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Moral Depravity
Sep. 17th, 2021 05:04 pmWarning, this post may (should) piss everyone off who reads it. ( Political Ad - Holocaust )
GRRR PayPal
Aug. 13th, 2021 12:51 pmSo, like many other entities, Pay Pal has been suggesting for months that you add a mobile number. When I tried to log in last night, I couldn't get in ... they now REQUIRE a mobile number (new since mid-July) and they couldn't be arsed to let their users know it was going to be a requirement until AFTER they implemented it and to make it worse it sounds like (reading the page) it is still voluntary (by adding your number you are agreeing to this, that and the other as well as adding your number increases security blah blah blah. How does this help people who either don't have a mobile phone OR have an emergency use only phone OR have a plan with no Text or Data?
I was able (fortunately) to get in via an invoice I was paying off over time and have finished paying that invoice, sent the money I was trying to send yesterday, and have now removed all my $ info from PayPal. This pretty much sucks because a) I liked the cashback I was getting this quarter, b) I had been planning on selling some models and accepting $ via PayPal (I guess I really should have done that a few months ago), c) it is a good way for me to pay things and not have my credit card everywhere.
When is the world going to realize that not everyone is marching to a given drum and that COMMUNICATION BEFORE CHANGES IS A GOOD IDEA.
I was able (fortunately) to get in via an invoice I was paying off over time and have finished paying that invoice, sent the money I was trying to send yesterday, and have now removed all my $ info from PayPal. This pretty much sucks because a) I liked the cashback I was getting this quarter, b) I had been planning on selling some models and accepting $ via PayPal (I guess I really should have done that a few months ago), c) it is a good way for me to pay things and not have my credit card everywhere.
When is the world going to realize that not everyone is marching to a given drum and that COMMUNICATION BEFORE CHANGES IS A GOOD IDEA.
Florida Stupidity
Jun. 29th, 2021 05:14 pmSo, the state of Florida is sometimes known to have some really crazy and/or stupid things going on in it. This particular set of things is really taking the cake from my point of view.
Florida HB233 (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/233/BillText/er/PDF)
Which says (in part)
The State Board of Education shall require each Florida College System institution to conduct an annual assessment of the intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity at that institution. The State Board of Education shall select or create an objective, nonpartisan, and statistically valid survey to be used by each institution which considers the extent to which competing ideas and perspectives are presented and members of the college community, including students, faculty, and staff, feel free to express their beliefs and viewpoints on campus and in the classroom.
Which on the surface sounds pretty good, I mean, being free to have your opinion is a good thing and part of academic freedom, right? However, do we really believe that the board of education will select or create anobjective, nonpartisan, and statistically valid survey (completely ignoring that statistical validity depends on samples and analyses and not the questions).
Then they add this gem:
[A] student may record video or audio of class lectures for their own personal educational use, in connection with a complaint to the public institution of higher education where the recording was made, or as evidence in, or in preparation for, a criminal or civil proceeding. A recorded lecture may not be published without the consent of the lecturer.
And once the student uploads it, how does that work?
Oh this is how:
(a) Against a public institution of higher education based on the violation of the individual's expressive rights in a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain declaratory and injunctive relief and may be entitled to damages plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, which may only be paid from nonstate funds, reasonable court costs, and attorney fees. (b) Against a person who has published video or audio recorded in a classroom in violation of paragraph (3)(g) in a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain declaratory and injunctive relief and may be entitled to damages plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, with the total recovery not to exceed $200,000.
So, the students who publishes a video illegally may have to pay up to $200,000 but the professor or staff member who is convicted has an unlimited amount of damage that they can pay, in spite of the fact that the damage to a professor may be well over $200,000 (loss of grants over 10 years). Compound this by the publication of a recording being a problem is limited to a recorded lecture and does not include discussion sections, seminars, etc..
Then, at about the same time the Florida Board of Education (at the behest of the governor) passes a ruling on teaching history (https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/19958/urlt/7-2.pdf) which says in part:
[M]embers of instructional staff in public schools must teach the
required instruction topics efficiently and faithfully, using materials that meet the highest standards of
professionalism and historical accuracy. [...] Instruction on the required topics must be factual and objective, and may not suppress or distort significant historical events, such as the Holocaust, and may not define American history as something other than the creation of a new nation based largely on universal principles stated in the Declaration of Independence. (c) Efficient and faithful teaching further means that any discussion is appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students, and teachers serve as facilitators for student discussion and do not share their personal views or
attempt to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.
In Maryland, Higher Ed (i.e. colleges and universities) fall under the rules of the State Board of Education for many things. Which would mean that a college course that taught that not all men were treated as created equal even through the Jim Crow laws of the 60s would not be permitted. Furthermore, a teacher saying that they thought that this was a bad part of US history (which is their opinion) would not be permitted. Thus they may well feel like their intellectual freedoms are not respected and report that in the mandatory survey.
Any bets on if a reasonably large percentage of people report that they don't feel comfortable stating their opinions that the Governor, Legislature, and Board of Ed will be absolutely convinced that it is the Left squashing the Right instead of the other way around?
Florida HB233 (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/233/BillText/er/PDF)
Which says (in part)
The State Board of Education shall require each Florida College System institution to conduct an annual assessment of the intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity at that institution. The State Board of Education shall select or create an objective, nonpartisan, and statistically valid survey to be used by each institution which considers the extent to which competing ideas and perspectives are presented and members of the college community, including students, faculty, and staff, feel free to express their beliefs and viewpoints on campus and in the classroom.
Which on the surface sounds pretty good, I mean, being free to have your opinion is a good thing and part of academic freedom, right? However, do we really believe that the board of education will select or create an
Then they add this gem:
[A] student may record video or audio of class lectures for their own personal educational use, in connection with a complaint to the public institution of higher education where the recording was made, or as evidence in, or in preparation for, a criminal or civil proceeding. A recorded lecture may not be published without the consent of the lecturer.
And once the student uploads it, how does that work?
Oh this is how:
(a) Against a public institution of higher education based on the violation of the individual's expressive rights in a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain declaratory and injunctive relief and may be entitled to damages plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, which may only be paid from nonstate funds, reasonable court costs, and attorney fees. (b) Against a person who has published video or audio recorded in a classroom in violation of paragraph (3)(g) in a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain declaratory and injunctive relief and may be entitled to damages plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, with the total recovery not to exceed $200,000.
So, the students who publishes a video illegally may have to pay up to $200,000 but the professor or staff member who is convicted has an unlimited amount of damage that they can pay, in spite of the fact that the damage to a professor may be well over $200,000 (loss of grants over 10 years). Compound this by the publication of a recording being a problem is limited to a recorded lecture and does not include discussion sections, seminars, etc..
Then, at about the same time the Florida Board of Education (at the behest of the governor) passes a ruling on teaching history (https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/19958/urlt/7-2.pdf) which says in part:
[M]embers of instructional staff in public schools must teach the
required instruction topics efficiently and faithfully, using materials that meet the highest standards of
professionalism and historical accuracy. [...] Instruction on the required topics must be factual and objective, and may not suppress or distort significant historical events, such as the Holocaust, and may not define American history as something other than the creation of a new nation based largely on universal principles stated in the Declaration of Independence. (c) Efficient and faithful teaching further means that any discussion is appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students, and teachers serve as facilitators for student discussion and do not share their personal views or
attempt to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.
In Maryland, Higher Ed (i.e. colleges and universities) fall under the rules of the State Board of Education for many things. Which would mean that a college course that taught that not all men were treated as created equal even through the Jim Crow laws of the 60s would not be permitted. Furthermore, a teacher saying that they thought that this was a bad part of US history (which is their opinion) would not be permitted. Thus they may well feel like their intellectual freedoms are not respected and report that in the mandatory survey.
Any bets on if a reasonably large percentage of people report that they don't feel comfortable stating their opinions that the Governor, Legislature, and Board of Ed will be absolutely convinced that it is the Left squashing the Right instead of the other way around?
Logic or lack thereof
Aug. 9th, 2020 08:46 amThe State of Virginia is in Phase3 of reopening (I think). One of their rules is no outdoor gatherings of more than 1000 people. As a result of this, Kings Dominion has announced that they will not open this year at all. Busch Gardens is having a beer event with some rides but limited rides. I don't know if the 1000 includes employees.
Given that KD has 59 rides (14 are water rides) and most rides require at least 2 ops (most more, handful less). Assume they need around 120 ride ops to run just the rides at any one time, 250/day is more likely with breaks and the number that have 3 or more (not counting the water rides which often have extras). Then figure an equal number to do food, games, janitor. That is 500 employees (I suspect it is more like 750) which may count against the total ... even if it doesn't, I can tell you that MDRF feels empty with only 1000 people, KD would feel frighteningly quiet. There is no way that the income from 1000 people (some of whom would be pass holders and likely only buying food) would cover the salaries of those 500-750 people.
What is currently boggling my mind is that there is a limit of 1000 in a large outdoor venue but schools can open. My graduating class (just my class) was 998 alive and 2 seats held for the 2 who died while we were in highschool. Thus the student population was probably around 4000 ... indoors ... spread across 1 main building, 1 annex (everyone in the Annex was in the main building 1/2 of the day) and maybe 2 temp buildings with lots of class changes. Even with 1/2 of the population home, that is still twice what KD is allowed and I can assure you that KD could have social distancing much more easily than the school could.
Given that KD has 59 rides (14 are water rides) and most rides require at least 2 ops (most more, handful less). Assume they need around 120 ride ops to run just the rides at any one time, 250/day is more likely with breaks and the number that have 3 or more (not counting the water rides which often have extras). Then figure an equal number to do food, games, janitor. That is 500 employees (I suspect it is more like 750) which may count against the total ... even if it doesn't, I can tell you that MDRF feels empty with only 1000 people, KD would feel frighteningly quiet. There is no way that the income from 1000 people (some of whom would be pass holders and likely only buying food) would cover the salaries of those 500-750 people.
What is currently boggling my mind is that there is a limit of 1000 in a large outdoor venue but schools can open. My graduating class (just my class) was 998 alive and 2 seats held for the 2 who died while we were in highschool. Thus the student population was probably around 4000 ... indoors ... spread across 1 main building, 1 annex (everyone in the Annex was in the main building 1/2 of the day) and maybe 2 temp buildings with lots of class changes. Even with 1/2 of the population home, that is still twice what KD is allowed and I can assure you that KD could have social distancing much more easily than the school could.
Statement from NHD
Jun. 4th, 2020 09:00 amNHD is National History Day. It is an educational contest were kids in 6-12 grade compete in 2 division (junior and senior) in one of 5 categories (documentary, paper, website, exhibit, performance) and in most categories can compete as groups or individuals. They do research for most of year on a topic related to a theme then present it at competitions culminating in the National competition usually held in June in College Park. This year it is virtual but still happening. In the midst of everything going on, the Executive Director of NHD Cathy Gorn made a statement. I am sharing this (with permission) because I think it should be repeated. It can also be found on FB
STATEMENT FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CATHY GORN
Over the last week, I have watched the events, protests, and unrest taking place in cities across the country. I understand the frustration and anger expressed in response to ongoing incidents of brutality and deadly violence against African Americans. They are wrong, they are tragic, and my sorrow and sympathies are with the families and communities of those who have lost their lives.
Our country has struggled for centuries with the very issues confronting us today. Black history is American history. Its place in providing an unfiltered view of action and inaction in the face of inequality deserves to be scrutinized to enact change for the future. The dangers of ignoring the consequences of our shared history and reluctance to grapple with the difficult parts of our past create ripples that reverberate into systemic social and economic inequality.
Historians seek the truth, and part of that means asking tough questions not only of the subjects we study, but of ourselves. We cannot pick and choose to examine only the stories of history that make us feel safe. We must also confront our own biases and prejudices, implicit or explicit, to understand their influence in our work. Good historians continue to ask questions of each other, and of history, to pursue the truth in order to shape a better future.
Students, when you see injustice, take a stand; but don’t just stand there. When you turn 18, run, don’t walk, to register to vote. Democracy works best when “We the People” are engaged and informed. The figures and movements of history which you have addressed in your projects provide crucial lessons to be heeded in this moment. How were systemic inequalities broken down in the past? How did leaders galvanize and unite their people in times of darkness and strife? What motivated individuals of privilege to speak up and take action for the oppressed? Who were the agents of change, and how did they hold their leaders to account? I hope your answers to these questions will inform your words and actions beyond the classroom as you face the world and establish the role you will play in it.
This is why we study history. This is why we do National History Day.
STATEMENT FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CATHY GORN
Over the last week, I have watched the events, protests, and unrest taking place in cities across the country. I understand the frustration and anger expressed in response to ongoing incidents of brutality and deadly violence against African Americans. They are wrong, they are tragic, and my sorrow and sympathies are with the families and communities of those who have lost their lives.
Our country has struggled for centuries with the very issues confronting us today. Black history is American history. Its place in providing an unfiltered view of action and inaction in the face of inequality deserves to be scrutinized to enact change for the future. The dangers of ignoring the consequences of our shared history and reluctance to grapple with the difficult parts of our past create ripples that reverberate into systemic social and economic inequality.
Historians seek the truth, and part of that means asking tough questions not only of the subjects we study, but of ourselves. We cannot pick and choose to examine only the stories of history that make us feel safe. We must also confront our own biases and prejudices, implicit or explicit, to understand their influence in our work. Good historians continue to ask questions of each other, and of history, to pursue the truth in order to shape a better future.
Students, when you see injustice, take a stand; but don’t just stand there. When you turn 18, run, don’t walk, to register to vote. Democracy works best when “We the People” are engaged and informed. The figures and movements of history which you have addressed in your projects provide crucial lessons to be heeded in this moment. How were systemic inequalities broken down in the past? How did leaders galvanize and unite their people in times of darkness and strife? What motivated individuals of privilege to speak up and take action for the oppressed? Who were the agents of change, and how did they hold their leaders to account? I hope your answers to these questions will inform your words and actions beyond the classroom as you face the world and establish the role you will play in it.
This is why we study history. This is why we do National History Day.
Streaming Theatre
Apr. 30th, 2020 09:02 amI keep seeing references to watching streaming versions of plays. Unfortunately, with FB's lovely posting logic, I can't find a way to keep track of them. I can't watch all of them but some would be nice. Is there either a single place to find them OR can people post where they find them. I know I have seen people talking about Globe Theatre, Broadway, and I think National Theatre (UK). I will put what little I have found in comments. Feel free to add to comments OR email me things to add.
BTW - public
BTW - public
This is so wrong
Jan. 14th, 2010 12:54 pmhttp://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/.a/6a00d83451c45669e20120a7a8552a970b-500wi - more states allow marriage between first cousins than allow gay marriages. Now, given that a lot of the wingnuts charming people who feel that gays should not be allowed to marry are trotting out the whole "marriage is about having children and raising them in a family environment" argument, this really bothers me. Having first cousins have children is potentially a bad idea from a genetic viewpoint and is (in my opinion) a little creepy.
Political Rant
Feb. 1st, 2006 06:15 pmIf I were not an atheist, I would believe in a God who would choose to save people on the basis of the totality of their lives and not the pattern of their words. I think he would prefer an honest and righteous atheist to a TV preacher whose every word is God, God, God, and whose every deed is foul, foul, foul. -Isaac Asimov, scientist and writer (1920-1992)
What a wise man in so many ways. This applies to preachers, politicians and people in general. Honesty and righteousness is important ... or at least it should be.
( Party vs. Candidate )
As one of my favorite quotes says "Dear God, protect me from those to whom you speak directly." *sigh* I hate people who tar groups with a very broad brush (if you don't support the activities in Iraq, you are a traitor; if you don't support the heterosexcual marriage is the only kind idea, you are against morals and responsibilities). Feh
In other potentially disturbing links (for those who may not follow such things), the 2005 Stella Awards got announced and are available at True Stella Awards
What a wise man in so many ways. This applies to preachers, politicians and people in general. Honesty and righteousness is important ... or at least it should be.
( Party vs. Candidate )
As one of my favorite quotes says "Dear God, protect me from those to whom you speak directly." *sigh* I hate people who tar groups with a very broad brush (if you don't support the activities in Iraq, you are a traitor; if you don't support the heterosexcual marriage is the only kind idea, you are against morals and responsibilities). Feh
In other potentially disturbing links (for those who may not follow such things), the 2005 Stella Awards got announced and are available at True Stella Awards
Quote and minor rant
Sep. 20th, 2002 11:17 amThis quote is from A Word A Day which is a fabulous service with a new word every weekday and a quote. Today's is particularly thought provoking in the current political/social climate.
We grow tyrannical fighting tyranny. The most alarming spectacle today is not the spectacle of the atomic bomb in an unfederated world, it is the spectacle of the Americans beginning to accept the device of loyalty oaths and witchhunts, beginning to call anybody they don't like a Communist.
-E.B. White, writer (1899-1985)
Add in "infidel" or "atheist" (therefore Terrorist) "witch" (therefore Satan Worshipper) and you have today. *sigh* To quote the old song "When will they ever learn, oh when will they EVER learn."
I'm not going to jump on that particular soapbox (again), but to put one foot on it. Religion can be mis-used by anyone and those uses should not be blamed on the faith per se. McCarthy used "non-Christian" to equal "Communist" and I fear we are going in that direction again. This is aside from the narrow-minded fears of small-minded masses who want to ban Harry Potter (which gets kids READING for goodness sake) due to Magic. What's next, Mary Poppins? There is a school district where parents are trying to ban Witch of Blackbird Pond (who isn't a witch) under the "no teaching of religion in schools" rules (but they can teach the Scarlet Letter and the modern pledge). Feh.
Ooops, I guess I stood on the soap-box afterall.
We grow tyrannical fighting tyranny. The most alarming spectacle today is not the spectacle of the atomic bomb in an unfederated world, it is the spectacle of the Americans beginning to accept the device of loyalty oaths and witchhunts, beginning to call anybody they don't like a Communist.
-E.B. White, writer (1899-1985)
Add in "infidel" or "atheist" (therefore Terrorist) "witch" (therefore Satan Worshipper) and you have today. *sigh* To quote the old song "When will they ever learn, oh when will they EVER learn."
I'm not going to jump on that particular soapbox (again), but to put one foot on it. Religion can be mis-used by anyone and those uses should not be blamed on the faith per se. McCarthy used "non-Christian" to equal "Communist" and I fear we are going in that direction again. This is aside from the narrow-minded fears of small-minded masses who want to ban Harry Potter (which gets kids READING for goodness sake) due to Magic. What's next, Mary Poppins? There is a school district where parents are trying to ban Witch of Blackbird Pond (who isn't a witch) under the "no teaching of religion in schools" rules (but they can teach the Scarlet Letter and the modern pledge). Feh.
Ooops, I guess I stood on the soap-box afterall.
