- From December 11, 2024:
-
Sabotage as a Tool of Solidarity
↗︎
↳ I love the rising tide of radicalism in response to capitalism trying to kill us all. We just need to ensure there isn’t a fascist turn … harder than there currently is (ugh).AI Summary"Sabotage as a Tool of Solidarity" explores the historical use of workplace sabotage as an organizing tactic among labor movements, particularly highlighting events from the early 20th century. The article recounts the 1913 strike of New York City hotel workers who employed humorous sabotage, such as throwing asafoetida to clear dining rooms, to raise morale and express disdain for their employers. Although the strike ultimately failed, it laid the groundwork for future labor actions and the eventual formation of the New York Hotel Trades Council. As legal protections for union activities face potential challenges, the piece suggests that tactics like sabotage may regain relevance. It discusses how sabotage, often seen in forms such as work-to-rule or passive resistance, empowers workers by demonstrating their control over their work environment. Examples from various industries illustrate how minor acts of sabotage can disrupt operations and compel management to address worker grievances. The article posits that in today's context, where workers may lack legal protections, the spirit of sabotage could foster solidarity and inspire collective action among non-unionized workers. Ultimately, it argues for a reevaluation of tactics to adapt to changing labor laws and conditions, emphasizing that direct action has historically been an effective means to achieve workers' demands.
— -
How WhatsApp ate the world
↗︎
↳ Where’s the neoliberals “free market”? — -
Google steps in after McDonald's gets ‘review bombed’ over arrest in UnitedHealth CEO's murder
↗︎
↳ How quickly hegemonic narratives rewrite the realities of a situation — and undermine the popular conversation which had a tinge of revolutionary activity. — - From December 10, 2024:
-
‘Fair to assume Lachlan gets fired the day Rupert dies’
↗︎
↳ Couldn’t really be a better outcome. — -
Feature experiments
↙︎
—
I’m trying something a little different on the web view of
mind reader
. I’ve introduced (manual) ML based AI summaries for some articles shared. This way you’re saved from engaging with full text if you have limited time, but can otherwise choose to ignore “AI” and carry on with your day. For logged in people (hello, yes, sign up if you haven’t) I’ve added a switch to enable/disable these summaries. Just to be clear, these summaries are generated by Kagi’s Universal Summarizer product, they’re generated on the server side and you are never exposed to any “AI” mumbo jumbo on the client side — rest assured there’s no gross tracking, AI slop, or other nastiness here. Also this post type is new, so you’re on the bleeding edge! -
Eating less meat ‘like taking 8m cars off road’
↗︎
↳ Not to mention preventing ceaseless cruelty. — -
Slain Healthcare CEO’s Life Airbrushed by Media
↗︎
↳ Horrible and interesting how billionaires (who literally profit from our death) are sanitised and raised as heroes by media.AI SummaryIn "Slain Healthcare CEO’s Life Airbrushed by Media," Ken Klippenstein critiques the media's overly reverent portrayal of Brian Thompson, the late CEO of UnitedHealthcare, following his tragic death. He argues that major outlets have focused on his positive attributes, such as being well-liked and a visionary leader, while neglecting significant controversies in his life. Klippenstein highlights Thompson's past issues, including a drunk driving conviction and allegations of insider trading linked to a lawsuit. He suggests that the media's reluctance to present a balanced view stems from a misguided belief in decorum when reporting on the deceased. The article emphasizes the importance of journalistic scrutiny, even posthumously, and contrasts the sanitized narratives from corporate media with the perspectives of everyday employees. Klippenstein calls for greater accountability and transparency in reporting, advocating for stories that reflect the complexities of individuals rather than idealized versions. The piece concludes with a nod to comedian Bill Burr, who also criticized the media's failure to address the darker aspects of Thompson's legacy.
— -
College enrollment is falling at a ‘concerning’ rate, new data reveals
↗︎
↳ Not only are universities failing young people by being terrible at activism and progressive learning environments, but they’re being pushed right by governments all over the world. The level of hegemony and privilege in universities is not good, and students see it and the bad outcomes believing in liberal education brings. It’s sad, but unless we *radically* change, we’re doomed to disappear. — -
itch.io has been taken down by Funko of Funko Pop because they use some trash “AI Powered” Brand Protection Software
↗︎
↳ The internet is being run by very stupid cartels. — - From December 9, 2024:
-
Altman to Musk: Don't go full supervillain – that's so un-American
↗︎
↳ Altman would never do anything so evil to be considered “full supervillain” … wait, yes he absolutely has several times.AI SummarySam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed his belief that Elon Musk will not misuse his political influence to undermine competitors, labeling such behavior as "un-American." This statement came during the New York Times Dealbook Summit, where Altman emphasized that using political power for personal business advantage would be intolerable. The relationship between Musk and Altman has soured, particularly over OpenAI's shift towards a for-profit model and the transparency of its AI technology. Musk has filed legal actions against OpenAI, including an injunction to prevent its transition to a for-profit entity and to stop investments in competing firms. Musk, who has backed President-elect Donald Trump, is set to lead the "Department of Government Efficiency," focusing on budget reductions. Despite their disputes, Altman hopes that Musk will refrain from leveraging his political position to harm rivals. The ongoing tensions between Musk's xAI and OpenAI highlight the competitive landscape in the AI sector, where lawsuits and public disagreements are prevalent. Altman and other tech leaders are concerned about the implications of Musk's potential actions in the coming years.
— -
Just Stop Oil activist, 77, faces jail recall as wrists too small for electronic tag
↗︎
↳ Let’s try that headline again: planet destroying industry (oil and gas) uses enforcement arm (police) to ensure that elderly woman (compassionate human) stays imprisoned to prevent her message of saving future generations from global heat death (acknowledging that oil and gas is killing us all). — -
The Crypto Plot Against America’s Gold Reserves
↗︎
↳ “BrInG DoWn tHe GoVErNmeNt” is almost always “bring in fascism”. Using planet killing technologies to do it is just part of the “fun” for these people.AI SummaryThe article "The Crypto Plot Against America’s Gold Reserves" discusses the significant influence the cryptocurrency industry has gained in American politics, particularly during the 2024 election, where it spent heavily to secure political power. A notable outcome was the election of a senator in Ohio, facilitated by $40 million in advertising. The piece details how the industry has shifted perspectives, even convincing Donald Trump to embrace cryptocurrency after previously denouncing it. The proposed plan involves the U.S. government acquiring substantial Bitcoin assets, potentially turning it into the largest crypto holder globally, which would facilitate a massive transfer of wealth to Bitcoin investors. Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the BITCOIN Act, aiming to leverage public assets, including revaluing the U.S. gold reserves, to finance Bitcoin purchases. Currently, the government's gold reserves are valued at $11 billion, but the market price suggests they could be worth $688 billion, raising concerns about the motivations behind such a revaluation. The article highlights the concentration of Bitcoin wealth, with a small number of addresses holding a significant portion of the currency, leading to market illiquidity. It critiques the speculative nature of Bitcoin, arguing that its high valuation is driven by hype rather than intrinsic value, and warns of the implications for political integrity as the crypto industry seeks to maintain its market by involving government assets.
— -
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had ordered the Israeli military to "seize" a demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria
↗︎
↳ Always more territory to seize for colonisers… imperialism knows no end. — -
Wuhan lab samples hold no close relatives to virus behind COVID
↗︎
↳ You don’t say! — - From December 8, 2024:
-
Debate rages over police marching at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ahead of vote
↗︎
↳ No fascists, or bootlickers, in queer spaces … or any spaces frankly.AI SummaryThe debate surrounding the participation of NSW Police in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has intensified, with calls for a ban on their marching in the parade. A vote on three resolutions regarding police participation will take place at the Mardi Gras annual general meeting. Premier Chris Minns has criticized the proposed ban, calling it a "slap in the face" to police, while community consultations reveal that a majority of LGBTQ+ members oppose police involvement. The current Mardi Gras board suggests that police should only march if they demonstrate a commitment to improving relations with LGBTQIA+ communities, whereas Rainbow Labor proposes they march out of uniform, and Pride in Protest seeks an outright ban. Critics argue that police presence contradicts the parade's inclusivity, citing a history of police violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The strained relationship between the police and the LGBTQ+ community is rooted in historical issues, including inadequate investigations into hate crimes. The inquiry into unsolved LGBTQ+ hate crimes highlighted the police's failure to support the community, further eroding trust. The discussion reflects a broader division within the LGBTQ+ community regarding police inclusion in the event.
—