Denied
Some big news out of Texas overnight. A federal judge (Andrew Hanen) has issued an injunction temporarily blocking Barack Obama’s November executive action on immigration. The action was requested by the attorneys general of 26 states and sought to prevent excessive costs to the states for benefits which would have to be paid to the […]
GuruShots is a newly launched service that turns photography into a game with a real-time online photo competition system. Photographers compete against one another to win contests, increase in level, and earn valuable prizes.
The investor-backed startup offers a sleek website that lets you interact with contests live. Users can submit photos, vote on images, comment on other photographers’ work, and track their ranking progress.
Photos submitted to contests are voted on by the community and by the award-winning photographers — called “Gurus” — who host the challenges. These photographers also provide mentorship to photographers in the course of the competitions.
GuruShots says it uses special proprietary algorithms to make sure each submitted photo gains equal exposure regardless of when it was submitted during the challenge, giving each entrant an equal opportunity to win through “statistical-based objectivity.”
“Today, just about everyone with a smartphone or access to a DSLR coins themselves a photographer,” says Gilon Miller, the founder and CEO of GuruShots. “We have created a new and innovative online sphere for photographers that actually offers meaningful recognition in a fun, social and educational way.”
GuruShots has raised two rounds of funding so far and already logs more than 300,000 visits per month from visitors who spent an average of 10 minutes on the site per visit.
The week just ended laid bare any pretensions that there is not something wrong (seriously wrong) within the natural world of both the macro underpinnings of business as well as finance. Unimaginable just a short 6 years ago the U.S. equity markets closed at a height once again never before seen in human history highs, (it has more than tippled from the 2008 bottom!) but has done so solely on Keynesian fairy tales. The issue now is: does the fairytale end in a nightmare?
Nearly every recently released metric (consumer sales et al) that should at the very least showing signs of steady improvement helping bolster the argument as to why the markets are continually rising, are not only contracting; rather – they’re falling off a cliff.
This is amplifying the evidence that at the very least the U.S. capital markets are experiencing a bubble dwarfing the dot-com mania of the late 90’s. Quite possibly having more in common with the peak of the tulip mania of the 1600’s than the former. The reason? It’s not just one area of a market any longer. It’s now the entirety of the markets as a whole.
Preposterous you say? Fair enough. So let’s think this through since it’s a long weekend for pondering such hypotheticals via the proverbial 50,000 ft. view from above.
During the dot-com boom you had insane valuations and metrics that perpetuated the narrative of “this time it’s different.” In some ways it was, for as I sit here typing away both the machines I use as well as the delivery channels were truly revolutionary. Yet, as far as the business models that came along as it progressed; anyone with commonsense could see it wasn’t that different. Bubbles are bubbles and are easy to see. The hard part is convincing people they’re in the midst of one. Till they pop.
Currently we are within proximity of surpassing those very lofty dot-com highs. For all intents and purposes based on the recent markets behavior we could eclipse it within a week. (we are less than 5% away via the latest NASDAQ™ close)
Remember, this was a contemporary “mania” high. And should not be viewed in the same context as previous so-called “mania” points that eventually get surpassed via the monetary evolutionary process of inflation or time passed. i.e., The value of the markets in 1929 as compared to today.
No, this high watermark is well within recent memory and applicable to today for statistical comparison. So let’s take this comparison – and compare it shall we?
It is widely accepted the culmination of the bubble bursting dot-com era took place in the early months of 2000. Let’s forget charts as a comparison for they really don’t fit the purpose for analogy. But we can use one that’s simple in terms as well as understandable.
At that time the tech laden index NASDAQ was considered to be a rocket-ship soaring to newer and ever-increasing heights in ways either not equal to, or, as in the acceleration as compared to the other main indexes.
One could use the visual as the NASDAQ embodying the description for a modern glass skyscraper adding floors at a blistering rate while towering above the older more masonry styled counterparts. i.e., As compared to the industrial averages or other aggregates.
Today, not only are we about to either match or surpass that once dizzying height but (and it’s a very big but) we have already done the equivalent in all those other major indexes in resemblance of the NASDAQ of the 90’s. The NASDAQ when it matches or breaks its past mania high will be: the laggard!
And why have we set these new records? Has it been an expanding economy since the Great Recession? Have we expanded businesses and innovations, and industrial output and might that would rival a revolution comparable to the tech of 90’s fame? Nope. Not even close.
The only revolution that has taken place is in the adulteration of the markets DNA (i.e., the business cycle) via Keynesian experiments of money printing and injections creating a newer version or hybrid of tulips. And It would appear as long as there are flowers too be seen from the windows of the hallowed halls; it is assumed by dint whether they are real or plastic: Everything is coming up flowers. So why mess with such Keynesian beauty? Be “patient.”
Problem is this current tulip covered island being created and perpetuated will have less in common with a fantasy island, and more with the one borne by the infamous Dr. Moreau if the current Dr.’s at the Eccles building orchestrating this experiment of monetary policy don’t grasp just how much of an abomination they’ve created.
Just what rationality (unless you’re an “everything is awesome” ostrich) could possibly explain markets inching ever higher into record extremes when economic drivers such as retail sales, household spending, home sales, and more are falling off a cliff?
What’s even more troubling is the only metric rising in comparison are social programs such as increased rolls on food-stamps and others! Tag onto this the possibility of escalation or other unforeseen incidents causing an uncontrollable spiral for, or into conflict whether it be in Ukraine or Middle East.
All this while simultaneously our embassy in Yemen was over-run needing to be abandoned and is now flying the flag of an adversary. And the markets tick higher, and higher relentlessly and irregardless of any possible danger.
Military personnel as well as officials had to be scrambled out as well as evacuated in ways harboring back memories not recalled in decades. And the markets not only don’t retreat or even stall in any fashion, but rather – push once again to even higher highs. Sorry, somethings wrong. Terribly wrong with this picture.
As if the above isn’t enough to make one shake their head in disbelief. It doesn’t even take into account the possible catastrophic overhang currently taking place in Europe. e.g., Greece.
As we sit here in the U.S. during a holiday weekend resulting in an abbreviated session for our equity markets it is quite possible while our markets are closed, we may find that Greece has unequivocally decided to exit the Euro-zone. And in so doing completely repudiate any, if not all, former agreements as to how (or if) loans currently being serviced will be paid.
The contagion risks to such an event are at best market disrupting. And at worst a “Minsky moment” once again in the making reminiscent of 2008. And the markets interpretation of all this as expressed via the VIX™ as well as other fear gauging or protection buying indicators? (insert crickets here)
The silence is so deafening all that one can infer is that many still truly believe “everything is awesome” buy, buy, buy! For the Fed must surely “have their back” as now documented by the once again record high closings.
Who needs to understand economic indicators, profits or losses, and all that old tired drivel once used in days of yesteryear as to gauge the health of an economy or company? Does one any longer need to understand stock picking? Forget-about-it! All one needs to know is which company is currently in the index of choice implied by the Fed. and lo and behold – you too can make a killing in stocks! Can I get a sock-puppet with that?
Want to know how the economy is performing via an indicator such as the Baltic Index? Who cares! Its fallen off a cliff so much so it’s at levels not seen in decades. “Buy. buy, buy!” How about that stalwart of domestic companies with indicative international sales Caterpillar™? A company touted by some as such an insightful indicator it’s “the only conference call you need to listen to” as to show the health of the global economy. Their own assessment via their latest earnings release? Terrible. Again who freakin’ cares! BTFATH!
What does it matter when an indicator such as the most recent 2015 report for consumer spending shows it’s the worst back to back report since 2009! Repeat after me: Who cares! Or, you can do as reportedly was stated by CNBC’s Jim Cramer after reviewing the report: “I am no longer using these aggregate retail sales reports.” Now that’s what I call “insightful analysis.” Only thing more moronic is there was a time moments like that were actually viewed as insightful.
Is it any wonder insights like this are what’s responsible to their cliff diving viewership numbers? For they’ve fallen so much so the entire channel has decided they will no longer report their numbers to Nielsen™ for review or comparison. What an example of tulip induced mania that smells like _________. (insert your choice of animal manure here.)
As far as the political ramifications are concerned, as I’ve stated more often than not this tulip styled mania taking place within our financial markets gives the illusion that reforms in policies across the business sector, as well as others, either have time to be addressed in a laissez-faire attitude, or at worst: needn’t be addressed at all. i.e., tax policies, regulations, trade agreements, social reforms, et al.
For if money has the ability to be created via a keyboard attached to nothing more than the (hope) “promise” that it’s worth its value. Why fix anything? Just print – consequences be damned. Just look at these markets! Buy, buy, buy and buy more! And don’t forget to vote and vote often!
But there are consequences, Serious consequences. And they become manifest when they enter the realm of national solvency as opposed to an arbitrary index in a stock market of record. i.e., The current calamity of debt issues revolving around Greece in particular and the ancillary countries that will follow if Greece does what it has implied it will do. e.g. Leave the Euro-zone. (EU)
Currently the battle lines in the EU and Greece is of course over debt. Without getting into the specificity of the details the underlying issue is what they owe, how much, and how will it be repaid.
However, in this Keynesian “new world order” of implied moral authority as to both the ability, as well as the efficacy to print money via keystrokes. Why should there be any discussion of “irreconcilable” circumstances when for all intents and purposes the ECB could basically buy all of Greece’s debt, put it in an imaginary account, and hold it ad infinitum with nothing more than a series of keystrokes?
Again, if one accepts the premise which began and has been implemented going on in perpetuity by Federal Reserve and currently being emulated by the ECB. If I were one of the Greek heads of state, I know what I would be arguing to the ECB: “How come you’ll print money for, or to help __________ (fill in any expressed reason you wish via Mario Draghi) and not this or, to help us? Why should we live in a form or manner of destitution when you could solve everything by means of keystrokes?”
Exactly what is “debt” currently? It can be argued it is now nothing more than what a current body with the ability to print says it is. i.e., It declares by fiat (both dictum as well as money) who it decides is a “winner” or a “loser.” For if money is now only based via a construct rather than tied to a real thing. e.g., gold, precious metals, commodities, et al. Why should one play by rules based on sound money policies when the actual current policies or exchange rate for debt is fiat? One should not gloss over the intrinsic argument inherent in that last line.
Welcome to a point in the road that has finally arrived where real arguments based in factual constructs meet the fantasy of monetary policy perpetuated via Keynesian interventions. Suddenly the all too real circumstances arrive where someone decides to pick that flower growing in the snow and express to all those watching. “They’re fake. And they’re not paying for them!” When this happens – All bets are off.
For if it is exposed the tulips are neither fragrant, or real while trying to force Greece to pay as to bask (as in pay) in the faux garden created by central bakers the ending result will be nothing less than outright rebellion and repudiation of all of it. And that’s just the beginning. For once the other peripheral countries realize the same? I’ll state it again: All bets are off.
All of the above should cause great concern within the markets. Yet, we grind ever higher in a way reminiscent of manias past. Nothing seems to deter or phase our markets currently. Not the threat or the potential outbreak of war. Nor, the near cliff dive in economic activity now being expressed since the ending of QE. Not the collapse in the price (as well as plausible breakup) of the Euro. Or the export killing implied move in the rapid strengthening of the U.S. Dollar. None of it has measured so much as a hiccup.
U.S. Treasuries have soared and interest rates plunged within viewing distance of heights or depths not seen since the panic days of the financial crisis in ’08. All are warning signs to anyone with the slightest modicum of financial or business acumen.
And I have yet to even mentioned the current concerns emanating from the one place every “analyst” on the planet would jump on a television desk proclaiming this new economic “super-power” was going to save the economic world in a way mimicking a Tom Cruise interview with Oprah: China.
Nearly every report coming out of China detailing their current economic activity has shown to be troubling as to just how quickly things have slowed. Remember, this is a regime where the reporting of government based economic data are notorious for reporting disingenuous “rosy” figures. And their current reports are reporting ever-increasing contraction.
The figures extrapolated by others relating from key factors outside not controlled by the body politic are showing an even more stunning contraction in economic activity. In just one example; if commodities are still to be used as a basis for an assessment on exactly what is taking place there – proceed with caution with be an understatement. Yet, our own financial markets post ever higher, and higher records.
In my opinion this is a direct causation or “mania” expression and has been brought forth and fueled by what myself and others have been warning about since the inception of quantitative easing aka QE. There is just no other way to justify or quantify the true underlying reason as to why or how the markets could currently be ascending.
Day after day they continue upward to even greater dizzying heights. They now sit at levels with the lack of (or unwillingness) to show any signs of legitimate concern for an out-of-the-blue event especially with everything currently taking place.
Without the overwhelming (actual Trillions!) amount of money printed via the Fed. sloshing around from one potential crisis point or area to another this unsettling calm being displayed within the markets would not be so prominent. Let alone possible. Yet: here we are. For what could produce these recent perilous highs posted in the equities without the economic activity to express it?
Only one thing can – a mania or bubble fueled by free money. Period. Which like many of us said would be its expression.
It has become ipso facto all this money printing never found its way into the economic channels implied by the Fed. (of which we were chastised as “incapable of understanding monetary policy”) It would instead create financial bubbles and misallocation on par with manias of yesteryear. To which it is now self-evident. (that is – to those who truly wish to look)
Now it is the Fed. for all to see that has indeed walled itself off in some secret garden. It is now not only tasked with the daunting provisions of exactly what it will (or can) do next. But Valentines day has now come and past and the need for flowers has also gone with it. So what, or better yet, exactly; how will it deal with what it has produced? And who will buy what they’re selling? Will “words” help or hurt?
Their answer as of late to be “patient” does not quite have the needed gravitas one would think they tried to express when first stated. For around the world patience of all types is running very thin.
Just to give some more color unto this whole idea of having plenty of time, or one being patient. All the above manias have another historical coincidence. They all culminated their bursting in the month of March.
I would remind one that history waits for no one. Whether ready, or not. History marches regardless. Patience be damned.
Texas is home to the original cowboys, the gunslingers and trailblazers. They pushed 20 million head of cattle through Dustbowl territory. Beef is in their blood. And their barbecue is the best there is.
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As Will Rogers put it: "Fort Worth is where the West begins. Dallas is where the East peters out." In the Stockyards neighborhood of Ft. Worth, this is still true today.
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Tom Medvedich is a New York-based commercial photographer who’s had some of the biggest names in basketball and hip-hop on the other side of his lens, such as LeBron James, Eminem, and 50 Cent, to name a few. Besides portraiture, he does still life photography for some of the finest luxury brands around. His unorthodox concepts impart character and complexity to his still life shots to produce stunning, well-executed, and compelling visuals. Join us in this interview as Tom walks us through his work, shows you how a pro takes an EDC photo, and speaks on his favorite gear in fantastic detail.
Since you shoot for so many different clients and you’re constantly changing it up between still life and portraiture, a day on the job must be really demanding. What’s it really like?
Being a still life and portrait photographer means I'm my own boss and I'm doing a lot of work day and night to keep the gears of my business moving smoothly. During the day, I'm at different studios and offices pretty much daily. I can be in Manhattan shooting for J. Crew on a Monday and then fly out to another state to shoot a basketball player the next day, come back that same night, and be shooting for Gilt Groupe on the following day. At night I do a lot of emailing, retouching, and paperwork. You really have to be focused, organized, and driven to succeed in this business. Photography has taught me so much about how to be better at life.
What influenced you to get your photography to where it is now and how do you stay on top of your game?
New York is pretty hectic and there are a lot of people working very hard to succeed. I feed off that energy. I love looking at other people's work and thinking, “Man, that's awesome” and “Now, I need to top that.” Also, since so much of my life revolves around work, I really focus on working with people that I enjoy spending time with. I strive to deliver the absolute best product to every client on every single job because I truly believe in putting your best self out there every day.
You’re really focused on your work and the effort definitely shows. What do you use your time and talents for when you’re not shooting on the job?
Obviously I'm into photography, but there's occasionally time for other things than work. I like travel, organization, and home projects, so I wanted to start documenting things I've done and I started a fun side project called Tattooed Yuppie along with an accompanying YouTube channel. Although it's still in its infancy, I'll be dedicating more time to it in 2015. I’m looking forward to having that as a new outlet for myself.
What's in your everyday carry?
Moleskine Weekly Planner - This particular planner has the days of the week down the left page and an empty, lined page on the right. That's my favorite format because I can make notes for jobs on the right as well as right down things I need to get done for the week. My entire life is on my iPhone 6. I'm a heavy iCal user, but I like to have my day to day on paper so everything is at a glance. Plus there's nothing more satisfying than putting a line through something on your to-do list.
I've been using a Leatherman Wave for about a decade on set and more recently a Surge, but I also just picked up the Juice S2. It's a really great EDC tool because it's small enough to not be noticeable, but big enough to handle business.
Eneloop batteries - I carry between 1-4 AAA and AA Eneloops on any given day depending on what I'm doing. Work does not happen without power.
Rolex GMT-Master II - My wife got this for me as a wedding gift and it's my favorite thing on the planet. It reminds me of her and our awesome wedding. The bonus is that it looks great with a t-shirt or a tuxedo.
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 - I'm not the biggest knife fanatic, but I do have a need for cutting stuff pretty much daily. I wanted something that was tiny because I don't think it's necessary to have a Crocodile Dundee knife as an EDC blade. I also liked the orange because I think it's a little easier for non-knife people to digest than an all-black tactical knife. At 1 oz, it's so light you forget you're carrying it.
Boo-boo Box - I have some back problems so I carry Aleve and Excedrine Migraine is the only thing that helps my headaches. I've got some Advil as well. I keep some extras because I like to have them on hand if someone I'm working with is in need.
Paracord Keychain with Black Diamond Spring Gate Biner - Ever since I had house keys or a car I've had a keychain on a carabiner. I recently added this paracord so I don't have to take the carabiner off my belt loop to open my door. After almost 2 decades I've settled on this really strong spring gate carabiner because there's no gate to get misaligned like with the D shaped biners. Works incredibly well.
Anker 6,000 mAh Battery - My phone rarely dies but there's days where I can't plug in to a computer or I'm running around a lot and constantly emailing or making calls. This unit recently replaced my Mophie Juice pack which is much thicker and heavier with the same mAh rating. The Anker is also a fraction of the price.
Incase 6" Lightning Cable - Sometimes it's nice to not carry 3' of cable.
Fisher Space Pen - I had heard so much about these pens that I almost hated them without ever trying one. Kind of like how my old roommate ruined Seinfeld for me before I ever saw an episode. And then after giving it a chance, just like Jerry Seinfeld, I LOVE this pen. It's another thing that's so compact that you don't even realize it's in your pocket. The best part is that when you open it, it's a full size pen — and you always need a pen.
Olight i3s EOS - Another great item that is invisible in your pocket but gets used a bunch of times a day. I was on a plane two days ago rummaging through my backpack and I couldn't see anything — until I remembered I had my flashlight in my pocket. Barely larger than a AAA battery, this light is bright enough to hang with the AA lights. It’s under $20 so there’s no excuse to be left in the dark.
Titanium Pico Widgy Pry Bar - Another example of a very hyped up item that lives up to its hype. How many times are you tearing your fingers up trying to open something? This weighs as much as 5 pennies and is only 2" long. I hate key clutter, but this can hide on a keychain all day and comes in handy so much it's ridiculous. Pays for itself when you realize how much less frequently your fingers hurt.
Why do you EDC?
Being a photographer means you're somewhere different almost every day. I need to make sure that I have what I need to get the job done wherever I go. I really focus on making these items as compact and lightweight as possible since I have to carry so much gear on any given day. On a light day I've got a 20 lb backpack and on a more intense day I've got a 40 lb camera bag with 2 huge Pelican cases of lights and stands, etc. So of course, these items I've listed are part of a much larger system involving different cases and bags, but these are some highlights of what really makes my life easier.
Over the years, I've learned from my mistakes. When I was just starting out, I didn't have enough batteries and then I'd have to leave a shoot to run down to a convenience store to get batteries. Stuff like that. Then I realized how much easier it would be to just have everything I need on me wherever I go. They say two is one and one is none, and that's 100% true. Like when my almost brand new camera died on me for no reason and then I had to figure out how to get one within the hour. Now I just have a spare in my camera bag and I've never had a problem since.
Carrying so much random stuff as well as back up items definitely feels excessive at times, but when you have a bag filled with zip ties, velcro, multiple types of glue, etc, there's really no situation you're not prepared for.
You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into your setup. After years of refining your EDC, if you had to narrow it down, what would be your single favorite item in your current rotation?
My favorite item is definitely the Olight i3s EOS. I love having such a compact but incredibly useful tool on me at all times. It's great for regular applications (not night time) because of the cycle of modes. When you turn it on, it starts in medium brightness, then high, then moonlight. This is really helpful since this is one of the only multi mode flashlights that doesn't start on the dimmest setting.
What are some things that you’ve wrapped up that you’re most proud of, and what’s next for you?
Besides getting married in 2014, I had some really memorable shoots that made for an awesome year. I started off the year shooting Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Jimmy Iovine in LA for the cover of XXL, along with Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent for other XXL covers. I also got to shoot Lebron for the cover of SLAM which was such a great experience. The Chia Co. sent me down to Nicaragua to shoot their CEO on a chia farm which was incredible as well. I always try to push myself to do more, so I'm hoping that 2015 will be a big year for me career-wise.
You’re your own boss, you get to travel the world and your talents are sought after by prestigious clients. What would you tell people who are striving for that kind of success?
First you have to do something you really love. There's no such thing as job security anymore, so you have to find something you enjoy spending a lot of time doing, and turn it into a sustainable business. If you get good at something, eventually people will pay you for it. Then, work hard and be nice to people.
See Tom’s portfolio at his website, and follow him on Instagram for even more of his photography.
Photos courtesy of Tom Medvedich
There are a lot of variants of Coca-Cola these days: Vanilla, lemon, lime, cherry, even coffee and green tea flavors. Some of us probably still remember the abomination that was New Coke, the flavor "update" from 1985. Backlash was swift and severe, and Coke went back to its classic formula just months after New Coke hit shelves.
But that national outrage was nothing compared to what would have happened if White Coke had appeared in stores during the Cold War.
During negotiations over the division of Germany, Dwight D. Eisenhower, then the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe, brought a little treat for Georgy Zhukov, Marshal of the Soviet Union. The gift was simple, but Eisenhower was anxious to share it: Coca-Cola, a favorite drink from back home. For Zhukov, it was love at first sip—but there was a problem. Coca-Cola was (and is) about as American as mom and apple pie. Though Zhukov had a reputation for being able to challenge Joseph Stalin and live to tell the tale, he knew his newfound love for Coke would never fly. So, he found a workaround.
Zhukov made a request through top U.S. military officials—some say it went all the way up to President Harry Truman—for a clear version of the drink that looked like vodka. Perhaps urged by the government to encourage diplomatic relations, Coke obliged, taking out the caramel syrup but retaining the flavor: White Coke. In order to further disguise the distinctive beverage, it was shipped to General Zhukov in cylindrical bottles labeled with the Soviet star. His first shipment was 50 cases.
It’s probably good that Zhukov got it while he could. Though Pepsi was available in the Soviet Union beginning in 1973, Coca-Cola didn’t make its legal debut until 1985—11 years after Zhukov’s death.
John Boyd is one of the greatest military strategists that hardly anyone knows about. Unmatched in the cockpit during the Korean War, his mind was also without rival. He was not simply a warrior of combat, but a warrior-engineer and warrior-philosopher. Boyd wrote “Aerial Attack Study,” which codified the best dogfighting tactics for the first time, helped design the legendary F-15, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and developed the strategic tool known as the OODA Loop.
Robert Coram, who wrote Boyd’s biography, argues that the OODA Loop made Boyd “the most influential military thinker since Sun Tzu.” In today’s podcast I talk to Mr. Coram about his book Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War, and about the life and career of this fascinating warrior-philosopher and what we can learn from him on how to be better men.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War. John Boyd is truly one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever read about and I think more people should know about him. His dedication to his ideals both inspires and gives pause. His tireless fighting to do what he believed was the right thing certainly, and left a lasting impact in how militaries around the world conduct war; yet his single-minded focus left his family in shambles. His life is a great case study in the advantages and pitfalls of thumos.
Listen to the episode on a separate page.
Subscribe via iTunes. (Please give us a review if you enjoy the podcast. It helps others discover us.)
Special thanks to Keelan O’Hara for editing the podcast!
Coming soon!
Wonderland, the strange inhabitants of The Delta Amacuro is the latest series by photographer Álvaro Laiz, in which he documents the Warao, one of the last remaining indigenous South American people.
For the last 8,000 years the Warao have made their home in one of the most inhospitable places in the world – a labyrinth of vast canals and swamps. Never photographed before, Laiz has spent over 10 weeks getting to know some of these people. They live in a world ruled by spirits, where ancient animistic rites still exist. Interestingly, the Warao consider some people neither man nor woman. There is a communal acceptance of transgender people within the tribe, or ‘Tida Wena’ as they call it in their native tongue. Tida Wena have been long integrated into the life of the Warao and they often hold revered and honored positions within them.
The Warao are highly sensitive to outside influence and their survival is being threatened. Acculturation has led to an increase of HIV and TB. Recent investigations indicate that between 40% and 80% of the Warao tribe are infected with HIV. In addition, there are high levels of infantile mortality among the tribe. The unrestrained progress, lack of a united educational system and sexual irresponsibility is leading to a potentially fatal scenario.
Laiz hopes to document these people before they are gone forever.
All images © Álvaro Laiz
The
student judiciary of Baylor University—a private, Christian
university in Texas—has issued a no-contact order to
student-reporters who work for Baylor's campus newspaper. The
draconian order prohibits the staff of The Baylor Lariat
from asking questions about a student-government scandal.
Chancellor Palpatine, I'm told, would be pleased.
Two Baylor student-senators, likely drunk on power, have filed a pretend lawsuit against the president of the senate for "failing to uphold her duties as president of the Student Senate." Sounds very lawsuit-worthy. Keep in mind, this is a make-believe government (the best kind!). The kiddy judicial board will hear the lawsuit; in the meantime, the very self-important justices have issued a no-contact order that bars reporters from asking them any questions about the lawsuit, according to the Student Press Law Center.
In grown-up world, that's not how it works, obviously. Court participants can be barred from discussing a case with outside parties, but members of the media are always within their rights to seek such information. Lariat news editor Jonathan S. Platt understands that:
The Lariat got served a gag order Thursday. Upon seeing it, I was at a complete loss for words.
Section two of our newfound gift says, “No member of the press shall make intentional contact with any member of the Court regarding the case aforementioned …”
This court-ordered suspension bars the Lariat from contacting members of Baylor’s student court, except in “procedural” and “substantive” matters, while McCahill, Hardy v. Kinghorn is being heard.
Simply put: This newspaper – a protected free press – is attempting to be silenced by a court – a protector of the law. See the infuriating irony?
Again, I’m stunned at this court’s audacity. In fact, I’m furious.
The legal side of this is complicated only by the fact that Baylor is a private university, and may be entitled to set up evil student governments with silly rules. Still, it's a bad lesson in government-media ethics.
Or maybe it's a great lessons? Prepare the young journalists for a lifetime of fighting the good fight against government censors, I say.
Edit: Fixed spelling on The Daily Lariat.
Hat tip: The College Fix
I’ll say that “misleading” is too kind. The word “lie” is probably more apt. But it is an official lie so many people, even in 2015, after all we’ve gone through as a country, still buy the lie.
Fewer do than in the past but still too many.
“I’m sorry sir but you do not have an RFID chip implant. That is in violation of the Public Safety Protocol of 2020. Please step over here for questioning.”
Well, it’s not implanted under your skin yet.
This used to be tinfoil hat territory. (BTW I don’t think I’ve ever seen actual tin foil before.) Those were the days. Not anymore. If you don’t have a drivers license with a tracking chip you are not getting on a plane come 2016 according to this article. (You might get away with just a passport – when flying within the United States.)
Is the land you own yours or is it subject to the power of large monied interests? This is part of the debate around the Keystone Pipeline.
Though the discussion has been characterized mostly in environmental terms, polarizing greens and not-so-greens, XL is in many ways also a challenge to fundamental property rights. This is what concerns me most.
So the Kochs are going to spend a billion (on think tanks, etc.) in the next election. You know what? I don’t care.
Why Nick? You’re against crony capitalism. Super rich guys spending money on elections doesn’t concern you?
On one level it does. One should always keep a close eye on anyone throwing money around in the political sphere. If the Kochs ever try to buy a law for their benefit, if they ever posture for a crony handout paid for by the taxpayers we will be the first to highlight them.
But it’s not like the Kochs are trying to get the state to work on their behalf. They aren’t trying to leverage the power of the government for their ends.They aren’t like Tom Styer for instance, the biggest political giver of the last cycle who wants specific legislation enacted which will benefit his bottom line in addition to his political aims. The Kochs simply want a smaller state and that in my book is a very admirable thing.
It’s the the EB-5 visa program and we’ve posted on it before. But it’s getting new attention from ABC News.
Basically if one is from another country and one has $500,000 to invest in something one may find oneself with a freshly minted permanent residency status if one goes through this program. The fast-track immigration route has become very popular and is a tool of influence for politicians.
