Of course it will be hot, but just how hot is the question. Yesterday was a bit less hot than the past few days. Still 84F at midnight though, so not like it’s an arctic cold front or anything…
Got very little done Thursday. Dentist appointment in the middle of the day and getting the kids back home killed my plans.
I’m hoping to do better today. Several pickups, stuff for the BOL and here. Some building materials, although not as many as I wanted. I wasn’t aggressive enough to win all the stuff I wanted. There has been lumber, plywood, fiberglas batt insulation, and other stuff in auctions lately. All stuff I need. Look for what you need and remain flexible, and you will find it.
So, adding to the stacks today.
And driving all over town.
n
Online advertising doesn’t work. Never has. That’s the revelation everyone really fears in the meltdown over Musk buying Twitter.
The swimming pool builders have never really managed to replace asbestos since it was banned from use in the various liner mixes.
In our old neighborhood in Florida, every one of the pools had to be relined as they approached the 20-25 year mark, ours included. Some of the houses had really fancy chemical/filtering systems and linings, but, in the end, 80+ degree water will not be denied.
@Pecancorner:
re having to go from Ohio to Indiana for an abortion: I bet it is fake news. Or a fake report. As the twitter thread notes, the timing and the sudden media placement are too convenient.
This Is How We Lose: Ohio Gov on Defense Over Dubious Tale of 10-Year-Old Rape Victim Who Fled to Indiana for Abortion
Water is a good solvent, but the main problem is pool chemistry, primarily pH out of range and overuse of stabilized chlorine, combined with insdequate mixing. Plaster finishes with quartz aggregates and pozzolans added to the mix will give superior performance, but like anything else there is s cost.
I suppose there's probably some psychology to being exposed to a brand name over and over. So, when you need a particular product or service and have no real opinion on which brand to use that you'll be tempted to use the one that sounds familiar. So, much of it is probably brand exposure.
That said, with the exception of unskippable ads in YouTube videos (which are more akin to television advertising than online advertising), I can’t imagine anyone is really consuming them and most of their click-throughs are probably either accidental or web crawling bots. Even in mobile apps most of the ads are actually just ads for other apps from that same developer.
When I was doing web development exclusively I can remember learning that it was pointless to put more than 150 words on a webpage as nobody will read more than that. That was the sum of users' attention spans for content they CHOSE to visit. I would imagine it’s even lower today and almost 0 for content they are forced to see.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Walmart+Pharmacy/@35.1984905,-111.6151687,324m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!1m2!2m1!1s2515+EAST+BUTLER+AVENUE+FLAGSTAFF,+ARIZONA+8600!3m4!1s0x872d8ee0665400e9:0xc923387b695a18c7!8m2!3d35.1992036!4d-111.6145742
So I’m not crazy, though the drive to remember something can drive me to it. I was looking at the wrong Walmart in Flagstaff. Found the one we went to with the solar panels in the parking lot. Now maybe I can get something productive done…
Pictures. Color schemes. General shape of a company’s name or logo. That’s probably why some corporations are trying to trademark a color or combination of colors, independent of the logo itself.
You can copyright colors and packaging designs, it’s called “trade dress” iirc.
Years ago I read that ¼ of the adult US workforce was functionally illiterate. Once I knew the signs to watch for, I saw it everywhere, although not that high a percentage. But even if it’s 1/8th, there is a strong incentive for distinctive packaging and logos to draw those people to your product. And to use non-written means to make them aware of it.
I’d bet the proportions are even higher if the cause of the illiteracy is not speaking english.
n
The new linings were proving more susceptible to damage from neutral pH numbers when we left Florida. I don’t know what they’re using now. I’m glad I don’t have to sweat it.
I also learned very quickly that everyone universally hates horizontal scrolling to see information. JavaScript to get the screen width and adjust the rest of the web page.
When I was doing WEB applications for my prior organization I kept everything as simple as possible. No glitz, no glamour, minimal graphics, no un-obvious links, everything with buttons, keep it simple. It is an application, no need to be fancy.
University of TN trademarked their orange color. No one is allowed to use that specific pantone color with written permission from, and sending a lot of bucks to, the University of TN. Even the Power T has been trademarked and any unlicensed use is quickly dealt with harshly.
Of course, that did not stop UT from using the graphics design from a disabled person without permission or compensation. UT’s claim was that their use of the graphic helped sales and therefore benefited the individual. Two faced scums.
89F and 76%RH at 10 am. We’re still not in the “10s” mode where we are at 80 at 8, 90 at 9, and over 100 by 10, so while it’s hot, it isn’t as hot as a couple of years.
n
When the Death Star consolidated control of Cingular by taking over Bell South, the wireless company’s pantone shade of orange became the new branding for the joint marketing efforts. I assume it was trademarked as well.
Thank you, today I learned a new word!
… and fell down the corresponding Wikipedia hole when I should have been productive. Ah, well.
science!
n
just like the 70s
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/07/true-friend-mine-much-importantly-america-president-trump-responds-horrific-news-former-pm-abes-assassination/
n
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/former-japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-shot-chest-rushed-hospital
https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/germanys-largest-landlord-restrict-heating-night
n
– not yet, but keeping an eye open.
n
>>not yet, but keeping an eye open. <<
The end is Nearer! The end is Nearer!
re: literacy
>> I suppose there’s probably some psychology to being exposed to a brand name over and over. So, when you need a particular product or service and have no real opinion on which brand to use that you’ll be tempted to use the one that sounds familiar. So, much of it is probably brand exposure.
That said, with the exception of unskippable ads in YouTube videos (which are more akin to television advertising than online advertising), I can’t imagine anyone is really consuming them and most of their click-throughs are probably either accidental or web crawling bots. Even in mobile apps most of the ads are actually just ads for other apps from that same developer.
When I was doing web development exclusively I can remember learning that it was pointless to put more than 150 words on a webpage as nobody will read more than that. That was the sum of
users’ attention spans for content they CHOSE to visit. I would imagine it’s even lower today and almost 0 for content they are forced to see.150? Sure. FIFY.
Making TX a little smaller for you guys. Not sure though that Tony would approve of you tinkering with “his” cars.
https://interestingengineering.com/hacked-tesla-model-s-plaid-record-speed-216-mph
Aliteracy vs. illiteracy.
Yes, the California Hugh Desert is heating up as well. I went out late to do some chores and was startled by 95f at 10:30am. Well, it is July, 100F is to be expected.
Speaking of illiteracy, I had never heard of Vox Day. I plugged it into Google and figured out who you were talking about because his blog has been blocked. My next choice was https:// fil e770 . com/tag/vox-day/ which turns out to be a really interesting sci-fi site.
The biggest LOL yet from the House of plugs:
Biden spox Karine Jean-Pierre blames Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for ‘chaos and confusion at the border’
You have to be kidding me. Who writes this stuff for her/it.
Blogger, I think it was, blocked his site. Might have been WordPress. He’s at https://voxday.net/ He’s interesting….
And what kind of drugs are they on?
Be careful with fil e770. The proprietor has a long-running feud with, basically, any SF author who isn’t a communist homophile and DIEphile. Specifically, Vox Day, Larry Correia, Sarah Hoyt. I only first heard of Gl ye r during the Sad Puppies/Rabid Puppies/SFWA kerfuffle.
You might find Larry Correia’s rants about M ike Gl ye r amusing. I did.
Dang! I’m getting 773/75 over my VPN. Fiber is incredibly faster than cable. That’s way faster than Spectrum with the VPN off.
Maybe I’ll start looking at running a small web server/mail on my Mac Mini to goof with.
This is, as comments say, why we need tRump as President:
Politico Magazine opinion piece has a ‘fairly serious’ suggestion for 2024 if Joe Biden doesn’t run
Lordy B Gordy.
The dog barks!
https://nypost.com/2022/07/08/man-likely-spread-monkeypox-at-texas-bathhouse/
Wasn’t it C Everett Coop who had to resign because he said masturbation was okay? Americans are so weird about sex…
Wouldn’t you just love to see Anthony Fauci in a PSA like this?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YyL4QWvYTxQ
Jocelyn Elders, but she didn’t resign. There are varying stories about why Clinton put her into office and stood behind her when she gaffed.
I’ll second the warning about Gl y er and vile 770 as people I like and respect call it. And please obfuscate it in comments here. (I edited ~jim’s comment and lpdbw’s as well, just to break up the trackback.) He vanity searches all the time, is vindictive as hell, and is by all accounts someone who’s attention you do not want.
Vox Day could also fall under a content warning… but his quirks are widely reported, and I think you should be able to read people who don’t share your views or worldview without losing your mind. Vox certainly has an audience.
n
“qualities and of the quality of” “Jon Stewart”
– he’s well known and a comedian?
n
@Nick
First, sorry I may have endangered this site. I forgot about that aspect of his personality.
Second, the fact you feel it necessary to take those steps says more about him than I could have.
>>Jocelyn Elders, but she didn’t resign. <<
Ahh, thanks for the correction.
I swear that C Everett Coop had to resign for some reason or another. Do you recall?
*****
Remember hardwareguys.com? Does anyone know of an equivalent forum for Android users? I’m contemplating rooting my new phone, plus a lot of other tweaking. I haven’t seen a forum yet with a signal to noise ratio like we had on hardware guys.
sorry I may have endangered this site.
–‘sallright, any harm is on him anyway. But I don’t want another troll if I can help it.
In other news, D1 and mom not going to GS sailing camp this weekend. Kid is sick, negative for wuflu, but white junk at back of throat, aches, head and body, mild fever, and that all means- stay home and sleep. Wife doesn’t want to go without kid, and the GS camp said she’d have to wear a mask 24/7, including in her sleep. Nope. Can just stay home.
I got some of my pickups done. Some I pushed to next week. Lots of debris on the highways today, and a bunch of wrecks too. Better to not be driving.
n
wow
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/07/elon-musk-sends-letter-twitter-terminating-44-billion-buyout-bid/
Where is it?
They can’t do that to us!
https://twitter.com/TheFigen/status/1545046074389278720
that’s pretty specific.
n
>>that’s pretty specific. <<
It cost the guy a billion dollars but I’m sure he can afford it. It did succeed in stirring the pot, however.
Representative democracy is not rule by majority. The madness of crowds was something I think the framers wanted to avoid.
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/24518
So, leaving that homework until the last minute?
Good lord your reading comprehension sucks.
Ray isn’t in an argument with the entitled convict.
Keep it up and I’ll delete some more.
n
“It cost the guy a billion dollars but I’m sure he can afford it.”
– I’m not seeing that. He hasn’t spent any money yet, other than some personal stock purchases that will go to zero when the SEC charges current twittter mgmt with fraud. I don’t even think he’ll lose his earnest money if he can prove they’re in breach.
THEY have to double down, or they’re basically admitting to the fraud and misrepresentation. And the guy from Theranos being convicted on all counts this week should put the fear of God in them about that.
n
It was reported that there was a billion dollar “walk away” penalty. However, I’d argue that Twitter broke the deal by refusing to provide honest information sufficient for him to value the company.
>>I don’t even think he’ll lose his earnest money if he can prove they’re in breach. <<
I’m sure you’ve read more about it than I. I’m still glad he stirred the pot. A billion dollars here, a billion dollars there, after a while it adds up to some real money!
NaN doesn’t add much to our conversation and seems to increase the noise. Can we just get rid of him, please?
Speaking of conversation, how does Gresham’s law correlate with Bitcoin?
I should probably read Neil Stephenson’s The Baroque Cycle again.
Speaking of conversation, how does Gresham’s law correlate with Bitcoin?
I should probably read Neil Stephenson’s The Baroque Cycle again.
You mean the fact that most of the new money in bitcoin is probably money launderers ?
Don’t have a solid enough grasp of euro history to understand half of what’s going on in the Baroque Cycle, or the people he’s not naming.
I’ve read his other stuff multiple times, but can’t bring myself back to the BC.
n
>>You mean the fact that most of the new money in bitcoin is probably money launderers ? <<
I’m not sure what I mean. I mean that money has gone into completely non-fungible assets. Shares and shares in recent mortgage backed securities seem almost the same thing. Bad money drives out good. What remains?
@Nick
BC is a story of economic history and what happens when semi-fiat currency starts to fiddle with global exchange rates.
Yeah, it’s incredibly long-winded. A lot of his other stuff is better. Cryptonomicon is a page ripper.
EDIT: And what happens when some wise-acres try to game the market.
@ ~jim, long winded is ok, if it’s good. With every book though, he moved away from the style he used in Cryptonomicon and prior books, with the asides and parenthetical stories, and I think his writing lost a lot of its appeal when he did that.
The story about ‘granny quality furniture’ as a sub story while teaching the reader about van ech phreaking, was truly LOL and completely memorable.
n
–nearer indeed.
n
most of the new money in bitcoin is probably money launderers
–if it is they haven’t been paying attention. They are not anonymous, and the money can be clawed back…
n
Some tweaks on the site, which shouldn’t bother most users here.
I was going to say if you can’t get to the site, let me know. But how would you let me know if you can’t get to the site?
We shall see,
I can get here.
n
Remember that this trainwreck of a person is “the smartest guy I know” according to his father…
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10939577/Hunter-Biden-insulted-stepmom-Jill-Biden-pushed-return-rehab.html
-definitely want this guy on the board of my company…
n
>> “It cost the guy a billion dollars but I’m sure he can afford it.”
The lawyers always win.
>> I was going to say if you can’t get to the site, let me know. But how would you let me know if you can’t get to the site?
“Oh no, you didn’t wake me, I had to get up anyway to answer the phone.”
The whole house of cards that is online advertising would possibly come down if Twitter provided the information Musk was after. Certainly, the platform’s power in politics would be finished. That was arguably the point of the deal.
Stephenson discovered the word processor with “Reamde”. He also took day jobs and shilled for those with the seemingly unfinished “Seveneves” (Blue Origin) and the almost incomprehensible “Fall; or, Dodge in Hell” (Magic Leap).
A lot of people in tech wanted to believe Magic Leap.
As for Blue Origin, at the risk of breaking op sec, I spent Thursday and Friday afternoons poking around in Boca Chica, and Bezos has lost the race if everything I saw first hand is for real.
Tony has been busy.
BTW, @Ray, I was on very limited Internet and very busy at the beginning of the week, posting with a phone mostly to give the impressions that we were home through the 4th. That situation sucks.
OK27, groomer27.
>>Stephenson discovered the word processor with “Reamde”. <<
Has anyone actually ever read Reamde? I’ve tried. I’ve tried Finnegans Wake, too, and I’m no slouch. Ulysses I can grok, but I can’t get a hundred pages into either Readme or Finnagans Wake before I’m baffled, befuddled, and bewildered.