bay from taxing their "churches" and not looking too closely at their accounting they will all stand and say, "Love the sinner, hate the sin."
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Linkee-poo has seen your face before my friend, but I don't know if you know who I am
A tweet thread on map generators. (Grokked from Tania)
"There is no more dreaded piece of writing a creative has to do than the artist bio or artist statement." Tips on writing the bio. Personally I like my twitter bio, "All that and a bag of chips." Says it all, don't it. (Grokked from Delilah Dawson)
"Chicken eggshells are about 95 percent calcium carbonate by mass. But they also contain hundreds of different kinds of proteins that influence how that calcium carbonate crystalizes. The interaction between the mineral crystals and the proteins yields an eggshell that’s initially crack-resistant, while making nanoscale adjustments over time that ultimately let a chick peck its way out, researchers report online March 30 in Science Advances." The world is weirder than you think.
"This March, residents of Youngstown, Ohio, began noticing something weird about their local raccoon population. The animals were coming out during the day and standing on their back legs, bearing their teeth and staggering around like extras in a George Romero movie, WKBN reports." Reminds me of when I was young, and my other hometown was beset by a vampire (probably a guy on PCP). Unfortunately distemper can also attack dogs and other domestic animals. In this part of Ohio we've been so worried about the spread of rabies from PA that maybe we've overlooked some more common diseases that might pose a bigger risk (although humans can't catch "distemper" - as far as we know).
Sure there's no sexism. "(A study) finds that men in STEM subject areas overestimate their own intelligence and credentials, underestimate the abilities of female colleagues, and that as a result, women themselves doubt their abilities — even when hard evidence such as grades say otherwise." And let us be clear here, one it's not just in STEM and two it's white men that often overestimate their intelligence and then engage in social behaviors to attempt to enforce that perception (and don't give me the "socially awkward" excuse). This is calculated behavior and an attempt to place their worldview ahead of reality. (Grokked from Cat Rambo)
How bad is misogyny (for the several ways this question can be interpreted)? "Women trying to provide emergency treatment to a person who collapsed in a sumo ring were urged to leave it during a sumo event." A guy collapsed while making a speech and women rushed to perform CPR, women who were then told stop and get out of the sumo ring because they were not allowed all while the guy was dying. That's how fucked up we are. (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
"When racism — in the minds of many — still means open hatred, the idea that it can also come couched in the guise of fandom or fondness is a reality people really don't want to acknowledge. Orientalism is ultimately about power, which may be why it has taken the rise of international markets, and of China in particular, to force Hollywood to try to see the continent through something other than a scrim of Western assumptions." (Grokked from DongWon Song)
"For all the ways in which the Imposter Buster saga is unique, it’s also symptomatic of larger issues that have long bedeviled Twitter: abuse, the weaponizing of anonymity, bot wars, and slow-motion decision making by the people running a real-time platform. These problems have only intensified since Donald Trump became president and chose Twitter as his primary mouthpiece. The platform is now the world’s principal venue for politics and outrage, culture and conversation–the home for both #MAGA and #MeToo." As a veteran of the Flame Wars ('82 - '92), trolls aren't unusual or new. They've been there the entire time (the original "letter to the editor" writers). (Grokked from Deborah Beale)
"Dozens of the world’s leading experts on artificial intelligence and robotics have announced a boycott of a major South Korean research university, which has been working with an arms company on integrating artificial intelligence with weaponry." This is how you get Skynet. Because one company sees a "business opportunity" to own a research space.
"Newly revealed documents indicate oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has not only known about the risks of climate change for decades, but has also realized for more than 20 years that it, along with the rest of the fossil fuel industry and perhaps the U.S. government, could be held liable for not acting to prevent further climate damage." Remember when cigarets were good for you, and there were "doctor's choice" brands? So now it's both Shell and Exxon who decades ago realized that climate change was happening, and their products were to blame. Next I'm sure we'll hear about "clean gasoline." (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
Hillary "Clinton said she doesn’t believe 'we’ve seen the bottom yet,' and that things will get worse, especially if midterm elections are bad for Democrats. 'It’s very scary to contemplate but more could happen that would put our rights at risk, our freedom at risk, our values, our fundamental views of what it means to be Americans,' she said." You said it, Madam Secretary.
"Essentially, Trump’s critics argue, the president now risks causing long-term damage to an organization that regulates an international economic system the United States helped create for the sake of winning a short-term dispute with China." Yeah, that. And then you have our titular president tweeting "When you’re already $500 Billion DOWN, you can’t lose!" Really? Hold my beer.
"Mexico senators unanimously approved a non-binding statement Wednesday that says the government should suspend joint efforts 'in the fight against transnational organized crime' until Trump exhibits 'civility and respect that the people of Mexico deserve,' the Associated Press reported." Also, you know that "caravan" the president tweeted about? Mexico could say, "fuck it" and just let them all pass through. Maybe even help them get to the border. Say, guess who was our number 1 importer of oil before Canada took that spot? Guess who's still number 3 or 4 (depending on the month)? Guess who could sell their oil to Asia fairly easily? (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)
Tweet of my heart: @wes_chu Writing a book isn't a magical thing. It's not hit of inspiration & nothing like an artist leisurely painting while sipping a Bordeaux overlooking the Seine… It's more like Andy crawling to freedom through a mile of shit in a sewage tunnel for a crime he (you) didn't commit. (editorial note: painting, for the professional, is not "leisurely", but the image still stands)
"There is no more dreaded piece of writing a creative has to do than the artist bio or artist statement." Tips on writing the bio. Personally I like my twitter bio, "All that and a bag of chips." Says it all, don't it. (Grokked from Delilah Dawson)
"Chicken eggshells are about 95 percent calcium carbonate by mass. But they also contain hundreds of different kinds of proteins that influence how that calcium carbonate crystalizes. The interaction between the mineral crystals and the proteins yields an eggshell that’s initially crack-resistant, while making nanoscale adjustments over time that ultimately let a chick peck its way out, researchers report online March 30 in Science Advances." The world is weirder than you think.
"This March, residents of Youngstown, Ohio, began noticing something weird about their local raccoon population. The animals were coming out during the day and standing on their back legs, bearing their teeth and staggering around like extras in a George Romero movie, WKBN reports." Reminds me of when I was young, and my other hometown was beset by a vampire (probably a guy on PCP). Unfortunately distemper can also attack dogs and other domestic animals. In this part of Ohio we've been so worried about the spread of rabies from PA that maybe we've overlooked some more common diseases that might pose a bigger risk (although humans can't catch "distemper" - as far as we know).
Sure there's no sexism. "(A study) finds that men in STEM subject areas overestimate their own intelligence and credentials, underestimate the abilities of female colleagues, and that as a result, women themselves doubt their abilities — even when hard evidence such as grades say otherwise." And let us be clear here, one it's not just in STEM and two it's white men that often overestimate their intelligence and then engage in social behaviors to attempt to enforce that perception (and don't give me the "socially awkward" excuse). This is calculated behavior and an attempt to place their worldview ahead of reality. (Grokked from Cat Rambo)
How bad is misogyny (for the several ways this question can be interpreted)? "Women trying to provide emergency treatment to a person who collapsed in a sumo ring were urged to leave it during a sumo event." A guy collapsed while making a speech and women rushed to perform CPR, women who were then told stop and get out of the sumo ring because they were not allowed all while the guy was dying. That's how fucked up we are. (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
"When racism — in the minds of many — still means open hatred, the idea that it can also come couched in the guise of fandom or fondness is a reality people really don't want to acknowledge. Orientalism is ultimately about power, which may be why it has taken the rise of international markets, and of China in particular, to force Hollywood to try to see the continent through something other than a scrim of Western assumptions." (Grokked from DongWon Song)
"For all the ways in which the Imposter Buster saga is unique, it’s also symptomatic of larger issues that have long bedeviled Twitter: abuse, the weaponizing of anonymity, bot wars, and slow-motion decision making by the people running a real-time platform. These problems have only intensified since Donald Trump became president and chose Twitter as his primary mouthpiece. The platform is now the world’s principal venue for politics and outrage, culture and conversation–the home for both #MAGA and #MeToo." As a veteran of the Flame Wars ('82 - '92), trolls aren't unusual or new. They've been there the entire time (the original "letter to the editor" writers). (Grokked from Deborah Beale)
"Dozens of the world’s leading experts on artificial intelligence and robotics have announced a boycott of a major South Korean research university, which has been working with an arms company on integrating artificial intelligence with weaponry." This is how you get Skynet. Because one company sees a "business opportunity" to own a research space.
"Newly revealed documents indicate oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has not only known about the risks of climate change for decades, but has also realized for more than 20 years that it, along with the rest of the fossil fuel industry and perhaps the U.S. government, could be held liable for not acting to prevent further climate damage." Remember when cigarets were good for you, and there were "doctor's choice" brands? So now it's both Shell and Exxon who decades ago realized that climate change was happening, and their products were to blame. Next I'm sure we'll hear about "clean gasoline." (Grokked from Laura J Mixon)
Hillary "Clinton said she doesn’t believe 'we’ve seen the bottom yet,' and that things will get worse, especially if midterm elections are bad for Democrats. 'It’s very scary to contemplate but more could happen that would put our rights at risk, our freedom at risk, our values, our fundamental views of what it means to be Americans,' she said." You said it, Madam Secretary.
"Essentially, Trump’s critics argue, the president now risks causing long-term damage to an organization that regulates an international economic system the United States helped create for the sake of winning a short-term dispute with China." Yeah, that. And then you have our titular president tweeting "When you’re already $500 Billion DOWN, you can’t lose!" Really? Hold my beer.
"Mexico senators unanimously approved a non-binding statement Wednesday that says the government should suspend joint efforts 'in the fight against transnational organized crime' until Trump exhibits 'civility and respect that the people of Mexico deserve,' the Associated Press reported." Also, you know that "caravan" the president tweeted about? Mexico could say, "fuck it" and just let them all pass through. Maybe even help them get to the border. Say, guess who was our number 1 importer of oil before Canada took that spot? Guess who's still number 3 or 4 (depending on the month)? Guess who could sell their oil to Asia fairly easily? (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)
Tweet of my heart: @wes_chu Writing a book isn't a magical thing. It's not hit of inspiration & nothing like an artist leisurely painting while sipping a Bordeaux overlooking the Seine… It's more like Andy crawling to freedom through a mile of shit in a sewage tunnel for a crime he (you) didn't commit. (editorial note: painting, for the professional, is not "leisurely", but the image still stands)
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Linkee-poo (Vivaldi Spring)
It's a long one. Lots of news.
"A woman with an apparent grudge against YouTube for what she claimed was censoring and 'de-monetizing' her videos, opened fire at the video-sharing service's San Bruno, Calif., headquarters, wounding several people before fatally shooting herself, according to police." And again, the person who stopped the bad guy (in this case, woman) with a gun is the bad guy with the gun.
"(Yesterday marked) the 50th anniversary of the original release of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, a seminal film in motion picture history and one that has awed millions over the years. Kubrick's title has often been credited with paving the way for science-fiction films that took a realistic approach to depicting the future." (Grokked from Dan)
Dwayne Johnson discusses his battle with depression. Big D is not sadness. It's not something you "just feel better" about. Depression is a motherfucker. I had to explain all this to coworkers at the hospital just the other week. (Grokked from Random Michelle)
"Apple Inc. is planning to use its own chips in Mac computers beginning as early as 2020, replacing processors from Intel Corp., according to people familiar with the plans." History may not repeat, but it rhymes. (Grokked from Dan)
"Other evidence, too, points to the idea that Teotihuacán society was exceptionally egalitarian. When Mexican archaeologist Laurette Séjourné first excavated one of Teotihuacán’s living compounds in the 1950s, she called it a 'palace in the city of the gods.' This building—known as Zacuala—had large, spacious rooms with walls covered in colorful murals… As archaeologists unearthed more structures in the city, however, they found more and more that resembled Zacuala… Nearly everyone at Teotihuacán lived in a 'palace.'" Turns out egalitarian societies can also build great things. (Grokked from Patrick Nielsen Hayden)
It's a secret, but lots of medicinal advances (especially in allopathic and orthopedic medicine) have come about through wars. "The team focused on a discovery made in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when surgeons began correcting birth defects in babies still in the womb. After these babies were born, doctors took a close look at the sites where incisions had been made… 'And they realized that they typically healed with a lot less [scarring] or, in some cases, without any scars at all,' says Christophe Chantre, a graduate student and researcher in Parker's lab… One reason is that fetal skin, unlike adult skin, contains large amounts of a substance called fibronectin. So Chantre and his team set out to create a bandage made of the stuff." New wound dressings because one doctor was affected by the sight of a severely burned boy who died of his wounds.
"'Nightmare bacteria' with unusual resistance to antibiotics of last resort were found more than 200 times in the United States last year in a first-of-a-kind hunt to see how much of a threat these rare cases are becoming, health officials said Tuesday." Whistling past the graveyard.
"States that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes have seen fewer opioid prescriptions for Medicaid patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association." This is my shocked face. (Grokked from Fred Clark)
"Middle-aged Americans who experienced a sudden, large economic blow were more likely to die during the following years than those who didn’t."
The Invisibilia podcast on the patterns of life and if that can determine the outcome. Including an attempt at a big data predictor. Spoiler alert, the computer program didn't do so well.
"'I heard that health savings account rules would be loosened under the new spending bill passed by Congress last month. Did that happen?'… No. In fact, the standards have become slightly tighter this year."
A video of leeches at work. Note, not for the squeamish.
The Hidden Brain podcast on the Scarcity Trap. Or how our brains function and it's habit of tunnel vision in the times of scarcity. Our bandwidth is limited, unfortunately our society (and economic models) have changed faster than our evolution can keep up. When we're in a hole, we often dig it deeper. Being poor, hungry, or lonely limits our ability to perform. "Being poor is like just having pulled an all niter." Also, the scarcity trap can hit us when we work too much and don't get sleep. I can verify this.
"Florida middle school teacher Dayanna Volitich submitted her resignation after it was found she was also the host of a white supremacist podcast called "Unapologetic" and the voice behind a Twitter account riddled with racist and anti-Semitic posts." Honey, I do satire and irony. I know what it sounds like. You're just a racist. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"Poor communities in Michigan still paying the costs of Emergency Managers. One of them sold off the school playground equipment." A blogpost about what has been going on in Michigan as its governor usurps local governance by appointing emergency managers who often screw the pooch on vital issues. This is conservative government. This is their attempt to "privatize" government (note, the school district in question hired a for-profit company to run the schools, which they promptly overspent, let the government the bill, and then got out of their contract). (Grokked from Julie)
"A former Asheville, N.C., police officer punched and choked an unarmed black man accused of jaywalking before using a stun gun on him, videos released Monday by the Asheville Police Department reveal… Hickman, who was terminated by the Asheville Police Department over the incident, is described on the city website as having used 'dangerous and excessive force against Johnnie Rush' and was 'quickly taken off the street,' according to the site." Well, at least one other police department knows what you do with trash. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"In a much-watched case, a Michigan agency has approved Nestlé's plan to boost the amount of water it takes from the state. The request attracted a record number of public comments — with 80,945 against and 75 in favor." Government by the corporation, of the corporation and for the corporation.
"The use of what are known as cellphone-site simulators by foreign powers has long been a concern, but American intelligence and law enforcement agencies — which use such eavesdropping equipment themselves — have been silent on the issue until now."
"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrapped a U.N.-crafted deal on Tuesday to resettle thousands of African asylum-seekers in the West, caving to pressure from immigration hard-liners who saw it as rewarding illegal migrants." Bad decision and historically tone deaf.
Remember the Trump Administration ending the cafe fuel standards of 50mpg by 2025? "Scott Pruitt, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, turned his sights this week on a nearly half-century-old federal waiver that allows California to pursue its own, tough tailpipe emission standards, and allows other states to opt in to California’s standards rather than federal ones if they choose." You are not allowed to dissent.
Why are cafe standards important? "Researchers from MIT’s Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment have come out with some sobering new data on air pollution’s impact on Americans’ health… The group tracked ground-level emissions from sources such as industrial smokestacks, vehicle tailpipes, marine and rail operations, and commercial and residential heating throughout the United States, and found that such air pollution causes about 200,000 early deaths each year. Emissions from road transportation are the most significant contributor, causing 53,000 premature deaths, followed closely by power generation, with 52,000." The hidden costs of fossil fuels. (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)
"Despite a wave of controversies, President Trump's popularity seems to be rising ever so slightly, according to a couple of recent polls. The bump may be linked to the fact that more Americans seem to be crediting Trump for the nation's healthy economy. And that has raised one of the central questions of the midterm election season: whether the economy will help keep Republicans in control." Given the recent market downturns, I'm not sure this is going to be so strong an effect. Also, again, I'm predicting a recession starting this calendar year. The markets have entered "correction" territory, interest rates are going up and inflation is back on the march (not like it stopped except in some of the index items the government keeps track of). "The other complication for Republicans in an election year is that even though people might feel optimistic about the economy on a macro level, veteran GOP pollster David Winston says, many people are still not feeling financially secure on a personal level." Also at this time I expect the Mueller investigation to be landing the big fish starting in August.
"Rebecca Dallet, a Milwaukee County Circuit judge favored by liberals, was elected on Tuesday to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, The Associated Press reported, reducing the hold of conservative justices over the state’s highest court." How's all that winning coming along?
"China responded to President Trump’s new tariffs by threatening tariffs of its own on 106 U.S. products, including on soybeans, cars and some airplanes, in the latest escalation of what risks becoming a tit-for-tat trade war between the world’s two largest economies." So much winning.
"The next time Vladimir Putin meets President Trump, he'll be dealing with a very different man — politically, at least… In the months since the two leaders last were face-to-face, Trump has publicly blamed Russia for its attack on the 2016 election, increased sanctions, kicked out a hoard of Russian intelligence officers and closed Russia's last diplomatic mission on the West Coast." He was forced on all those issues and our "kicking out" 60 Russians is now rumored to be a "soft" rebuke as we will let Putin replace those we kicked out with new Russian emissaries. Putin, however, is demanding a permanent staff reduction at our embassies and consulates.
"The Trump administration has introduced production quotas for immigration judges in an effort to reduce enormous court backlogs, raising concern among judges and attorneys that decisions may be unfairly rushed." I'm sure that'll work.
"President Donald Trump said Tuesday he wants to use the military to secure the U.S.-Mexico border until his promised border wall is built… Sending military to the border, in the form of National Guard troops, has been done before. In 2006 (and again in 2010), under Operation Jump Start, 6,000 troops were sent to the border in an effort to increase security and surveillance." Both times were disastrous and run dangerously close to violating the Posse Comitatus Act. Note that previously National Guard units were used, not active duty military. Oh, and hey, hi Texas, remember Jade Helm?
"President Trump has argued in recent days that U.S. Postal Service has lost a fortune delivering Amazon packages at a discount… However, some of the agency's problems might lie with the president. The top planning and oversight board at the Postal Service has been unable to meet and consider matters such as the agency's long-term relationship with Amazon, because the president has failed to appoint any of the nine governors to the 11-member Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service." No, the PO doesn't "lose" money with Amazon. This is a political attack against the owner of the Washington Post and is a part of the long running conserve agenda (pushed by the Koch brothers) to privatize the PO.
First blood. "A federal judge has sentenced a Dutch lawyer to 30 days in prison and a $20,000 fine for lying to the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election."
Tweet of my heart: @doctorow Your regular reminder that you live your own blooper reel and see everyone else's highlight reel.
"A woman with an apparent grudge against YouTube for what she claimed was censoring and 'de-monetizing' her videos, opened fire at the video-sharing service's San Bruno, Calif., headquarters, wounding several people before fatally shooting herself, according to police." And again, the person who stopped the bad guy (in this case, woman) with a gun is the bad guy with the gun.
"(Yesterday marked) the 50th anniversary of the original release of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, a seminal film in motion picture history and one that has awed millions over the years. Kubrick's title has often been credited with paving the way for science-fiction films that took a realistic approach to depicting the future." (Grokked from Dan)
Dwayne Johnson discusses his battle with depression. Big D is not sadness. It's not something you "just feel better" about. Depression is a motherfucker. I had to explain all this to coworkers at the hospital just the other week. (Grokked from Random Michelle)
"Apple Inc. is planning to use its own chips in Mac computers beginning as early as 2020, replacing processors from Intel Corp., according to people familiar with the plans." History may not repeat, but it rhymes. (Grokked from Dan)
"Other evidence, too, points to the idea that Teotihuacán society was exceptionally egalitarian. When Mexican archaeologist Laurette Séjourné first excavated one of Teotihuacán’s living compounds in the 1950s, she called it a 'palace in the city of the gods.' This building—known as Zacuala—had large, spacious rooms with walls covered in colorful murals… As archaeologists unearthed more structures in the city, however, they found more and more that resembled Zacuala… Nearly everyone at Teotihuacán lived in a 'palace.'" Turns out egalitarian societies can also build great things. (Grokked from Patrick Nielsen Hayden)
It's a secret, but lots of medicinal advances (especially in allopathic and orthopedic medicine) have come about through wars. "The team focused on a discovery made in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when surgeons began correcting birth defects in babies still in the womb. After these babies were born, doctors took a close look at the sites where incisions had been made… 'And they realized that they typically healed with a lot less [scarring] or, in some cases, without any scars at all,' says Christophe Chantre, a graduate student and researcher in Parker's lab… One reason is that fetal skin, unlike adult skin, contains large amounts of a substance called fibronectin. So Chantre and his team set out to create a bandage made of the stuff." New wound dressings because one doctor was affected by the sight of a severely burned boy who died of his wounds.
"'Nightmare bacteria' with unusual resistance to antibiotics of last resort were found more than 200 times in the United States last year in a first-of-a-kind hunt to see how much of a threat these rare cases are becoming, health officials said Tuesday." Whistling past the graveyard.
"States that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes have seen fewer opioid prescriptions for Medicaid patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association." This is my shocked face. (Grokked from Fred Clark)
"Middle-aged Americans who experienced a sudden, large economic blow were more likely to die during the following years than those who didn’t."
The Invisibilia podcast on the patterns of life and if that can determine the outcome. Including an attempt at a big data predictor. Spoiler alert, the computer program didn't do so well.
"'I heard that health savings account rules would be loosened under the new spending bill passed by Congress last month. Did that happen?'… No. In fact, the standards have become slightly tighter this year."
A video of leeches at work. Note, not for the squeamish.
The Hidden Brain podcast on the Scarcity Trap. Or how our brains function and it's habit of tunnel vision in the times of scarcity. Our bandwidth is limited, unfortunately our society (and economic models) have changed faster than our evolution can keep up. When we're in a hole, we often dig it deeper. Being poor, hungry, or lonely limits our ability to perform. "Being poor is like just having pulled an all niter." Also, the scarcity trap can hit us when we work too much and don't get sleep. I can verify this.
"Florida middle school teacher Dayanna Volitich submitted her resignation after it was found she was also the host of a white supremacist podcast called "Unapologetic" and the voice behind a Twitter account riddled with racist and anti-Semitic posts." Honey, I do satire and irony. I know what it sounds like. You're just a racist. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"Poor communities in Michigan still paying the costs of Emergency Managers. One of them sold off the school playground equipment." A blogpost about what has been going on in Michigan as its governor usurps local governance by appointing emergency managers who often screw the pooch on vital issues. This is conservative government. This is their attempt to "privatize" government (note, the school district in question hired a for-profit company to run the schools, which they promptly overspent, let the government the bill, and then got out of their contract). (Grokked from Julie)
"A former Asheville, N.C., police officer punched and choked an unarmed black man accused of jaywalking before using a stun gun on him, videos released Monday by the Asheville Police Department reveal… Hickman, who was terminated by the Asheville Police Department over the incident, is described on the city website as having used 'dangerous and excessive force against Johnnie Rush' and was 'quickly taken off the street,' according to the site." Well, at least one other police department knows what you do with trash. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"In a much-watched case, a Michigan agency has approved Nestlé's plan to boost the amount of water it takes from the state. The request attracted a record number of public comments — with 80,945 against and 75 in favor." Government by the corporation, of the corporation and for the corporation.
"The use of what are known as cellphone-site simulators by foreign powers has long been a concern, but American intelligence and law enforcement agencies — which use such eavesdropping equipment themselves — have been silent on the issue until now."
"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrapped a U.N.-crafted deal on Tuesday to resettle thousands of African asylum-seekers in the West, caving to pressure from immigration hard-liners who saw it as rewarding illegal migrants." Bad decision and historically tone deaf.
Remember the Trump Administration ending the cafe fuel standards of 50mpg by 2025? "Scott Pruitt, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, turned his sights this week on a nearly half-century-old federal waiver that allows California to pursue its own, tough tailpipe emission standards, and allows other states to opt in to California’s standards rather than federal ones if they choose." You are not allowed to dissent.
Why are cafe standards important? "Researchers from MIT’s Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment have come out with some sobering new data on air pollution’s impact on Americans’ health… The group tracked ground-level emissions from sources such as industrial smokestacks, vehicle tailpipes, marine and rail operations, and commercial and residential heating throughout the United States, and found that such air pollution causes about 200,000 early deaths each year. Emissions from road transportation are the most significant contributor, causing 53,000 premature deaths, followed closely by power generation, with 52,000." The hidden costs of fossil fuels. (Grokked from Chuck Wendig)
"Despite a wave of controversies, President Trump's popularity seems to be rising ever so slightly, according to a couple of recent polls. The bump may be linked to the fact that more Americans seem to be crediting Trump for the nation's healthy economy. And that has raised one of the central questions of the midterm election season: whether the economy will help keep Republicans in control." Given the recent market downturns, I'm not sure this is going to be so strong an effect. Also, again, I'm predicting a recession starting this calendar year. The markets have entered "correction" territory, interest rates are going up and inflation is back on the march (not like it stopped except in some of the index items the government keeps track of). "The other complication for Republicans in an election year is that even though people might feel optimistic about the economy on a macro level, veteran GOP pollster David Winston says, many people are still not feeling financially secure on a personal level." Also at this time I expect the Mueller investigation to be landing the big fish starting in August.
"Rebecca Dallet, a Milwaukee County Circuit judge favored by liberals, was elected on Tuesday to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, The Associated Press reported, reducing the hold of conservative justices over the state’s highest court." How's all that winning coming along?
"China responded to President Trump’s new tariffs by threatening tariffs of its own on 106 U.S. products, including on soybeans, cars and some airplanes, in the latest escalation of what risks becoming a tit-for-tat trade war between the world’s two largest economies." So much winning.
"The next time Vladimir Putin meets President Trump, he'll be dealing with a very different man — politically, at least… In the months since the two leaders last were face-to-face, Trump has publicly blamed Russia for its attack on the 2016 election, increased sanctions, kicked out a hoard of Russian intelligence officers and closed Russia's last diplomatic mission on the West Coast." He was forced on all those issues and our "kicking out" 60 Russians is now rumored to be a "soft" rebuke as we will let Putin replace those we kicked out with new Russian emissaries. Putin, however, is demanding a permanent staff reduction at our embassies and consulates.
"The Trump administration has introduced production quotas for immigration judges in an effort to reduce enormous court backlogs, raising concern among judges and attorneys that decisions may be unfairly rushed." I'm sure that'll work.
"President Donald Trump said Tuesday he wants to use the military to secure the U.S.-Mexico border until his promised border wall is built… Sending military to the border, in the form of National Guard troops, has been done before. In 2006 (and again in 2010), under Operation Jump Start, 6,000 troops were sent to the border in an effort to increase security and surveillance." Both times were disastrous and run dangerously close to violating the Posse Comitatus Act. Note that previously National Guard units were used, not active duty military. Oh, and hey, hi Texas, remember Jade Helm?
"President Trump has argued in recent days that U.S. Postal Service has lost a fortune delivering Amazon packages at a discount… However, some of the agency's problems might lie with the president. The top planning and oversight board at the Postal Service has been unable to meet and consider matters such as the agency's long-term relationship with Amazon, because the president has failed to appoint any of the nine governors to the 11-member Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service." No, the PO doesn't "lose" money with Amazon. This is a political attack against the owner of the Washington Post and is a part of the long running conserve agenda (pushed by the Koch brothers) to privatize the PO.
First blood. "A federal judge has sentenced a Dutch lawyer to 30 days in prison and a $20,000 fine for lying to the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election."
Tweet of my heart: @doctorow Your regular reminder that you live your own blooper reel and see everyone else's highlight reel.
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Linkee-poo knows it's only rock and roll, but I like it
"Research has shown that sharp reductions in the amount of food consumed can help fish, rats and monkeys live longer. But there have been very few studies in humans… Now, some researchers have found that when people severely cut calories, they can slow their metabolism and possibly the aging process." But only if you follow the "so many heart beats" model of health. Yes, oxidants are bad for you (technically oxygen is a poison and damages your cells, which is why they convert it to water). But I find the induction reasoning here to be making lots of assumptions and adding 2 and 2 to come up with 22. Yes, reducing your caloric intake with slow your metabolism, but note the line that unless you continue to cut your calories you will eventually gain weight. And prolonged dieting with permanently lower your metabolic rate. Note for weight loss, the majority of caloric use during the day is your "resting metabolism" (that's the metabolic rate they're talking about).
"Treading into ethically and legally uncertain territory, a New York end-of-life agency has approved a new document that lets people stipulate in advance that they don't want food or water if they develop severe dementia."
"The Tulsa English teacher is one of the leaders of a grassroots organizing group, Oklahoma Teachers United, that they say represents thousands of public school teachers around the state. His group, and both of Oklahoma's teachers unions, support the walkout and rally happening across the state Monday in support of higher wages and more state revenue." Teachers across the nation are looking at what happened in West Virginia and thinking about their own positions. Also note they're not necessarily striking for increased pay, but for increased education funding.
Remember all the Sinclair news anchors that were forced to read from the same script unironically about control of media and unreliable reporting? Then do you also remember this? "Donald Trump's campaign struck a deal with Sinclair Broadcast Group during the campaign to try and secure better media coverage, his son-in-law Jared Kushner told business executives Friday in Manhattan." I wonder if I can design the logo for the Ministry of Truth? (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)
"The mysterious death of a Border Patrol agent in West Texas last November led to two opposing theories. President Trump and many Border Patrol agents were convinced that smugglers or illegal border-crossers attacked the agent and his partner with rocks. The local sheriff says from the beginning he knew it was an accident — but nobody wanted to listen." Because it doesn't fit their narrative.
"Akron-based FirstEnergy’s subsidiary will be going it alone in its ongoing fight to get state and federal help to boost customers’ bills to keep its coal and nuclear plants operating." Just a little history, First Energy championed deregulating Ohio's electrical system. On the hope they could raise prices faster. They then fucked over every opportunity and every mandated action (like planning to charge all their subscribers $40+ for 2 CFL lightbulbs. And now they're all boohooing over having to close their coal and nuclear power plants. The same power plants they were consistently cited for ignoring maintenance. The reason why First Energy employee's won't feel the pinch from this is they spun off these generating arm into a subsidiary so they could continue to pay their executives large bonuses that wouldn't be impacted by the demise of their old coal plants or nuclear power stations. First energy also scuttled many green energy projects over the years, they refused to pass on generation fees to wind farms from electricity they used which caused those wind farms to sell elsewhere (and raised our costs in Ohio). They have undermined the NE Ohio coalition that formed to make a large enough buying block to effetely negotiate with them. They are not a good corporate citizen.
"The Trump administration will ask Congress to make drastic changes to weaken the independence of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, NPR has learned." Because fuck the people. Because conservatives feel as a citizen, as a consumer, you shouldn't have any protection from being fleeced by unscrupulous fucks.
"The Trump Administration today moved to weaken fuel economy standards for automobiles, saying the current ones are inappropriate and wrong… Pruitt's EPA is abandoning those goals and says it will work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set more appropriate standards at a later date." I wouldn't hold your breath for the new standards. Okay, show of hands, how many of you think gas will be cheap in 2025?
"According to The Daily Beast, the president has actually gone so far as to put Fox Business host Lou Dobbs on speakerphone during White House policy sessions." There's a difference between being biased and being in the damn room. So Fox News has progressed from lap dog, to cheerleader, to propaganda outlet, to full on Ministry of Truth. (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
"Treading into ethically and legally uncertain territory, a New York end-of-life agency has approved a new document that lets people stipulate in advance that they don't want food or water if they develop severe dementia."
"The Tulsa English teacher is one of the leaders of a grassroots organizing group, Oklahoma Teachers United, that they say represents thousands of public school teachers around the state. His group, and both of Oklahoma's teachers unions, support the walkout and rally happening across the state Monday in support of higher wages and more state revenue." Teachers across the nation are looking at what happened in West Virginia and thinking about their own positions. Also note they're not necessarily striking for increased pay, but for increased education funding.
Remember all the Sinclair news anchors that were forced to read from the same script unironically about control of media and unreliable reporting? Then do you also remember this? "Donald Trump's campaign struck a deal with Sinclair Broadcast Group during the campaign to try and secure better media coverage, his son-in-law Jared Kushner told business executives Friday in Manhattan." I wonder if I can design the logo for the Ministry of Truth? (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)
"The mysterious death of a Border Patrol agent in West Texas last November led to two opposing theories. President Trump and many Border Patrol agents were convinced that smugglers or illegal border-crossers attacked the agent and his partner with rocks. The local sheriff says from the beginning he knew it was an accident — but nobody wanted to listen." Because it doesn't fit their narrative.
"Akron-based FirstEnergy’s subsidiary will be going it alone in its ongoing fight to get state and federal help to boost customers’ bills to keep its coal and nuclear plants operating." Just a little history, First Energy championed deregulating Ohio's electrical system. On the hope they could raise prices faster. They then fucked over every opportunity and every mandated action (like planning to charge all their subscribers $40+ for 2 CFL lightbulbs. And now they're all boohooing over having to close their coal and nuclear power plants. The same power plants they were consistently cited for ignoring maintenance. The reason why First Energy employee's won't feel the pinch from this is they spun off these generating arm into a subsidiary so they could continue to pay their executives large bonuses that wouldn't be impacted by the demise of their old coal plants or nuclear power stations. First energy also scuttled many green energy projects over the years, they refused to pass on generation fees to wind farms from electricity they used which caused those wind farms to sell elsewhere (and raised our costs in Ohio). They have undermined the NE Ohio coalition that formed to make a large enough buying block to effetely negotiate with them. They are not a good corporate citizen.
"The Trump administration will ask Congress to make drastic changes to weaken the independence of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, NPR has learned." Because fuck the people. Because conservatives feel as a citizen, as a consumer, you shouldn't have any protection from being fleeced by unscrupulous fucks.
"The Trump Administration today moved to weaken fuel economy standards for automobiles, saying the current ones are inappropriate and wrong… Pruitt's EPA is abandoning those goals and says it will work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set more appropriate standards at a later date." I wouldn't hold your breath for the new standards. Okay, show of hands, how many of you think gas will be cheap in 2025?
"According to The Daily Beast, the president has actually gone so far as to put Fox Business host Lou Dobbs on speakerphone during White House policy sessions." There's a difference between being biased and being in the damn room. So Fox News has progressed from lap dog, to cheerleader, to propaganda outlet, to full on Ministry of Truth. (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
Monday, April 2, 2018
Linkee-poo busy busy Monday
A pioneer of the TV series with plots lines that extended for more than one episode, Steven Bochco has gone to the big production house in the sky. So it goes.
"Serious efforts to answer that question (safety of IV saline versus Ringers) only got underway within the last 10 years. The first attempt appeared in 2012. Researchers examined a database of patients who received saline or balanced solutions like lactated Ringer's during surgery, and compared complications and mortality between the groups. The findings were striking — mortality was 2.7 percent higher in those that received normal saline, and complications were more common as well."
"Chinese space authorities say Tiangong 1, the country's defunct and reportedly out-of-control space station, re-entered the Earth's atmosphere Sunday night, mostly burning up over the central South Pacific. The China Manned Space Engineering Office says online that the experimental space lab re-entered around 8:15 a.m. local time Monday." So now we can all stop having the "ZOMG, the sky is falling" news in their feeds.
"A measure signed into law in Kentucky this past week would prevent federally-certified radiologists from judging X-rays in state black lung compensation claims, leaving diagnoses of the disease mostly to physicians who typically work for coal companies." That is insane. This is the legal equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and singing loudly.
Ghost-imaging for new x-rays. Sounds a bit dubious to me. There are two parts to imaging x-rays; kVp and mAs. mAs is the amount of x-rays we generation multiplied by the time (typically in milliseconds). The first part is the energy of the beam. Now both make up your actual radiation dose (to differing degrees), and kVp can (somewhat) make up for mAs, mAs can not make up for kVp. That is, to get a good image, I could up the kVp part of the dose (to a certain extent and within a range) to create an acceptable image. kVp is how you penetrate the x-rays (depending on the material or composition you'll need a certain amount of energy to get any x-rays through the object). Now mAs you might be failure with as it relates to the amount of light (brightness and exposure time). If mAs is a little low to achieve an acceptable image, I can up the kVp a little to compensate (basically I'll increase the energy of the x-ray so more get through). But, if I don't have enough kVp, no amount of mAs will make up for it (if the beam doesn't have the energy to penetrate the mass, increasing the number of x-rays won't do anything for the image, but will over expose the patient). So, yeah, something here just isn't adding up. But I'm all for getting the x-rays with a lower dose to the patient. (Grokked from Dan)
"Stephon Clark, the 22-year-old black man shot and killed by Sacramento police earlier this month, was shot eight times, at least six in the back, an independent autopsy commissioned by Clark's family found." Yeah, so much for that "he was acting menacingly" shit.
"She was there to remember the death of an unarmed black man at the hands of Sacramento police officers. But during the vigil for Stephon Clark, she was struck by a Sacramento County Sheriff Department vehicle."
"'Yeah. Nothing says "we value independent media" like dozens of reporters forced to repeat the same message over and over again like members of a brainwashed cult,' said (John) Oliver. 'I guess what I’m saying here, Sinclair, is that as a news organization, I believe you make no sense.'"
"Russia-linked Twitter accounts are rallying in support of Fox News host Laura Ingraham after she drew scorn for mocking Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg's grades on Twitter… According to one website that tracks Russian propaganda on Twitter in near-real time, the hashtag #istandwithlaura saw a 2800% jump in 48 hours." Now to be fair, earlier the Russian botnets were pushing #guncontrolnow. Why would they argue both sides? "Instead, the influence operation's main goal is to sow discord and spread junk news related to divisive political topics in the US and Europe. The strategy was a key tenet of Russia's effort to sway the 2016 US election in Trump's favor." The goal is disruption and weakening the West. Conservative politics is just where they're placing their money on the fastest path to that weakened West.
"Synthetic cannabinoid, often called Spice or K2, is a man-made mixture of hundreds of chemicals that affect the same brain cell receptors as the main ingredient in marijuana. The substance is sometimes used as a spray on plant material for smoking, or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes or other devices, according to the health department’s warning." Look, just do the real thing. It's not like it's hard to find.
"Mason grabbed her keys and set out for her local precinct. When she got there, she found out that her name was not on the voter roll so she was given a provisional ballot. An election worker stuck around to walk her through the form. She used her current license and her current address, St. John says… 'She had a good faith belief that she could vote,' St. John says. 'She would have never voted if she didn't know she could vote.'" Instead she was arrested for voter fraud, because she is a felon whose sentence hadn't run out. And this is why it's a provisional ballot. And this is why you can challenge a provisional ballot. But by arresting her the state government of Texas is sending a message.
"More than three months after the passage of the GOP’s tax-cut law, new surveys suggest that many people don’t think they are getting bigger paychecks, which could cut into support for Republicans in this fall’s midterm elections… A CNBC poll this week stated that just 32 percent of working adults reported having more take-home pay due to the new law, a problem for Republicans hoping to run on the measure and the health of the economy in November." But they're telling their members to talk about the tax cuts more. Because that's all they have. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
"Serious efforts to answer that question (safety of IV saline versus Ringers) only got underway within the last 10 years. The first attempt appeared in 2012. Researchers examined a database of patients who received saline or balanced solutions like lactated Ringer's during surgery, and compared complications and mortality between the groups. The findings were striking — mortality was 2.7 percent higher in those that received normal saline, and complications were more common as well."
"Chinese space authorities say Tiangong 1, the country's defunct and reportedly out-of-control space station, re-entered the Earth's atmosphere Sunday night, mostly burning up over the central South Pacific. The China Manned Space Engineering Office says online that the experimental space lab re-entered around 8:15 a.m. local time Monday." So now we can all stop having the "ZOMG, the sky is falling" news in their feeds.
"A measure signed into law in Kentucky this past week would prevent federally-certified radiologists from judging X-rays in state black lung compensation claims, leaving diagnoses of the disease mostly to physicians who typically work for coal companies." That is insane. This is the legal equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and singing loudly.
Ghost-imaging for new x-rays. Sounds a bit dubious to me. There are two parts to imaging x-rays; kVp and mAs. mAs is the amount of x-rays we generation multiplied by the time (typically in milliseconds). The first part is the energy of the beam. Now both make up your actual radiation dose (to differing degrees), and kVp can (somewhat) make up for mAs, mAs can not make up for kVp. That is, to get a good image, I could up the kVp part of the dose (to a certain extent and within a range) to create an acceptable image. kVp is how you penetrate the x-rays (depending on the material or composition you'll need a certain amount of energy to get any x-rays through the object). Now mAs you might be failure with as it relates to the amount of light (brightness and exposure time). If mAs is a little low to achieve an acceptable image, I can up the kVp a little to compensate (basically I'll increase the energy of the x-ray so more get through). But, if I don't have enough kVp, no amount of mAs will make up for it (if the beam doesn't have the energy to penetrate the mass, increasing the number of x-rays won't do anything for the image, but will over expose the patient). So, yeah, something here just isn't adding up. But I'm all for getting the x-rays with a lower dose to the patient. (Grokked from Dan)
"Stephon Clark, the 22-year-old black man shot and killed by Sacramento police earlier this month, was shot eight times, at least six in the back, an independent autopsy commissioned by Clark's family found." Yeah, so much for that "he was acting menacingly" shit.
"She was there to remember the death of an unarmed black man at the hands of Sacramento police officers. But during the vigil for Stephon Clark, she was struck by a Sacramento County Sheriff Department vehicle."
"'Yeah. Nothing says "we value independent media" like dozens of reporters forced to repeat the same message over and over again like members of a brainwashed cult,' said (John) Oliver. 'I guess what I’m saying here, Sinclair, is that as a news organization, I believe you make no sense.'"
"Russia-linked Twitter accounts are rallying in support of Fox News host Laura Ingraham after she drew scorn for mocking Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg's grades on Twitter… According to one website that tracks Russian propaganda on Twitter in near-real time, the hashtag #istandwithlaura saw a 2800% jump in 48 hours." Now to be fair, earlier the Russian botnets were pushing #guncontrolnow. Why would they argue both sides? "Instead, the influence operation's main goal is to sow discord and spread junk news related to divisive political topics in the US and Europe. The strategy was a key tenet of Russia's effort to sway the 2016 US election in Trump's favor." The goal is disruption and weakening the West. Conservative politics is just where they're placing their money on the fastest path to that weakened West.
"Synthetic cannabinoid, often called Spice or K2, is a man-made mixture of hundreds of chemicals that affect the same brain cell receptors as the main ingredient in marijuana. The substance is sometimes used as a spray on plant material for smoking, or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes or other devices, according to the health department’s warning." Look, just do the real thing. It's not like it's hard to find.
"Mason grabbed her keys and set out for her local precinct. When she got there, she found out that her name was not on the voter roll so she was given a provisional ballot. An election worker stuck around to walk her through the form. She used her current license and her current address, St. John says… 'She had a good faith belief that she could vote,' St. John says. 'She would have never voted if she didn't know she could vote.'" Instead she was arrested for voter fraud, because she is a felon whose sentence hadn't run out. And this is why it's a provisional ballot. And this is why you can challenge a provisional ballot. But by arresting her the state government of Texas is sending a message.
"More than three months after the passage of the GOP’s tax-cut law, new surveys suggest that many people don’t think they are getting bigger paychecks, which could cut into support for Republicans in this fall’s midterm elections… A CNBC poll this week stated that just 32 percent of working adults reported having more take-home pay due to the new law, a problem for Republicans hoping to run on the measure and the health of the economy in November." But they're telling their members to talk about the tax cuts more. Because that's all they have. (Grokked from Jim Wright)
Friday, March 30, 2018
Linkee-poo for a Friday, possibly Good
"I have seen numerous reports on Facebook, KBoards, and elsewhere that Amazon has adopted a new policy where some romance titles, most notably those titles that Amazon has identified as erotica, have been removed from the Kindle Store best-seller list." Amazon may be about to learn the hard lesson of never fucking with romance readers (although this supposedly only effect "erotica"). (Grokked from Kelly Link)
"Across several experiments which involved showing volunteers photos of people farting in public, the researchers determined that feelings of embarrassment could be noticeably reduced when participants put themselves in the shoes of an outside observer, rather than imagining themselves a victim of an embarrassing situation. According to the researcher, this may be easier said than done." (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says fentanyl, which is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, was found in more than half of overdose deaths last year in 10 states including Massachusetts. Now, there's concern as it creeps into cocaine." Because the drug of choice always changes. So if drug culture is switching to cocaine, people will be relieved that the heroin epidemic is over, not realizing that we still have the same problem. It doesn't go away. The lacing of cocaine has been slipping under the radar because most users (so far) have been black.
"Now female senators are demanding to know what’s behind the delay. All 22 women of the Senate have signed a letter addressed to Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, expressing 'deep disappointment' that no action has been taken on this (sexual-harassment) bill." (Grokked from Joshua Parker)
"In the wake of a string of deadly bombings that shook Austin, Texas and surrounding areas in recent weeks, the city's police chief called the suspect a 'domestic terrorist,' even though the incidents have not been formally labeled as such by the feds." Well that took long enough.
"Outlandish former Texas congressman Steve Stockman resurfaced last spring when he was arrested by federal agents while trying to board an international flight and subsequently slapped with a 28-count felony fraud indictment, which he said was the work of the 'deep state.'" That's a story. (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)
"Addressing a crowd in Ohio on Thursday, Trump said construction had begun on his promised border wall, but he was referring to pictures of construction that began in 2009." Our Fake News Anchor-in-Chief.
"Across several experiments which involved showing volunteers photos of people farting in public, the researchers determined that feelings of embarrassment could be noticeably reduced when participants put themselves in the shoes of an outside observer, rather than imagining themselves a victim of an embarrassing situation. According to the researcher, this may be easier said than done." (Grokked from Matt Staggs)
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says fentanyl, which is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, was found in more than half of overdose deaths last year in 10 states including Massachusetts. Now, there's concern as it creeps into cocaine." Because the drug of choice always changes. So if drug culture is switching to cocaine, people will be relieved that the heroin epidemic is over, not realizing that we still have the same problem. It doesn't go away. The lacing of cocaine has been slipping under the radar because most users (so far) have been black.
"Now female senators are demanding to know what’s behind the delay. All 22 women of the Senate have signed a letter addressed to Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, expressing 'deep disappointment' that no action has been taken on this (sexual-harassment) bill." (Grokked from Joshua Parker)
"In the wake of a string of deadly bombings that shook Austin, Texas and surrounding areas in recent weeks, the city's police chief called the suspect a 'domestic terrorist,' even though the incidents have not been formally labeled as such by the feds." Well that took long enough.
"Outlandish former Texas congressman Steve Stockman resurfaced last spring when he was arrested by federal agents while trying to board an international flight and subsequently slapped with a 28-count felony fraud indictment, which he said was the work of the 'deep state.'" That's a story. (Grokked from Kathryn Cramer)
"Addressing a crowd in Ohio on Thursday, Trump said construction had begun on his promised border wall, but he was referring to pictures of construction that began in 2009." Our Fake News Anchor-in-Chief.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)