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Even The Loony Hard Right MAGAts Agree: Mr. Kennedy Should NOT Be Allowed To “Cut In Line” — To The Supremes…

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Welp. Not surprising.

The Mizzou AG, and the Louisiana AG… don’t want to be upstaged by Mr. Kennedy’s anti-vax lunacy in the Supremes.

The states that seek to reinstate an injunction the goofy USDC Judge Doughty authored in Monroe, Louisiana on July 4 — agree that Mr. Kennedy is not needed of right — or even permissively, in the Supremes’ coming briefing and argument over whether a private actor is allowed to kick people out of his/her living room (i.e., put them off his/her private site for rules violations). They oppose his intervention at the Supremes.

The hard right has tried to recast this… but what it is, at bottom, is a claim that Ronald Reagan was wrong to end the “must carry” rules at the FCC back in about 1986.

That is — very clearly — what the hard right now seeks: a ruling that, by law, these outlets (social media) must provide equal time and equal access to all the loons out there.

About this one matter, I can now bluntly concede: Ron Reagan was right (no need for equal time for oddball views) — and by the way, those were broadcast TV networks EXPLICITLY granted monopolies — while today, there are at least 150 different social media “broadcaster platforms” of very substantial size and scope.

So, in any event, the logic of those now 50 year old and dead rules (to the extent one might agree with forcing three monopoly networks to grant TV access to allow the broadcast of minority viewpoints) — a “must carry” rule logic simply is… non-existent here in 2023. There are no monopolies.

Just ask Tangerine, hisself: he runs his truly ironically named “Truth” Social.

Damn, son. Out.

Could The “Anomalies” In Our Magnetic Fields, Under Africa, For Example — Be Explained By The Theia Theory Of The Moon’s Formation?

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A very observant Anon. commenter at our main site picked up on this weekend science story, that offers an explanation for both the formation, billions of years ago, of our Moon. . . and the modern day “uneven nature” of parts of our magnetic fields readings, in the South Pacific and a wide swath of central Africa.

This is excellent geo-science research theory, sparking additional likely insights, in other corners of the globe — presently detailed.

The notion is that a large rocky world impacted Earth billions of years ago, and sheared off what became our moon. But it now seems likely that parts of that “Theia” proto-planet were shoved deeply into our mantle, but not fully melted and mixed into our magma layer — thus high iron content shards of Theia deep under Africa and parts of the South Pacific, now make our magnetic readings… lumpy. Cool stuff, via CNN:

…If the theory is correct, it would not only provide additional details to fill out the giant-impact hypothesis but also answer a lingering question for geophysicists.

They were already aware that there are two massive, distinct blobs that are embedded deep within the Earth. The masses — called large low-velocity provinces, or LLVPs — were first detected in the 1980s. One lies beneath Africa and another below the Pacific Ocean….

These blobs are thousands of kilometers wide and likely more dense with iron compared with the surrounding mantle, making them stand out when measured by seismic waves. But the origins of the blobs — each of which are larger than the moon — remain a mystery to scientists.

But for Dr. Qian Yuan, a geophysicist and postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology and the new study’s lead author, his understanding of LLVPs forever changed when he attended a 2019 seminar at Arizona State University, his alma mater, that outlined the giant-impact hypothesis….

So it goes… as I said yesterday, curiosity sparks advances in even unrelated fields, from time to time. [Earlier coverage — of the Pole’s shifts (2019), and of the “anomalies” — on the main site / blog.]

Now, go be excellent to one another. [And duly corrected, indeed — re being charitable.] Smile….

नमस्ते

After Now 4,000 Cold Nights, In A Row… On Mars: Onward — Curiosity!

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It must be said: in science, curiosity, more than almost any other virtue — is a prerequisite. Without it, science never will advance. And to be sure, each of those intervening 4,000 nights probably felt pretty bleak, at around minus 75 to minus 110 degrees… night after frigid night. But to be fair, on the peak summer days, midday might reach 60 on the plus side.

In view of all this — based on earlier 2021 data, it does look like the Martian “rocky remains” environment corresponds nicely with the ratios of organic carbon compounds we see in the geologic record, in low life-level deserts, here on Earth. Not definitive, but this is more evidence that Mars — when wetter, and blanketed by an atmosphere, billions of years ago… may have been home to… life. And we may all thank Curiosity’s 4,000 cold nights’ of duty — for that evidence.

Here’s the latest bit, on 4,000 Sols on Mars — from NASA

…Four thousand Martian days after setting its wheels in Gale Crater on Aug. 5, 2012, NASA’s Curiosity rover remains busy conducting exciting science. The rover recently drilled its 39th sample then dropped the pulverized rock into its belly for detailed analysis.

To study whether ancient Mars had the conditions to support microbial life, the rover has been gradually ascending the base of 3-mile-tall (5-kilometer-tall) Mount Sharp, whose layers formed in different periods of Martian history and offer a record of how the planet’s climate changed over time.

The latest sample was collected from a target nicknamed “Sequoia” (all of the mission’s current science targets are named after locations in California’s Sierra Nevada). Scientists hope the sample will reveal more about how the climate and habitability of Mars evolved as this region became enriched in sulfates — minerals that likely formed in salty water that was evaporating as Mars first began drying up billions of years ago. Eventually, Mars’ liquid water disappeared for good….

Now you know — and in truth, it puts us in mind of other heady days, now eleven years on… smile.

नमस्ते

[U] I Do NOT Intend To Cover Much More Of This, As It Is… Preposterous. But Tangerine Is Going To Lose In NY Frauds Trial.

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Updated, Monday afternoon: Now Hinderaker admits what we all long knew: Tangerine’s bellicose style is absolutely killing his chances — in the court of law. Gee — I wonder how much traction the GOP is going to be able to generate with a convict as their nominee. Trump thinks this is all just theater. I suspect independent voters will see him as the cheat and fraud and soon-to-felon he undoubtedly is. Hmm… in any event, should be good theater. End, updates.

As we all are painfully aware, Tangerine is under oath today, in NY state level court — trying to defend his actions in the $250 million of financial frauds case brought by NY AG Letitia James.

And, zero surprise — it is an act of… self-immolation. Here’s a bit of The Guardian’s (UK) live blogging:

“…Mr. Kise [Trump trial counsel], that was a simple yes or no question,” [NY State Judge] Engoron said.

“The question was whether he believed that was an accurate number. We got another speech.”

Engoron threatened to boot Trump from proceedings and urged Kise to control his client or else.

“If you can’t, I will. I will excuse him and draw every [permissible] negative inference….”

Kise said that it was only right for Engoron to hear Trump out.

“No, I do not want to hear everything that he has to say,” said Engoron with increasing annoyance. “He has a lot to say that has nothing to do with the case or the questions.” [Ed. Note: Clearly the able judge has the right — and the obligation — to control his courtroom, and his proceedings. Only Tangerine’s moron lawyers don’t seem to grasp this fact. The judge could jail him overnight, to impress upon the witness his duty to directly answer questions. He likely won’t though.]

“I would urge the court to take in all the questions,” Kise pushed back. “This is a situation where you have, on the stand, [a witness who is] a candidate for president of the United States.”

Kise then invoked Trump’s campaign, saying of the testimony that: “Having him here takes away from that effort.”

Another Trump attorney, Alina Habba, voiced opposition. Engoron eventually told them “sit down already….”

When questioning resumed, Trump grumbled: “This is a very unfair trial… and I hope the public is watching….”

Sheesh. We are. And you are an insufferable buffoon, man.

And (while I’m at it)… any purported polling in swing states, here a year out… is less than meaningless. [Perhaps never in the history of the nation is any one candidate more likely to be a convicted felon, by next November. Jailed, even perhaps.]

More broadly, there has never been a candidate whose fortunes may/will change so radically, in under 11 months, due entirely to factors he no longer has any meaningful control over.

His ship — on all this sailed three years ago, now — and in the case of NY State, at least a decade ago. In addition, no polling takes into accout the millions of votes Mr. Kennedy will ultimately siphon away from Trump, primarily.

So, never in the history of the world… have polls taken more than a year out, held less predictive value. Out, grinning….

नमस्ते

Mirengoff: Dumb, And Dumber — About 2024.

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So… we are now exactly a year away from the next Presidential election.

And both the NYT and Paul are bleating — about a single poll covering five states.

Each of their tellings suffer from a form of delusional fanaticism.

Perhaps never in the history of the nation is any one candidate more likely to be a convicted felon, by next November. Jailed, even perhaps.

More broadly, there has never been a candidate whose fortunes may well change so radically, in under 11 months, due entirely to factors he no longer has any meaningful control over.

His ship — on all this sailed three years ago, now — and in the case of NY State, at least a decade ago.

So, never in the history of the world have polls taken more than a year out meant… less.

More than that, assuming the GOP does not nominate Tangerine (still a very real possibility if he’s a felony convict by July 2024) — he will certainly kill the GOP by running third party. You know he will.

And… the poll takes no account of the millions and millions of votes Kennedy is likely to siphon off of Tangerine. So… it is less than meaningless, at this point.

Hilarious. But go ahead — sell your faux drama, boys.

Me? I’ll look in on it all, again — at about September 2024.

Cheers.

[U, X2] Hinderaker Forgets Over 2,300 Years Of History — Blood Is On The Hands Of All, In Gaza For Generations Upon Generations…

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As we’ve written repeatedly, what Hamas did on October 7… will live in infamy. It was an abomination — not war, so much as a pure act of terrorism — a terrorist attack.

But that said, it also did not occur in a vacuum — and certainly not solely in the “history of the world started yesterday” re-telling that Hinderaker’s tiny intellect offers — day after day.

Updated: late Sunday night, Hinderaker again doubles down on his myopic, stilted and thus largely false tellings.

I am already making too much of this (apparently, to John, rather subtle) point — but the only place Hinderaker, Mirengoff, Hayward and Johnson would lead the world, or would have it respond… would be to a place where… we are all blinded.

Blinded — by plucking out each others’ eyes.

Here endeth the sermon.

But seriously, John — easy to scream murder when you have… exactly zero skin in the game.

The “Nationwide Sick-Out / Walkout” By Pharmacists — Working At The Largest Chain Drugstores… Was Largely Ineffectual.

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Please do not misunderstand. I completely agree with the view the organizers of “Pharmageddon” expressed: the largest retail chain drugstores treat their generally excellent and well-trained pharmacists… abysmally.

And something needs to be done, as the mega-chains report record profits, and the professionals are treated like chattels. But a voluntary three day walkout, without a union at all — is of little moment.

Perhaps what is needed, is a true Amazon / Chris Smalls organizing drive at CVS and Wags and (the likely disappearing) Rite-Aid (the latter now filing bankruptcy over its opioids debacle). Here’s at least one assessment of the week’s events:

…CVS Health Corp and Walgreens Boots Alliance on Wednesday said that a work action by some U.S. pharmacists this week had minimal impact on operations, with most stores remaining open. CVS Chief Executive Karen Lynch said in an interview that employees had called in sick at a few stores this week, but there were no store closures or disruptions to shifts due to the action. The company has about 30,000 pharmacists across stores and operates over 9,000 retail locations….

It would seem that the time of unionizing… is returning — after decades of excess, from fecklessly vengeful middle managements, not yet born when the labor actions of the the 1940s reshaped American working life. [This appears here and at the Tesla site because Elon Musk is chief among those feckless managements.] But ignorance here is no excuse. Onward.

नमस्ते

The NASA Asteroid Imaging Mission Called “Lucy” Tested Her High Speed Cams This Week, On A Lil’ Rock Called Dinkinesh — We Await Imagery!

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As we’d mentioned in January of 2023, the ultimate targets of this mission are many millions more miles, and years of travel off… but this test was needed.

The craft will have imaged something much smaller, in a much shorter duration “whiz-by“… with cameras designed for the task. That way any adjustments can be made, if needed, prior to actual science ops.

And while we wait a week for the actual downloads, that day we mentioned in January has now arrived, here in November. Here is the story, from the ops. team at NASA:

…The Lucy operations team has confirmed that NASA’s Lucy spacecraft has phoned home after its encounter with the small main belt asteroid, Dinkinesh. Based on the information received, the team has determined that the spacecraft is in good health and the team has commanded the spacecraft to start downlinking the data collected during the encounter. It will take up to a week for all the data collected during the encounter to be downlinked to Earth. . . .

[Earlier blog entry: Lucy’s] first close up look at the small inner-main belt asteroid, Dinkinesh [occurred this week]. Dinkinesh is 10 to 100 times smaller than the Jupiter Trojan asteroids that are the mission’s main targets. The Dinkinesh encounter serves as a first in-flight test of the spacecraft’s terminal tracking system.

Lucy’s closest approach [came] on November 1, at 12:54 p.m. EDT (16:54 UTC) at a distance within 270 miles (430 km) of Dinkinesh. However, there [wasn’t] much time to observe the asteroid at this distance as Lucy sped past at 10,000 mph (4.5 km/s)….

Onward… grinning into a perfect “fall back” sunny Sunday morning — the extra pillow time is always… welcome!

नमस्ते

Why Mr. Kennedy Should Not Be Allowed To “Line Jump” — To The Supremes…

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We earlier mentioned that Mr. Kennedy is just a citizen, as to this suit — despite his dreams of being a candidate for 1600 Penn. So, he is bound by all the usual rules of restraint, the ones that curtail random citizens from “hopping into” US Supreme Court cases, to which they are NOT a party.

The government has filed its opposition to Mr. Kennedy’s attempt to “cut the line.” It is plainly correct on the law. If Kennedy has views to offer, he may do so via an amicus brief. Thats where this will end. He will not be a party to this case, on the loony ruling out of Monroe, Louisiana’s USDC Judge Doughty. Here’s that sensible filing, and a bit of it:

…Before filing that suit, two of the three movants (Kennedy and CHD) had sought to intervene in this case for the limited purpose of accessing discovery. See D. Ct. Doc. 118 (Nov. 17, 2022). The district court denied that motion….

In granting consolidation, the [trial] court stated that it “will not rule on the preliminary injunction in Kennedy v. Biden until after a ruling by the Fifth Circuit and/or the Supreme Court of the United States on the preliminary injunction in [this case]; that will keep the consolidation from complicating the matter on appeal and will likely result in a more streamlined resolution of the preliminary injunction in Kennedy v. Biden….”

[N]onparties [like Kennedy] with an interest in the precedent that will be set by this Court’s decision in a pending case present their views by participating as amici curiae: “The obvious alternative for one who desires to intervene in a pending Supreme Court proceeding is to seek to file an amicus curiae brief.” Supreme Court Practice Ch. 6.16(c), at 6-63. Movants themselves have already done just that during the emergency stay proceedings. See Kennedy Pls.’ Amici Br. in Opp. to Stay (filed Sept. 20, 2023). They are free to participate as amici curiae again at the merits stage….

Now you know. Smiling — ever… smiling. It’s been a great weekend, despite the Buffs losing (again). Heh. Onward.

नमस्ते