Maggie's FarmWe are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for. |
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Friday, August 26. 2022Friday morning links
Mr. Vanderleun wonders how to spent the rest of his life Women feel more sexual desire when their partners do chores Have students lost the ability to do hard math problems? Could anyone still meet the Theoretical Minimum? Sitting all day long increases risk of death, health problems At the American Academy of Pediatrics, ‘Affirmation’-Based Gender Dogma Is Finally Being Challenged Don’t allow Mark Zuckerberg to reinvent history California Gov. Gavin Newsom Brags About Being the “First Jurisdiction in the World” to Ban Sale of Gas-Powered Vehicles "Get Trump!" Damn The Constitution Trackbacks
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It's far too late to save the Constitution, but maybe we can still save the nation. Both Left and Right have accepted that it's government's job to take care of you as a benevolent parent. Not enough of them fear government as they should, believing it's just the wrong people are in charge and voting for new rulers will fix things.
Jerryskids: It's far too late to save the Constitution, but maybe we can still save the nation.
The Constitution is what binds the American people, for better or worse. Yes, I wondered when somebody would bring up that point about Zuckerberg's hundreds of millions spent directly administering elections in key swing districts, in violation of the law. Joe Rogan is getting soft.
And it's good to see California finally tackling its traffic problems by banning cars, it'll leave plenty of room for the buses. Let's not forget: The High Speed Rail will already be electric! (I internally shudder a little every time I see Newsome's slicked-back, grinning Joker face). Finally the story about men doing chores got me curious: Nowhere in the Hot Air clip does it mention men's chores, and nowhere in the referenced RealClearScience story is it mentioned, either. The latter just shows a guy out feeding livestock. Hah! Nice try, ladies. Aggie: Zuckerberg's hundreds of millions spent directly administering elections in key swing districts, in violation of the law.
It wasn't illegal to donate to election offices. The money was primarily related to COVID, such as funding for the transition to mail-in ballots and protective equipment. Do you have evidence the money was used inappropriately? "funding for the transition to mail-in ballots"
Exactly. The method used more frequently by democrat voters. AND it was totally unnecessary since in-person voting did not result in any Covid clusters or spread. https://www.wfae.org/politics/2020-11-18/health-officials-no-covid-19-case-spread-linked-to-voting Eeyore: The method used more frequently by democrat voters.
So? That doesn't make it "in violation of the law." Mail-in voting is available for Republicans, too. So vote bundling operations are totes okay with the (((Quibble-DickZ))).
#2.1.1.1.1
Zachinoff
on
2022-08-26 13:06
(Reply)
As always, Zach leaps to the defense of poor, misunderstood, persecuted people like Zuckerberg. You see, in Zack's mind, the rest of us are just to stupid to see that Zuckerberg just wants what's best for the country, how he's doing his best to preserve democracy, never a thought for himself. Zach sees and understands all this, though, and is trying his/her/its/their best to make us understand as well.
For some reason the (((Quibble-DickZ))) seem to be failing.
Spectacularly. Aggie: Tell us about Michael Spitzer-Rubenstein {Quick! Divert!}
Posts push empty claims of election fraud, illegal activity in Wisconsin: "Social media users claimed the city handed over keys to an election counting facility to Spitzer-Rubenstein, but a report from the city of Green Bay said he never actually handled the keys or counted ballots." https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-019444889870 RJP: leaps to the defense of poor, misunderstood, persecuted people like Zuckerberg We're hardly a fan of Zuckerberg. But that doesn't justify the claim that Zuckerberg's donations were "in violation the law." Posts push empty claims of election fraud, illegal activity in Wisconsin: "Three lawsuits arguing that the grant funding was illegal under state law were rejected, and a federal judge ruled that nothing in state law blocks local governments from accepting such grants." https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-019444889870 What posts? Please provide. I made no mention of social media.
The donated money was only 'related to COVID' in the sense of the shutdown's impact on voting - that would be a diversion on your part, by your definition. The purpose of the donations was to administer election activities in place of the appointed officials already being paid to do it, not treat COVID cases, and in districts that were majority Democrat, in an effort to get out the Democrat vote. That was the overwhelming common thread to the Zuckerberg donations. Were possessing keys or counting ballots the only activities overseen by S-R and his team? No; another diversion. Aggie: What posts? Please provide.
No, you just waved your hands ("Quick! Divert!") in the general direction. Aggie: The purpose of the donations was to administer election activities in place of the appointed officials already being paid to do it, not treat COVID cases, and in districts that were majority Democrat, in an effort to get out the Democrat vote. Funding was woefully short, and the donations were available to all municipalities, including Republican-leaning areas. You have provided no actual evidence to support the claim that the donations were unfair, much less that they were in "violation of the law," as you had claimed. On the other hand, we noted that the courts found that they were legal.
#2.1.4.1.1
Zachriel
on
2022-08-26 13:31
(Reply)
Yes those are some of your favorite tricks, yanking the steering wheel to divert the conversation. But I'm not in your car, dude, and I don't work for you.
'The courts say so', another favorite. But I didn't mention courts, just like I didn't mention social media - those are things you bring, and then abandon. The courts frequently said nothing on the election and refused to take up the issues (sometimes correctly, sometimes not)- but in all cases the courts usually rule on narrow issues that you like to paint with a broad brush 'as if' - another insinuation trick. You rely on careful articulation to misrepresent your arguments. A felon with a mile-long rap sheet punches a Chinese lady in the face in NYC and is out with no bail the same day, future case to be dismissed. Meth-head homeless in San Fran bust into cars all day long and are not prosecuted. Did they break the law? Do the courts say so? No - because these cases are no longer prosecuted. The courts don't say anything, because there are no cases in front of them. Are voters getting mad enough to recall prosecutors? Yes - yes, they are. We know how the election was gamed because we've read the stories written by the people that did it. We've read the well-footnoted books and articles. It's not a secret. Keep shoveling, hon, and pay no attention to the tide.
#2.1.4.1.1.1
Aggie
on
2022-08-26 14:04
(Reply)
And the (((Quibble-DickZ))) keep on failing.
Unsurprisingly.
#2.1.4.1.1.1.1
Zachinoff
on
2022-08-26 14:05
(Reply)
Aggie: But I didn't mention courts
Citing the court means the issue has been adjudicated. It is evidence that there was no "violation of the law." You can certainly disagree with the court, but have given no reason to do so. Aggie: The courts frequently said nothing on the election and refused to take up the issues A number of courts looked at the issue of fraud and found the evidence wanting. QUOTE: One might expect that when seeking such a startling outcome, a plaintiff would come formidably armed with compelling legal arguments and factual proof of rampant corruption . . . That has not happened. Instead, this Court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations, unpaid in the operative complaint and unsupported by evidence. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20413944-trump-campaign-pennsylvania-federal-court-case-ruling-opinion Aggie: It's not a secret. ("Quick! Look over there! Meth-heads!") Good. Then it shouldn't be that difficult to support your claim that Zuckerberg was in "violation of the law."
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2
Zachriel
on
2022-08-26 14:15
(Reply)
Nice try, but all of my points are salient, which is why I made them.
As you no doubt can find out, the state appointed a Special Counsel to look into the 2020 election, a retired state Supreme Court justice. I invite you to download and read your very own copy (tip: use a highlighter), which you should have gone to first and foremost, as I did. You will understand why I might take his opinions over yours.
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2.1
Aggie
on
2022-08-26 14:21
(Reply)
Aggie: As you no doubt can find out, the state appointed a Special Counsel to look into the 2020 election, a retired state Supreme Court justice.
Not sure why you couldn't have just cited the Wisconsin Special Counsel sooner, if that is the basis of your claim. If you are referring to Gableman, he was hired by Republican Assembly Speaker, Robin Vos. Gableman was found in contempt by the court for refusing to provide records. The contempt charge was finally dropped, but the court found that what he had turned over showed there was "nothing there." Finally, Gableman was fired by Vos. Apparently, the worst behavior uncovered by Gableman was done by Gableman. Is that what you mean?
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2.1.1
Zachriel
on
2022-08-26 14:32
(Reply)
Speaker Vos on closing the office of special counsel.......19 bills and 3 constitutional amendments due to reports.
https://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/63/vos/media/news-updtes-2019-to-2022/2022-8-12-ending-gableman-contract/ Nice start for election reform. Replace current governor and go for more.
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2.1.1.1
indyjonesouthere
on
2022-08-26 17:29
(Reply)
Yes, that's what I thought you would do. A retired state Supreme Court justice found evidence of law-breaking, some of the infractions on the part of the Zuckerberg-funded civilians that were wrongfully given authorities they shouldn't have had to administer elections. He cited the relevant legal code supporting his findings. He provided evidence that the law had been broken - which was your original challenge.
Your answer? 'Judge is Bad Man', playing his politically-driven dismissal as if it were a refutation of his findings. Your usual obfuscation, diffusion, dissembling self. Keep shoveling, baby. That tide just has to be wrong.
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2.1.1.2
Aggie
on
2022-08-26 18:14
(Reply)
Gateway Pundit has more on the judge and what he found. It was on page 1 (aug 26) but it might move to page 2 soon.
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2.1.1.2.1
indyjonesouthere
on
2022-08-26 22:04
(Reply)
indyjonesouthere: Speaker Vos on closing the office of special counsel.
Vos fired the special counsel when, still acting as special counsel, Gableman took a political position against Vos. Just this week, subpoenas related to the investigation have been dropped. Subpoena withdrawal notices issued two weeks after Gableman's dismissal Aggie: Your answer? 'Judge is Bad Man' Don't know if he is a bad man, but he makes kooky arguments, including suggesting that Wisconsin could decertify its 2020 electors. Aggie: A retired state Supreme Court justice . . . That's an appeal to authority, so pointing out that he was fired from his job as Special Counsel and holds legally specious positions is a valid point to raise. Aggie: He cited the relevant legal code supporting his findings. As for the substance, Gableman claims that Zuckerberg violated Wis. Stat. § 12.11 on election bribery. He doesn't provide any new evidence, but claims Zuckerberg's donations to municipalities facially violate the statute. However, the donations did not induce anyone to "vote or refrain from voting" per the statute. And the courts, state and federal, have repeatedly upheld the grants. Wisconsin Elections Commission on Gableman report
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2.1.1.3
Zachriel
on
2022-08-27 09:49
(Reply)
As soon as Vos squeaked out a 300 vote primary win he fired Gableman. More uniparty.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/08/dirty-robin-vos-withdraws-subpoenas-democrat-mayors-following-firing-special-counsel-gabelman/
#2.1.4.1.1.1.2.1.1.3.1
indyjonesouthere
on
2022-08-27 17:41
(Reply)
QUOTE: We're hardly a fan of Zuckerberg. Really? I don't believe you. Prove it by going to the article Bird Dog linked to and tell us exactly which action taken by Zuckerberg you don't approve of. RJP: Prove it by going to the article Bird Dog linked to and tell us exactly which action taken by Zuckerberg you don't approve of.
If Hunter Biden broke the law, he should be held to account. He obviously had issues. So? Our objection to Zuckerberg is his monopolistic practices, such as trying to use the size of Facebook to co-opt competitors. Unfortunately, generations of Republicans have undermined anti-trust enforcement.
#2.1.4.2.1
Zachriel
on
2022-08-26 15:50
(Reply)
So? What do you mean "So?". Zuckerberg willingly and happily helped cover up those crimes, and that bothers you not in the least. Just as we all knew it wouldn't.
Best you could come up with is to blame Republicans for his issues. How do you type with your lips so firmly on Zuckerberg's buttocks?
#2.1.4.2.1.1
RJP
on
2022-08-26 18:18
(Reply)
Biden is the president and both houses are run by democrats. And what did you say the holdup was on antitrust?
More deflection is the problem.
#2.1.4.2.1.2
indyjonesouthere
on
2022-08-26 20:43
(Reply)
RJP: Zuckerberg willingly and happily helped cover up those crime
You have a strange definition of coverup. Facebook allowed posts about Hunter Biden, but just didn't amplify such messages on its platform. Nor are they a law enforcement agency. However, the FBI has had the laptop for months and are investigating Hunter Biden under various laws, including tax evasion and working as an unregistered foreign lobbying agent. RJP: Best you could come up with is to blame Republicans for his issues. Stronger anti-trust laws would help dilute the power of businesses such as Facebook, and increase competition. Traditional Republicans have long argued that such monopolies are usually short-lived, and that international competition requires very large businesses to survive. Today, Republicans feel that Facebook is too large, even overpowering. But instead of addressing businesses that control large segments of the marketplace, they attack the First Amendment, which protects Facebook's right to moderate their own forum according to their own rules. indyjonesouthere: Biden is the president and both houses are run by democrats. And what did you say the holdup was on antitrust? It normally takes a supermajority in the Senate to pass legislation. Nor are all Democrats united on anti-trust, for reasons given above, and due to the influence of corporate money on all politicians.
#2.1.4.2.1.3
Zachriel
on
2022-08-27 10:02
(Reply)
When someone asks you what time it is, do you respond with “Cheddar cheese is my favorite.”?
#2.1.4.2.1.3.1
RJP
on
2022-08-27 13:26
(Reply)
Any private funding of election related technology, equipment or manpower IS inappropriate and should be illegal.
"sitting all day..."
How would you know for sure? Most older people sit a lot and they are most at risk of dying. That alone would tend to skew the stats. Then it seems likely to me that someone who was already quite ill would sit more than someone who was healthy so again skewing the statistics. I had three old aunts that lived together until each passed and in their later years they mostly sat all day. Year after year until they were in their late 80's and early 90's they sat all day. If they had gotten up more would they have lived to 100? Women feel more sexual desire when their partners do chores.
No, women say they do. I want to hear from the other half of the relationship. Every story regarding women's sexual desire is based on women's words and never their actions. Women say they would have more sexual desire for a partner who was more emotionally available or who did more household chores.
This doesn't seem to jive with women's sexual behaviors in regards to rich and powerful men in sports and entertainment. It doesn't jive with what we see in the baby daddy group either. I think we might learn more about women's desire by looking at the behaviors of men who have large numbers of sexual partners over ther lifetime. To be clear, I don't think this is a female thing, I think it's a human thing. Words are not actions and successful businesses, and successful people, understand this distinction. You can't be successful providing what people say they want. Success comes when you provide what people are actually willing to pay for. The AAP HQ's building tells you all you need to know about a cold, heartless, politicized organization filled with cubicle dwellers that could just as well work for the IRS.
The irony is that by not voting for Trump you empower the people who engage in blatant, blind anti-Trumpism and who promote the destruction of the economy and the Constitution in the name of opposing Trump. Like pouring gasoline on a fire or forgiving student debt, by opposing the lesser of two evils you allow worse evil to triumph.
To listen to the news you would think that the government merely "cancels" $10,000 worth of student loan debt per debtor. But of course what it really means is that they transfer $10,000 per debtor to the lender/bank and that transfer comes from the federal government general fund, i.e. your taxes. On the one hand it is a stupid action by any government not just because of the unfairness of it and that it will alienate the working class and that it may not even be legal. On the other hand it is brilliant! Do the math; $300 billion divided by $10,000 equals 30 million people whose vote was just purchased with your money. In spite of all your anger and outrage over this it may decide the mid-term election.
But wait, there’s more! Think of all the billions that have gone to NPR, PBS, and the schools over the past half century. All three continually spread progressive teachings/talking points.
"one that involves a complicated mathematical technique like Fourier analysis." Oh please. That is not complicated. We electrical engineers learn Fourier analysis (harmonic analysis) by the third year. Now way back in undergraduate school I took analytical mechanics. We started the course with 36 students and ended the course with 6 students. We used a book advertised as intermediate level. If they had used an advanced level book they would probably have flunked everybody. Now that was a hard course. I decided after that that I wasn't taking anymore physics courses.
What Adam Frank fails to tell us is that computational tools like MATLAB and Mathematica are programming languages, which often require us to think more deeply about the structure of a problem to write an effective solver. In addition, they're great timesavers for simulations and equations that have long, tedious, recursively-computed solutions.
"great timesavers for simulations and equations that have long, tedious, recursively-computed solutions."
So no black women to have a part in putting a man back on the moon? That's racist. It all depends on the teacher. My college calculus teacher was a Chinese born man who spent the entire class time at the blackboard talking over his should in a thick accent while writing examples on the blackboard with his right hand and erasing the panel he last wrote with his left hand. I only took two semesters and got a C. I finished my two years of calculus later and my teacher was a Mexican American high school math teacher with a glass eye and a good sense of humor. The class was about communicating both ways and I actually learned something and I got A's.
When I took Differential equations my teacher looked like a 20 something surfer (yes in S California) and pretty much acted like one too but he was a good teacher and again I got A's. The rest of my math teachers were full professors and their teaching ability was mediocre at best. But my English teachers were the worst. My religion teachers were awesome (yes it was that kind of school) My computer science teachers needed help, seriously I knew more than they did. My physics teacher was amazing; German, strong accent, strong opinions, was in WW II and a POW held in the U.S. So in later life did you ever use calculus or differential equations? I didn't. Not once. Ever.
Yes and no. I was a computer programmer and over my career a lot of it was not in a business environment so I did some pretty strange stuff and some of it did involve math. BUT I wouldn't really have needed to know the math but rather simply program it. It was probably easier because I knew the math but I too have always claimed I never used advanced math in my work.
Why do I get the feeling that Zuckerberg is just trying to save himself from the inevitable blowback?
My feeling on it, too. The FBI is likely to get just a wrist slap due to the claim that they were just reporting what their "expert" opinion was. Between the Republicans mad at FB's actual interference and the Democrats mad that FB doesn't interfere more, ZuckerBorg could see his entire business model blown up.
I think Zuck's confession is due to Missouri AG Schmitt and the Louisiana AG suing for information on the collaboration between.
Zuck and the FBI. There are also other issues likely to get exposed as well. Zuck is just trying to get ahead of the "exposure". From the Vanderleun piece, what popped in to my head was the Vonnegut line "Tiger got to hunt, bird got to fly. Man got to sit and wonder 'Why, Why, Why?'."
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