Monday, May 26, 2025

In case you wanted to see the proof…

Here is fact-based-evidence that humans are evolving in real time, right in plain view, and in our lifetime. 

The story is that the people living in the Himalayas have adapted to the lower-oxygen environment in this mountainous region. 
Children are being born with the ability for their blood to carry enough hemoglobin to support their regular function. Whereas those of us who live much closer to sea level can not survive in that environment for long periods. 

Please, tell me again how humans haven't adapted and evolved based on environmental factors. 

Ahem. I'll say it again slowly so mouth breathers can get it. Human evolution has happened. And is happening. Every. Day. 

https://www.sciencealert.com/humans-are-evolving-right-in-front-of-our-eyes-on-the-tibetan-plateau

Saturday, May 24, 2025

About air force one.

A few years ago, the pentagon was preparing plans to replace air force one.  This is something that has happened several times in the past; the planes used to ferry the president have a life span and they do get replaced.

So during the Biden administration, the pentagon talked with Boeing about a replacement aircraft.  Boeing, being the only US-based airplane company capable of creating an aircraft of that size, said this was going to be a problem.  As you know, Boeing has been having some quality issues and are waaaay behind on orders. 

So they suggested around 10 Boeing aircraft that had been sold around the world, with a smaller number of flight hours, that were for sale, and which might serve as a frame that could be built on to make it suitable for Air Force one.

The pentagon investigated that list and narrowed in on one aircraft: the 747 that Qatar owned as a luxury aircraft and were willing to sell to the US government.  

And then T-rump comes along and starts grifting.  He visits Qatar and they show him the aircraft. He proudly announces that it's a gift, and it's luxurious. And he wants it!

The problems with his statements are many.  But there is no evidence to support they were "giving it away"… that's what he said.  And surely they let him think that, in exchange for whatever they want in return. 

…and everyone lost their minds about this airplane.  So many opinions that had no substance. 

And then this week, the pentagon closed a deal to acquire the aircraft. No mention of the cost, whether it's a gift, and so on.  And the media just runs with it, because what do they care? They have a bias and they let that run…

It will take years for this aircraft to be ready to fly as air force one.  And when it does, it will look nothing like it does now.  The luxury part that dingleberry talked about won't exist.

But it was all just a part of the normal activity.  That got blown out of proportion because he said something stupid (I know, par for the course). 

A space elevator to the Moon is now within reach thanks to modern technology

This has been a theoretical dream for as long as man has been trying to reach space.  And now, it come closer to reality with some novel thinking…could a space elevator be anchored to the moon, rather than to earth?

https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/a-space-elevator-to-the-moon-is-now-within-reach-thanks-to-modern-technology/

The Devil they Knew: Chemical Documents Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science

Would you look at that? DuPont and 3M knew that they're were creating dangerous chemicals, documented that, and then hid it from everyone. 

All the while reaping huge profits!

Owners of 'dangerous' dogs will need $100,000 liability insurance under newly signed law • Florida Phoenix

The governor puts on his stupid smile and signs a law about dog owners who need to carry liability insurance. 

But hey, gun owners. You're good. That's just insanity. 

How is this okay?

The sitting president of the United States held a "private event" - which we know because it was made clear that he was acting as a private citizen and not in an official capacity, so that he would not have to reveal who was in attendance. 

First of all, that's an absurd thing to say. Everything he does is somewhat public. And because there were people from other countries in attendance then this should be classified as a state function. 

Second, the event itself is problematic. It was all about his own crypto currency. The invitees were his "biggest investors."  This raises many questions about them exchanging money for access to him. This violates the emoluments clause, which I remind you says

"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."

I'm sure that someone - perhaps the DOJ - will try and tell us some loophole. But are we honestly expected to believe that a group of foreign nationals came to this country, invested in his crypto nonsense, and didn't ask - or won't ask in the future - for something in return in his official capacity?

It's another in a long string of him ignoring the constitution, and you turning a blind eye. 

The obvious question that remains is: what are you going to do about it? 

Habeas corpus

The president wants to ignore the writ of habeas corpus. If you're not exactly sure what that means, it's Latin and it translates to "to have the body" and loosely means that you are to be physically present, or more precisely to be in court yourself before a judge. 

This is spelled out in the constitution thusly:

  • This legal procedure ensures that individuals are not held in custody without due process of law. It requires that a person be brought before a court to determine the legality of their detention.


And then this fun exchange happened in a senate hearing, with the head of DHS - the whackadoodle Kristi Noem being asked about it:

At a Senate hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan, Democrat of New Hampshire, asked Ms. Noem about the issue. "Secretary Noem," she asked, "what is habeas corpus?"

"Well," Ms. Noem said, "habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country and suspend their right to—"


"No," Ms. Hassan interjected. "Let me stop you, ma'am. Excuse me, that's incorrect."


Friday, May 23, 2025

Well, I suppose that's one way to look at it...

I heard an analyst talking about tariffs.  His "take" was that there are some people close to the president who are conducting a complex dance of sorts.  

They do not want to increase taxes on large - to - mid sized corporations; they know that would be a non-starter.  But they also know that they need to increase revenue in some way to fund the government.  So the aim was to increase the tariff rate so that these companies would pay the fee from their outsized profits.

But the companies are greedy, and decided to simply pass that on to the consumer (and in doing so keep their profits ridiculously high).

It would explain all the angst about showing the tariff amount at some retailers.  The administration just wanted the companies to simply suck it up and pay it.

But the companies decided to screw everyone instead.

Like I said, its a perspective that has some merit perhaps.  Its all just so strange.

Environmental impacts from big pharma

Here's a rather odd story about how pharmaceutical companies create enormous amounts of waste, primarily in the disposal of over production.

And that's crazy, when you consider that we have this weird relationship with healthcare in this country.  People seem to think that its okay to not have healthcare or vaccines, but yet will succumb to sexy marketing for a wonder drug.

Such a weird collision of science, health, and the environment.

Its all about data!

Everyone is looking to collect data on everything we do. Its a weird world, where our digital footprint is used for literally everything.  And every big company wants to control that data and profit from it.

Apple has car play, and Google has android auto. These are both nicely coded software built to give a great customer experience - and collect data that Apple and Google can use to their advantage.  And Apple has created the capability to take over most current cars - allowing them to control the interface and obviating the need for the car company's software.

But the auto manufacturers aren't too happy with this arrangement.  I've noted in the past that your car collects all manner of data about you and your car - from driving habits, to location, to speed, to what you say inside the cabin. And they can - and do - sell this to anyone who is interested, including insurance companies, who have started to use this data to individualize your insurance rate.

And the worst of it is that you can not opt out.

As this continues to evolve, the car manufacturers are hiring some number of people that write software that isn't that great in customer experience, and for which they can charge you more to use, all while selling all the data about you - thus profiting on every part of it.  And the aim is to stop you from using Apple and Android products on their infotainment systems.  Its a strange time isn't it?

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Watch "WDW Mark IV Monorail Purple Assembly and Beam Mounting" on YouTube

This is a really cool video of them putting monorail purple on the line back in the 1980s. 

Yes. The cost of Disney is increasing constantly. But…

Saw this clip of a guy who dropped $1400 on a day trip to Disney world with his family. It went viral, and he used his 15 minutes of fame to appear on tv. 

And then he went on faux news.  It's all mostly fine, though you might sense a bit of a bias against Disney (that's not a big deal, people have varying opinions about Disney and generally they're not wrong). 

But at about 2:15, the host decides to change the narrative and blames rising prices on "the last administration" and says this guy is making it better. Which….uhhhh…. is disingenuous, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the point of this puff piece.

And once again, this is how the media that wants to curry favor with dear leader can subtly manipulate people into believing something that isn't accurate and changes the conversation into something else entirely. 

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Watch "You need to remember this #supremecourt #algore #trump #georgewbush" on YouTube

Good perspective on how rational people who are good leaders react to things. 
We would be wise to remember this going forward. Just sayin' 

Oh it’s very clear…

Scientists Have Been Studying Remote Work For Four Years And Have Reached A Very Clear Conclusion: "Working From Home Makes Us Happier."


Which is why companies and wealthy executives hate it. You have to be miserable in order for them to have power over you. 

https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/16/scientists-have-been-studying-remote-work-for-four-years-and-have-reached-a-very-clear-conclusion-working-from-home-makes-us-happier/

Thursday, May 15, 2025

I can't believe I'm saying this...but...

I have to agree with Senator Thillis on this one.  Someone will need to be held accountable, come Groundhog Day next year.

Its interesting to see him wiggle around and talk about how he thinks (knows?) its a bad idea, but is willing to give Trump the benefit of the doubt.  

And his comment that the president and vice president would never be held accountable speaks volumes.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Air Force one.

It's 100% absurd that T-rump wants to accept the gift of a jet from a foreign country. I guess he got a tour of it and said it was luxurious and thinks it would be great for his ego or some such nonsense. 

Nevermind that this violates several specific federal laws, and of course goes right into emoluments, which is noted in the constitution.  There's the problem of the procurement process and Congress having to approve a plane. And of course he will be beholden to Qatar should he accept such "a gift"… they can literally ask for anything and he'll be obligated to give it to them.

The GOP, the attorney general, the mouth breathers who enable him, they all come up with excuses for why this is okay.  Any rational person can see how they have to tie themselves into knots to get there. 

But to me, the funniest part of all of this is that this is a conveyance for the president, whether it's him or anyone.  The secret service, the air force, and certain groups have to make it appropriately safe and ensure that it has the necessary equipment, defensive capabilities, crew space, passenger space (for staff and selected others), and avionics to fly as a part of the air force. 

And that means that once the plane is received, it can't simply be painted and put into service.  Nope, it has to be taken to an airbase, be stripped down, and refitted with everything that's needed.

By one estimate I've seen, this process could take anywhere from. 3-5 years, and the interior would look nothing like he's raved about.  And it would cost around a billion dollars to make it happen; and yes purchasing a new aircraft and having certain specific things built in would be cheaper. 

So in the end, he may not even get a chance to fly in it…

But people are stupid and believe what they want to believe. 

Photographs of atoms

Some researchers at MIT came up with a means to capture images of atoms with detail we've never seen. You can see how bosons bunch up while fermions stay apart, illustrating how the electrons and positive/negative attraction works.

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/mit-physicists-snap-the-first-images-of-atoms-in-their-free-range-states/


Two types of atoms, bosons on the left exhibit bunching while the fermions on the right display anti-bunching – Credit: Sampson Wilcox / MIT

NYC business owner erects 50-foot steel fence on his property — cutting off the sidewalk and 10 parking spots

#ThatsSoNY

This is so stupid it's comical. Why can't more stories be like *this* rather than always about the orange man and his cult and their stupidity. 

This guy is a nuisance, but it doesn't appear to be politically motivated. Just saying. 

https://www.yahoo.com/news/nyc-business-owner-erects-50-110900263.html

ESPN's new streaming app could replace cable for some but may end up costing them more

There's some greed in here…

ESPN is launching a direct-to-consumer service of their networks, including all live sports they offer for the low, low price of $30 per month.

Which is quite the change from their original business model (still in effect, to this day, with cable) at about $4 per month, per subscriber. 

Now I know costs have gone up.  And I know that the promise of $4 from every cable tv consumer was a move to ensure they had operating capital, and they will have a smaller base….but wow $30 a month seems like a huuuuge increase. 

https://www.npr.org/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5396864/espn-streaming-app-cost

Monday, May 12, 2025

Walt Disney comes to life ... as an audio animatronic

Last year, the Walt Disney company announced at their fan expo that they were working on creating an animatronic version of the man, the myth, the legend, to give fans a first hand glimpse of what the man was actually like.

We didn't hear much for a while after, but now, we're getting additional details. "He" (is it right to use a pronoun here?) will be featured in a new show called "Walt Disney - a Magical Life" at Disneyland, beginning in July.

The LA Times article below pretty much covers the hype and reality of what this actually means.  I called him man, myth, legend in an earlier sentence.  He's achieved a larger than life "hero status." But... he was still a human and as I understand it, never wanted to be placed on a pedestal.  So striking the balance on a show will be quite the undertaking.

Disney's new theme park

The official press release reads:

The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney's iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi's vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.

Which is certainly intriguing.  I didn't have a new theme park in the middle east on my bingo card.  Still, I'm intrigued by their growth and think its a good thing in the long run.

But as several market analysts warn: don't get too excited about Disney stock just yet, as it will take several years for the park to be built.

The wisdom of the crowd as it applies to space

NASA and the ESA are working with something called the Zooniverse (see what they did there?) to help identify galaxies and other objects that the JWST has seen through its optics and recorded.

They say anyone can contribute, and no experience is necessary.  That's pretty cool and you, too, can help contribute to better understanding our universe.


Short video overview:

On Walt Disney and Bob Iger

Recently, comedian Nate Bargatze was asked some questions about his idea to build a sort of a Disney-like themepark.

He said that "[Walt] Disney cared about his customers... Now Disney is run by a guy that's just a businessman. Well, that guy doesn't care about the audience."

That's an interesting perspective.

Zuckerberg on trial

Well, technically its his company, Meta.

The acquisitions to kill competition have drawn the attention of the feds, and there's an effort to dismantle his monopoly over parts of social media,

Stay tuned to see what happens in the coming months.  But as the article notes, its not about Facebook connecting people anymore

Clemson president knocked down at graduation

Clemson University President Jim Clements witnessed the graduation of a lifetime when his youngest daughter gleefully (and accidentally) knocked him down while accepting her diploma.

On Thursday, May 8, the school saw students enrolled in the ClemsonLIFE program — a program for students with intellectual disabilities — walk the stage.  "It was pure joy" was what he said

Video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJag7t4ubdu/



Austin Simmons should be a role model for all of us

Here's a kid who has some athletic prowess - playing basketball, football, and baseball.  He went to high school while being dual enrolled in a college program.  And graduated college at 17!

And now, he is going on to be the starting QB at the University of Mississippi at 19, and a college graduate.

That's pretty remarkable.

Resilience lunar lander ready for tochdown!

You may recall that a few months ago, two lunar landers headed off planet.  Blue Ghost took a direct oath to the moon, and landed within a few weeks of launch.  

Resilience took a longer route and circled the moon for a bit, and has a planned touchdown of June 5 near the moon's north pole.

Oh the irony

I've been meaning to post about this for quite some time, but hey nothing like the present.  It came into focus as DOGE (Douche Out to Get Everyone) shone a light on how taxes, and distribution of wealth works.

This post is about Florida, specifically, but could likely be happening in other GOP-led states, too. Remember that the Florida GOP is trying to tout Florida as being all about Free-dumb! Its about how the individual can do what they want, without any government action.  And of course there's an element of "Socialism is bad" mixed in.

And yet....the way taxes work in Florida is interesting.  There is no state income tax, so the state relies on sales tax for running everything, from social services, to schools, to infrastructure, to garbage.

There are 67 counties in the state.  8 of them are very populated, and would mostly be considered "blue."  And of course, they have most of the industry in the state.  The other 59 counties you might think of (mostly) as being in the deep-red south.  Not much happening, fairly rural.  

And yet, when that sales tax is collected, it all gets fed into the state, where it is redistributed (based on a formula, but its somewhat evenly) to all of the counties.  

These 8 counties also have a fraction of a penny, up to a whole cent, of additional tax that is kept in that county.  And of course property taxes are mostly (its never as simple as that) left in the counties too.

So, in effect, these red counties have services and available funds because of the larger counties.  

Which is socialism.  Exactly what they rail against.  And if they stopped, then there would be a whole new conversation.  

It just strikes me that the  maga-aligned crowd really don't understand how the economy works - and more importantly WHY it works.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

A letter to senators: preserve, protect, and defend the constitution

The White House is actively talking about "suspending habeas corpus" to detain people without due process, indefinitely. 

In short, this is yet another discussion wherein Mr trump is attempting to openly subvert the constitution.  The writ of habeas corpus is specifically cited in the constitution in Article I, section 9, clause 2.  

But this is nothing new. He has actively violated is oath of office - specifically to "preserve, protect, and defend the constitution" multiple times during his first few months in office, while you sit idly by.

At what point do you decide it's enough and actually DO SOMETHING about this?  You, too, have a duty to defend the constitution in the oath you took.  By choosing to quietly watch, one could assume that you are violating your oath of office as well.

You can't simply allow Mr. Trump to just do as he pleases to further a decidedly UNconstitutional agenda. 




Tuesday, May 6, 2025

T-rump commenting on TV?!

This is hilariously absurd. The local PBS affiliate aired "Escape from Alcatraz" and right after it ended, T-rump went on his tirades about tariffs on movies and reopening the prison. 

Let me re-iterate. He was watching PBS. The very thing he called out earlier in the week as bad, and wants to defund. 

And then created public policy based on that movie. 

Quick! Can someone air a story about a guy who's "very popular" who ascends to the highest office and then realizes that he would be even MORE beloved if he stepped down, and then proceeds to do so.  Maybe there could be a riding off into the sunset moment with a young model. 

And perhaps he'll emulate that too. "Great film. The best"

https://deadline.com/2025/05/trumps-escape-from-alcatraz-on-tv-1236386328/

Monday, May 5, 2025

Oh how I long for simpler times.

Like when the tan suit was the biggest issue of the day. "Such an offensive thing the president did."

Unlike today where the president wants to fuck everyone over for his own benefit. 


Hey great jobs are coming.... #AmIRight ?

The commerce secretary sat down for a TV interview.  And it was filled with so much fluff, so much gaslighting, and just utter nonsense.  

Sure why not "make the permitting process easier" so that you can avoid any unnecessary complications like worker protections?  Why does anyone need a college education to get a "good job?"  (even if they video they show depicts automation) Generations can work at the factory!  And pay no attention to the fact that many companies can't get up and running anytime soon - even if they want to.

My gawd.  This is what we are.  And his smug smile just this so much worse.


 

Violation after violation

Mr Trump continues to effectively act as a dictator and do as he pleases. 

He posted to social media that "we're taking away Harvard's tax exempt status. It's what they deserve!" 

That is a direction violation of 26 US Code, 7217, specifically "prohibition on executive branch influence over tax payer audits and other investigations"

And worse than that, he was asked by a reporter over the weekend if he will uphold the constitution. And whether he supported due process (which is enshrined in the constitution). 

His answer to both was "I don't know." 

These statements are a violation of his oath of office. 

This is simply unacceptable and you need to hold him accountable or work to ensure his removal from office. 

Full stop. 

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Tell me again how there was no Russian interference in 2016?!

This is on display currently at the Seattle museum of art. 

It's a blown up version of part of the Mueller report that quite clearly spells it out

Man are people stupid. And they were duped- by Russian operatives and the Orange menace acting on their behalf. 

H5N1, the North American strain of the avian flu

The Global Virus Network, which is a consortium of researchers in 40 countries warns of the dangers of this strain of the avian flu and what we can and should do to prevent it from becoming the next pandemic, now that it has mutated and can spread to humans. 

"A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect, and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections. Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farm workers."

There are many questions, but the two biggest ones are whether farmers would be willing to cooperate, given that it certainly will impact their bottom line and whether the federal government will take this seriously and fund any sort of effort to prevent the spread. 

Advancements in battery tech

A team of engineers found a way to prevent a chemical layer from forming on Li-ion batteries. This layer prevents fast charging in cold climates. 

What they did was to coat the batteries with a lithium borate-carbonate material about 20 nanometers thick. 

And in tests, batteries can charge up to 5x faster. That's cool. 


https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/fast-charging-ev-batteries-cold-weather/

Here’s a peek at what Disneys chief rival is up to

The article from a paper in Israel (!) takes a fairly in depth look at the $6 billion epic universe park that is set to open in a few weeks. 

It's safe to say that universal - once a relatively minor player with a few rides based on movie franchises - is now a formidable competitor to the mouse. 

They've poached many imagineers and really thought about how to move the needle in immersive entertainment. 

https://www.jpost.com/consumerism/article-851086

Miami Gardens’ Black residents grapple with F1’s effects

This is an interesting perspective on how the race that takes place the dolphins stadium in Miami Gardens adversely impacts local residents. 

And as the article notes, originally the race was planned for downtown Miami. But locals were opposed to it, and they happen to be wealthy and majority white. 

Taking action can come in many shapes and sizes

This is a story about how an individual wanted to know more about school lunches and the debt that accrues in school districts. 

And then in a moment of great humanity, did something simple about it in their community. 

We can take a lesson in how we can be better people in small ways. 

"Why don't they just let them eat?"

Why indeed. The answer involves federal policies and budget constraints, as well as the peculiar American mythology surrounding self-reliance, which somehow extends even to second-graders. But there's a piercing truth in her question that cuts through all the adult rationalization: Why don't we just let them eat?



https://www.huffpost.com/entry/utah-school-lunch-debt-relief-free-student-meals_n_681258fbe4b03207b5ba49fa

Friday, May 2, 2025

Oh the feels

Watch "Why can’t you just MAKE YOUR PRODUCTS IN AMERICA!" on YouTube

This is a well articulated, succinct explanation of how tariffs are destroying businesses, and where the problems lie with just "making it in America."

It makes me angry that this is where we're at. And does T-rump, or many in the GOP care?  They do not.


And by the way, this comment is another piece to this puzzle. Another problem that will further make America anything but great. 


Thursday, May 1, 2025

The Latest Offshore Betting Odds for the Next Disney CEO

This is funny.  Sportsbooks are actually taking bets on the next Disney ceo.

The leaderboard includes Dana Walden chair of Disney entertainment, Josh D'amaro who is the head of Disney parks, and Jimmy Pitaro, the head of espn. 

The article notes that while Walden is the betting favorite, she is personal friends with Kamala Harris. And that may play against her because Disney doesn't want a to antagonize T-rump.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-ceo-bob-iger-successor-betting-odds-exclusive-1236200276/