2020 Ideas (Not Resolutions)
1) Start riding a bike.
2) Watch less sports on tv and more live in person
3) Write every day
4) Read more varied books, ie long pretentious novels, biographies, foreign authors vs. genre fiction, as an example
5) Listen to podcasts from which I can learn vs. podcasts which entertain
6) Teach my eldest son to read
7) Eat better
8) Play less fantasy sports
Sunday, January 05, 2020
Saturday, January 04, 2020
Kaepernick
Calls the killing of Soleimani "an attack against brown and black people."
Somebody ought to tell Kaepernick that Persians consider themselves Caucasians.
Calls the killing of Soleimani "an attack against brown and black people."
Somebody ought to tell Kaepernick that Persians consider themselves Caucasians.
Friday, January 03, 2020
Elizabeth Warren's Wealth Tax
Someone should make her measure her own wealth and the wealth of 10 close family members, just to see if she could do it before beta testing the idea on the entire country.
Because here are some problems:
Someone should make her measure her own wealth and the wealth of 10 close family members, just to see if she could do it before beta testing the idea on the entire country.
Because here are some problems:
But a little peek into this sausage factory should leave you wondering, just why are these the rules of the game? Why do we care (should we care) so much about the distribution of something that is essentially impossible to measure or define? If you are making money was a partner in an LLC you help to run, why should anyone care about a fictitious accounting "value" of that partnership? You can't sell it! Why start with pretax income? If you pay half your income in taxes, does that not halve the value of the asset? Why does "wealth" include the value of proprietor and partnership income but not labor income or social security income?Good luck.
The Whole Nazi Thing
For anyone all who wonders what "they would've done" had they been alive when the Fascists rose to power in the 1930s -- they can know -- but simply looking at how they behave in the face of the CCP.
For most people the answer is: ignore, buy cheap products made by them, and tacitly approve because it does not impact their every day lives. In worse cases, they take the bribe money (the NBA). So there you have your answer folks -- you would've stood right by -- and done nada.
The UN just concluded at a Tribunal the CCP tortured and harvested the organs of an unknown number of Falun Gong practitioners (there were 70 million at one point) and continue the same practices with the Uygher population today.
You will read very little on twitter about it. Kaepernick will not take a knee about it. And meanwhile, Americans will invest in emerging market stock funds -- thus lining the pockets of the CCP.
For anyone all who wonders what "they would've done" had they been alive when the Fascists rose to power in the 1930s -- they can know -- but simply looking at how they behave in the face of the CCP.
For most people the answer is: ignore, buy cheap products made by them, and tacitly approve because it does not impact their every day lives. In worse cases, they take the bribe money (the NBA). So there you have your answer folks -- you would've stood right by -- and done nada.
The UN just concluded at a Tribunal the CCP tortured and harvested the organs of an unknown number of Falun Gong practitioners (there were 70 million at one point) and continue the same practices with the Uygher population today.
You will read very little on twitter about it. Kaepernick will not take a knee about it. And meanwhile, Americans will invest in emerging market stock funds -- thus lining the pockets of the CCP.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Logging
TV: Mandalorian ep 3 and 4, The Witcher
Nerding out. I was impressed with Henry Cavill's physically in the Witcher as a contrast to Pedro Pascal's Mandalorian. Pascal has been better in everything I've seen him. He's not quite right for the Mandalorian, but I still really like the show.
The Witcher pilot started off terribly but grew on me. I'll probably continue to watch.
TV: Mandalorian ep 3 and 4, The Witcher
Nerding out. I was impressed with Henry Cavill's physically in the Witcher as a contrast to Pedro Pascal's Mandalorian. Pascal has been better in everything I've seen him. He's not quite right for the Mandalorian, but I still really like the show.
The Witcher pilot started off terribly but grew on me. I'll probably continue to watch.
Hate Groups
A woman warns folks about how white nationalist groups target white teenage boys online.
The more we oppress language with the ridiculous "woke" standards and shame what amounts to typical "boy" behavior, I predict a rise in vulnerability to these groups.
When I was young, it was common sense that over strictness lead to rebellion. The most common being religious strictness. Nowadays, in coastal areas, I imagine the wokeness is even more oppressive than the religious stuff ever was in my childhood. What countervailing mainstream cultures are there in coastal areas to combat? Sports? Gamer life? Music?
A woman warns folks about how white nationalist groups target white teenage boys online.
The more we oppress language with the ridiculous "woke" standards and shame what amounts to typical "boy" behavior, I predict a rise in vulnerability to these groups.
When I was young, it was common sense that over strictness lead to rebellion. The most common being religious strictness. Nowadays, in coastal areas, I imagine the wokeness is even more oppressive than the religious stuff ever was in my childhood. What countervailing mainstream cultures are there in coastal areas to combat? Sports? Gamer life? Music?
Friday, December 27, 2019
Good Take
Trump isn't a Nazi, he's a failure.
Last sentence:
Trump isn't a Nazi, he's a failure.
Last sentence:
But the Democrats are so committed to their exotic fairy tale — Trump is a monster, Trump is a Nazi, Trump is a white nationalist, etc. — that they have forgotten how to run an ordinary campaign against an ordinary failure.Yep. And so we will be getting 4 more years of this shit.
Dishwashers
I really dislike my brand new, top of consumer reports rated dishwasher, so Trump is right on this one.
Also - do a remodel. The code restrictions are onerous and stupid. They presume users don't know how to turn on an exhaust fan in the bathroom.
I really dislike my brand new, top of consumer reports rated dishwasher, so Trump is right on this one.
Also - do a remodel. The code restrictions are onerous and stupid. They presume users don't know how to turn on an exhaust fan in the bathroom.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Logging
Book: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
So I don't normally log books I read to my kids, but it'd been awhile and here's the ranking of children's book writers:
1. Dr. Seuss
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Now the list for everyone else begins:
Margaret Wise Brown
Sandra Boynton
etc.
He's the Shakespeare of children's books.
Book: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
So I don't normally log books I read to my kids, but it'd been awhile and here's the ranking of children's book writers:
1. Dr. Seuss
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Now the list for everyone else begins:
Margaret Wise Brown
Sandra Boynton
etc.
He's the Shakespeare of children's books.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Logging
Film: Richard Jewell
Maybe I'm smoking crack, but I thought the film was really good.
And I read this Washington Post article criticizing the film over the portrayal of Olivia Wilde's character. So much is wrong with the article:
1) The most egregious: the writer clearly didn't actually watch the film because he doesn't note the Olivia Wilde character arc, and criticizes the film for missing a "moment" that ACTUALLY TAKES PLACE IN THE FILM!
2) More broadly, the article worries about how the newspaper is depicted in the film. Does he realize the film is about RICHARD JEWELL! The film isn't called Kathy Scrugs or the Atlanta Journal. This level of stupidity belongs in a college newspaper.
3) He criticizes a dramatic scene for not actually taking place. What? Huh? A scene in a movie was made up for dramatic effect? Does he not know what a movie IS?
What a preposterous op-ed.
Film: Richard Jewell
Maybe I'm smoking crack, but I thought the film was really good.
And I read this Washington Post article criticizing the film over the portrayal of Olivia Wilde's character. So much is wrong with the article:
1) The most egregious: the writer clearly didn't actually watch the film because he doesn't note the Olivia Wilde character arc, and criticizes the film for missing a "moment" that ACTUALLY TAKES PLACE IN THE FILM!
2) More broadly, the article worries about how the newspaper is depicted in the film. Does he realize the film is about RICHARD JEWELL! The film isn't called Kathy Scrugs or the Atlanta Journal. This level of stupidity belongs in a college newspaper.
3) He criticizes a dramatic scene for not actually taking place. What? Huh? A scene in a movie was made up for dramatic effect? Does he not know what a movie IS?
What a preposterous op-ed.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Progressives
The biggest problem with progressivism is that it lacks idiot checks. You have this Congresswoman who sees the world in terms of exploited workers and selfish businesses, so she writes a law to attack the "gig" economy with the net result being hundreds of lost jobs and income for freelance writers.
The underneath problem is twofold. She doesn't understand how life works for freelance workers and has the arrogance to write laws to "benefit" them.
The biggest problem with progressivism is that it lacks idiot checks. You have this Congresswoman who sees the world in terms of exploited workers and selfish businesses, so she writes a law to attack the "gig" economy with the net result being hundreds of lost jobs and income for freelance writers.
The underneath problem is twofold. She doesn't understand how life works for freelance workers and has the arrogance to write laws to "benefit" them.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Logging
Film: Uncut Gems (screener)
Couldn't resist -- I wanted to see in theater -- but last night, felt like I had to check out 20 minutes or so before bed. Of course, I watched the entire thing and then couldn't sleep. The anxiety the film induces is more subtle than I would've thought, but evident. Great performances all around. I've seen many better written movies, but movies aren't read, they are watched and in some cases (like this one), experienced.
Film: Uncut Gems (screener)
Couldn't resist -- I wanted to see in theater -- but last night, felt like I had to check out 20 minutes or so before bed. Of course, I watched the entire thing and then couldn't sleep. The anxiety the film induces is more subtle than I would've thought, but evident. Great performances all around. I've seen many better written movies, but movies aren't read, they are watched and in some cases (like this one), experienced.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
The Left vs. The Rest
Liberalism has been hijacked by THE LEFT, as someone in the UK points out.
I noticed it in the aftermath of 9/11, when many on the Left blamed ourselves for the murder of 4000 fellow citizens in an act of war. And its only gotten worse since then with the Left's obsession with racism and gender fluidity and a whole stockpile of nonsense.
Liberalism has been hijacked by THE LEFT, as someone in the UK points out.
I noticed it in the aftermath of 9/11, when many on the Left blamed ourselves for the murder of 4000 fellow citizens in an act of war. And its only gotten worse since then with the Left's obsession with racism and gender fluidity and a whole stockpile of nonsense.
Monday, December 09, 2019
Fake News
Billy Dee Williams clarifies he's not gender fluid and furthermore, doesn't know what the hell it means.
I hope America realizes the old people are the ones who are going to save us from ourselves.
Billy Dee Williams clarifies he's not gender fluid and furthermore, doesn't know what the hell it means.
I hope America realizes the old people are the ones who are going to save us from ourselves.
Good on Them
Ford and Sherman stand by Tim Ryan -- based upon his overall character.
The pettier people are about this racism stuff, the more it indicates there isn't much of a problem.
Ford and Sherman stand by Tim Ryan -- based upon his overall character.
The pettier people are about this racism stuff, the more it indicates there isn't much of a problem.
Sunday, December 08, 2019
Friday, December 06, 2019
Wednesday, December 04, 2019
Random Thoughts / Observations
My 4 year old loved the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special. Important for parents, I think, to show kids old/slower paced tv shows, books, movies, etc, so they don't become too "present-focused."
My 4 year old came in to the bathroom while I was shaving today and basically recounted the Big Bang Theory and evolution -- he told me -- at first there were only stars in space, then a big explosion happened that created planets. Then shark eggs were created and there were sharks. Then, fish came. Then dinosaurs. Then dinosaurs died and came monkeys and humans. Now, maybe he didn't hit all the details correct, but for a 4 year old the summary of life was pretty good. I am a bit mystified about how he learned The Big Bang. My wife didn't teach him. I asked him if he learned it in school and he said no. He said his body told him. Who knows...he also peed on the bathroom floor this morning, so anyhow...kids...
I love watching regular season NBA and had this incredible idea for retirement - go live in cities where I like the NBA teams, for instance right now: Toronto and Miami for the NBA season and just go to games. Now I just need to spend the next 25 years getting the wife to become an NBA fan.
My 4 year old loved the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special. Important for parents, I think, to show kids old/slower paced tv shows, books, movies, etc, so they don't become too "present-focused."
My 4 year old came in to the bathroom while I was shaving today and basically recounted the Big Bang Theory and evolution -- he told me -- at first there were only stars in space, then a big explosion happened that created planets. Then shark eggs were created and there were sharks. Then, fish came. Then dinosaurs. Then dinosaurs died and came monkeys and humans. Now, maybe he didn't hit all the details correct, but for a 4 year old the summary of life was pretty good. I am a bit mystified about how he learned The Big Bang. My wife didn't teach him. I asked him if he learned it in school and he said no. He said his body told him. Who knows...he also peed on the bathroom floor this morning, so anyhow...kids...
I love watching regular season NBA and had this incredible idea for retirement - go live in cities where I like the NBA teams, for instance right now: Toronto and Miami for the NBA season and just go to games. Now I just need to spend the next 25 years getting the wife to become an NBA fan.
Sunday, December 01, 2019
Friday, November 29, 2019
Logging
Film: Knives Out
I don't smoke pot, but I imagine this movie would be terrific high.
Enjoyable, but unremarkable. I hope someone with more time and energy than myself will write the manic pixie dream latina criticism that no one will read.
NOTE: Richard Jewell trailer looked incredible and wouldn't it be appropriate for Clint Eastwood at age 80something to lay the Thor gauntlet hammer down on the poison our culture has become.
Film: Knives Out
I don't smoke pot, but I imagine this movie would be terrific high.
Enjoyable, but unremarkable. I hope someone with more time and energy than myself will write the manic pixie dream latina criticism that no one will read.
NOTE: Richard Jewell trailer looked incredible and wouldn't it be appropriate for Clint Eastwood at age 80something to lay the Thor gauntlet hammer down on the poison our culture has become.
Friday, November 22, 2019
Logging
Film: Terminator Dark Fate
I ended up enjoying the movie overall, but have a theory of why it didn't do well.
#1: The three new actors aren't movie stars. Aren't even close. Not a single person would see this movie for any of them. Hollywood, I believe, has made a strategic error by not developing young movie stars and instead leaning too hard into IP.
It is easy to see as Linda Hamilton and Arnold - even with the shoddy dialog they're given - still command the screen so much more than any of the other newbies.
#2: Victim of the Franchise Success and the Suspension of Disbelief
The secret charm from the first movie is the world of the story resembles exactly our own in 1984, with the terrifying sci fi conceit. We easily suspend our disbelief. The brilliance of the 2nd movie is how it cleverly ironizes the ideas in the first. It takes the mythology from the 1st and spins it into another coherent "world," ramps up the action x100 and evolves the screen personas of the two stars (Linda Hamilton and Arnold).
In 2019, the same ideas can't play. In a real world 2019, we have been talking about Terminator-like concepts for 30+ years. The characters in Dark Fate feel like people we cannot relate to since in our own world, everyone knows about Skynet, etc. Does that make sense? I think this detail matters, because unlike the other two films, it asks us to suspend too much disbelief. Whereas the 2nd felt like we got the band back together for a bigger, more gaudy concert, Dark Fate ultimately feels like we're watching a cover band. We know it isn't real. Much as we would like to suspend disbelief, we actually can't. Not with something so familiar.
#3: For cinema fans, the movie must be graded down for shamelessly stealing plotting from both the 1st and 2nd. Again, this makes it feel like karaoke instead a new song by a good band.
Film: Terminator Dark Fate
I ended up enjoying the movie overall, but have a theory of why it didn't do well.
#1: The three new actors aren't movie stars. Aren't even close. Not a single person would see this movie for any of them. Hollywood, I believe, has made a strategic error by not developing young movie stars and instead leaning too hard into IP.
It is easy to see as Linda Hamilton and Arnold - even with the shoddy dialog they're given - still command the screen so much more than any of the other newbies.
#2: Victim of the Franchise Success and the Suspension of Disbelief
The secret charm from the first movie is the world of the story resembles exactly our own in 1984, with the terrifying sci fi conceit. We easily suspend our disbelief. The brilliance of the 2nd movie is how it cleverly ironizes the ideas in the first. It takes the mythology from the 1st and spins it into another coherent "world," ramps up the action x100 and evolves the screen personas of the two stars (Linda Hamilton and Arnold).
In 2019, the same ideas can't play. In a real world 2019, we have been talking about Terminator-like concepts for 30+ years. The characters in Dark Fate feel like people we cannot relate to since in our own world, everyone knows about Skynet, etc. Does that make sense? I think this detail matters, because unlike the other two films, it asks us to suspend too much disbelief. Whereas the 2nd felt like we got the band back together for a bigger, more gaudy concert, Dark Fate ultimately feels like we're watching a cover band. We know it isn't real. Much as we would like to suspend disbelief, we actually can't. Not with something so familiar.
#3: For cinema fans, the movie must be graded down for shamelessly stealing plotting from both the 1st and 2nd. Again, this makes it feel like karaoke instead a new song by a good band.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Black Kids Socialized Into A White World
I get the authors main point here, although I'm not a fan of reducing all these types of discussions to black and white. I think she's making a smart observation, however, that "socialization" can too easily veer into stigmatization and put kids into boxes they don't belong to make the lives of teachers and bureaucrats easier at the expense of developing kids. It's a challenging situation that requires vigilance on many levels - that of parents, schools, and communities.
I get the authors main point here, although I'm not a fan of reducing all these types of discussions to black and white. I think she's making a smart observation, however, that "socialization" can too easily veer into stigmatization and put kids into boxes they don't belong to make the lives of teachers and bureaucrats easier at the expense of developing kids. It's a challenging situation that requires vigilance on many levels - that of parents, schools, and communities.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Monday, November 18, 2019
Kids
NYTimes piece on "End of Babies," asks a lot of the right questions and yet feels totally off.
The article focuses on Capitalism as the culprit (of course) and pays a few nods toward declining religion. But what about Culture? We opted for a dowhateveryouwantism Culture. Should we be surprised that a lot of people dowhatevertheywant instead of settling down?
All I know is that in the 1980s everyone mocked the cultural conservatives, but as far as I can tell, their warnings about what was happing inside our culture were more prescient than any other political, social, or technological group.
NYTimes piece on "End of Babies," asks a lot of the right questions and yet feels totally off.
The article focuses on Capitalism as the culprit (of course) and pays a few nods toward declining religion. But what about Culture? We opted for a dowhateveryouwantism Culture. Should we be surprised that a lot of people dowhatevertheywant instead of settling down?
All I know is that in the 1980s everyone mocked the cultural conservatives, but as far as I can tell, their warnings about what was happing inside our culture were more prescient than any other political, social, or technological group.
Kapernick
Feels like the folks (myself included) who spotted this Kapernick psychodrama from early on ought to be vindicated by the events of this weekend, but of course, no one who "supported" him will see it this way. People who see the Kapernick as a victim of systemic racism see the world as having a grand narrative of oppressor and oppressee and shoehorn reality into that narrative.
Feels like the folks (myself included) who spotted this Kapernick psychodrama from early on ought to be vindicated by the events of this weekend, but of course, no one who "supported" him will see it this way. People who see the Kapernick as a victim of systemic racism see the world as having a grand narrative of oppressor and oppressee and shoehorn reality into that narrative.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Impeachment
1) The aid to Ukraine was given and Biden's son wasn't investigated. Suggesting, in fact, the opposite of a quid pro quo.
2) Even had there been something resembling a quid pro quo. Is what Trump wanted "bad"? To investigate corruption? Let's put it another way, if he had done the same to Mitch McConnell's son would the Democrats care? The answer is no.
3) Even if what Trump did was "bad," by framing it around investigating a political rival - does it amount to an impeachable offense? IE does the punishment fit the crime? I imagine a resounding "no."
4) Does Biden's son being compromised stop anyone from voting for Biden? I don't think so.
1) The aid to Ukraine was given and Biden's son wasn't investigated. Suggesting, in fact, the opposite of a quid pro quo.
2) Even had there been something resembling a quid pro quo. Is what Trump wanted "bad"? To investigate corruption? Let's put it another way, if he had done the same to Mitch McConnell's son would the Democrats care? The answer is no.
3) Even if what Trump did was "bad," by framing it around investigating a political rival - does it amount to an impeachable offense? IE does the punishment fit the crime? I imagine a resounding "no."
4) Does Biden's son being compromised stop anyone from voting for Biden? I don't think so.
Standford Students Protest Ben Shapiro Putting Them At Risk
Their rhetoric suggests they are cowards, but dig a layer deeper and the truth is they're tyrants.
Their rhetoric suggests they are cowards, but dig a layer deeper and the truth is they're tyrants.
Logging
TV: Watchmen S1 E4
Impression: show getting too big in scope too fast and will implode under the weight of its own lofty themes. Like other Lindelof shows, from what I hear.
UPDATE: And Adrian Vite is going to fling himself into space and eventually land on Lady Trillionaire's clock, right?
Evidence of my first thesis.
TV: Watchmen S1 E4
Impression: show getting too big in scope too fast and will implode under the weight of its own lofty themes. Like other Lindelof shows, from what I hear.
UPDATE: And Adrian Vite is going to fling himself into space and eventually land on Lady Trillionaire's clock, right?
Evidence of my first thesis.
Saturday, November 09, 2019
Thursday, November 07, 2019
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
Clear Thoughts
After reading about her tax plan, hell would need to freeze over before I voted for Elizabeth Warren.
ABC reporters knew about Jeffery Epstein 3 years ago and the story got squashed. Come on! I don't want to believe in conspiracies, but this one is getting preposterous. The conservative twitter universe is right to point out the media rushed to give voice to Christine Blasey Ford and any woman who would make up total BS about Kavanaugh, and yet quashed this story because it wasn't juicy enough!
After reading about her tax plan, hell would need to freeze over before I voted for Elizabeth Warren.
ABC reporters knew about Jeffery Epstein 3 years ago and the story got squashed. Come on! I don't want to believe in conspiracies, but this one is getting preposterous. The conservative twitter universe is right to point out the media rushed to give voice to Christine Blasey Ford and any woman who would make up total BS about Kavanaugh, and yet quashed this story because it wasn't juicy enough!
Monday, November 04, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
This Strikes Me As An Interesting Development
The Daytime Emmy's eliminate gender distinction in giving out Young Actor and Young Actress awards, and instead replace it with Outstanding Young Performer.
If I'm reading this correctly, it means there will be one award given per year instead of two.
Might be worth seeing where this goes, because because if there's one thing Hollywood folks enjoy more than being on the cutting edge of wokeness, it would be giving themselves awards.
When they figure out one is less than two, I imagine some people will be miffed.
Stay tuned.
The Daytime Emmy's eliminate gender distinction in giving out Young Actor and Young Actress awards, and instead replace it with Outstanding Young Performer.
If I'm reading this correctly, it means there will be one award given per year instead of two.
Might be worth seeing where this goes, because because if there's one thing Hollywood folks enjoy more than being on the cutting edge of wokeness, it would be giving themselves awards.
When they figure out one is less than two, I imagine some people will be miffed.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Huh
Study shows the wealthy and celebrities have not changed their flying habits to reduce CO2.
I'll change my habits when the "leaders" change theirs.
Study shows the wealthy and celebrities have not changed their flying habits to reduce CO2.
I'll change my habits when the "leaders" change theirs.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Yikes
Steve Kerr's response to being called out by Trump.
The reality is China WAY overreacted to the Morey tweet. They are bullying the NBA in a foolish way. And it's a strange world where these NBA guys are willing to pounce and criticize their own countrymen, President, and fans on issues and then fall silent when a geopolitical authoritarian foe might get their feelings hurt. A lot of folks think this is about the money. I actually don't. I think the NBA guys got flat footed on an issue they don't care about at all. Fair enough. But should've thought about this possibility when they started using the NBA platform to get fans to care about issues they don't care about. It goes the other way too, it appears.
The hypocrisy is what annoys people.
Steve Kerr's response to being called out by Trump.
"The same people who are asking me to stick to sports are also asking me to expand my horizons," Kerr said. "I guess that's what I'm hearing. Again, I will speak on the things I'm comfortable with.Ummm...I take this as a mischaracterization of even Trump's position. Trump is pointing out how willing Kerr is to disparage his fellow countrymen for not agreeing politically but then silent on a NBA BASKETBALL story involving geopolitical foe of the United States. Trump is calling out Kerr's hypocrisy, not suggesting he should become a China expert. And then this:
"As far as North Korea, I don't know much about North Korea. As far as the Ukraine situation, I don't know much about the Ukraine situation. We could just go around the world and maybe I can pinpoint a couple others I'm comfortable about, but this whole thing is so ridiculous. Again, we're fortunate in this country to have free speech. I exercise that. But part of having free speech is also electing not to speak if you don't feel comfortable about something."
Kerr declined comment when asked if he felt Morey should be fired for sending out the initial tweet.
"I choose not to be a soundbite tonight," Kerr said. "Probably too late for that tonight. I choose not to be that soundbite."It sure comes across as craven and a weasel out. Ukraine, North Korea, etc, none of those issues are related to the NBA. This one is. This directly impacts the league Kerr and all the players are a part of. This is what makes the sudden silence so telling and odd. No one expects them to be Chinese history experts, but it is completely wild that NO ONE wants to comment on an NBA GM almost getting fired over harmless tweet that hurts the feelings of an authoritarian power.
The reality is China WAY overreacted to the Morey tweet. They are bullying the NBA in a foolish way. And it's a strange world where these NBA guys are willing to pounce and criticize their own countrymen, President, and fans on issues and then fall silent when a geopolitical authoritarian foe might get their feelings hurt. A lot of folks think this is about the money. I actually don't. I think the NBA guys got flat footed on an issue they don't care about at all. Fair enough. But should've thought about this possibility when they started using the NBA platform to get fans to care about issues they don't care about. It goes the other way too, it appears.
The hypocrisy is what annoys people.
Logging
Film: Joker
A dark, grumpy movie and it seems like Todd Phillips is in a bad mood. It's a bit derivative in that, it just takes the same idea as Nolan's/Ledger's Joker and digs deeper. It pays homage to King of Comedy and Taxi Driver, but this only adds to the derivative nature, methinks. All that said, on a technical level - on cinematic/artistic grounds - come on folks - it was impressive. The story conceit, a small character study of the Joker with about 8 total characters in the film. The acting, the cinematography, the use of dance. It was good. I'm impressed on cinematic level. The cultural level...I don't really know what to say other than I was sitting next to a group of what seemed to me impressionable young men who were cheering when the Joker rose from near death and that struck me as maybe a misreading of the film.
Film: Joker
A dark, grumpy movie and it seems like Todd Phillips is in a bad mood. It's a bit derivative in that, it just takes the same idea as Nolan's/Ledger's Joker and digs deeper. It pays homage to King of Comedy and Taxi Driver, but this only adds to the derivative nature, methinks. All that said, on a technical level - on cinematic/artistic grounds - come on folks - it was impressive. The story conceit, a small character study of the Joker with about 8 total characters in the film. The acting, the cinematography, the use of dance. It was good. I'm impressed on cinematic level. The cultural level...I don't really know what to say other than I was sitting next to a group of what seemed to me impressionable young men who were cheering when the Joker rose from near death and that struck me as maybe a misreading of the film.
Wednesday, October 09, 2019
So I Get This Right
Many often vocal NBA folks are keeping silent on the Morey tweet, Hong Kong, etc. Fair enough. They say they are being sensitive to Chinese fans, but of course what they mean are powerful Chinese business interests because even rudimentary "research" into the issue would reveal what is going on - the Chinese communists are circling the wagons.
But as long as the NBA folks are being so "sensitive," let's make clear who is safe to offend and who is unsafe to offend.
Safe to Offend/Hurt Feelings/Disrespect:
Democratically elected President of United States
Police Officers
Veterans of foreign wars and pretty much anyone who thinks the US flag ought to be paid respect.
All Trump supporters
All Republicans
All social conservatives
Hong Kong Protestors risking lives for freedom
Unsafe to Offend/Hurt Feelings/Disrespect/Speak Out of Turn:
Totalitarian Chinese Government and their paid underlings
Am I getting on my high horse? Yes. Is it easy for me to get on my high horse? Yes. But my point has long been: it's also cheap and easy to be "woke." The question: does "wokeness" comes from truly felt values, or is it simply a pose / fad. Unfortunately, I'm cynical on these matters (based on experience) and view the majority of wokeness as a fad and not an expression of deep moral principles.
The Morey tweet brings it into focus.
Many often vocal NBA folks are keeping silent on the Morey tweet, Hong Kong, etc. Fair enough. They say they are being sensitive to Chinese fans, but of course what they mean are powerful Chinese business interests because even rudimentary "research" into the issue would reveal what is going on - the Chinese communists are circling the wagons.
But as long as the NBA folks are being so "sensitive," let's make clear who is safe to offend and who is unsafe to offend.
Safe to Offend/Hurt Feelings/Disrespect:
Democratically elected President of United States
Police Officers
Veterans of foreign wars and pretty much anyone who thinks the US flag ought to be paid respect.
All Trump supporters
All Republicans
All social conservatives
Hong Kong Protestors risking lives for freedom
Unsafe to Offend/Hurt Feelings/Disrespect/Speak Out of Turn:
Totalitarian Chinese Government and their paid underlings
Am I getting on my high horse? Yes. Is it easy for me to get on my high horse? Yes. But my point has long been: it's also cheap and easy to be "woke." The question: does "wokeness" comes from truly felt values, or is it simply a pose / fad. Unfortunately, I'm cynical on these matters (based on experience) and view the majority of wokeness as a fad and not an expression of deep moral principles.
The Morey tweet brings it into focus.
Tuesday, October 08, 2019
Jemele Hill
And I've finally found an issue I agree Jemele Hill on. She nails it.
UPDATE: How do I square this with Kap? Easy. There are such things as a positive and a negative right. Neither of these issues are exactly "rights" issues, but the model for thinking works. Kap does not have a "right" to play on an NFL team. But Morey does have a "right" to not be fired for speaking freely. In fact, Kap was never fired at all. He knelt at NFL games and wasn't fired as a result. His situation was quite a bit more nuanced and complicated. This Morey tweet situation isn't nuanced or complicated AT ALL. Morey said what he said on twitter. It alienated a foreign government interested in holding onto power who now insist he be removed. The entire situation is pure capitulation to an authoritarian regime for money.
And I've finally found an issue I agree Jemele Hill on. She nails it.
UPDATE: How do I square this with Kap? Easy. There are such things as a positive and a negative right. Neither of these issues are exactly "rights" issues, but the model for thinking works. Kap does not have a "right" to play on an NFL team. But Morey does have a "right" to not be fired for speaking freely. In fact, Kap was never fired at all. He knelt at NFL games and wasn't fired as a result. His situation was quite a bit more nuanced and complicated. This Morey tweet situation isn't nuanced or complicated AT ALL. Morey said what he said on twitter. It alienated a foreign government interested in holding onto power who now insist he be removed. The entire situation is pure capitulation to an authoritarian regime for money.
Sunday, October 06, 2019
Ouch
Rolling Stone and Matt Taibbi are calling bullshit on the "whistleblower" and Ukraine-gate.
Rolling Stone and Matt Taibbi are calling bullshit on the "whistleblower" and Ukraine-gate.
BAER: You know, my guess, it’s a palace coup against Trump. And who knows what else they know at this point.Trump keeps looking better in comparison to his opponents. If you just read the Ukraine story, the Biden situation seems the most fishy.
Thursday, October 03, 2019
He's Not Wrong
The treatment of the tea partiers by David Brooks and the establishment media and politicians gave way to Trump.
Tea Party was polite, inoffensive, and worried about the size of government. Their policy goals were ignored by Washington, they were called tea baggers and racist by the media. And we're surprised they gravitate to Trump?
The treatment of the tea partiers by David Brooks and the establishment media and politicians gave way to Trump.
Tea Party was polite, inoffensive, and worried about the size of government. Their policy goals were ignored by Washington, they were called tea baggers and racist by the media. And we're surprised they gravitate to Trump?
Wednesday, October 02, 2019
Logging
TV: Succession S2
Addictive.
TV: The Righteous Gemstones S1
Highly enjoyable. Some great actress discoveries...
Film: The Princess Bride
Noticed this time around Humperdinck and Count Rugen were obviously meant as gay S&M lovers. Clues:
1) Chris Saradon's performance.
2) Chris Saradon isn't the least bit interested in Buttercup, the most beautiful woman in the world.
3) Their couple-esque tiff over Humperdinck being too busy to watch Christopher Guest put to work his torture device.
4) The torture device "sucks" the life out of you.
5) Christ Saradon's performance.
Wonder when the cancel culture comes for Princess Bride...
TV: Succession S2
Addictive.
TV: The Righteous Gemstones S1
Highly enjoyable. Some great actress discoveries...
Film: The Princess Bride
Noticed this time around Humperdinck and Count Rugen were obviously meant as gay S&M lovers. Clues:
1) Chris Saradon's performance.
2) Chris Saradon isn't the least bit interested in Buttercup, the most beautiful woman in the world.
3) Their couple-esque tiff over Humperdinck being too busy to watch Christopher Guest put to work his torture device.
4) The torture device "sucks" the life out of you.
5) Christ Saradon's performance.
Wonder when the cancel culture comes for Princess Bride...
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Oh Greta
Environmentalism is for rich white people, and so is life without religion.
If climate change activists were serious, they wouldn't have its spokeswoman be a 16 year old girl. It reveals their madness, not their rationality.
I'm interested in how the powers that want to take radical political steps to combat climate change have their personal money invested. If anyone who believes the world will end in 10 years has any SP500 funds, I'm not believing them.
Environmentalism is for rich white people, and so is life without religion.
If climate change activists were serious, they wouldn't have its spokeswoman be a 16 year old girl. It reveals their madness, not their rationality.
I'm interested in how the powers that want to take radical political steps to combat climate change have their personal money invested. If anyone who believes the world will end in 10 years has any SP500 funds, I'm not believing them.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Why Doesn't This Surprise Me
Climate change protestors leave NYC a mess.
I'm all in favor of preserving the environment in a reasonable, orderly manner, but I'm not in favor of indulging the neurosis of thousands of privileged liberals.
Climate change protestors leave NYC a mess.
I'm all in favor of preserving the environment in a reasonable, orderly manner, but I'm not in favor of indulging the neurosis of thousands of privileged liberals.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Rent Control
If there's one thing economists all agree upon, it's rent control is a very, very bad idea.
So naturally, California has passed a state wide rent control bill.
It will exacerbate housing problems in the long run and help those who passed it get reelected in the short run by buying off renters.
If there's one thing economists all agree upon, it's rent control is a very, very bad idea.
So naturally, California has passed a state wide rent control bill.
It will exacerbate housing problems in the long run and help those who passed it get reelected in the short run by buying off renters.
0% Interest Rates
Trump calling for 0% interest rates seems to me something a radical Leftist or someone who believes in Sharia Law might say.
Not a good sign for the direction of the world, but I suppose this is what you get when the elites game the system to their own advantage. The masses will fight back.
Trump calling for 0% interest rates seems to me something a radical Leftist or someone who believes in Sharia Law might say.
Not a good sign for the direction of the world, but I suppose this is what you get when the elites game the system to their own advantage. The masses will fight back.
Friday, September 06, 2019
Are We Supposed To Be Surprised?
Walter Mosley - one of the most prominent working black novelists - is fired from a writer's room for using words that made other writers uncomfortable.
The absurdity is beyond.
Walter Mosley - one of the most prominent working black novelists - is fired from a writer's room for using words that made other writers uncomfortable.
The absurdity is beyond.
Unabomber Manifesto
A strange read.
Please don't take this as an endorsement of mass murder, but everything he says in the manifesto is more true today than when he wrote it in 1995. Sometimes like 4-5x true. Take that as you will.
A strange read.
Please don't take this as an endorsement of mass murder, but everything he says in the manifesto is more true today than when he wrote it in 1995. Sometimes like 4-5x true. Take that as you will.
Wellness At Work
Turns out employees don't need so many wellness benefits to be happy.
I go the other way on this and would correlate wellness benefits with workers being UNHAPPY. What workers need:
1) Good paycheck
2) Autonomy
3) Feedback
4) Coffee
5) Clean bathrooms
6) A little space
The rest is bullshit. I have a benefit at work like flex spending for childcare. Fine, I save in taxes, but it takes effort and work to fill out reimbursement forms. I need much much less of that kind of shit and would rather just take a bigger paycheck and or a higher IRA match. Keep it simple, stupid.
Turns out employees don't need so many wellness benefits to be happy.
I go the other way on this and would correlate wellness benefits with workers being UNHAPPY. What workers need:
1) Good paycheck
2) Autonomy
3) Feedback
4) Coffee
5) Clean bathrooms
6) A little space
The rest is bullshit. I have a benefit at work like flex spending for childcare. Fine, I save in taxes, but it takes effort and work to fill out reimbursement forms. I need much much less of that kind of shit and would rather just take a bigger paycheck and or a higher IRA match. Keep it simple, stupid.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
I'm Betting on Hong Kong
Be water.
As powerful and committed as Beijing is, the protestors are part of the revolt of the public. CCP is 20th century, these guys are 21st.
Be water.
As powerful and committed as Beijing is, the protestors are part of the revolt of the public. CCP is 20th century, these guys are 21st.
The Public vs. The People
Fascinating Martin Gurri podcast on the revolt of the public.
We "the people" have got a real problem on our hands: the public. They're leaderless and defined by what they oppose and hunt in rabid packs. My prediction: they will eventually go after everyone's money (hint: they already are in subtle ways). They are laying the groundwork for it.
And to study the public, we ought to study infants and toddlers as I see similarities between the two.
Fascinating Martin Gurri podcast on the revolt of the public.
We "the people" have got a real problem on our hands: the public. They're leaderless and defined by what they oppose and hunt in rabid packs. My prediction: they will eventually go after everyone's money (hint: they already are in subtle ways). They are laying the groundwork for it.
And to study the public, we ought to study infants and toddlers as I see similarities between the two.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Sad
Why are Americans not in more vocal support of the Hong Kong protestors? Protestors are non-violent, want self governance and freedom from authoritarian rule. They are facing down the most powerful autocratic government in the world who threatens the use of military force, who has employed such military force on their own population before, and yet, no one in America gives a shit. Maybe this is part of America's long history of isolation, or maybe it doesn't neatly fit into the current ideological narratives of the moment.
Why don't these Congresswomen who are so vocal against the Israeli state's injustice not equally vocal against the Chinese state injustice? Why don't they promote divesting from China?
Why are Americans not in more vocal support of the Hong Kong protestors? Protestors are non-violent, want self governance and freedom from authoritarian rule. They are facing down the most powerful autocratic government in the world who threatens the use of military force, who has employed such military force on their own population before, and yet, no one in America gives a shit. Maybe this is part of America's long history of isolation, or maybe it doesn't neatly fit into the current ideological narratives of the moment.
Why don't these Congresswomen who are so vocal against the Israeli state's injustice not equally vocal against the Chinese state injustice? Why don't they promote divesting from China?
A-Fucking-Men
A good article about Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.
A good article about Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.
Alfred Hitchcock once said that cinema is life with the boring bits taken out. If Richard Brody wants to see “political protest, social conflict, any sense of changing mores,” there is no shortage of movies now that address social justice and society’s other ails. Tarantino makes an appeal to Aristophanic virtues, those of irony, passion, beauty and song. At a time when everything is soaked in political resentment, his principle aim is not to bog us down with ever more crises, but to distract us from them. He is not interested in New Hollywood’s naturalism or anti-Hollywood’s moralism. He doesn’t care who wins the du jour culture war. His is a bright, prismatic fantasy of Hollywood. It’s ahistorical, it’s a myth. It’s pure Tarantino.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Re-Watch
Takeaways on 2nd viewing:
-Tarantino films are the only films that consistently make me want to make movies. I imagine others in the business feel the same. The vast majority of films - whether good or bad - don't inspire me to want to make anything. I have theories on why this is, but for another post...
-Brad Pitt definitely killed his wife.
-Leo's performance underappreciated - he plays Rick as a stutterer who loses his stutter when he drinks.
-Tarantino writes the story toward set pieces, which is why it feels uneven. He doesn't value "structure" very highly but plants and pays off very well.
-I stand by my initial claim the sequence at the Spahn Ranch is the best in the film, although upon second viewing the Bruce Lee - Brad Pitt dream sequence was pretty excellent.
-The entire movie takes place over the course of only 2 days with a few flashbacks. Night of Day 1 through end of Day 2 comprises about 2/3 of the film -- about 1.5 days. The final third of the film happens on half a day.
-Anyone offended by the depiction of Bruce Lee should be equally offended by the depiction of Steve McQueen which was more cartoonish IMO.
-Tarantino gets excellent performances - in general - from smaller actors without much acting skill, but who possess something right for the part. In this film, Margaret Qualley and the three Manson killers are examples.
-Never bored
-Audience cheered for Leo's flamethrower.
-Audience chuckled at Brad Pitt's line "don't cry in front of the Mexicans."
-OTHER THING: Narrator is used to build tension where we think Tarantino is documenting the Manson murders, but instead reminds us we are in a fairy tale.
Takeaways on 2nd viewing:
-Tarantino films are the only films that consistently make me want to make movies. I imagine others in the business feel the same. The vast majority of films - whether good or bad - don't inspire me to want to make anything. I have theories on why this is, but for another post...
-Brad Pitt definitely killed his wife.
-Leo's performance underappreciated - he plays Rick as a stutterer who loses his stutter when he drinks.
-Tarantino writes the story toward set pieces, which is why it feels uneven. He doesn't value "structure" very highly but plants and pays off very well.
-I stand by my initial claim the sequence at the Spahn Ranch is the best in the film, although upon second viewing the Bruce Lee - Brad Pitt dream sequence was pretty excellent.
-The entire movie takes place over the course of only 2 days with a few flashbacks. Night of Day 1 through end of Day 2 comprises about 2/3 of the film -- about 1.5 days. The final third of the film happens on half a day.
-Anyone offended by the depiction of Bruce Lee should be equally offended by the depiction of Steve McQueen which was more cartoonish IMO.
-Tarantino gets excellent performances - in general - from smaller actors without much acting skill, but who possess something right for the part. In this film, Margaret Qualley and the three Manson killers are examples.
-Never bored
-Audience cheered for Leo's flamethrower.
-Audience chuckled at Brad Pitt's line "don't cry in front of the Mexicans."
-OTHER THING: Narrator is used to build tension where we think Tarantino is documenting the Manson murders, but instead reminds us we are in a fairy tale.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Jemele Hill
Is a social justice warrior posing as a sports fan.
I promise you she never watched Kap play in his last two seasons. I also promise you she knows nothing about soccer, yet writes about how the women are unfairly paid.
Is a social justice warrior posing as a sports fan.
I promise you she never watched Kap play in his last two seasons. I also promise you she knows nothing about soccer, yet writes about how the women are unfairly paid.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Meaningless Life
On the despair felt by these school shooters.
On the despair felt by these school shooters.
It’s important to remember that these murders are also, in most cases, suicides.Robert Putnam chronicled our societal transition to disconnectness nearly 20 years ago in Bowling Alone. Now, we face the daily horror of this stuff and instead of doing anything to change, we double down on the blame culture and discuss gun regulations which would solve and stop nothing.
Logging
Script: T2
Arguably the great action movie of all time and the greatest sequel of all time for the way it ironizes its predecessor.
Book: Black Echo
I was told Michael Connelly was of a different caliber than say, Lee Child. Maybe this is a right, but I nevertheless found this book to be a bit of a slog. Nice twist toward end, but...made me realize something: maybe I don't like the detective (and its cousin, the spy) genre as much as I thought I did. The whodunit aspect are continually unsatisfying and I keep thinking author execution is to blame, but perhaps it is the genre itself...
Script: T2
Arguably the great action movie of all time and the greatest sequel of all time for the way it ironizes its predecessor.
Book: Black Echo
I was told Michael Connelly was of a different caliber than say, Lee Child. Maybe this is a right, but I nevertheless found this book to be a bit of a slog. Nice twist toward end, but...made me realize something: maybe I don't like the detective (and its cousin, the spy) genre as much as I thought I did. The whodunit aspect are continually unsatisfying and I keep thinking author execution is to blame, but perhaps it is the genre itself...
Wednesday, August 07, 2019
Mass Shootings
Do liberals honestly believe if Trump didn't get elected or didn't tweet we'd see any less of them?
These mass shootings are a horrible virus. I wish the news would stop covering them. I wish our communities had the resources - both financial and moral that were strong enough to cope with the 3% of folks who are basically nutso and need psychological help.
Do liberals honestly believe if Trump didn't get elected or didn't tweet we'd see any less of them?
These mass shootings are a horrible virus. I wish the news would stop covering them. I wish our communities had the resources - both financial and moral that were strong enough to cope with the 3% of folks who are basically nutso and need psychological help.
Why We Have A Populist Uprising Across the World
Rage dad goes viral.
Wall Street promoting "Beyond Meat" to the public while the insiders get out.
Elites wonder why the masses are rising against them? This is why. How many times does this need to happen? Public doesn't grasp the details of how and why, but they know they're being systemically fucked.
Rage dad goes viral.
Wall Street promoting "Beyond Meat" to the public while the insiders get out.
Elites wonder why the masses are rising against them? This is why. How many times does this need to happen? Public doesn't grasp the details of how and why, but they know they're being systemically fucked.
Tuesday, August 06, 2019
Gender
Someone does a gender breakdown of dialog lines by women in all Tarantino films.
Because I know when I watch movies, what I'm most looking out for is the number of dialog lines split by gender, race, class, ethnicity, etc.
Someone does a gender breakdown of dialog lines by women in all Tarantino films.
Because I know when I watch movies, what I'm most looking out for is the number of dialog lines split by gender, race, class, ethnicity, etc.
Unpopular Global Warming Thoughts
Is an easy solution to the problem of global warming moving to colder climates of which there are many? Isn't this what earlier humans would've done?
I often hear people talk about global warming, I rarely see anyone taking any action whatsoever in their every day lives to help curb global warming. I will believe we are in a crisis when the people who say we are in a crisis act like we are in a crisis. That said, a few things people could do, but won't or don't:
1) Move to a smaller house
2) Move to a closer commute
3) Travel by car or air less and train instead
4) Make less garbage, and by that I mean not getting Starbucks and all those paper cups with plastic lids
5) Eat smaller portions of meat.
These seem like reasonable ideas and very doable. Yet, I rarely see anyone choosing them.
Drastic, difficult to implement ideas seems crazy to me - so for instance, why do we...
1) Attempt to pass global warming legislation like the Green New Deal which also tries to tackle all sorts of other weird progressive ideas like guaranteed jobs program?
2) Why do we encourage people to give up meat altogether when an easier, more reasonable solution would just be smaller portions?
3) Why would anyone who thinks we are in a global warming crisis not immediately support nuclear power generation as the solution?
Is an easy solution to the problem of global warming moving to colder climates of which there are many? Isn't this what earlier humans would've done?
I often hear people talk about global warming, I rarely see anyone taking any action whatsoever in their every day lives to help curb global warming. I will believe we are in a crisis when the people who say we are in a crisis act like we are in a crisis. That said, a few things people could do, but won't or don't:
1) Move to a smaller house
2) Move to a closer commute
3) Travel by car or air less and train instead
4) Make less garbage, and by that I mean not getting Starbucks and all those paper cups with plastic lids
5) Eat smaller portions of meat.
These seem like reasonable ideas and very doable. Yet, I rarely see anyone choosing them.
Drastic, difficult to implement ideas seems crazy to me - so for instance, why do we...
1) Attempt to pass global warming legislation like the Green New Deal which also tries to tackle all sorts of other weird progressive ideas like guaranteed jobs program?
2) Why do we encourage people to give up meat altogether when an easier, more reasonable solution would just be smaller portions?
3) Why would anyone who thinks we are in a global warming crisis not immediately support nuclear power generation as the solution?
Friday, August 02, 2019
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
Is it strange I am liking the film the more I read about it? Even the "bad" reviews? Or is the film oxygenating like a nice red wine? Why am I thinking about it so much? Why does it make me want to rewatch it over other QT films?
Is this a movie only for Tarantino fans? For movie fans? For those seeking some other way of thinking about our current politics? For people who like movies about male friendship?
Is the film's messiness intentional in some way? Why does he use that narrator? Is it basically a hang out movie?
Did Tarantino just make Zodiac meets Dazed and Confused? Or Jackie Brown meets Inglorious Basterds meets Death Proof?
Is it strange I am liking the film the more I read about it? Even the "bad" reviews? Or is the film oxygenating like a nice red wine? Why am I thinking about it so much? Why does it make me want to rewatch it over other QT films?
Is this a movie only for Tarantino fans? For movie fans? For those seeking some other way of thinking about our current politics? For people who like movies about male friendship?
Is the film's messiness intentional in some way? Why does he use that narrator? Is it basically a hang out movie?
Did Tarantino just make Zodiac meets Dazed and Confused? Or Jackie Brown meets Inglorious Basterds meets Death Proof?
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Pointless, Illegal, and Impotent
Gavin Newsom is really hitting the trifeca here. He's been really effective as governor, first passing legislation against hair discrimination and now trying to remove Trump from the California primary ballot. Meanwhile, people flee the state because of high housing costs, homelessness is skyrocketing, and we spent something like 40 bil on a high speed rail train that might never run.
Oh vey.
Gavin Newsom is really hitting the trifeca here. He's been really effective as governor, first passing legislation against hair discrimination and now trying to remove Trump from the California primary ballot. Meanwhile, people flee the state because of high housing costs, homelessness is skyrocketing, and we spent something like 40 bil on a high speed rail train that might never run.
Oh vey.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Liberal Bias In Media
Once you become aware of it, I find it hard to unsee. On my iphone news, I've been getting a lot of articles about Abigail Disney talking about bad working conditions for employees and how Bob Iger is overpaid, etc.
Now, it's not that I disagree with her on substance, but I find her access to the bullhorn strange. First of all, I've never once heard of this woman. Her only claim to fame is being the granddaughter of Walt Disney and having a shit ton of money. Most trust funders and rich kids keep out of the news and don't criticize the CEOs of their grandfather's companies. My point is: the only reason she's in the news is because she's spouting off on topics the liberal news find acceptable -- ie criticism of big business, criticism of Disney working conditions, etc.
I wish Abigail went a step further and talked about what a shit show the Disneyland experience is for customers. Middle and lower middle class families shelling out hundreds of dollars to wait in hours of lines and consume sugar.
My point: she's gets a microphone because there's conflict with a touch of irony and a liberal agenda.
As a counterexample: there is a massive scandal at the Department of Education about thousands of teachers who fulfilled requirements to get their school loans forgiven, but the Department rejecting en mass their loan forgiveness for various little things like clerical errors, not reading the small print, etc. There has been little to no news coverage of this failure by the Federal government to live up to promises made to hard working middle class Americans in financial distress who perform an important job to the future of our country. There are a few scattered articles and good radio piece on the scandal from NPR, but certainly not widespread media attention. Nothing near the coverage Trump receives on a dodgy tweet or even this Abigail Disney thing. This is akin to the government punishing and stealing from teachers serving underserved communities. I mean, can you imagine a more awful thing to do? Many of these teachers dedicated a decade of service only to be told they owe loans plus interest for that time.
The question is why?
And the answer is simple. Because the liberal media doesn't want to make the Department of Education look bad. They don't want to make the Federal Government look corrupt and incompetent when it comes to education policy (which it is) because they want the Federal Government to take a bigger role in education and public education. The scandal doesn't help the liberal policy or political agenda. I'm pretty sure this is why we don't see the media beating up the Department of Education on the scandal. Why aren't AOC and Elizabeth Warren talking about this issue? This issue should be a layup for them. Why? Because it doesn't make just make Trump look bad. It makes all of them look bad. So there's silence.
I also think the Department of Education is fixing the scandal. But since when is this reason for the media to go quiet on an issue? This should be a warning shot to those who propose forgiving all student loans and anyone with big ideas about how to "fix" education from a federal level. The feds have created the student loan mess, can't even execute the existing policies they have, what makes us think such a plan would could be pulled off at all?
Once you become aware of it, I find it hard to unsee. On my iphone news, I've been getting a lot of articles about Abigail Disney talking about bad working conditions for employees and how Bob Iger is overpaid, etc.
Now, it's not that I disagree with her on substance, but I find her access to the bullhorn strange. First of all, I've never once heard of this woman. Her only claim to fame is being the granddaughter of Walt Disney and having a shit ton of money. Most trust funders and rich kids keep out of the news and don't criticize the CEOs of their grandfather's companies. My point is: the only reason she's in the news is because she's spouting off on topics the liberal news find acceptable -- ie criticism of big business, criticism of Disney working conditions, etc.
I wish Abigail went a step further and talked about what a shit show the Disneyland experience is for customers. Middle and lower middle class families shelling out hundreds of dollars to wait in hours of lines and consume sugar.
My point: she's gets a microphone because there's conflict with a touch of irony and a liberal agenda.
As a counterexample: there is a massive scandal at the Department of Education about thousands of teachers who fulfilled requirements to get their school loans forgiven, but the Department rejecting en mass their loan forgiveness for various little things like clerical errors, not reading the small print, etc. There has been little to no news coverage of this failure by the Federal government to live up to promises made to hard working middle class Americans in financial distress who perform an important job to the future of our country. There are a few scattered articles and good radio piece on the scandal from NPR, but certainly not widespread media attention. Nothing near the coverage Trump receives on a dodgy tweet or even this Abigail Disney thing. This is akin to the government punishing and stealing from teachers serving underserved communities. I mean, can you imagine a more awful thing to do? Many of these teachers dedicated a decade of service only to be told they owe loans plus interest for that time.
The question is why?
And the answer is simple. Because the liberal media doesn't want to make the Department of Education look bad. They don't want to make the Federal Government look corrupt and incompetent when it comes to education policy (which it is) because they want the Federal Government to take a bigger role in education and public education. The scandal doesn't help the liberal policy or political agenda. I'm pretty sure this is why we don't see the media beating up the Department of Education on the scandal. Why aren't AOC and Elizabeth Warren talking about this issue? This issue should be a layup for them. Why? Because it doesn't make just make Trump look bad. It makes all of them look bad. So there's silence.
I also think the Department of Education is fixing the scandal. But since when is this reason for the media to go quiet on an issue? This should be a warning shot to those who propose forgiving all student loans and anyone with big ideas about how to "fix" education from a federal level. The feds have created the student loan mess, can't even execute the existing policies they have, what makes us think such a plan would could be pulled off at all?
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Teaching
Reading vs. Knowledge.
Interesting read. Strikes me that a lot of our political vitriol is due to a lack of historical understanding. I mean, these folks pushing reparations act as if this idea hadn't been tossed about before and dismissed for reasons too numerable to count.
Reading vs. Knowledge.
Interesting read. Strikes me that a lot of our political vitriol is due to a lack of historical understanding. I mean, these folks pushing reparations act as if this idea hadn't been tossed about before and dismissed for reasons too numerable to count.
Yikes, Trump
So I thought the Dems had lost 2020 with Blasey Ford and all the subsequent nutso positions and decisions, but somehow Trump managed to basically punch himself in the face here.
Instead of letting the Squad and Pelosi just rip themselves to shreds. Instead of grabbing a cocktail while watching the Democrats make themselves unelectable by raising their hands for providing health care to illegal immigrants, Trump weighs in with a non-sensical tweet about the freshman congresswomen "going back to their home countries and fixing them." The most absurd element: only one of these Congresswomen, as I understand it, are even from a foreign country. Beyond being xenophobic, the tweet doesn't even make any sense.
Dumb.
So I thought the Dems had lost 2020 with Blasey Ford and all the subsequent nutso positions and decisions, but somehow Trump managed to basically punch himself in the face here.
Instead of letting the Squad and Pelosi just rip themselves to shreds. Instead of grabbing a cocktail while watching the Democrats make themselves unelectable by raising their hands for providing health care to illegal immigrants, Trump weighs in with a non-sensical tweet about the freshman congresswomen "going back to their home countries and fixing them." The most absurd element: only one of these Congresswomen, as I understand it, are even from a foreign country. Beyond being xenophobic, the tweet doesn't even make any sense.
Dumb.
Monday, July 08, 2019
Sunday, July 07, 2019
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