An epic road trip in a cyber truck

A couple of cybertruck owners are trekking from Florida to the arctic….and learning along the way that charging isn't always easy …

Sounds like fun in any case. 

https://jalopnik.com/three-tesla-cybertruck-owners-are-driving-from-florida-1851637005

the 2nd amendment

I caught this episode earlier and wanted to share. 

It articulates how we came to view the second amendment as we do today. 

It's worth some of your time. 

http://www.wnycstudios.org/story/more-perfect-the-gun-show/

A couple of thoughts: 

• The 2nd amendment was thrust into the spotlight when the Black Panthers chose to use their right to bear arms - and the government sought to disarm them, at least in part because they were black
• The NRA moved away from its initial purpose - teaching marksmanship - to become about people owning guns.  It was done by a group essentially taking over the organization. And though they don't specifically mention it, this is what led them to be 100% political and about money today
• And, there's an odd moment in the podcast where they are talking with the man who got the 2nd amendment before the Supreme Court in 2008.  He passes some white people protesting and utters words about freedom; then when he encounters some black people, he says something about going back to the plantation. 

Registered voters in Florida

For many years, registered democrats outnumbered registered republicans by a pretty big margin (I believe the difference was in the 500k range).  Independent/NPA/other parties made up a much lower percentage of voters.

But as we headed into a recent primary race, the numbers changed rather dramatically, and that became a hot topic.  Republicans now have around 1 million more registered voters than democrats, and the "others" now have a sizeable chunk of registrations. 

The governor would have you believe this is about the changing demographics of Florida, of his "free Florida" campaign.

And that just doesn't add up.  

One of the news outlets in Florida decided to dig into the numbers a little more.  And what they found were three things, none of which were about "more republicans" :

1. there was a voter purge that happened in what amounts to a red state.  Although there were voters from both parties impacted, it disproportionately impacted registered democrats.
2. there were a not insignificant number of people who switched their registration from democrat to republican. The news outlet decided to chase that down.  They contacted a sample of these people, and most of the ones they interviewed said they did it early this year, in advance of the cancelled presidential primary for the sole purpose of voting against Trump in that primary.,
3. there were a fair number of democrats who switched to other parties, independent, etc.  The news organization suggested this was out of frustration with the party sticking with Biden as the candidate.

So, while the voter roll numbers appear to tell a story, its more complicated than it seems.  But it took someone investigating it to get to something meaningful about how and why it changed. 

 

Our national anthem

The latest in a long line of stories reads:

Despite Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry's request that universities strip scholarships from college athletes who are not present during the national anthem, LSU will not be changing its beloved football pregame tradition. 

It's the strangest thing that the national anthem is played before sporting events between two American teams, at all levels of competition. 

I certainly can understand it in international competition, because one of the teams is representing the US, while the other is representing another country. 

But for domestic sports, it's strange. 

The history of why we have the anthem at sporting events dates back to World War II. The reason for it, though, is somewhat unclear. Patriotism perhaps? A draw to get people to serve their country? A reminder that even during war, sports endured?

In any case it's a silly tradition that has gone on for far too long. And gets more political all the time. You have to be present, stand, remove any head cover, and put your hand over your heart in order to be considered patriotic. Otherwise you're labeled as anti-American. 

And if the intent is to continue to make it patriotic, then why not extend it to concerts, shows, and other public gatherings?

This is crazy

RA European influencer had her "identify stolen" and put to use on Xitter to promote Trump. 

Essentially, musk is allowing fake accounts to exist - exactly what he said he would police better. 

https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/28/europe/fake-maga-accounts-x-european-influencers-intl-cmd/index.html

Cars land at Disney World?

There's been some discussion recently about Disney's desire to add a cars-themed land to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

But what I find weird is that the company has proposed taking the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer's Island, and repurposing them to suit the purpose.

But why do that?  You have the Tomorrowland Speedway, and a bit of surrounding land that would be a more natural fit. You could make the track different, add electric to it (as they are planning to do in DisneyLand) and theme the cars to have the eyes like in the Cars movies. Then add show elements as you like.

Maybe its too obvious?

Oh look he broke federal law, yet again!

Here he is smiling with a thumbs up on the grave of a recently interred American.  What a disgrace.  

Especially since he referred to military members who were wounded or killed "losers" and "suckers" ?

This is delicious

Trump has more indictments filed for attempting to subvert the 2020 election. 

I guess you're not completely immune to prosecution, are you, dumbass?

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/donald-trump-charged-superseding-indictment-federal-election-subversion/story?id=113193224

A baseball player played for both teams in the same game

Baseball is quirky and weird. 

This is the kind of a story about a game earlier in the season between the blue jays and the Red Sox that was postponed mid-game due to the weather. 

But it's also about a player who was playing catcher for the blue jays in that game; and he was later traded to the Red Sox before the game resumed. 

So when they lined up to finish, he was playing for the "other team" and officially has stats for both teams. 

https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/26/sport/mlb-player-history-two-teams-spt-intl/index.html

Are you registered to vote?

Check in with your local supervisor of elections to be sure …

And if you're not sure, or are new and have no idea where to start, you can check out one of this site:

https://www.rockthevote.org/ 

Or find (or maybe host!) an event:

https://whenweallvote.org/events/

And this is appropriate.

Harris Walz 2024!

I'm 100% on board behind Kamala and Tim. 

You will be hearing a lot from me on this topic over the next 11 weeks! 

How is this right?

US based fast food outlets hire offshore people for well below minimum age to take your order. 

I mean I guess it doesn't matter…except that it's taking jobs away from Americans looking for work, and it feels like there are potential pitfalls along the way.  

We live in strange times. 

https://www.businessinsider.com/restaurants-hire-workers-philippines-malaysia-ghana-take-orders-video-call-2024-8

"Every Sperm is Sacred - Monty Python's The Meaning of Life"

Every time I hear the GOP talk about abortion, and their need to control every aspect of a woman's reproductive rights, I think back to Monty python… 

https://youtu.be/bzVHjg3AqIQ?si=nNNM7l51jKAG_IA6

https://youtu.be/PDBjsFAyiwA?si=7EidB3JS6K3EPnIx

Trump's role in Jan. 6 at 2024 Democratic National Co...

One of the hallmarks of our system of government is the peaceful transition of power. 

A quick bit of history: George Washington served his two terms as president. Other leaders in our fledgling nation asked him to serve longer, but he declined. He didn’t want to be king; he had served, and knew it was time to step aside to allow someone else to take the reins. 

And so John Adams won the next election. The government officials were planning for the inauguration in Philadelphia. They suggested that when they left independence hall, Washington should go out first. But when they told Washington about it, he said no. He believed that his time was passed and he didn’t want to be the focal point. John Adams should be first, and Washington would follow behind. 

And thus began the peaceful transition of power that happened until 45 took office. He was rude and condescending to Obama. But worse, when he lost to Biden, he incited a riot because he wanted to be king. He would not acquiesce and still complains about “winning that election.” And he alone was responsible for the insurrection at the Capitol. 

And meanwhile…just look at Biden. He took the lesson from Washington, and decided that he had served the nation and it was time to step aside. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. But it was ultimately the right thing to do. He is letting the current peaceful transition of power to happen. 

Ticketmaster makes it easy to avoid events…

With their greed (price fixing, fees, and more fees), and now tracking everyone who uses their tickets it's really not worth going to see shows anymore. 

https://www.404media.co/ticketmaster-used-revolving-barcodes-to-control-ticket-resale-market-and-surveil-customers-doj-alleges/

Space is hard

Another space company (this one from Germany) is just getting into the business of space launches. 

Failure is always an option, and surely they will learn a lot and get there on a subsequent try!

https://spacenews.com/rfa-first-stage-destroyed-in-static-fire-test/

Don’t forget to register … and then get out and vote!

It's up to all of us to truly remember what makes America great. All of us!

That sums it up.

I wouldn't normally wear political shirts. But this is one I liked.

I have so many questions about this story

It seems odd that she got fired for allowing fraud - while being left on her own, calling for assistance that never came, and following the guidance she had been given in confronting customers. 

But more than that, I noted that she worked there for some years and she is 70, so she is eligible for Medicare. But she says she lost her health insurance. Something is amiss. 

And then she says she needs to work to pay rent. Because, as it's implied, social security doesn't cut it. 

There appears to be something wrong with our systems I think, overall. She was cast aside for making what the company calls a mistake, and has no real means. 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lost-much-california-home-depot-100500578.html

Big brother is always watching

In the name of safety and security, we've given over our right to privacy in most situations. 

And in most cases, that doesn't matter so much. Most of us lead mundane lives that don't raise many eyebrows. 

Still, it's astonishing what means are in use, and how pervasive these things are. From your car tracking your movements and recording your voice, to the TSA screening using facial recognition software as noted in this article, we are being watched. 

By the way, back in the copa America a while ago, some of the "gate crashes" were caught using facial recognition software. And the NFL is going to pilot a facial recognition system for media and stadium staff, rather than using traditional IDs - and at least one team wants to extend that to fans as well. But that's a story for another day. 

https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/facial-recognition-software-leads-to-arrest-at-tampa-international-airport/

This is a rather peculiar story

A Russian chess player allegedly (though there's video and evidence) tried to poison her opponent by putting mercury near the board so that her opponent would get sick.

Who knew chess was that cutthroat?

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/08/09/russian-chess-player-amina-abakarova-mercury-poisoning-claim/74730505007/

Watch "Moon Astronaut Reacts to Moon Landing Deniers" on YouTube

To all the stupid people who cluelessly say the moon landing was a hoax. I say suck it. 

This is good stuff. Thanks Charlie!

https://youtu.be/yMU7XcCNXu8?si=FBSfo97PG7t7lw39

Criminals commit crimes. That’s what they do.

The Logan Act (1 Stat. 613, 18 U.S.C. § 953, enacted January 30, 1799) is a United States federal law that criminalizes the negotiation of a dispute between the United States and a foreign government by an unauthorized American citizen.

The sad little orange man violated this act, as he is currently not in a position to negotiate with a foreign power. The punishment is a fine and jail time. "Lock him up!" (Sorry couldn't help it) 

What does this make this? His 92 charge? 

Why anyone would excuse this behavior is so far beyond the pale…

So what did he do?  Here's the story about how he talked with Netanyahu about a ceasefire and prisoner release, which (and I can not stress this enough HE CAN NOT DO):

WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and discussed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Axios reported, citing two U.S. sources. 

 One source told Axios Trump's call was intended to encourage Netanyahu to take the deal, but stressed he did not know if this is indeed what the former president told Netanyahu. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ya gotta wonder sometimes.

There's all this hullabaloo about transgender folks adopting a name and people take umbrage with it and refuse to call them by that name! They have to use what's on the birth certificate!

But did you ever notice how commonplace it is for someone to use a nickname in place of someone's name? Like say "Chip" when the persons name is actually Charles. 

That's not the name on their birth certificate!

And no one says boo about that.  

Another example of what happens in a changing climate

A pyramid in Mexico collapsed after heavy, constant rain caused it to crumble at the foot. 

This was reportedly the best preserved site in the area, which suggests that we're losing history as a result of climate change. 

https://www.sciencealert.com/bad-omen-ancient-pyramid-in-mexico-collapses-into-pile-of-rubble

ULA has a budget issue

The attached is about how the United launch alliance is over budget and behind schedule. 

And that newer private companies are eating their lunch. 

What I find interesting is how the old guard NASA contractors are still relying on how business used to run, with bloated government contracts and lots of forgiveness given that they helped put a man on the moon. 

The 21st century requires profitability and new ways of thinking about technology. 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-15/boeing-lockeed-space-venture-faces-staff-shortage-budget-crunch/

A look at whether bling and hair slows down runners

This is a bit of fun. And the author does the math and shows his work. 

Yes, bling and hair do slow a runner down. But these things also make the runner more confident. So why not just be your own self!

https://www.wired.com/story/does-jewelry-slow-down-olympic-runners/

Hydrogen cars are safe?!

Sure they had to do a little work on the car to turn it into a bomb. But the point is that they could fairly easily turn do so. 

What a great idea to have these vehicles in the hands of everyone!

https://autos.yahoo.com/toyota-mirai-turned-hydrogen-bomb-171500247.html

Wow, the view from the space station is spectacular!

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/drop-everything-and-watch-this-stunning-video-of-northern-lights/

A fun little trip down memory lane

Here's some info about Disneys relationship with Jim Henson. 

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/disney-tips-shuttering-muppet-vision-131710901.html

Boeings latest headache

They're calling it "Stuckliner"

Boeing has a contract with NASA to create a spacecraft that can get humans back to the moon.

After spending billions in development, using a lot of technology applications from previous rockets, and after many delays, Boeing finally was able to get a space worthy rocket ready for launch: Starliner

Then it came time to ride test it with humans. Again, issues plagued the craft and it got delayed several times. 

But then they fixed (or in some cases) patched their issues and decided it was within acceptable safety parameters and were able to get the astronauts into space.  But mechanical and computer issues were concerning and it took some time to sort those out and dock with the ISS.

The mission was supposed to last 8 days, and … well … the craft has a host of issues and pretty much no one at NASA or Boeing has confidence that it's safe to return the astronauts in the vehicle.

NASA would like to return it empty and see how it does, and bring back the two crew members another way, like on a future spacex dragon capsule. 

This being the 21st century, and being all about corporate interests, Boeing thinks this is a bad idea. They know it will affect their bottom line and their contract with NASA.  So they want to continue to fix the spacecraft and return the crew in it.

In any case, NASA has already had upcoming milestones for the return to the moon slip because of it, and is getting antsy.  It seems likely that they will open up bidding for the moon missions yet again… but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Right now, the concern is for the astronauts. They're being told to "hang tight" in space and they'll make it back home next year sometime.

But I doubt they brought enough clean underwear for a trip that will last >8 months. 

Disney will be investing in itself

Disney had their massive fan event recently and announced a ton of new things like new cruise ships, some ginormous park expansion, and an audio animatronic of Walt himself, which Abigail Disney referred to as disrespectful…

As for Disney world, the plans include replacing Dino-land at the animal kingdom and the closure of the rivers of America / Tom sawyers island for a cars land to be added - and a villains land to be added beyond where big thunder mountain currently resides. 

https://ultimatefanevent.d23.com/

Who is Tim Walz?

Well said.

https://youtu.be/36H24Zm4tKU?si=Rz4SWbV6axiqCf4L

That qualifies as an “oops”

TL;DR China attempted to launch some satellites for broadband and the rocket failed to reach orbit and created a debris field. 

https://www.pcmag.com/news/chinas-effort-to-launch-starlink-rival-accidentally-creates-orbital-debris

Musk is a dumbass

He spent a ridiculous number of billions to buy Twitter. Turned it into a platform for hate, has no discernible privacy policy, and mines data from everyone using the platform (and sells it!)

And companies who used to advertise there revolt. So he sues claiming anti-trust?

He can keep Xitter. 

https://www.reuters.com/legal/musks-x-accuses-advertisers-illegal-boycott-new-lawsuit-2024-08-06/

Disneys earnings were generally good

Parks continue to disappoint, but at least there's some understanding of there being some carryover effect from the pandemic (hint: Disney took on a lot of debt that they continue to pay down, and they haven't quite "fixed" the issues with pricing and experiences, but that experiment is ongoing). 

But streaming turned a profit. Which is interesting.  But ever looking to see what the market will bear, they plan to tweak the price point and see what happens there. 

Will people pay more for the content? I guess we'll see. 

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/07/disney-dis-q3-earnings-report-2024.html

Say what now?

This guy should not be even in consideration to be a leader.

This is actually pretty cool

Henry Fieldman made history by becoming the first Olympian to win medals in both men's and women's events.

He's a coxswain for Great Britain's rowing team, and has been in both men's and women's boats that have medaled. 

https://www.boredpanda.com/henry-fieldman-first-olympian-medal-male-female-rowing/

Watch "'Where did the cash go?': Maddow looks for clues in new report about Trump, Egypt and $10 million" on YouTube

Wow. That's pretty damning on several fronts. 

https://youtu.be/sFMrygQa8U8?si=4lKvhp_g1b6xal8z

Watch "Trump vs. Biden: Let's Compare the Facts" on YouTube

Touché 

https://youtu.be/0E7c1J2DMPs?si=jG6a8XeReKJrdpTq

A convicted felon

I don't know why this literally just occurred to me, but trump is a convicted felon and therefore he has no ability to vote in elections, especially in Florida, given how they treat felons.

So he cannot vote in November! But of course he could serve if elected, which is absurd. He could even serve from prison, which is at least theoretically possible based on said conviction.

Why is he even still on the ballot? And why are people still supporting him?

On Trump and Egypt

This is a pretty good synopsis of what happened regarding $10,000,000 that appears to be have given to trump by the Egyptian government in cash … and the investigation was shut down by AG Bill Barr. 

As the reporter notes the statute of limitations has run out on "illegal campaign contributions" … but it hasn't run out on money laundering, or obstruction of justice on Barrs part. 

Just remember that the Donald is corrupt, and should be in federal prison, not unlike bob menendez. 

https://youtu.be/8FJXoWobi6o?si=wpvGbmDftSaEaPav

Science for the win

Scientists used several different methods to prove that Vikings arrived in the Americas nearly 500 years before Columbus stumbled into the Caribbean … errr … "discovered the Americas"

Can we finally stop celebrating Columbus as some kind of hero and acknowledge how history actually happened?

The Vikings had small boats and even more rudimentary methods of navigation. And sailed from further than Spain. 

And that scientists can use rigor to determine when they arrived based on technology, rather than conjecture or mythology, is indeed exciting. 

https://greekreporter.com/2024/08/01/vikings-north-america/

He has the biggest sports package

And obviously he'll earn gold in the Paris nightclubs. 

https://variety.com/2024/tv/global/french-pole-vaulter-anthony-ammirati-bulge-olympic-medal-1236094831/

Watch "Olympics Star DESTROYS Idiot MAGA Bullies with PERFECT Response" on YouTube

Bravo to her! 

And kudos on your bronze. 🥉 

https://youtu.be/PNaRaWuhdXw?si=Bkt-JqWDEp-0NYIp