Month: January 2022

by Michael Cain Today the Senate Judiciary Committee approved antitrust legislation sponsored by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) that would require Apple, Meta (Facebook), Amazon, and Alphabet (Google) to effectively separate the platform and application portions of their businesses. I will be fascinated to see how far up the software stack they try … Read more

by liberal japonicus To get things started https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jan/31/there-is-nothing-more-magical-resurrected-theatre-brings-ancient-greece-to-life I was a latecomer to plays, and I still find it difficult to read them. And I’ve never been to a classical Greek play, but this seems like a nice bucket item. Anyway, an open thread for any theatrical experiences out there.

by liberal japonicus Here Otherwise, an open thread.

by russell a bit of local history.  local to me, at least – the events described here all occurred within a mile or two of where I live.   plus ca change.  I wonder if the bit about the local militia stand-off at the bridge is a peek at our future.  

by liberal japonicus Former pope Benedict admits making false claim to child sexual abuse inquiry “Tell me, Martin,” he said. “Weren’t some of the popes—of course, not our present man, or his predecessor, but some of the old popes—not exactly … you know … up to the knocker?” There was a silence. Mr Cunningham said: … Read more

by liberal japonicus This just popped up Common Security Approaches to Resolve the Ukraine and European Crises and I thought it would provide an opportunity for folks to discuss this. Of course, it should come as no surprise that the Republicans seek to make hay out of this Dems torpedo Cruz’s bid to sanction Russian … Read more

by liberal japonicus Just to get things started: This be the verse Have at it.

by liberal japonicus Japan’s Shift to the Right: Computational Propaganda, Abe Shinzō’s LDP, and Internet Right-Wingers (Netto Uyo) Abstract: In recent years, academic research and investigative reports have brought to light several cases of computational propaganda (i.e. orchestrated attempts to manipulate public opinion or the outcome of elections via social media), as well as proof … Read more

by liberal japonicus This post has been rattling around in my mind and the recent discussion has me try and put this up, though it is unfinished. First, a name that I knew, sort of a second order relationship (I know several people who knew him) popped up in this headline What Joe Manchin told … Read more

by liberal japonicus My mom, who passed away in 2007 from melanoma, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 80’s, so I found this article quite interesting https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/01/a-very-common-virus-may-be-the-trigger-for-multiple-sclerosis/ The fact that they screened for over 200 viruses makes the conclusion much stronger. Pity we live in a time when a big chunk of the population … Read more