Tag: Entertainment

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Halloween Viewing

Stumbled upon a bundle of all the Tremors movies. I also got a copy of Earth vs. The Flying Saucers.

I’ve got my usual selection of SciFi and horror for the season. I haven’t’ figured out my watching order yet, although the Tremors movies are thankfully numbered. I’m thinking I’ll go for the old 50’s science fiction on the 30th into the 31st, or just watch all the old stuff on the 31st.

The Thing from Another Planet, Forbidden Planet, Earth vs The Flying Saucers, War of the Worlds, The Day the Earth Stood Still, maybe finish off the day with Rocky Horror Picture Show

I also need to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

I know, I’m all about tradition. You’ll not that Hocus Pokus is not on the list. I hate that. It’s one of the traditional Halloween movies that I’ve pulled out of rotation because Bette Midler has been injecting herself into the political arena.

Actors please entertain us, don’t preach your politics to us. I don’t much care if Streisand, Cher, or half a dozen of your colleagues don’t like a politician and say you’re going to leave. Your opinion is of no importance to me. Please stop ruining your movies by shooting your mouth off saying stupid stuff. When you folks say some of the stupid stuff you do, I can’t watch your movies because I can’t separate your stupid comments from your characters onscreen. So the movie isn’t fun to watch anymore. The best actor is the one who acts, and the rest of the time keeps their mouth shut.

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Busted! When AI writing goes off the rails!

I routinely look at articles discussing Apple iPhone’s “Dynamic Island”. It’s a relatively new feature on iPhones and a new feature for me as this is the first iPhone I’ve owned that incorporated it.

Every once in a while I’ll have an app running, then switch to something else. At these times I’m made aware of the Dynamic Island because interesting information from one or more apps is displayed in the island.

Not all apps support Dynamic Island, nor do they need to. However, I’m always intrigued when an app puts something in the island.

This morning I ran across this article about the DI and had a really good laugh after my brain rebooted once or twice. The article starts getting really funny in the “Apple’s Vision for the Dynamic Island” section.

Here for your amusement is a copy of the article in case someone over at cellularnews.com wakes up and realizes the AI made up all the content.

I suppose it’s possible that cellularnews.com or the listed source thesweetsetup.com are a completely bogus site designed for nothing but pushing advertisements. Perhaps this article is satire?

Apple Reveals Its Actual Thoughts On The Dynamic Island

Written by: Blaire Lubin | Last updated on January 24, 2024

Tech Insights & Trends

Industry News

Mobile Accessories

apple-reveals-its-actual-thoughts-on-the-dynamic-island

Source: Thesweetsetup.com

When it comes to cell phones and mobile accessories, Apple has always been at the forefront of innovation and design. Their latest revelation, the Dynamic Island, is no exception. Apple’s new product promises to revolutionize the way we interact with our mobile devices. But what are Apple’s actual thoughts on the Dynamic Island? In this article, we will delve into the minds of Apple and explore their insights and vision behind this groundbreaking creation. From the design concept to the functionality, we will uncover the secrets that make the Dynamic Island a must-have accessory for every cell phone user. So, let’s dive in and discover Apple’s true perspective on the Dynamic Island.

Inside This Article

Apple’s Vision for the Dynamic Island

The Technological Innovations of the Dynamic Island

The Environmental Impact of the Dynamic Island

The Potential Challenges and Benefits of the Dynamic Island

Conclusion

FAQs

Apple’s Vision for the Dynamic Island

Apple is renowned for its groundbreaking innovations in the tech industry. From the iPhone to the Apple Watch, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of technology. Now, Apple is turning its attention to a new frontier: the creation of a Dynamic Island.

So, what exactly is a Dynamic Island? According to Apple, it is a revolutionary concept that combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable design principles. The goal is to create an island that is not only a place to live and work but also a living ecosystem that adapts and evolves with the needs of its inhabitants.

At the core of Apple’s vision for the Dynamic Island is the integration of smart technologies. Imagine a place where buildings are seamlessly connected, and everything from lighting to transportation is controlled by an intelligent network. This would not only enhance the convenience and efficiency of daily life but also minimize waste and energy consumption.

But it doesn’t stop there. Apple’s vision also includes the utilization of renewable energy sources. Solar panels and wind turbines would be strategically incorporated into the island’s infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly power supply. Additionally, advanced waste management systems would be implemented to minimize pollution and promote recycling.

One of the key aspects of the Dynamic Island is its adaptability. Apple envisions an island that can respond to the changing needs and desires of its residents. This means that buildings can be easily reconfigured or even moved to different locations, allowing for the flexible use of space. Whether it’s creating new residential areas, expanding commercial zones, or transforming public spaces, the Dynamic Island can accommodate it all.

Furthermore, Apple recognizes the importance of fostering a sense of community and connection within the Dynamic Island. The company plans to create vibrant public spaces where people can come together, collaborate, and socialize. Green parks, recreational facilities, and cultural venues will be carefully integrated into the island’s design, promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Apple’s vision for the Dynamic Island is an ambitious one, but it aligns perfectly with the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By creating a smart, adaptable, and eco-friendly living environment, Apple is setting the stage for a new era of urban development.

As the company continues to explore and refine its vision, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the near future. The Dynamic Island represents a bold step forward in the evolution of smart cities and serves as a shining example of what is possible when technology and sustainability come together.

The Technological Innovations of the Dynamic Island

The Dynamic Island is not just a groundbreaking architectural marvel – it is also a testament to the limitless possibilities of technological innovation. From its inception, Apple envisioned the Dynamic Island as a hub of technological advancements that would redefine the way we interact with our environment and each other.

One of the most notable technological features of the Dynamic Island is its smart infrastructure. Powered by advanced IoT (Internet of Things) technology, the entire island is interconnected. Every building, streetlight, and vehicle is equipped with sensors and actuators, creating a network that constantly collects and analyzes data to optimize efficiency and enhance the island’s functionality.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in the operations of the Dynamic Island. The AI-powered virtual assistants, embedded in every corner of the island, act as personal concierges, providing real-time information and personalized services to residents and visitors. Whether it’s finding the best route to a destination or recommending local attractions, the virtual assistants are there to make every experience on the island seamless and convenient.

The Dynamic Island is also a pioneer in renewable energy solutions. It harnesses solar panels and wind turbines strategically placed throughout the island to generate clean and sustainable energy. The advanced energy management system intelligently monitors and optimizes the distribution of this renewable energy, minimizing wastage and reducing the island’s carbon footprint.

Another technological breakthrough on the Dynamic Island is its integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive virtual worlds or enhance their real-world encounters with digital overlays, giving rise to a new dimension of entertainment, education, and communication.

The transportation system on the Dynamic Island is perhaps one of its most awe-inspiring innovations. A network of autonomous vehicles, powered by electric engines, seamlessly navigates the island, offering efficient and eco-friendly transportation options. These cutting-edge vehicles communicate with the island’s smart infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and synchronized flow of traffic throughout the island.

The technological innovations on the Dynamic Island are not limited to buildings and infrastructure. The island provides its residents with seamless connectivity through advanced 5G networks, enabling high-speed internet access and facilitating the integration of smart devices into everyday life.

Overall, the Dynamic Island serves as a testament to Apple’s commitment to technological innovation and sustainable living. Its smart infrastructure, AI integration, renewable energy solutions, AR/VR experiences, autonomous transportation, and connectivity advancements make it a remarkable model for future cities and a true testament to the power of technology.

The Environmental Impact of the Dynamic Island

The Dynamic Island, with its advanced technological features and cutting-edge design, offers a plethora of benefits to users. However, it is essential to consider the environmental impact that this innovative creation may have. While the island is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly, there are still important factors to consider.

1. Energy Consumption: The Dynamic Island utilizes various technologies that require a substantial amount of energy to function optimally. From its advanced lighting systems to its interactive screens, energy consumption is a significant consideration. Efforts must be made to ensure that the island’s energy needs are met using renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, to minimize its carbon footprint.

2. E-Waste Management: With the rapid advancement of technology, electronic waste (e-waste) has become a significant concern worldwide. The Dynamic Island, with its intricate components and sophisticated features, may also contribute to the e-waste stream. It is crucial for the creators of the island to implement effective recycling programs and promote responsible disposal of old or damaged components.

3. Environmental Preservation: The construction and maintenance of the Dynamic Island must take into account the impact on the surrounding environment. Special consideration should be given to the preservation of natural habitats, reduction of noise pollution, and protection of flora and fauna in the area. Additionally, sustainable materials and practices should be implemented during the construction process to minimize the ecological footprint.

4. Water Usage: The Dynamic Island incorporates various water features to enhance its appeal and functionality. However, the efficient use of water resources is paramount. Technologies such as water recycling systems and automated irrigation should be employed to ensure water conservation and minimize wastage.

5. Long-Term Sustainability: The environmental impact of the Dynamic Island should not only be considered during its construction phase but also its long-term sustainability. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous adherence to eco-friendly practices.

The Potential Challenges and Benefits of the Dynamic Island

As exciting as the concept of the Dynamic Island may be, it is essential to consider both the potential challenges and benefits that accompany such a technological innovation. Let’s explore some of the key factors that could impact the success and implementation of this revolutionary idea.

Challenges

1. Infrastructure: Building a Dynamic Island from scratch would require a significant investment in infrastructure. The construction of this virtual paradise would involve the deployment of a vast network of sensors, communication systems, and power sources, presenting logistical challenges and costs.

2. Privacy and Security Concerns: With the integration of numerous sensors and IoT devices, privacy and security become critical concerns. Ensuring that personal data remains confidential and protected from cyber threats would require robust measures and protocols to safeguard user information.

3. Ethical Considerations: The Dynamic Island raises ethical questions surrounding the impact on wildlife and the environment. Constructing a virtual paradise could disrupt ecosystems and wildlife habitats, necessitating careful planning and mitigation strategies to minimize any negative effects on the natural world.

4. Social Inclusion: The implementation of the Dynamic Island shouldn’t exacerbate existing social inequalities. It is crucial to ensure equal access to the island’s benefits and opportunities, avoiding the creation of a digital divide between different socio-economic groups.

Benefits

1. Innovative Integration: The Dynamic Island offers the potential for seamless integration of various smart technologies. From smart homes to autonomous transportation systems, this interconnected environment could revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings.

2. Enhanced Sustainability: With a focus on green technologies and renewable energy sources, the Dynamic Island could serve as a model for sustainability. By implementing eco-friendly solutions and practices, such as efficient waste management and renewable energy generation, the island could significantly reduce its ecological footprint.

3. Improved Quality of Life: The Dynamic Island would aim to enhance the overall quality of life for its residents. Smart healthcare systems, advanced AI-assisted services, and seamless connectivity would contribute to convenience, efficiency, and overall well-being.

4. Economic Opportunities: The implementation of the Dynamic Island would generate a wide array of economic opportunities. The construction, maintenance, and management of the infrastructure would lead to job creation, technological innovation, and sector growth, stimulating the local economy.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of Apple’s thoughts on the Dynamic Island, it becomes evident that the tech giant recognizes the potential of this innovative concept. With its emphasis on modular and customizable mobile accessories, the Dynamic Island opens up a whole new world of possibilities for smartphone users. Apple’s enthusiasm for this idea is reflected in their commitment to research and development, as well as their collaboration with accessory manufacturers.

By embracing the Dynamic Island, Apple is not only catering to the evolving needs and preferences of their customers but also setting a new standard for mobile accessories in the industry. The integration of advanced technologies, sustainability-driven design, and seamless user experience is set to redefine how we interact with our smartphones.

As we eagerly await the release of Apple’s Dynamic Island, it’s clear that this groundbreaking concept will revolutionize the way we use and accessorize our mobile devices. The possibilities are endless, and the future of mobile accessories looks brighter than ever.

FAQs

1. What are mobile accessories?

Mobile accessories refer to supplementary devices or products that are used to enhance the functionality, aesthetics, or protection of mobile phones. These accessories can include items such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, headphones, power banks, and more.

2. Why should I invest in mobile accessories?

Investing in mobile accessories can greatly enhance your overall mobile experience. Accessories like cases and screen protectors offer protection against physical damage and scratches, while chargers and power banks ensure you never run out of battery power. Headphones and Bluetooth speakers improve audio quality, and mobile stands or mounts provide convenience for hands-free usage.

3. Are all mobile accessories compatible with all phone models?

No, not all mobile accessories are compatible with every phone model. Manufacturers create accessories specifically designed for certain phone models, taking into consideration factors like measurements, ports, and features. Therefore, it is essential to choose accessories that are compatible with your specific phone model to ensure a proper fit and functionality.

4. How do I choose the right mobile accessories?

Choosing the right mobile accessories depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the type of protection you require, the desired functionalities, and the overall aesthetics that align with your personal style. Additionally, make sure to check compatibility with your phone model and read reviews or seek recommendations to ensure the quality and reliability of the accessories.

5. Are there any tips for maintaining and cleaning mobile accessories?

Yes, there are a few tips for maintaining and cleaning mobile accessories. For cases and screen protectors, wiping them with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution can help remove dirt and smudges. To clean headphones or earbuds, gently wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and use a small brush to remove any debris from the speaker grilles. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning recommendations and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the accessories.

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Whew! We dodged that bullet!

Kamala Harris has been appointed the Biden Administration’s Gun CZAR. She’ll be leading President Dunderhead’s  new federal office of gun violence prevention.

Cacklingkamala

Of course President dumbass would create some new office of blah blah blah. Of course his administration would take aim at the 2nd amendment. After all his administration has already tried to trash the First and Fourth amendments.

His administration is also engaging in destroying the justice system so the American Citizen won’t have any legal recourse to recover their rights…

Fortunately for those of us who believe in the 2nd Amendment, President Dullard, appointed perhaps the only person more incompetent than himself. Kamala Harris!

With her at the head of this anti-gun push, we’ll all be able to own .50 Cal Machine guns by Christmas. If we’re really lucky we’ll be able to have patriot missile batteries on our front lawns by New Years! That assessment is based on her stellar performance as the border CZAR. 

The gun control lobby must be apoplectic. They know they’re screwed but they can’t say anything about it because to criticize the Biden/Harris administration is heresy of the highest order!

That part makes me laugh! It’s nice to see them get a little of what average law abiding citizens have been putting up with since President Doofus, “bump & goed,” his way into the Oval Office, and honestly a long time before that in California.

(I never noticed how many denigrating terms started with “D” before.)

There was a reason that no one in California voted for Harris for President. It wasn’t that she was a woman, or a woman of color, or that she couldn’t keep her legs together. It was that she was a SHITTY Attorney General for the state, and a shittier Senator.

Putting her in the Senate meant that she wasn’t in California to keep screwing up the state. Beware all you lockstep Democrats… The people of California might send Gavin Newsom to Washington as President so we have time to undo his colossal fuck ups here in California. Yeah, think about that for a minute! Maybe the dumbasses we send to the House and Senate, we send not because they’re good but so that we can limit the damage they do to the state.

In Kamala’s case no one ever imagined that she’d be considered for Vice President. Then along comes President dipshit!

(There really are a lot of “D” words…)

I heard that President Dummy said, “If you need an 80 round magazine, you shouldn’t own a gun.”

I thought that was funny too. An 80 round magazine just means you can bag your hunting limit without reloading!

On the other hand, if high capacity magazines are measures of how good a shot you are, or should be, then perhaps we should limit the capital police to single shot weapons in time for the next insurrection.

It would be interesting to see the capital police and maybe the D.C. police defending why they felt it necessary to have 15 round magazines in their Glocks, in contradiction to President Dweebs assertions.

Fellow patriots, we can all rest easy! Cackling Kamala will be as effective in the Gun Control sphere, as she has been in every position the Biden administration has put her in. 

It does make me wonder if she’s any good in the one venue that has supposedly  propelled her to the top of the political arena. Is she well versed in the bedroom, or is it just easy to get her legs open?

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Good for Rumble!

Rumble, a YouTube alternative did a couple of things I like. 

I’m sure there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth in woketard land.

As you may have heard, Russell Brand a UK comedian is accused of rape and sexual assault charges.

ACCUSED!!!! Not TRIED, Not FOUND GUILTY, ACCUSED!

Russell CROPPED 919x1030

I accuse President Biden of corruption, selling our country to China, and shitting his pants. Does that mean that president Biden should be removed from office without trial? Uhhh NO. My accusation is, by the way, as valid as the accusations against Russel Brand.

But accusations, are not guilt. Accusations are, if credible, the foundation for investigation, factual discovery, and decision making, to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with due legal process.

Many of these processes after accusation were not done with former president Donald Trump in the matters leading up to his impeachment(s).

Part of the investigation process after accusation is determining what factual evidence is present and uncovering it, not repeating the accusation over and over again.

But our society no longer engages in any of the follow up steps after an accusation. We jump directly to the punishment phase of a trial which has not happened.

This is exactly what has happened to Russell Brand.

YouTube, a Google subsidiary. Cancelled Russell Brand when the accusations came to light. Since Mr. Brand makes his income in part from YouTube, the cancellation effectively damages his ability to lawyer up. 

Cancellation isn’t just about sweeping someone off the public stage, cancelling is about utterly destroying their ability to prove their innocence, mount and maintain a defense, or ideally continuing to live.

The cancelling mob wants blood, and would be quite happy to see their victim blow their brains out or immolate themselves on the court house steps.

The cancel mob would then use either event as an opportunity to enact gun control or discuss how gasoline should be restricted in the name of climate change.

The cancel mob does not, would not, and never will, care about the damage they cause. It’s not just the person who has become the object of their ire, it’s that persons family too. The cancel mob refuses to stop until they have laid waste to every aspect of their target’s life.

The cancel mob isn’t just a bunch of blue haired fat ugly undatable women. (Well more properly, they could be ‘mopeds’. An easy ride but you don’t want your buddies seeing you on one.) The cancel mob consists of people in the UK government. That is a major problem for the folks of the UK.

But it’s also a sign that every western government has probably been infiltrated by a nasty fungus. And yes, Uncle Sam probably has jock itch too.

Conservative MP Caroline Dinenage, the chairwoman of the UK Parliament’s Culture, Media, and Sports Committee wrote a formal letter to Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski suggesting that Russell Brand should no longer have the ability to monetize his video content on the Rumble platform. 

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The letter says in part;

“While we recognize that Rumble is not the creator of the content published by Mr. Brand, we are concerned that he may be able to profit from his content on the platform,”

the letter goes on.

“We would be grateful if you could confirm whether Mr. Brand is able to monetize his content, including his videos relating to the serious accusations against him.”

“If so, we would like to know whether Rumble intends to join YouTube in suspending Mr. Brand’s ability to earn money on the platform. We would also like to know what Rumble is doing to ensure that creators are not able to use the platform to undermine the welfare of victims of inappropriate and potentially illegal behaviour,” Dinenage continued.

This kind of thing should make your blood run cold. There is no due process here. This is roughly the equivalent of seizing Russell Brand’s bank accounts, or de-banking him. Either of which the UK government is all too willing to do. Where does the punishment begin or end? I was always taught the punishment started after you were found guilty in a court where the actual evidence was presented before a jury. In that regard, the UK and the United States are / were similar.

Apparently that’s no longer the case.Well I guess in the case of two tiered justice as we see it here in the United States, it might still be the case.

If you’re Hunter Biden, or super wealthy and a friend of one political party, your punishment is deferred until after the trial,  but if you’re “Little People” you get thrown in prison for years AWAITING Trial. As in the case of the Jan 6th Detainees.

I thought there was something in the American Constitution or Bill of Rights about a speedy trial. I guess speedy is a matter of interpretation and convenience. I’m not sure if there’s a similar clause in the foundational documents of the UK. 

Before you say, “Well it’s in England…”

Be completely aware that the mob, works the same damn way regardless of which side of The Pond you’re on.  There is zero insulation or time delay for an idea to appear on one side of the Atlantic and be tried on the other side of the Atlantic.

BLM riots in London? ANTIFA, #METOO, The trans bullshit, pick anything that has disrupted western society in the past 10 years and tell me there was more than a 30 minute delay one side of the ocean to the other. Go on… I’ll wait.

Rumble’s response to the scold MP Caroline Dinenage was heartening and appropriate;

Today we received an extremely disturbing letter from a committee chair in the UK Parliament.

While Rumble obviously deplores sexual assault, rape, and all serious crimes, and believes that both alleged victims and the accused are entitled to a full and serious investigation, it is vital to note that recent allegations against Russell Brand have nothing to do with content on Rumble’s platform.

Just yesterday, YouTube announced that, based solely on these media accusations, it was barring Mr. Brand from monetizing his video content. Rumble stands for very different values. We have devoted ourselves to the vital cause of defending a free internet – meaning an internet where no one arbitrarily dictates which ideas can or cannot be heard, or which citizens may or may not be entitled to a platform.

We regard it as deeply inappropriate and dangerous that the UK Parliament would attempt to control who is allowed to speak on our platform or to earn a living from doing so. Singling out an individual and demanding his ban is even more disturbing given the absence of any connection between the allegations and his content on Rumble. We don’t agree with the behavior of many Rumble creators, but we refuse to penalize them for actions that have nothing to do with our platform.

Although it may be politically and socially easier for Rumble to join a cancel culture mob, doing so would be a violation of our company’s values and mission. We emphatically reject the UK Parliament’s demands.

 

The Rumble letter makes me think that perhaps there is hope in the alternative tech world. That made me very happy, and that Rumble published the letter from the MP tickled me pink because there’s no way for this slimy bitch to deny it.

Rumble published an image of the letter on X I’d have included it but X wasn’t cooperative. When I tried to link to the X posting, the image was so small that it was unreadable so I did the next best thing.

Here is the full text of the MP’s letter. Apologies, the formatting is not 100%:

Chris Pavlovski

Chief Executive Officer

Rumble

20 September 2023

Dear Chris,

l am writing concerning the serious allegations regarding Russell Brand, in the context of his being a content provider on Rumble with more than 1.4 million followers.

The Culture. Media and Sport Committee is raising questions with the broadcasters and production companies who previously employed Mr Brand to examine both the culture industry in the past and whether that culture still prevails today.

However, we are also looking at his use of social media, including on Rumble where he issued his pre-emptive response to the accusations made against him by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches. While we recognise that Rumble is not the creator of the content published by Mr Brand, we are concerned that he may be able to profit from his content on the platform.

We would be grateful il you could confirm whether Mr brand is able to monetise his content, including his videos relating to the senous accusations against him. it so, we would like to know whether Rumble intends to join YouTube in suspending Mr Brand’s ability to earn money on the plation.

We would also like to know what Rumble is doing to ensure that creators are not able to use the plattorm to undermine the wellare of victims of inappropriate and potentially illegal behaviour.

Yours sincerely,.

 

Dame Caroline Dinenage DB BMP

Chair, Culture, Media and Sport Committee

She actually says it outright there in the letter, “We are concerned that he may be able to profit from his content on the platform.”

FUCK! 

This bitch is essentially saying, we’re willing to allow the accusations to be made in print, The Sunday Times and on video Channel 4 but we don’t want him to be able to respond to the accusations via similar media, nor do we want him to be able to profit so that he may have the funds necessary to be able to defend himself.

This is the reason people like myself and other more intelligent and vocal people have been screaming about cancel culture, censorship, and the fact that no-one seems to notice.

You can’t allow the censoring or cancellation of one person without risking the same for everyone. This is why the poem The Hangman resonates so strongly with me today. 

 

The Hangman by Maurice Ogden

Into our town the hangman came, smelling of gold and blood and flame. He paced our bricks with a different air, and built his frame on the courthouse square. The scaffold stood by the courthouse side, only as wide as the door was wide with a frame as tall, or a little more, than the capping sill of the courthouse door.

And we wondered whenever we had the time, Who the criminal? What the crime? The hangman judged with the yellow twist of knotted hemp in his busy fist.

And innocent though we were with dread, we passed those eyes of buckshot lead. Till one cried, “Hangman, who is he, for whom you raised the gallows-tree?”

Then a twinkle grew in his buckshot eye and he gave a riddle instead of reply. “He who serves me best,” said he “Shall earn the rope on the gallows-tree.”

And he stepped down and laid his hand on a man who came from another land. And we breathed again, for anothers grief at the hangmans hand, was our relief.

And the gallows frame on the courthouse lawn by tomorrow’s sun would be struck and gone. So we gave him way and no one spoke out of respect for his hangmans cloak.

The next day’s sun looked mildly down on roof and street in our quiet town; and stark and black in the morning air the gallows-tree on the courthouse square.

And the hangman stood at his usual stand with the yellow hemp in his busy hand. With his buckshot eye and his jaw like a pike, and his air so knowing and business-like.

And we cried, “Hangman, have you not done, yesterday with the alien one?” Then we fell silent and stood amazed. “Oh, not for him was the gallows raised.”

He laughed a laugh as he looked at us, “Do you think I’ve gone to all this fuss, To hang one man? That’s the thing I do. To stretch the rope when the rope is new.”

Above our silence a voice cried “Shame!” and into our midst the hangman came; to that mans place, “Do you hold,” said he, “With him that was meat for the gallows-tree?”

He laid his hand on that one’s arm and we shrank back in quick alarm. We gave him way, and no one spoke, out of fear of the hangmans cloak.

That night we saw with dread surprise the hangmans scaffold had grown in size. Fed by the blood beneath the chute, the gallows-tree had taken root.

Now as wide, or a little more than the steps that led to the courthouse door. As tall as the writing, or nearly as tall, half way up on the courthouse wall.

The third he took, we had all heard tell, was a usurer…, an infidel. And “What” said the hangman, “Have you to do with the gallows-bound…, and he a Jew?”

And we cried out, “Is this one he who has served you well and faithfully?” The hangman smiled, “It’s a clever scheme to try the strength of the gallows beam.”

The fourth man’s dark accusing song had scratched our comfort hard and long. “And what concern,” he gave us back, “Have you … for the doomed and black?”

The fifth, the sixth, and we cried again, “Hangman, hangman, is this the man?” “It’s a trick”, said he, “that we hangman know for easing the trap when the trap springs slow.”

And so we ceased and asked no more as the hangman tallied his bloody score. And sun by sun, and night by night the gallows grew to monstrous height.

The wings of the scaffold opened wide until they covered the square from side to side. And the monster cross beam looking down, cast its shadow across the town.

Then through the town the hangman came and called through the empy streets…my name. I looked at the gallows soaring tall and thought … there’s no one left at all

for hanging … and so he called to me to help take down the gallows-tree. And I went out with right good hope to the hangmans tree and the hangmans rope.

He smiled at me as I came down to the courthouse square…through the silent town. Supple and stretched in his busy hand, was the yellow twist of hempen strand.

He whistled his tune as he tried the trap and it sprang down with a ready snap. Then with a smile of awful command, He laid his hand upon my hand.

“You tricked me Hangman.” I shouted then, “That your scaffold was built for other men, and I’m no henchman of yours.” I cried. “You lied to me Hangman, foully lied.”

Then a twinkle grew in his buckshot eye, “Lied to you…tricked you?” He said “Not I… for I answered straight and told you true. The scaffold was raised for none but you.”

“For who has served more faithfully? With your coward’s hope.” said He, “And where are the others that might have stood side by your side, in the common good?”

“Dead!” I answered, and amiably “Murdered,” the Hangman corrected me. “First the alien … then the Jew. I did no more than you let me do.”

Beneath the beam that blocked the sky none before stood so alone as I. The Hangman then strapped me…with no voice there to cry “Stay!” … for me in the empty square.

By the way, Hitler didn’t suddenly rise to power. He ascended to power step by step, brick by brick. Those bricks were laid at his feet by people believing they were special and righteous. They thought they’d escape his evil and the horror he was going to unleash by serving him or his ideas about demonizing specific groups of people.

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So remember that, all you blue haired scolds. The freedoms you so willingly steal from those whom you dislike, will one day be taken from you.

On that day, eating my watered down gruel, I’ll look up and laugh as you “Karens” are led past my prison cell…

Now I think I’m going to look into becoming a content creator on Rumble, and perhaps Locals.

I’m not sure that I want to mess with X since it may be going to a full subscription model, and even then you still can’t say what you want.

Twitter is dead, X is an echo. Maybe FaceBook will follow, and hopefully someone will think to point at people like Dame Caroline Dinenage DB BMP, Chair, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, & all the other nasty scolds who sought to end free speech, due process, and senses of humor, to lay blame on.

I doubt it, humanity’s memory is about as long as a fruit fly’s.

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Hmmm… That’s interesting and perhaps problematic.

Years ago, after our house burned and losing our substantial DVD/BluRay & CD / Vinyl collection we decided that we didn’t want to suffer that kind of loss again. There are still CDs and DVDs that we hadn’t replaced because they’ve been out of print (so to speak) for years.

As an alternative, you could perhaps back up a DVD by making a copy and storing the original someplace else. BUT YOU COULDN’T… The anti piracy encoding made that an imperfect solution.

Oh sure, you could buy programs that would “Crack the encryption” those programs would even mostly work but the image quality they produced was hit or miss. Mostly miss!

Why settle for a crappy dvd copy that was barely 480 with a mono sound track, when you had a 1080p or 4k Television and slamming surround sound?

In other words, the solution didn’t work well enough to be called a solution. Oh and that “Cracker” program you purchased… Money right in the pocket of some shitty hacker who’d then happily sell your name and credit card number to the highest bidder.

You could perhaps move a “bit for bit” disk image to network attached storage, some of the storage devices even had applications specifically for the purpose. That solution was slow and often disrupted by the anti piracy shit built into the DVD. You’d get the whole movie, but if you played it back from the network storage you’d find the chapters were all scrambled.

So our choice was to get high speed internet and we’d stream movies or TV shows from a service like Apple, Amazon, Netflix, or Hulu. You could “Buy” movies on Apple, Amazon, or UltraViolet. Supposedly, the movies you purchased would be in your personal library forever (OR until the terms and conditions changed…)

UltraViolet was a really terrible service that worked on every device except the 65″ TV in the living room. To use that nice panel, I needed to connect a computer to it, or some other device. Okay, fine for me. The other half had a bit of a problem with complex technology and keeping track of HDMI inputs, and then routing the audio through the sound system or the TV speakers etc, etc, etc.

He could play Flight of the Bumblebee, Mozart’s Requiem Mass, or Wagner’s Ring Cycle, flawlessly on several different instruments, but the remote control for watching a movie or TV show? There were too many buttons to remember.

Go Figure!

I’d come home from work after the house rebuild and find him reading a book in front of a large screen displaying “No Signal”. Sometimes there would be FM static whispering through the surround sound system, because he’d switched to the radio but couldn’t find a station in range.

I felt responsible, terrible, and guilty. I knew that all he wanted to do was watch some opera performance, or listen to a piece of music that I probably wouldn’t like while I wasn’t home. (I hate Opera only slightly less than I hate Rap.) Oh and Shostakovich… Right the hell out of here! If I happened to be a spy captured by Russians during the Cold War… 3 Hours of Shostakovich and I’d have told the Russians our launch codes and given them the President’s Mistress address and phone number!

He knew that. He liked Shostakovich pieces. So he’d enjoy those pieces when I wasn’t around. Much the same as me enjoying Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park, and Korn. He enjoyed those groups just as much as I enjoyed Shostakovich. So I listened to those groups on the way to work in the car, or at home when he was off playing church services or a gig.

Honestly… I think the problem was complexity added by the the sound system. When you added the TV, and a connection device to the internal network. Then having to choose which service you wanted to stream from, the Network Storage, or the internet, and which TV you wanted to watch the video on, did you want stereo, or surround sound? On and On, just to play a show or movie.

Writing it just now, and I knew it then, it was a lot of work. It’s a hell of a lot easier to plunk a DVD in a tray or slot and press “play”.

Although as I wrote that, I couldn’t help but think of trying to find a specific item on the internet these days. You’ll get a page or two of loosely related items but not the item, then when you click on the item that most closely approximates what you were looking for, you’ll get annoying cookie notification shit, (Weren’t cookies going away????) Then at least one full screen pop up asking for your email address in exchange for some “Special” discount, then another pop up asking if you need help from a chatbot and all the while, you still haven’t been able to see if the item is what you wanted, or read its description or price.

It’s like the damn gas pumps! No, I don’t want a car wash. No, I don’t want to join your club. Yes, I want a receipt. No, I don’t want a discount on beef jerky inside. Please! I just want fucking GAS!

The ONE question aside from wanting a receipt I’m going to answer “Yes” to, is “Do you want me to turn off the screaming advertising screen?”

Unfortunately, that question is never asked. I suppose that’s why my blood pressure is so dang low when I”m driving across country. I take a lot of back roads, and in those little country towns… A Gas Pump is just a Gas Pump…

Apparently my other half wasn’t the only person who had trouble. Most modern surround systems, and TVs are smart enough that with the right cables, all you have to turn on is the actual device you want to use. The system if properly configured, will see an HDMI input and make certain assumptions about it. Video Game – Connect TV and surround system turn on TV. CD player – Sound system only.

The cool thing is that you don’t have to fiddle with 5 different remote controls (All of which work differently. Some of which have volume controls that do nothing). All you have to do is turn on one device.

I’d been planning to update our equipment to the new standards. I was going to make it a Christmas present to us both this year. I don’t think I’ll be doing that now. He’s gone and I can reconfigure what I have to work until I decide what’s next in my life. But there is a temptation to update everything anyway… It all can be put in moving boxes, right?

In an effort to make things as simple as possible, over the years, I’d made a couple of decisions. Those decisions may come back to haunt me now.

We settled on a single streaming device. We went with the Apple TV in part because this is an Apple household. No, not in the religious sense.

For decades Apple devices, while expensive, worked as advertised, and had long term support. Non Apple devices… Not so much. “Blackberry? Paging Blackberry… Blackberry?” ZUME? PalmPilot? Compaq iPaq? Compaq Computers? The list goes on and is quite long!

This is not to say that Apple didn’t lay some eggs in their time, but Apple supported these devices for a time after they stopped selling them. My Newton Messagepad was a nifty device, ahead of its time, and woefully misunderstood by the blockheads in the media who sealed its demise with horrific articles damning something they didn’t understand, in favor of the Palm Pilot.

Apple though, is getting long in the tooth. They’re beginning to take on the lassie faire attitude that defined Non Apple corporations for years.

That attitude is, “The customer will buy it even if “it” doesn’t quite work.” We’re seeing this in Apple Software, and to some extent, in their hardware. The butterfly keyboard issue is only the latest example of Apple failing to pay attention to quality indicators.

With the Apple TV, the other half could turn on one device, and then have a menu that allowed him to pick what he wanted to see or hear. When we added the HomePod speakers things got a lot simpler One button, one remote. Then it was just a matter of making sure that all the music was available in the cloud. The same was true of Television shows and Movies.

Soon our collection of movies and music was all in iTunes. If the other half had a problem with the system, I could often walk him through corrective steps or just log on to the iCloud account to figure out what was wrong. Simplicity reigned, and I no longer came home to a screen displaying “No Signal”

In hindsight, our collection being completely in iTunes may not have been the best idea. We have a lot of movies. We also tended to buy TV series that we liked. The number of movies would be a problem if they had to be physically stored. They might even be a problem if I were to download each one to the network storage. I could always increase the network storage size, or add bookshelves.

The Apple Movies all have encryption. They can be played from network storage with a computer as long as the computer can verify with the internet that you have the rights to play the video. The Apple TV flat out refuses to see the movies exist on local network storage. Since the purpose was to have the movies on the big screen I haven’t kept up with downloading them since the AppleTV wouldn’t play them from downloads anyway.

One concern I have is that movies are being changed to accommodate the Woke overly sensitive crowd. There’s a bigger problem with some of the TV series I’ve purchased over the years. A current example is the series Archer.

This morning I happened to be looking at purchasing the season pass for season 14 of the show. I noticed with some surprise that seasons 1-8 were available for purchase, as was season 14. What happened to seasons 9 through 13?

I immediately checked my library and found that seasons 9-13 were still available because I’d already purchased them. This begs the question, why is there a gap at all? Seasons 3-5 of The Boys from Amazon are not available on iTunes. I purchased Seasons 1 & 2, on iTunes thinking that I’d be able to complete the series in time.

That seems questionable now. The Expanse is a series that I own except the last two seasons. I suppose I should purchase those before they’re unavailable. I also just checked on “Strike Back” and found that ONLY the two seasons I own are available, the remaining 5 or 6 seasons are completely missing. Just a few months ago all the seasons were available, they were expensive, but available. I suspect I could get a boxed set at Best Buy come Christmas time.

This makes me wonder if digital collections are worth it. If I can’t have a guarantee that I’ll be able to purchase all of a series or have the option to purchase a digital un-woke version of Gone with the Wind, or Looney Tunes then perhaps I need to go back to physical copies.

I still can’t purchase Young Frankenstein on iTunes. But I was able to get a copy of Blazing Saddles.

Then there’s the issue of some of the albums that I’ve had in my collection disappearing and not being available for re-download. Thankfully I have a friend that has a massive collection of music and If I really need to have one of those albums, I have no issues asking him for a high quality copy.

My attitude about this is simple. If I paid for the damn album in digital format and lost the copy of that album due to a drive failure I should be able to redownload it. If you’re not going to let me do that, then my other option is to “Pirate” a copy for my own use.

I have no desire to start selling pirated copies of my music or videos, I just want to the able to play them hassle free.

Unfortunately, I think that ability is going to require buying physical copies of everything again. I don’t look forward to repurchasing DVDs or CDs to recreate my library again. To my way of thinking I shouldn’t have to. Then again, I don’t think like everyone else.

If I were to commit to going all physical copies of everything again… It would be a great excuse to do a complete sound system/entertainment system refresh. That would give a friend and I a great shopping day in the audiophile stores he haunts. I might even go so far as to buy a turntable and get back to vinyl.

I’m not sure I want to go with tubes in an amp. I know my friend will strongly suggest that I do. I think I’d rather put the bulk of cash in really fine speakers.

We’ll see…

In the mean time, I’m going to experiment with some DRM removal software to see if I can download and save my collection to my Network Storage and avoid replacement altogether.

It’s interesting, I think we’re all going to be looking at doing things the “Old Way” because the “New Way” has become so corrupted. I can think of a couple of recordings of live shows from comedians I owned. Those shows / recordings would never pass the censorship the “Woke” crowd seeks to impose.

The Newest Call of Duty game is going to be live censoring any trash talking between players. That’s half the fun! When I played COD with my coworkers, we called each other names all the time over the communication channels. Where else do you get to call your boss a “dumb ass” to his face and have everyone laugh? But along comes the WOKE, they’re going to use an AI to censor “Hate or hurtful speech” in online gaming, and the AI will flush your sorry ass from the game if it doesn’t like what you say.

I’m not sure I’m willing to pony up $70 to have an AI tell me I can’t trash talk my friends during a game. I really enjoyed the creative swearing and trash talk directed at me when I screwed up. Then again, I was playing with retired guys from the Navy, Army, and Marines.

I wonder how the gaming community will respond? If no-one buys the new game, and only plays the old non-AI enhanced versions do you think they’ll get the message?

That’s fantasy! The young kids will keep the games alive and they’ll accept censorship in all its forms because they don’t know any better. Stalin said something about educating the children… I can’t remember offhand the exact saying.

I’m heading to Best Buy later today, maybe I’ll check out the selection of physical copies of music and games.

Have a great one!