8.01.2020

Tik Tok, the witch is dead…

…or wait, maybe not. Donnie says he wants to ban it (Bad Tic Tok!) but Microsoft wants to buy it, or at least the U.S. part of it, according to the paywalled New York Times (here's a link).

Can they do that? Oughta be fun finding out. 

(And there's the question of whether we want all those kiddies' data hoovered up by the PRC or the good ol' US of A. If you see what I mean, They do.)

So not all that much to get excited about then

Where Virtual and Augmented Reality Stand in 2020 - Variety

As this report reveals, the future of VR may still shine bright and glossy, but the time for whimsical fantasizing is over, as this future won't be exactly what we envisioned, it won't necessarily wear a headset, and it certainly won't unfold across the timetable we were hoping for.

There'll always be an England



7.31.2020

You have to be crazy to keep up with the crazies around here any more…

…and if you're not already crazy enough yourself you can get crazy just by reading this:

Wayfair Trafficking Conspiracy Theory Spreading on TikTok - Rolling Stone

There'll always be an England

Glamping in the UK: How to enjoy a classy staycation this summer | The Independent

For those of us who've had our appreciation for nature reawakened by lockdown, a glamping stay at a British yurt, gypsy caravan, shepherd's hut or barn delivers a change of scene, outdoorsy activities, locally-sourced food, charming surroundings, luxury and comfort.

Here's a book…

…that's critically informative, a little snarky, very readable but a little boring in spots, and downright terrifying—not the type that goes on the book list but, if you want to dive down the rabbit hole of disinformation and mayhem, just the thing.

Amazon.com: This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality eBook: Pomerantsev, Peter: Kindle Store

I'm thinking we should just close the whole year

7.30.2020

Good idea or bad…

…one thing is clear: This will be one enormous moving bill. It means moving families as well as tanks and mess kits. And there will be more than a few dents.

Major US military units to leave Germany as part of large drawdown to begin within weeks, Esper says - Europe - Stripes

A little break in a very hot week

7.29.2020

Just don't

 Pop-up super PACs hide donors as they influence GOP Kansas Senate primary

Outside groups are injecting over $10 million into Kansas' Senate race to blanket the airwaves with inflammatory ads aimed at influencing Republican primary voters.

About two-thirds of that spending comes from groups that won't disclose their donors before the Aug. 4 election takes place.



This is unconscionable behavior. We can't have fair elections unless we all agree to have fair elections. That shouldn't have to be pointed out, but apparently it is. 

So if you are a pop-up super PAC, cut it out. If you're not, cut it out anyway. This is really way too important to screw around with.

7.28.2020

Wait. Thwarting? Really?

US agency: Pandemic masks thwarting face recognition tech


Well then. Win-win.

The revolving door is not just for people, Bunky

Political donors whose businesses got PPP loans injected $52 million into 2020 election

The $670 billion loan program is so widespread that it's not surprising to see political donors' companies get access to it. Companies run by donors to President Donald Trump were among the first to receive loans, but there is no concrete evidence that the small business loan program prioritized political donors.

7.27.2020

Big pot of chicken soup…

…enough to last me til the end of the month.

Pro tip: The good thing about making soup in one of those electrical pressure cooker things is it doesn't make the kitchen as hot as the old way, where you rub the two sticks together until the smoke alarm goes off.

Why not just take it out to dinner and a show?

A Red Lobster employee found a rare blue lobster. Instead of cooking it, the restaurant sent it to an Ohio zoo - CNN

Groceries and laundry both done before noon…

…which counts as a good thing because we're heading into a sticky-hot 100º afternoon,

I'm going to kick back now and strip right down to my bare face.

Deal with it.

7.26.2020

At it again in Massachusetts

Will there be a suggestion box?

The Pandemic Really Has Changed The World Forever

The only alternative we have — and I'm talking about the only alternative, not some kind of dilemma, is to redesign our lives based on a new reality that will be with us for many years.