One would have to be a complete fool (aka, an ordinary modern Amerikan) to voluntarily have any of these spy devices in the home.
Patents recently issued to Google provide a window into their development activities. While it’s no guarantee of a future product, it is a sure indication of what’s of interest to them. What we’ve given up in privacy to Google, Facebook, and others thus far is minuscule compared to what is coming if these companies get their way.
These patents tell us that Google is developing smart-home products that are capable of eavesdropping on us throughout our home in order to learn more about us and better target us with advertising. It goes much further than the current Google Home speaker that’s promoted to answer our questions and provide useful information, and the Google-owned Nest thermostat that measures environmental conditions in our home. What the patents describe are sensors and cameras mounted in every room to follow us and analyze what we’re doing throughout our home.
They describe how the cameras can even recognize the image of a movie star’s image on a resident’s t-shirt, connect it to the person’s browsing history, and send the person an ad for a new movie the star is in.
The advertising annoyance is the least of the possible concerns, really. And, it may eventually come down to ultimately involuntary concern. Imagine a future where the only hope for privacy is not having any electric devices at home and Faraday shielding to halt external probing. Look for measures like those to be outlawed while laws still hold.
Since they’re in MEX, why can’t MEX arrest and deport them?
Incoming Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador will work with the Trump administration to keep asylum seekers out of the U.S. while their applications are pending in court, according to a Mexican official with knowledge of the talks.
The tentative agreement is a departure from current U.S. procedure, which allows those seeking asylum to remain in the U.S. until their case is reviewed by an immigration judge. U.S. and Mexican officials have been secretly negotiating for the past two months, the official said, and are nearing a final deal.
One wonders when a wayward EC federal judge will order MEX to drive them across the border anyway.
None of them are eligible for asylum. None of them can be American. All of them are a threat. Take the gloves off, Mr. Trump.
I woke up this morning and found a private communique from a friend. EF asked, “What’s up with your FB page?” Now, EF should know better; I answered anyhow. As far as I know from the DARPA Bot in Charge, my FB page has been permanently deleted. Good riddance. Not a day goes by when I miss the cat videos, dinner pics, rah-rah whatever’s, and the general low-IQ foolishness.
If you want to find me on the socials, search for me at Oneway; look for the possum.
Not a day goes by that I do not get at least one update email from Linkedin. I really shouldn’t leave the network hanging. In the near or distant future, I may address that neglected page.
As evidenced by this very post, I have a blog. You’re reading it. I have a weekly column at TPC, which is linked here periodically. FP continues in abbreviated form and should until at least the beginning of 2019 (then, it may be 4 calendar years and out – don’t know yet). There’s the slowing channel on YT. As always, a new book is coming.
I’m out there, here. Where are you?
PS: almost wish I’d watched that LSU-A&M spectacle. But, really, glad I did not.
People hate a conspiracy theory, unless a federal prosecutor proposes it, even if unfounded in law or fact. So it may be with Julian Assange. The Hon. James Goodale on what that means for Julian, the press, and free thought in America:
James Goodale: When I wrote the book pointing out the dangers to the First Amendment if Assange was prosecuted, I made it my business to see if I could gin up support within the media/press community to stick up for his rights, since his rights would affect everyone else’s. I had occasion to speak to many groups in connection with the promotion of my book. Every time I mentioned the fact that establishment press should advocate for Assange’s rights, I heard hoots of laughter or people shouting at me that I didn’t understand the journalism profession.
I was dismayed that I got very few converts in the journalistic community that would take my position that it was necessary to support Assange — not for Assange himself, but for the First Amendment.
…
There’s speculation on what Assange could be charged with. There’s a possibility that he could be outright charged under the Espionage Act for the act of publishing classified information. Then there’s the “conspiracy” theory — that Assange was engaged in a conspiracy with his sources by asking them or soliciting more information from them that the sources may have gathered illegally. Do you find that type of charge would be just as dangerous as a charge for publishing information?
I do find that that charge would be just as dangerous. As a matter of fact, a charge against Assange for “conspiring” with a source is the most dangerous charge that I can think of with respect to the First Amendment in almost all my years representing media organizations.
The reason is that one who is gathering/writing/distributing the news, as the law stands now, is free and clear under the First Amendment. If the government is able to say a person who is exempt under the First Amendment then loses that exemption because that person has “conspired” with a source who is subject to the Espionage Act or other law, then the government has succeeded in applying the standard to all news-gathering.
That will mean that the press’ ability to get newsworthy classified information from government sources will be severely curtailed, because every story that is based on leaked info will theoretically be subject to legal action by the government. It will be up to the person with the information to prove that they got it without violating the Espionage Act. This would be, in my view, the worst thing to happen to the First Amendment — almost ever.
I’ve been on the soapbox for this for over 10 years trying to wake everyone up to the dangers that exist with this approach. Therefore, the stories we’ve read with respect to government’s present action against Assange, it’s blood-curdling. It appears the government may try to adopt this “conspiracy” theory to apply to news-gathering.
Washington has been trying to gain extended power over the press for 40 years, through brute force and judicial gymnastics. Times may be bad enough, the people dumb enough, now, for DC to succeed. Our loss.
I’m not as upset as some about the vindication of a loser who probably doesn’t deserve it.
Last June, James Livingston, a history professor at Rutgers University, has been at the epicentre of a racism scandal, as on his social media accounts he wrote that he hates white people. The university punished Professor Livingston for violating the institution’s discrimination and harassment policy.
After an investigation into the Rutgers University professor’s social media posts was concluded, the university decided to revoke its earlier imposed sanctions, despite the Rutgers Office of Employment Equity (OEE) had previously confirmed that there were “numerous complaints about the purported racist content of the posts” made by Livingston.
Calling his posts “satirical” criticism, Livingston commented on the Rutgers administration’s decision, expressing his satisfaction by saying “I’m relieved that my right to free speech and my academic freedom have been validated by this retraction.”
During the investigation process, Livingston was represented by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), a civil liberties advocacy group. After reversing Rutgers’ initial decision, Marieke Tuthill Beck-Coon, an official representative of FIRE, issued a statement.
I am so sorry to hear the “man” suffered bad thought at a cafe. One struggles to think of a worse offense against the dignity of mankind. Seriously, free speech and academic freedom are more important now than ever – even for those of limp wrist and weak mind.
He’s even sort of right about while people, for reasons he could not fathom. White people, especially white men, are mostly responsible for the present plight due to their constant bowing down and allowances in the culture wars. This victory provides some cover for those who would still actually fight the good fight.
And … shame, shame on those comfortable cafe talkers. The horror…
Vox and his readers pondered the potential limitations of the Posse Comitatus Act regarding military repulsion of the invading hordes. In my expert opinion, there are none.
As a reader noted, yes, the NDAA’s and other laws have taken what teeth there were out of the PCA. And, even intact, it doesn’t apply here. The sole purpose of the US military is to defend America, particularly from outright and open invasion. The PCA is a criminal statute, unchanged and never prosecuted (even once) since its inception in 1878. So, Mr. Trump, use the army, use all necessary to secure our borders. Then drive out the existing hosts and their rabid supporters (to include meddling federal judges) herein.
This, here and at VP, is the thought simply prohibited at the circus of social media (the new mental concentration camps). Forego the stupidity.
Courtesy of Jimmy Fallon of all people. Fallon, whom I can’t bring myself to express an opinion about, hosted a threesome of evil droids on whatever his show for the lower-IQ masses is called. For full disclosure, I watched but did not listen to the following. I find the audio beyond annoying.
Please watch the bot demos (reading my assessment below):
Jimmy Fallon/YouTube.
As most of you know, my only interest in these damned devices is how to destroy them. Keep that in mind.
1. Little Dog (< 2:10ish)
These models and their larger cousins are one of the greatest outright martial threats to us – right now. These were developed by or through DARPA and are intended to act as hunter-killers, the real Mechanical Hounds. They are quiet, faster, and extremely agile. Unfortunately, these are currently ready for deployment. Here’s how to beat them:
Shoot center mass, where, in these models, all vitals are housed – battery, motors, “brains.” For this little guy, a single round of buckshot should suffice. Sidearm wise, I’d hit it twice on each side of the bifurcated body. And, you’d better be quick. For these very small units, if one can catch it while it’s still and on the ground (as opposed to on your neck already), a hard stomp should cripple it – allowing for more and heavier stomps. Stomp until it stops moving and/or starts smoking. I DO NOT recommend stabbing these. Yes, most fixed blades should easily penetrate the shrouding. However, one cannot guess, without schematic consultation, where or how powerful the batteries are. Avoid the shock. For the Big Dogs, it’s multiple rounds of buckshot and/or slugs or rifles. Hit it until it ceases functioning (hope it can’t or doesn’t shoot back). Engage the Biggies, if at all possible, from a distance.
2. WTF Apple (Tomato??) Ballgag Bot (2:30 – 4:30ish)
Okay, I didn’t listen to the audio and I really have no idea what’s going on with this one – overtly. As far as I could visually gather, the sole purpose of this model is to affix a ballgag in the mouth of the host/victim. There is probably a degree of mind and motor control as well. All of this probably has something to do with silencing dissent or with some demented ritual act(s). No matter; again, for my consideration it’s all about dispatching the evil ASAP.
All locomotion seems to be provided by the human slave on which this mid-sized mechanical beast is perched. Thus, per the ancient adage, it’s one in the head, two in the chest. Collateral damage or mercy killing, whichever have you. In this demonstrative case, the host gentleman is some sort of mentally defective oddball. I realize the shooting will be harder (or easier) when it’s your sister-in-law.
Once the host in on the ground, proceed to go center mass on the droid. I suspect the apple (tomato) head is mostly empty. Again, fire or strike until it’s “dead.” I would avoid any manual strike with feet, fists, or elbows in this case – there’s the possibility of this thing attempting to grapple its way up an extended limb. Use a club or other truncheon, or a firearm.
3. Sophia, proto-terminator T-300 (4:40 – )
Here, we glimpse the greatest danger – possibly surpassing that of the ED-209-like variants. This “lady” is smaller, less convincing, and much less advanced than other models already available. The goal with this line is the deployment of a series of infiltrators, indistinguishable from ordinary humans. They’re closer than one might expect.
The take-down: Sophia is wheel based. I do not think she has the ability to right herself once toppled. Thus, a swift kick or shove should ground her. From there (or, even while she’s standing) it’s gun work. Center mass is important but not complete. There’s something vital in her “chest” housing. However, I sense motorization is below the belt – between her waist and the loco wheels. Hit both areas repeatedly until she stops moving and/or catches fire.
I think a heavy melee weapon (un-bladed or pointed as to avoid electrical shock) would work. On Sophia, heavy kicks, stomps, or other manual blows might work. Do be careful with more elaborate humanoid models. If it can walk, it’s probably stronger than all but the strongest man; don’t get close enough to find out.
*****
In general, a localized EMP or a liquid flame-thrower will also work wonders, particularly the pyro route. Word of warning: let Hellywood and Elon keep the propane flames; you and I need sticky, continuous burning.
In general, do not watch the products of television or Hellywood – let them keep all the insanity with the insane. Leave recon to people like me.
As always, keep your eyes open and keep spreading the word. These things hate us and are determined to snuff us out. We must all do our parts to defeat the robot menace. Fight!
Happy Thanksgiving, America! Or Thanksgiving Week, whichever it happens to be. As we gather with assorted friends, relatives, and other annoying, stinking like three-day-old dead fish loved ones, let’s us analyze them by chronological category, politically, psychologically, and philosophically. For the Farcebookers and TeeVee watchers, now might be a good time to return to loftier observations. I hear Big Bird is rounding Columbus Circle to West 59th right about now…
[Big Bird Picture]…
Bobbing Towards Gomorrah. Picture from someone’s Pinterest.
Here follows a brief examination of the (mostly) living US generations, ranked and sorted by your hard-laboring, long-suffering National Affairs Meddler and Chief Prognosticator. I got ‘em all down, from best to worst. The determination dates are all mine, based upon popular assessments. As with nearly all of my work, this one is geared toward actual Americans, as would have been so-considered circa 1964. Civ-natties, equality freaks, Jordan Peterson cultists, and others of low intellect and poor breeding are hereby advised to retreat to the bloating comfort of all those leftovers.
Now, shall we?
Number One:
Generation X (1965 – 1979)
It’s not just that this is my generation, though that does provide some clarity. We had The Dukes of Hazzard, Pac-Mac, and The Empire Strikes Back. I rest my case. We, and the older generations, had some wacky ways. Our styles – bell bottoms, popped collars, wide ties, big hair, high-tops, and Madras shorts – were a little out there, a little silly upon retrospective review. But, at least they were styles. The new vogue of the nation involves rolling out of bed, throwing on a garbage bag, and sloughing off to nowhere while munching from a big bag of Cheetos.
Seriously, we are the last generation of what might be properly deemed “real” Americans. We are the last to grow up in and experience the fading glory of the remnants of the Old Republic. Early on, we were derided as jaded and disinterested slackers. But, really, how the hell else should we have been? We were the first generation to feel the full brunt of the hideous social and economic experiments of our predecessors. The first in post-Christian Amerika. The first with intentionally, deliberately failed schools. The first with money completely debased. The first under total governance. The last generation of traditional Americans in the new Amerikan Babel.
For fun discussion around the turkey table, consider inquiring as to the general sense of whether the ongoing invasion at the US southern border is that, or if it is “immigration.” See what people think, if at all.
If need be or if this “nation of immigrants” bullshit appears like so much spilled dressing and gravy, remind them about some of the earliest American experiences with ungrateful imports. Speak, if you know, about the Polish and German industrial specialists, foolishly brought over in 1607 (8?), and how they IMMEDIATELY turned on their English hosts, taking sides with and arms to the Indians of Virginia.
For extra fun, should any school children be present, ask them to name that settlement. Ask them with experimental colony preceded it in the 16th century.
Give thanks. You, lucky American, have a veritable time machine trip back to the 5th century. Make the most of it.
Then, prepare to go stimulate that economy. The circulars herald big screen junk on low credit terms.
Those of you running the Feaster Five, right now, … ouch! Hope that pie and hoodie was worth the frostbite.
UPDATE: It’s nice to see Google is thinking about the poor, hungry politicians this Thanksgiving:
