A while back, YouTube changed its AI (artificial intelligence) settings from clicks to screen time.
The meant if you watched one conspiracy video about how the Chinese hatched the coronavirus to kill everyone and make it easier for them to control the world, then YouTube would feed you another conspiracy theory and then another one. Several hours in, you might even start to believe the nonsense. And eventually you’ll believe that the world consists of you and bad “thems” — people like me.
This morning I emailed a dear friend of mine, who had just sent me a clip from a right-wing conspiracy web site. I replied:
Stop reading this stuff and getting yourself in a tizzy. It’s not worth it.
You’d have a happier life if you watched some fun movies on Netflix. My friend and his wife recently watched the movie “Guess who’s coming to dinner.” It’s a wonderful 1967 movie featuring great actors. The two of them loved it.
Like everyone, I’m scared. I’m old. If I get it and I recover, there are may be long-term consequences for my already-disadvantaged brain.
I just heard on CNN that nearly all coronavirus patients at New York’s largest health system who needed ventilators (like old people) to help them breathe died.
Hence, I strive to keep well (I’m 77) But I do find the changes exciting. Working at home may kill much of my investments in commercial real estate, but they are benefiting my investments in Zoom, DocSign, Teladoc, Netflix, Roku and Amazon.
Last night, my friend’s 3½ year old grandson was holding a toy phone and saying “I cannot talk right now because I am on the phone with my coworkers.” Then he said we all need to be quiet. Another week and he’ll be telling us all to “please mute.”
As the world changes, there are million opportunities emerging. There always are. I’ll have more in the next few days.
This is the greatest invention… since sliced bread or the history of the world
Amazon calls this $50 device the RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager for Muscles, Back, Foot, Neck, Shoulder, Leg, Calf Pain Relief – Cordless Electric Percussion Full Body Massage with Portable Design.
I like it because my right calf needs regular unstiffening. This thing does a great job. Click here.
Finally, a useful skill
This is a brilliant hoax.
Worth watching, if you didn’t yesterday. Click on the link.
— Marginally Wicked Resister (@PinkyD124) April 18, 2020
This video shows how weird the world is. When I ran this video yesterday, I actually thought it was real, not a parody.
Final notes of insanity in Washington:
+ Rick Bright was abruptly dismissed this week as the director of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. He said that his doubts hydroxychloroquine led to his ouster. …
In a scorching statement, Dr. Bright, who received a Ph.D. in immunology and molecular pathogenesis from Emory University, assailed the leadership at the health department, saying he was pressured to direct money toward hydroxychloroquine, one of several “potentially dangerous drugs promoted by those with political connections” and repeatedly described by the president as a potential “game changer” in the fight against the virus.
“I believe this transfer (i.e. his firing) was in response to my insistence that the government invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address the Covid-19 pandemic into safe and scientifically vetted solutions, and not in drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit,” he said. “I am speaking out because to combat this deadly virus, science — not politics or cronyism — has to lead the way.
My Trump, referring to hydroxychloroquine, has said “What do you have to lose?” Several people who’ve taken this untested drug have died. Mr Tump and his family and some big donors of his allegedly own stock in the primary maker of hydroxychloroquine.
+ Brian Harrison, who was picked as a senior lead on the Health and Human Services (HHS) coronavirus task force, is a former labradoodle breeder with minimal public health experience.
I’m off to loosen my disgust by playing aggressive singles tennis.
Please don’t tell me I can catch the virus from my tennis balls, which will come out of an unopened can.
Want a taste of some of the vitriol around? Read the comments on my web site. TechnologyInvestor.com.
See you tomorrow, which may be Friday. — Harry Newton
#FreeFlynn
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!
Harry, when is the last time you’ve flown on a plane that have air circulation, filters and temperature controls that will half life a virus?
All my international flights these last ten years and cool air and circulation through filters with no standard to control international free flights of viruses…viruses get a free ride…Airports are aircondintions
Republicans get the bulk of their news from conspiracy websites. More Republicans read conspiracy sites than watch CNN, MSNBC, CBS and NBC COMBINED. Fox News, which is basically a conspiracy site, is still number one, and very damaging. How many people have died of the virus after getting inaccurate information on Fox News? A lot. Republicans, led by Trump, are the number one reason our formerly great nation has failed. We are a joke to the rest of the world. The U.S. is a pathetic nation. If the stores run out of toilet paper again I plan to wipe my butt with an American flag.
You are just plane sick! Move to NYC for your health.
This is a pathetic, failed nation led by a monster named Donald J TRump. You have to be mentally ill too to support this mad man. THis failed leader of a failed nation may even start a war with Iran to divert attention from his failed virus “efforts.” It’s gotten to the point that the lives of those Americans who died in WW I and WW II are all worthless. We should just turn Arlington National Cemetery into a Walmart.
I strongly urge you seek the help of a psychiatrist at the earliest possible moment Mike…you are in obvious need of urgent help.
Hey Mike,
it’s so sad to see you think the U.S. is a failed and pathetic nation. Yes, we have our problems like always but I would still rather live here than Cuba, Venezuela, China, etc.Try turning off the news and get some outdoor exercise. I guarantee that you will feel better.
Harry,
You are correct on the conspiracy sites and they are a waste of time and energy. I do recall though candidate Trump being derided for his conspiracy talk when he claimed that the FBI was spying on his campaign. Don’t forget that the left also has conspiracy peddlers and you seem to be a victim as you regularly reference CNN et al.
I found a great way to exercise now with the gyms closed. I walk up the 17 floors of my highrise. I stop half way and at the top to do 25 pushups leaning forward on the handrails. I put on music and climb. Quite exhausting. I do it for 30 mins a day.