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Saturday, December 31. 2016Saturday morning links
What is Hogmanay? How is New Year’s Eve celebrated in Scotland? Anthony Bourdain Slams "Privileged" Liberals For Their "Utter Contempt" Of Working-Class America Good stuff, from a lib The Fall, Rise, Fall and Rise of Stamford, Connecticut R.I.P. Robert Leo Hulseman, creator of Red Solo Cup Americans Are No Longer on the Move Sign up for Disability and stay put Althouse schools Jo Piazza MORE TRANS MADNESS: Eight Year Old Girl Says She’s a Boy, Wants To Join Cub Scouts California: Good Luck With Your "Climate Leadership" Typical California feel-good nonsense California: Retired City Manager Gets $216,000 Pension in City Where Average Family Makes $32,000 Uber Tells California Where to Shove Their Regulations EPA Cracks Down on Key Ingredient of Bread Next they came for my yeast The Brilliance of Thomas Sowell: A Tribute Your employer wants to monitor your health and fitness Tom Cotton: Fix Immigration. It’s What Voters Want. Mormon Tabernacle Choir Singer Resigns Rather Than Sing for Hitler
Rep. Franks: If Russia hacked, it was a public service Why US voters keep giving elites the boot The UK: I’m a part of the elite. So why am I cheering for the populist right? If, in a parliamentary democracy, the establishment and the people diverge, one must surely bet that the elites are wrong The UN is obsolete: UN Withdrawal: Never Wound a King IRANIAN MILITARY AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE SYRIAN REGIME British Leader Slams Kerry’s Unbalanced Approach to Israeli ‘Settlements’ Comments
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"...won't sing for Hitler...eight year old girl says she's a boy..."
It's beginning to get tedious. The same headlines that someone or something is pushing are everywhere. Who or what is behind the mass hysteria? Lots of girls used to be tomboys and it was absolutely fine, their identity wasn't questioned. Is common sense is a thing of the past? It surely seems to be, and it certainly IS, in some sectors of the population.
"I'm Terrified of Raising a Boy in Trump's America"
It's a good thing the Left has kept a cool head in the wake of what happened in November - we need their "reality-based" approach now more than ever! Jo Piazza knows she is telling a lie. The left who spout this same meme know they are telling a lie. This isn't and never was about some abuse, sexual or otherwise by Trump. I'm sorry to say this entire story says something very unflattering about women who choose to follow, adore and give themselves to rock stars, athletes, movie stars and the rich and famous. It is ironic in a sad kind of way that so many of those who spout this nonsense in an attempt to make Trump look bad and call it misogyny are missing the mark by a country mile. These women who offer themselves to the rich and famous are hoping and dreaming that someone like Trump or Mick Jagger or Keith Richards will do exactly what Trump said in his comment. Anything, any attention, preferably sexual but whatever they can get is what they are there for. All Trump did was say what we all know to be true. Was it crude and unnecessary? Yeah, so what! Most of what the left says is both crude and unnecessary including ms Jo Piazza. Was it honest? Absolutely, unlike what most of the left says. Maybe THAT is what really bothers them.
Joe Pizza's son is going to be wearing dresses soon enough.
Keep in mind, city managers are the unaccountable "professional" bureaucrats that Progressives in the early 20th century replaced accountable local government with.
"won't sing for Hitler"
I suspect that such crackpots - on both sides of the political aisle - have always been around; the difference is this time, with Trump's election win, the news media is reporting them as if they are something of worth. Ironically, such individuals wouldn't dare not sing for Obama or Hillary lest they receive a late night visit from Democrat/Progressive party members and supporters.
"Mormon Tabernacle Choir Singer Resigns Rather Than Sing for Hitler"
Yes. Why, only yesterday Trump sent his supporters out into the streets of New York to smash the windows of Jewish stores and set fire to synagogues. He didn't? Oh. Ironic, given the high amount of anti-Semitism against Israel coming out of the Obama administration in its waning days.
Jim: the high amount of anti-Semitism against Israel coming out of the Obama administration in its waning days.
Can you provide some examples? I suppose you can pretend that such actions as the Cairo speech and the UN abstention aren't in any way related to the standard black anti-semitism of Rev Jeremiah Wright for as long as you want. To have even asked "can you provide some examples" is a statement that you will find some alternative explanation for all examples.
And it will again be everyone else's fault. The journey out from liberalism is a personally painful one. Assistant Village Idiot: To have even asked "can you provide some examples" is a statement that you will find some alternative explanation for all examples.
In other words, you don't have any examples of "the high amount of anti-Semitism against Israel coming out of the Obama administration in its waning days."
#4.3.1.2.1
Zachriel
on
2017-01-01 09:11
(Reply)
R.I.P. Robert Leo Hulseman, creator of Red Solo Cup
There is a lot of whinging about the entertainers who died this year, but little notice of those like Mr.. Hulseman, who actually improved the lives of the poor with his inventions. He also was co-inventor of the traveler coffee cup lid. There was also: Rose Evansky, a Pioneer in Women’s Hairstyling, Dies at 94 Who developed blow drying for women's hairstyling. She freed millions of women from hours of wasted time under the hood in curlers. But as foretold, we celebrate those associated with the bread and circuses as they provided amusements and distractions. Neglecting those who actually improved the lives of the poor (and wealthy) with their innovative thinking. And let me add:
"Dr. Donald 'D.A.' Henderson, who led the international effort to eradicate smallpox, died August 19 [2016] at age 87." A man whose work actually saved millions and millions of lives. JK Brown: We are all villeins now
So the essayist is arguing that the state shouldn't intervene, for instance, in this case. Here, referring to its unique style, the site robot wrongly invokes nosism three times:
1. Although unconfirmed as yet, the 'bot is presumed not to be a single person holding a high office, such as a monarch, bishop, or pope; 2. The 'bot is also presumed not to be an editorial columnist in a newspaper or a similar commentator in another medium referring to itself as "we" when giving its opinion. This said, the 'bot may very well issue its outputs in the role of a spokesperson for the unnamed media institution that employs it, a common charge against it by its many dissenters who do not constitute the party or body of citizens agreeing with its outputs needed to fit the definition of nosism); 3. Likewise, the 'bot does not appear to speak in the editorial "we" pluralis modestiae, which is the practice common in mathematical and scientific literature of referring to a generic third person by "we" (instead of the more common one or the informal you), and because the 'bot has constructed no known, agreed original output, preferring to link random content virtually daily: "By adding four and five, [i]we obtain nine. We are thus led also to a definition of 'time' in physics."[/i] – Albert Einstein Here again, since "we" in this sense often refers to "the reader and the author," the 'bot incorrectly asserts that the reader knows and agrees with its programmed outputs, or if not, that the reader is prompted to look them up. Many find that it's the 'bot that hasn't looked many of them up. Lastly, while some may yet speculate to the contrary, most are not inclined to conflate the 'bot with Einstein, although granted, the premise does remain open to proof. Anyway, as you were and Happy New Year. Most of us could use one. QUOTE: Rep. Franks: If Russia hacked, it was a public service ...if Russia succeeded in giving the American people information that was accurate, then they merely did what the media should have done,” What? Is he seriously saying that having a foreign adversary break into the private emails of his political adversaries is a "public service"? Readers may recall a time before the Z-bot(s) era when 60 Minutes-style, infiltrating activism was all the rage with its subversive, speaking-truth-to-power, anti-state activism.
You mean all they did was hack some emails? I keep reading that they hacked an election. The press must be confused. I'm also a little unclear on the use of "hacking" to describe a straightforward "phishing," which everyone over the age of six knows how to avoid.
As Iowahawk says, new reports are that the President deported another 20 Nigerian diplomats when John Podesta failed to receive his $1 million from a Nigerian prince. Texan99: You mean all they did was hack some emails?
That's right. They have engaged in criminal activity. Hacking constitutes a significant and continuing threat to the integrity of U.S. elections, infrastructure, and sovereignty. Such methods have also been used against other countries, including the Baltic nations, in order to undermine democratic institutions. Russia is a kleptocracy that has been slow to modernize, so they have little to lose and much to gain — at least in the short term — by sowing chaos in democratic countries. Are you agreeing that breaking into your political adversaries emails is a "public service"? "Political adversaries" really has nothing to do with the assertion that the hacking was a public service. We all know that without invoking straw men.
arcs: "Political adversaries" really has nothing to do with the assertion that the hacking was a public service.
Are you saying people and private organizations do not have the right to private communications?
#9.2.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2016-12-31 14:16
(Reply)
Now please put your hand on your heart and solemnly state:
"The US, through the National Security Agency, does not "hack" into foreign computer systems in pursuit of its national interests." JJM: "The US, through the National Security Agency, does not "hack" into foreign computer systems in pursuit of its national interests."
While all nations spy, hacking and releasing private communications to influence an election is a violation of sovereignty, and undermines democratic institutions.
#9.2.1.2.1
Zachriel
on
2016-12-31 14:17
(Reply)
Or alternatively:
"When we do it, it's OK. When foreigners do it, it's not." Note how I put we in bold just for you. You're welcome. It's interesting that a lot of the same people who scoffed at Romney's contention that Russia was our number one geopolitical foe, who thought we needed to reset our relations with Russia, who was hoping to be able to be more flexible with Putin, who acquiesced to Russians buying 20% of US uranium assets, and who thought Fr. Berrigan was a hero for stealing and releasing the Pentagon Papers are now outraged because they think the Russians stole some of "their" emails and exposed the truth.
mudbug: Romney's contention that Russia was our number one geopolitical foe
That would be radical Islamism. mudbug: who thought we needed to reset our relations with Russia The trick is to cooperate when goals are aligned, while opposing them when necessary. mudbug: who acquiesced to Russians buying 20% of US uranium assets The uranium can't be shipped to Russia, so it's just a business relationship. The deal was approved through an interagency review. mudbug: Fr. Berrigan was a hero for stealing and releasing the Pentagon Papers You're probably thinking of Daniel Elsberg, who was subject to prosecution for his actions. The charges were eventually dismissed due to government misconduct. mudbug: they think the Russians stole some of "their" emails and exposed the truth. They did, in fact, hack private emails of the major political parties, then timed the release for maximum disruption of the political process. There was nothing in the emails other than fodder for the right-wing noise machine.
#9.2.1.4.1
Zachriel
on
2016-12-31 14:36
(Reply)
Z: That would be radical Islamism.
You are mistaken. We've had no attacks from radical Islamist - only workplace violence, or random gun violence. Z: The trick is to cooperate when goals are aligned, while opposing them when necessary. And when do we actively oppose them? Z: Z: The uranium can't be shipped to Russia, so it's just a business relationship. The deal was approved through an interagency review. Can it be shipped anywhere? It matters only a little because they have control over a significant production of a strategic resource. Think they'd sell us 20% of their oil or titanium production? It was reviewed by the same folks who now see Russia as the bad actors Romney said they were. Incidentally, Hillary could have killed the deal if she wanted to. Z: You're probably thinking of Daniel Elsberg, who was subject to prosecution for his actions. The charges were eventually dismissed due to government misconduct. Thanks for the correction. You are right. Jailed or not, he was still a hero of the left. Z: There was nothing in the emails other than fodder for the right-wing noise machine. They showed why Hillary wouldn't release the transcripts of her speeches to big banks and that the results of the Democratic primary rigged. If nothing else, the world found out that Hillary was fundamentally dishonest just like the Democratic Party.
#9.2.1.4.1.1
mudbug
on
2016-12-31 16:01
(Reply)
mudbug: We've had no attacks from radical Islamist
Huh? If you mean the U.S., there's this. mudbug: And when do we actively oppose them? Russia has been under significant economic sanctions since its annexation of Crimea. mudbug: Can it be shipped anywhere? Only within the U.S. mudbug: Think they'd sell us 20% of their oil or titanium production? They sell their oil and titanium on the open market. mudbug: Jailed or not, he was still a hero of the left. Sure. He risked jail (his actions were a crime) in order to expose that the government was lying about the course of the Vietnam War. mudbug: They showed why Hillary wouldn't release the transcripts of her speeches to big banks ... So? That's private. The content of her speeches was already fairly well known because, guess what, people attended her speeches. This doesn't justify encouraging a foreign government to hack the emails of a major U.S. political party, then leak them to cause political damage. mudbug: and that the results of the Democratic primary rigged. If you mean the DNC leaned towards Clinton, well duh. The RNC leaned against Trump. It's not a secret. The Democratic Party and the Republicans Party are private organizations, and have the right to private communications. The hacks leaked not just gossip, but internal planning and millions of dollars of opposition research. That means the election was not a level playing field. If you don't think privacy is worth protecting, then you've already lost your democracy.
#9.2.1.4.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2016-12-31 16:23
(Reply)
Z: Are you agreeing that breaking into your political adversaries emails is a "public service"?
------------------------------------------------------------------------ When that exposes rampant felonious criminality, fraud, lies and corruption, absolutely YES. The mainstream media have done this for years, by constantly quoting "anonymous sources," leakers who were breaking laws and policies by feeding confidential information to the media. Now when others use the same tactics, they scream foul. Whoever the hackers were, they did our country a huge service by exposing the enemies within. Zach, here's a cute cat video for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II0fY8inrN8 Jim: When that exposes rampant felonious criminality, fraud, lies and corruption, absolutely YES.
There was nothing in the hacked emails that indicated any criminality. Jim: The mainstream media have done this for years, by constantly quoting "anonymous sources," leakers who were breaking laws and policies by feeding confidential information to the media. The leakers, depending on what is being leaked, may be breaking the law, but it is generally not illegal in the U.S. to publish leaks. Most reputable media sources will try to work with federal services, if leaking will seriously compromise security. Jim: Whoever the hackers were ... The hackers were closely connected to the Russian government, which used the leaks to interfere with the U.S. elections. It's hard to imagine Americans not only supporting, but actually egging on Russian hacks of private emails of American citizens.
#9.2.1.5.1
Zachriel
on
2016-12-31 16:13
(Reply)
Z: "There was nothing in the hacked emails that indicated any criminality."
Just one example, Democrats/Hillary's involvement in obstruction of justice revealed by Wikileaks: http://twitchy.com/loriz-3139/2016/11/01/criminal-bret-baier-uncovers-why-podesta-dump-emails-wikileaks-bombshell-is-worse-than-you-thought/
#9.2.1.5.1.1
Jim
on
2016-12-31 17:52
(Reply)
Jim: Just one example, Democrats/Hillary's involvement in obstruction of justice revealed by Wikileaks
Sorry, but no. Email dump refers to making the emails public. What's In The Latest WikiLeaks Dump of Clinton Campaign Emails WikiLeaks dumps ninth batch of Clinton campaign emails
#9.2.1.5.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-01-01 11:59
(Reply)
#9.2.1.5.1.1.1.1
Jim
on
2017-01-01 16:34
(Reply)
Z: "Sorry, but no. Email dump refers to making the emails public. "
----------------------------------------------------------- And Richard Nixon was actually just concerned about the state of the plumbing at the Watergate. . . .
#9.2.1.5.1.1.1.2
Jim
on
2017-01-01 16:41
(Reply)
Jim: And Richard Nixon was actually just concerned about the state of the plumbing at the Watergate. . . .
We provided examples contemporary usage. Clinton aides wanted to get out in front of the story.
#9.2.1.5.1.1.1.2.1
Zachriel
on
2017-01-02 09:26
(Reply)
So as I understand this the Russians (Chinese and NK) have been hacking us for 30 years or so but this time it's different, because: They revealed to the American public information that we should have known in order to make an informed decision; information that was (in many cases unlawfully) hidden from us by Democrats and the MSM AND (worst of all) information that was TRUE!!! The horror! OH! The humanity! Will our Republic ever recover from this?
BUT yet Hillary who broke a record number of laws with her private server and handing out top secret information like candy at Halloween and enabled the hackers and covered up her many crimes and conspired with multiple unindicted co-conspirators to commit these crimes and to cover up these crimes is still free and not facing charges!! IdahoBob: They revealed to the American public information that we should have known in order to make an informed decision; information that was (in many cases unlawfully) hidden from us
There was nothing in the emails that was unlawfully hidden. Regardless of what you think of the Democratic Party, they have the right to private communications, especially during a campaign. The Russians purposefully leaked the information to interfere with the U.S. elections. That you would ratify such actions is astounding.
#9.2.1.6.1
Zachriel
on
2016-12-31 16:25
(Reply)
"The Russians purposefully leaked the information to interfere with the U.S. elections. That you would ratify such actions is astounding."
There is zero evidence that the Russians leaked the information. ZERO! That you would ratify this lie is astounding. There is a lot of evidence that the leak was from inside the Democrat party. Democrats unhappy with the communist/socialist takeover of their once "liberal" party.
#9.2.1.6.1.1
IdahoBob
on
2016-12-31 18:11
(Reply)
IdahoBob: There is zero evidence that the Russians leaked the information.
Seventeen U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that the hacks and the disclosures were coordinated at the highest levels of power in the Kremlin. Independent cybersecurity experts have also reached the same conclusion.
#9.2.1.6.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-01-01 09:07
(Reply)
That is a flat out lie. Read the FBI report:
https://www.scribd.com/document/335307016/FBI-Russian-Hacking-Report No where does it confirm Russia’s involvement hacking into targeted political data base or computer systems during the election. What it confirms is that Russia, China and NK have been hacking the U.S. for decades with little effort on our part to stop iut or make it more difficult. This is nothing more than classic dirty politics; classic Saul Alinsky tactics. It was convenient to use the Russian hacking to try to discredit Trump's presidency. No doubt the Ass hat left will continue with there dirty political tricks for the next four years. That's all they've got. They don't have decent candidates. They have already bought and paid for all the voters who were for sale. They abandoned the middle class and don't seem the slightest bit interested in getting them back. So this is all they've got. This is what the Democrats have devolved into, a bunch of communist/socialist rats scurrying around from hole to hole trying to stay out of the sunlight.
#9.2.1.6.1.1.1.1
IdahoBob
on
2017-01-01 11:33
(Reply)
IdahoBob: Read the FBI report
"This document provides technical details regarding the tools and infrastructure used by the Russian civilian and military intelligence Services (RIS) to compromise and exploit networks and endpoints associated with the U.S. election." IdahoBob: No where does it confirm Russia’s involvement hacking into targeted political data base or computer systems during the election. "This activity by RIS is part of an ongoing campaign of cyber-enabled operations directed at the U.S. government and its citizens."
#9.2.1.6.1.1.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-01-01 11:55
(Reply)
Of course, you could just read the title of the report: "GRIZZLY STEPPE – Russian Malicious Cyber Activity"
#9.2.1.6.1.1.1.1.2
Zachriel
on
2017-01-01 11:56
(Reply)
No one is disputing that the Russians hacked us. They have been hacking us for decades. Where was Obama's outrage before Nov 8th? But there is zero evidence and the FBI doesn't claim there is any evidence that they leaked it or that they hacked the election. On the contrary they said nothing to confirm that lie.
The thing is that YOU know it too. The proof that you know this is a scam is your weasel worded responses that would make a Mafia lawyer proud. You know your lying through your teeth.
#9.2.1.6.1.1.1.1.2.1
GoneWithTheWind
on
2017-01-01 20:29
(Reply)
GoneWithTheWind: No one is disputing that the Russians hacked us
That would be the President-Elect and his sycophants, a President-Elect who hasn't even bothered to attend security briefings on the matter. GoneWithTheWind: Where was Obama's outrage before Nov 8th? The information about the hack was made available before the election. GoneWithTheWind: the FBI doesn't claim there is any evidence that they leaked it or that they hacked the election. Joint Statement from the Department Of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Election Security: "The U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organizations... These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process." Memberof the Intelligence Community include the FBI.
#9.2.1.6.1.1.1.1.2.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-01-02 09:39
(Reply)
Maybe hacking does, though I'm unconvinced, but it would be downright silly to claim phishing does. That's just Darwinism in action, no matter who's behind it.
Texan99: Maybe hacking does, though I'm unconvinced, but it would be downright silly to claim phishing does.
A hacker is someone who gains unauthorized access to a computer system. Phishing is a hacking tool. Texan99: That's just Darwinism in action, no matter who's behind it. So is robbery, hijacking, and murder. Why bother to try and stop it then? Counterpoint
#9.2.1.7.1
Zachriel
on
2017-01-02 09:46
(Reply)
Zachriels has convinced me. The only thing we can do is make Hillary President Now!
She konws how to handle secure information. So the US is blaming Russia for hacking a pitifully poor US cyber security system? The CIA/NSA/FBI need to take a long look in the mirror.
John McAfee was on the Larry King show talking about the "hacks" and cyber security. When King asked him about the hack footprints McAfee just laughed and said if the footprints showed they were Russian you could bet the Russians had nothing to do with the hack.
indyjonesouthere: John McAfee was on the Larry King show
An appeal to authority is valid when ✓ The cited authority has sufficient expertise. ✓ The authority is making a statement within their area of expertise. ✓ The area of expertise is a valid field of study. ✗ There is adequate consensus among authorities in the field, and the authority is expressing this consensus. ✓ There is no evidence of undue bias. The proper argument against a valid appeal to authority is to the evidence. You didn't watch the peace because you can't differentiate between hacking into a system and protecting a system from hacking. The US government specializes in hacking to defeat any chance at privacy while those like McAfee specialize in trying to maintain privacy. It is obvious that none of the 17 agencies you mention can maintain keeping themselves from being hacked and you would know this if you actually watched the interview. You would also know that McAfee has concerns about how a Trump administration might address security but again you would have had to see the interview.
indyjonesouthere: You didn't watch the peace
You didn't provide the piece, but dropped McAfee's name as if his opinion were definitive, a faulty appeal to authority. You didn't watch the piece because you can't differentiate between hacking into a system and protecting a system from hacking. The US government specializes in hacking to defeat any chance at privacy while those like McAfee specialize in trying to maintain privacy. It is obvious that none of the 17 agencies you mention can maintain keeping themselves from being hacked and you would know this if you actually watched the interview. You would also know that McAfee has concerns about how a Trump administration might address security but again you would have had to see the interview.
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Tracked: Jan 01, 08:53