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Democracy in the Algorithm Age

Although this month's topic is The AI Arms Race, I'd like to use one of the suggested topics for next month and go ahead of schedule a bit, and post on that topic now: Democracy in the Algorithm Age

In today's digitally saturated world, elections no longer hinge solely on speeches, rallies, or television ads. They increasingly depend on data. The turning point came with the 2008 campaign of Barack Obama, when his team embraced Web 2.0 tools: social networks, email, online video, to reach voters directly. More than half of adult Americans used the Internet in the 2008 election, and many became politically active online: donors, volunteers, and grassroots mobilizers.
LINK / LINK

But Obama’s team did more than broadcast broadly: they built detailed voter profiles, using public records and behavioral data to segment the electorate into fine-grained groups: young voters, minorities, new voters, even niche social networks never before used by major campaigns. By doing so, they could tailor communications, fundraise online, and create a sense of community among supporters. This data-driven approach didn't just expand reach, it changed the relationship between citizen and campaign, arguably revitalizing democratic participation for many previously disengaged voters.
PDF / PDF

( Read more... )

Whimsical Carved Metal Fence in Boulder, Colorado

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/whimsical-carved-metal-fence

A breathtaking array of magical scenes merge together to form a unique fence. Each scene is craved out of metal adding to the whimsical nature of the fence.

The fence is located near the base of Mount Sanitas along a short multi-use trail. The trail entrance is located across the street from Knollwood Tennis Courts. The address for the tennis court is 266 Spruce St. The trail entrance is on Spruce St between Spruce Ct and 4th St. Across the street from the tennis courts there is a little free library painted in purple with a rainbow. The path begins inconspicuously next to the little free library. The multi-use trail takes you past the homes on Spruce Court. When you reach a piece of concrete with graffiti on it, the fence is up ahead. If you walk to the end of the fence and continue on the trail, you will come out at the end of Green Rock Dr. The trail is very short and only about a five minute walk in total.

After viewing the fence, you can walk up Green Rock Dr. and hike one of the trails at Mount Sanitas. In Latin, sanitas means health. Alternatively, there are other whimsical homes in this neighborhood on the way to/from Pearl St Mall.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/whimsical-carved-metal-fence

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Update and Links

Temp agency got me three days last week—waiting out this week while they try out another candidate, then at some point they’ll pick one of us. A big thing I’ve noticed with job-hunting this time around is that there are so many people looking for work that employers can make you go through multiple rounds of interviews and tryouts even for the part-time or contract positions.

Anyway, have some relaxing links:

Join Me and My 15 POUND RED CABBAGE: An old man with interesting fashion sense and great enthusiasm for vegetable-gardening.

An old man with a very narrow garage and extreme parking skills. Also, from what I can see of the inside of his house, he lives in a Vermeer painting.

The Ministry of Information presents Hedging (1942).

1972 Irish vox pop interviews about whether Sunday pub hours should be extended from 10pm to 11pm.

The 2025 Whatever Holiday Gift Guide, Day Four: Fan Favorites!

Posted by John Scalzi

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2025/12/04/the-2025-whatever-holiday-gift-guide-day-four-fan-favorites/

https://whatever.scalzi.com/?p=58499

For the first three days of the Whatever Gift Guide this year, We’ve had authors and creators tell you about their work. Today is different: Today is Fan Favorites day, in which fans, admirers and satisfied customers share with you a few of their favorite things — and you can share some of your favorite things as well. This is a way to discover some cool stuff from folks like you, and to spread the word about some of the things you love.

Fans: Here’s how to post in this thread. Please follow these directions!

1. Fans only: That means that authors and creators may not post about their own work in this thread (they may post about other people’s work, if they are fans). There are already existing threads for traditionally-published authors, non-traditionally published authors, and for other creators. Those are the places to post about your own work, not here.

2. Individually created and completed works only, please. Which is to say, don’t promote things like a piece of hardware you can find at Home Depot, shoes from Foot Locker, or a TV you got at Wal-Mart. Focus on things created by one person or a small group: Music, books, crafts and such. Things that you’ve discovered and think other people should know about, basically. Do not post about works in progress, even if they’re posted publicly elsewhere. Remember that this is supposed to be a gift guide, and that these are things meant to be given to other people. So focus on things that are completed and able to be sold or shared.

3. One post per fan. In that post, you can list whatever creations you like, from more than one person if you like, but allow me to suggest you focus on newer stuff. Note also that the majority of Whatever’s readership is in the US/Canada, so I suggest focusing on things available in North America. If they are from or available in other countries, please note that!

4. Keep your description of the work brief (there will be a lot of posts, I’m guessing) and entertaining. Imagine the person is in front of you as you tell them about the work and is interested but easily distracted.

5. You may include a link to a sales site if you like by using standard HTML link scripting. Be warned that if you include too many links (typically three or more) your post may get sent to the moderating queue. If this happens, don’t panic: I’ll be going in through the day to release moderated posts. Note that posts will occasionally go into the moderation queue semi-randomly; Don’t panic about that either.

6. Comment posts that are not about fans promoting work they like will be deleted, in order to keep the comment thread useful for people looking to find interesting gifts.

Got it? Excellent. Now: Geek out and tell us about cool stuff you love — and where we can get it too.

Tomorrow: Charities!

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2025/12/04/the-2025-whatever-holiday-gift-guide-day-four-fan-favorites/

https://whatever.scalzi.com/?p=58499

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family,
health

Dry eyes in the house

Yesterday Wax had to quit work early and drive into Turku to see a doctor because it felt like something was poking her in her left eye but there was nothing there! And then she had to get up early and go to Turku today to see a specialist. She got some eyedrops presecribed, but there's nothing majorly wrong with her eye. It's just that her eyes are too dry. Apparently when your eyes are too dry one of the things that can happen is that they stick to your eyelids when you're asleep and if they're too stuck, when you open your eyes a few cells from the retina can get torn off it and stay stuck to the eyelid, which pokes a little micro hole in the retina and feels like you're being constantly stabbed in the eyeball. Isn't that great?

When we were talking about this last night I said, "You know, for a bunch of years, like maybe five to ten years ago, I felt like my eyes were too dry all the time and I was putting saline drops in them frequently, but a few years ago instead it started being like they overcompensate and make a lot of tears and now my eyes are more likely to be running when I've been asleep or lying down..." and with her new knowledge she was able to devastatingly inform me that this is just a sign of my eyes being dry, and even though it makes them hurt less, the tears are the wrong kind of moisture or something and not actually helping the eye themselves. So apparently in addition to the drops Wax needs for the inflammation and pain, we both have to start moisturizing our eyes now.

The other quixotic thing that happened this week was that my sister forgot about Brexit. Again.

To be specific: last year my sister ordered me a holiday present from a UK etsy shop that cost more than the minimum you can import without paying import taxes now (which I think is like under 20€ - it might even be 10?). As a result I got a text informing me that a package I didn't know about previously was at Customs, and in order to free it I had to fill out an online form indicating exactly what it was (which is a hassle in itself because they're in a taxonomic tree list) and provide a receipt or proof of purchase, in this case, the email receipt from the webshop that my sister had to forward, which obviously sort of spoiled the surprise. With a small present the amount you have to pay to release it from jail is only a few euros typically, but it is a hassle and it spoils the surprise.

And then this week she FORGOT THAT THAT HAD HAPPENED and ordered me a present from another UK shop.

(My parents & sister and I have pretty much given up on mailing back and forth anything larger than a padded envelope due to the delays and the fact that postage for the regular-sized boxes we typically used to send has gone up to generally over 100€.)

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review

A Mouthful of Dust (Singing Hills, volume 6) by Nghi Vo

Cleric Chih's quest to record the tragic history of a famine succeeds all too well.

A Mouthful of Dust (Singing Hills, volume 6) by Nghi Vo

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quodo mini-fest

Quodo Mini-fest: looking for feedback (Quodo Mini-fest VI coming soon!)

Hi everyone!

I was posting an update on DeviantArt and realized I meant to ask for some feedback on planned changes to Quodo Mini-fest before it starts up again. I am planning on running it as normal from January to Feb 14 (Valentine's Day), although if this timeframe doesn't work for you, do let me know.

The main change that I was thinking about making in terms of Quodo Mini-fest's rules is changing it so that, if you're without a gift after the deadline and you haven't commented on gifts you've gotten in previous rounds of Quodo Mini-fest, I will not seek out a pinch hitter to fill your request.

While I do generally like the setup we've had so far, where everyone who signs up gets a gift regardless of whether they turn something in or not, I feel like when it comes to filling post-deadline pinch hits in particular, there's been some situations where seeking out a last-minute pinch hitter was probably too stressful of a thing to do and I probably should not have done this.

In general, filling post-deadline pinch hits in this event has been fairly difficult because the time between the deadline and when the collection opens is quite short. The fanwork minimums are pretty low so that mitigates some of that issue, but depending on the prompts, it can be hard to fill with a short/quick work, and it can just be hard for someone to schedule time to make something with a window so short. One thing I could do that would help remove some of this pressure would be to adjust the schedule to make the deadline earlier and the buffer period longer, and I'm definitely open to doing this.

However, there is still another issue, which is that it feels weird to ask for a tight-turnaround pinch hit when it's unlikely that the person whom the gift is for will comment on it. I don't want to make someone producing works on short notice feel like their effort was wasted! And if someone doesn't have a gift and multiple people work on something at the same time, we can end up in a situation where multiple gifts get made for a person that aren't actually acknowledged later.

So in short, proposed change: After the deadline, before I post the list of replacement gifts needed, I will check if the recipient has any gifts in previous rounds of Quodo Mini-fest they haven't commented on and will make a decision about whether to include that sign-up on the list of needed pinch hits on that basis. (If you haven't participated in any rounds of Quodo Mini-fest previously, the benefit of the doubt will obviously be granted!)

I also plan on clarifying in the rules that works submitted to this event have to be complete i.e. stories have to be self-contained / have a beginning/middle/end, and art pieces have to convey a complete idea, even if the work is short, sketchy, low-effort, etc.

So please let me know what you think about the above changes.
- How is the schedule/timeframe of this event? Would you like it moved? Would you like a longer gap between when works are due and when the works are scheduled to be revealed?
- Only seek post-deadline pinch hitters for recipients who have commented on gifts in the past -- yea/nay?
- Anything else you want to suggest?

Parroquia del Purísimo Corazón de María Reina de la Paz in Mexico City, Mexico

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/parroquia-del-purisimo-corazon-de-maria

Following the establishment of the Claretian order of Catholicism in 1849 by Father Antonio María Claret in Spain, its members would set out on missionary activities across the world. They arrived in Mexico in 1884, and by the 1920s they had established their first church dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The current building was completed in 1954, not far from the location of the original church. As per a plaque dated 7 August 1960 near its entrance, several men were responsible for its building. Luis Olvera was the architect in charge of the crypt during its construction in the 1940s, Antonio Muñoz was the architect in charge of the rest of the building during the 1950s, with Miguel Rebolledo being in charge of stonemasonry and Pedro Cruz of painting. This plaque also mentions several Catholic authorities who have blessed the Parish, including José Garibi, Mexico's first cardinal.

Its midcentury context is reflected in the architecture, as art deco is the main trend represented here. This Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was once intended to be taller than Mexico City's Revolution Monument although this wasn't authorized by local authorities. Its current full height is 65 meters, the last 10 of which come from the monumental statue of the Virgin Mary topping its dome. Given the statue's position with arms outstretched, it is often mistaken for a figure of Jesus Christ, although among those in the know, she might be referred to as Nuestra Señora del Tránsito (Our Lady of Trafic), given that it is visible from several points in which the city traffic can come to a standstill.

The architectural modernist trends are also reflected in the parish's interior, specially its upper level, which features multi colored stained glass windows and murals. It is this section that was chosen as a key location in the 1996 film "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet". The work by Australian director Baz Luhrmann featured Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the title roles and several other Mexico City locations, including Chapultepec Castle as the Capulet mansion.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/parroquia-del-purisimo-corazon-de-maria

"Forks Out" is a Muppet Parody of Knives Out

Posted by Miss Cellania

https://www.neatorama.com/2025/12/04/Forks-Out-is-a-Muppet-Parody-of-iKnives-Outi/

Cookie Monster baked a triple berry pie, but it's all gone! Who could have helped themselves and left none for the monster himself? Oscar the Grouch baked a garbage pie, but for some reason, no one ate his. It's a mystery that none other than the world's greatest detective, Benoit Blanc, can solve. It's only a matter of observaation and deduction, which are beyond a Muppet's abilities, having felt for brains.

'Forks Out': A Benoit Blanc Sesame Street Mystery is a Muppet take on Rian Johnson's Knives Out murder mystery movie series featuring Daniel Craig as investigator Benoit Blanc. You can see Craig's reaction to this parody here (spoiler- he got a kick out of it). Sure, it's an ad for Netflix, which is now a distributor of Sesame Street and the owner of exclusive rights to two of the Knives Out movies. But it's the Muppets, so you know it's funny. -via Metafilter

https://www.neatorama.com/2025/12/04/Forks-Out-is-a-Muppet-Parody-of-iKnives-Outi/

The Art-o-Mat: The Art Vending Machine

Posted by John Farrier

https://www.neatorama.com/2025/12/04/The-Art-o-Mat-The-Art-Vending-Machine/

Do you remember cigarette vending machines? In the age of smoking in America, they proliferated in public venues. But as smoking became less common, the vending machines gradually disappeared.

In 1997, artist Clark Whittington took one and converted it into a vending machine for small pieces of art. He called it the Art-o-Mat.

The project was popular and Whittington, along with other artists, made more. There are now about 200 in service now, mostly in the United States. This one pictured above is in a Whole Foods location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Art-o-Mats are great ways for artists to promote their work, earning $2.50 per sale. The guidelines are strict, though, as Whittington describes the mechanical requirements of the machines as "unforgiving."

https://www.neatorama.com/2025/12/04/The-Art-o-Mat-The-Art-Vending-Machine/

leetol pinch hits

There are two pinch hits for

leetoltreatex due, ideally, in the next couple days - see the post/comm for details and DM me if you can claim one!

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TV Talk: Tracker & TV News: Scarpetta

TV Talk:

9-1-1: On hiatus until Jan 8.

Matlock: No new ep this week; new eps return Dec 4.

Tracker: Good ep. ( spoilers )

TV News:

Scarpetta: I just read that they’re making a tv series out of the Kay Scarpetta books! I didn’t keep up with the series, but I enjoyed I (for the most part). I’m looking forward to seeing this and hoping it’s worth watching! Nicole Kidman Suits Up as ‘Scarpetta’ in First Look at Amazon’s Crime Thriller Series (variety.com)

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The Day in Spikedluv (Wednesday, Dec 3)

I had a chiropractic appointment this morning. I hit Walmart while I was downtown and made a quick stop at Dollar General on the way home. This was not my usual Walmart trip; I needed to pick up a new vacuum cleaner and some cute outfits to send to Alaska!niece for Hazel. (I already bought Hazel a Green Bay Packer’s t-shirt, because that’s her mom’s favorite team. *g*)

I immediately put the vacuum cleaner together and used it in the living room. My old vacuum has not been able to do that rug in ages. Even raising it as high as it goes, it feels like it’s sucking the rug in and I need two hands to move it. This vacuum moved over that rug like a dream! I may actually start to enjoy vacuuming now! (Haha, no, not really!)

I visited mom, then stopped at Sunnycrest (to pick up the wreath I’d ordered) and Stewart’s (for milk) on the way to pick up the dogs at the garage.

I did a load of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I used the leftover chicken and broth to make chicken and gravy over rice for supper.

I napped and watched an HGTV program. I also ‘started’ my Christmas cards! (Since I got to it late in the day, and Pip came home early, I managed to get two written out, but it’s a start!!)

Temps started out at 22.1(F) (when I got up, but dropped to 15.8 before I left the house) and reached 36.7.

Mom Update:

Mom was not feeling well when I visited her. ( more back here )

Someone Call NASA: Bunny Appears to be a Sentient Deep Space Antenna

Posted by Daily Bunny

https://dailybunny.org/posts/2025/12/4/someone-call-nasa-bunny-appears-to-be-a-sentient-deep-space-antenna

Thanks, Michelle and bunny Magical Carrot!

https://dailybunny.org/posts/2025/12/4/someone-call-nasa-bunny-appears-to-be-a-sentient-deep-space-antenna

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alchemicink's Tree

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onetruethree's Tree

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(no subject)

Happy birthday,

gchick!

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just one thing

Just One Thing (04 December 2025)

It's challenge time!

Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.

Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!

Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.

Go!

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you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy

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