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The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) issued an ethics complaint against several Democratic members of Congress, alleging the abuse of official resources for political gain. The complaint, submitted to the Office of Congressional Ethics, targets Representatives Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Sean Casten, Greg Casar, Maxwell Frost, Ted Lieu, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ritchie Torres, and Nancy Pelosi.

According to FACT, these members have published social media posts on their campaign accounts using government resources, including photographs, videos, and content. This action contravenes federal law and House ethics rules that regulate the social media activity of Congress members.

The complaint, supported by about 91 pages of evidence, highlights the seriousness of these violations. It points out that such conduct allows politicians to misleadingly add an official veneer to their campaign communications, thus gaining an unfair political advantage. One specific example cited involves Rep. Nancy Pelosi posting January 6 footage from her official campaign account.

FACT’s Executive Director Kendra Arnold emphasized that these are not isolated incidents but widespread and apparent violations. The lack of action by the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) is seen as a contributing factor to the ongoing issue. Arnold argues that this failure not only allows violations to persist but also undermines public trust in the OCE and incentivizes members to use House proceedings for political campaigning instead of focusing on the country’s best interests.

Arnold further commented that these actions are undertaken for political advantage, at the expense of taxpayers. She calls for the OCE to act swiftly in addressing each violation to maintain integrity and public trust.

This complaint by FACT against these Democratic members of Congress follows similar individual complaints filed earlier in the year against other members, including Frost, Casten, and Rep. Reuben Gallego. The organization’s action underscores the ongoing scrutiny and demands for accountability among elected officials regarding their use of official resources for political purposes.

Author: Steven Sinclaire

China’s Betavolt New Energy Technology company is making headlines with its claim to have developed a groundbreaking nuclear battery, touted as capable of powering a cell phone for an astonishing 50 years without needing a recharge. This innovative battery employs a unique combination of the radioactive isotope nickel-63 (⁶³Ni) and a 4th-generation diamond semiconductor, heralding a significant leap in battery technology.

As per New Atlas, the BV100 battery from Betavolt uses two single-crystal diamond semiconductor layers, each 10 microns thick, enveloping a 2-micron layer of ⁶³Ni. This layered structure not only generates current individually but can also be stacked or linked like traditional voltaic cells, forming numerous independent unit modules. These modules collaborate to amplify the current, offering a robust and long-lasting power source.

TechRadar highlights the battery’s compact design, measuring just 15 x 15 x 5mm, making it smaller than a coin. Despite its diminutive size, it produces 100 microwatts and 3V of electricity through radioactive decay. Currently in the pilot testing phase, Betavolt envisages mass production for commercial use in devices like phones, drones, and potentially in aerospace equipment, AI, medical devices, advanced sensors, and micro-robots. Drawing inspiration from pacemakers and satellites, Betavolt aims to revolutionize how we think about battery power.

By 2025, Betavolt plans to escalate its innovation by producing a 1-watt battery. This advancement could significantly impact industries, particularly in the realm of drones, by potentially enabling them to fly indefinitely.

The safety features of the BV100 are noteworthy. Betavolt claims that unlike some current batteries that pose safety risks when damaged or exposed to high temperatures, the BV100 will not catch fire or explode, even under extreme conditions like punctures or gunshots.

The technology behind the BV100 involves converting the decay energy of the radioactive nickel-63 into electrical current using diamond semiconductors. This method not only ensures efficiency but also safety, as Betavolt assures that the battery poses no external radiation risk and is suitable for sensitive applications like medical devices implanted in the human body.

Furthermore, the environmental impact of this atomic energy battery is minimal. After its decay period, nickel-63 transforms into a stable, non-radioactive copper isotope, eliminating any environmental threat or pollution. This innovative approach could pave the way for a new era of sustainable and long-lasting power sources, reshaping how we think about and use energy in various applications.

Author: Blake Ambrose

The recent study by Consumer Reports has unearthed a staggering level of data tracking on Facebook users, with some being tracked by as many as 7,000 companies. This massive-scale surveillance was revealed through the participation of 709 volunteers who shared their Facebook data archives. The findings were shocking: a total of 186,892 different companies had sent user data to Facebook. On average, each participant’s data was shared by 2,230 companies, showcasing an extensive web of surveillance that goes far beyond our imagination.

The study sheds light on server-to-server tracking, a less visible yet equally intrusive method of data transfer from a company’s servers directly to Meta’s servers. This practice occurs alongside the more familiar tracking through Meta pixels on websites. Emil Vazquez, a spokesperson for Meta, owned by Mark Zuckerberg, defended their data practices, yet Consumer Reports highlighted issues with Meta’s transparency tools, including unclear provider identities and companies often ignoring user opt-out requests.

Alarmingly, the data broker LiveRamp was present in the data of 96% of study participants, underscoring its vast reach in the data-sharing ecosystem. Furthermore, the study revealed that data sharing isn’t limited to obscure brokers but includes major retailers like Home Depot, Macy’s, Walmart, and others, including Amazon, Etsy, and PayPal. LiveRamp, however, did not comment on this.

The data collected fell into two categories: “events” and “custom audiences.” The latter involves advertising companies uploading customer lists to Meta for targeted advertising, while ‘events’ describe interactions like website visits or purchases, tracked through Meta’s software in apps, pixels on websites, and server-to-server tracking.

This revelation is a wake-up call about the extent of online surveillance. Caitriona Fitzgerald from the Electronic Privacy Information Center voiced concerns about this hidden tracking, stating it’s far beyond what internet users expect. Users don’t anticipate that Meta would have information about their physical store visits or online reading habits. This study emphasizes the need for greater transparency and user control over personal data in the digital age.

Author: Blake Ambrose

In a startling revelation, Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee and Select Subcommittee on Weaponization, disclosed that the federal government directed financial institutions to flag certain search terms, including “MAGA” and “Trump.” This instruction was part of a surveillance effort to monitor private transactions of Americans following the events of January 6th at the Capitol.

In a letter to Noah Bishoff, former Director of the Office of Stakeholder Integration and Engagement at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Jordan outlined the concerning practice. The letter, first brought to light by Fox News, raises serious questions about the extent of government surveillance and its potential infringement on civil liberties.

The materials distributed by FinCEN to financial institutions contained guidelines for identifying transactions linked to various individuals of interest to federal law enforcement. These guidelines alarmingly suggested using generic terms like “TRUMP” and “MAGA” to probe Zelle payment messages. Moreover, they included a prior FinCEN analysis that listed potential “extremism” indicators. Such indicators ranged from transportation charges for travel without a clear purpose to the purchase of books or media containing extremist views.

Adding to the gravity of these revelations, the letter attached a FinCEN-prepared slide for financial institutions. This slide featured keywords like “Dick’s Sporting Goods” and “Cabela’s,” alongside Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) related to sporting and recreational goods, pawn shops, and specialty retailers.

Jordan’s disclosure signals a significant overreach of financial surveillance by the federal government, prompting concerns over the respect for fundamental civil liberties. This move to monitor private transactions based on political affiliations or leanings is deeply troubling and signifies a potential breach of privacy and freedom of expression.

In a similar vein, Jordan sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray regarding the FBI’s alleged communication with Bank of America. This communication sought specific search terms to track individuals making financial transactions in Washington, D.C., around January 5-7, 2021.

Jordan’s demand for transcribed interviews with Bishoff and senior FBI official Peter Sullivan by January 31 emphasizes the urgency and severity of these allegations. The implications of such government actions on the privacy and civil liberties of American citizens cannot be understated. This situation demands immediate attention and thorough investigation to ensure the protection of fundamental rights in the face of government surveillance.

Author: Steven Sinclaire

The latest move by the left is a blatant attempt to undermine democracy and obstruct a potential second term for President Donald Trump. Key organizations like Protect Democracy, the Institution for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown University, and Democracy Forward are at the forefront of this shady alliance. These groups, backed by the deep pockets of liberal donors like George Soros, are gearing up for a legal battle to stop Trump from taking specific executive actions, should he be re-elected.

This is nothing short of a power play by left-wing extremists, fearing Trump’s potential to use the military in ways they disagree with. They’re hell-bent on curtailing his influence over the executive branch, which speaks volumes about their disdain for the democratic process. These organizations are doing everything from preparing for litigation to influencing possible Trump appointees, all to ensure they can challenge Trump from day one.

The financial muscle behind these groups is staggering. Soros’ Foundation to Promote Open Society, for instance, has poured hundreds of thousands into Protect Democracy. Similarly, Pierre Omidyar’s Democracy Fund has heavily funded the Protect Democracy Project. Even the Heising-Simons Foundation, known for its Democratic donations, has thrown half a million dollars into the pot. This is a clear case of the wealthy elite trying to dictate the political direction of our nation.

What’s particularly alarming is the partisan nature of these groups. From top Democrat donors to Obama administration alumni sitting on their boards, the political bias is crystal clear. They’re not just anti-Trump; they’re anti-Republican, anti-conservative, and anti-anyone who dares to challenge their liberal agenda. This isn’t about protecting democracy; it’s about maintaining control and power by any means necessary.

The audacity of these groups, like ICAP and Democracy Forward, to start assembling teams to pre-emptively attack Trump’s potential actions is an affront to the democratic process. They’re not fighting for the people; they’re fighting to keep their liberal ideologies and agendas at the forefront, irrespective of what the American people want or vote for.

This is a fight for the very soul of our nation. We cannot let these wealthy, left-wing extremists dictate the course of our country’s future. It’s time to stand up against this blatant manipulation and defend our democracy from those who seek to tear it down for their gain. This isn’t just about Trump; it’s about preserving the fundamental principles that our nation was built upon.

Author: Blake Ambrose

Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JP Morgan and Chase, boldly voiced his opinions on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” delving into the political scene and its economic consequences. His remarks from Davos resonated, especially about Trump and the Democrat’s disdain for MAGA supporters.

Dimon recognized Trump’s accurate stance on key issues. He praised Trump’s economic growth, successful tax reforms, and rightful apprehensions about China and NATO. Despite differing with Trump’s approach to Mexico, Dimon stressed that these very issues garnered Trump widespread support.

Firing shots at the Democrats, Dimon slammed their belittling view of MAGA supporters. He urged for respect and comprehension, not derision. Branding Trump’s base as ‘deplorables’ or ‘extremists,’ Dimon argued, alienates a vast voter segment. He warned Democrats: mocking 75 million Americans could backfire, harming Biden’s campaign.

Dimon’s words followed Trump’s massive Iowa caucus triumph, where he claimed victory in almost every county. This, in Dimon’s eyes, signified the public’s agreement with Trump’s viewpoints. This sweeping win occurred despite Biden’s campaign trying to vilify Trump and his followers.

Dimon’s direct and unfiltered critique illustrates the dire need for a more inclusive and respectful political discourse in America. His comments serve as a wake-up call to Democrats: underestimate Trump’s appeal and the reasoning behind his support at your own peril.

This situation underscores the disconnect between the political elites and the average American. The Democrats’ continued vilification of Trump’s supporters is not just politically naive; it’s a fundamental misjudgment of the American psyche. Trump’s policies resonated with millions because they addressed real concerns, something the Democrats seem to have forgotten in their pursuit of power.

The upcoming elections will be a referendum on these attitudes. If Democrats continue down this path of contempt and dismissal, they’ll only strengthen Trump’s base. It’s high time they realize that demonizing a significant portion of the electorate is a recipe for political disaster. The voice of the people, as echoed in Trump’s overwhelming caucus win, cannot and should not be ignored.

Author: Steven Sinclaire

In a classic case of unintended consequences, New Jersey’s 2022 ban on plastic bags, a brainchild of Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, seems to have backfired spectacularly. The ban, intended as a noble effort to cut down on pollution, has ironically ramped up plastic usage and greenhouse gas emissions, while lining the pockets of grocery retailers.

This paradoxical outcome was highlighted in a report by the Freedonia Group, a top-tier international business research firm. Their findings are a slap in the face to environmental aspirations. Post-ban, the state saw a whopping 60% drop in single-use plastic bags. Sounds good, right? Wrong. The switch to reusable plastic bags led to a staggering 300% increase in the consumption of plastics needed to manufacture these supposedly eco-friendly alternatives.

It gets worse. These reusable bags are mostly made from woven and non-woven polypropylene (NWPP), a type of plastic seldom recycled in the U.S. Each of these bags gobbles up 15 times more plastic and churns out over five times the greenhouse gas emissions during production compared to their single-use counterparts.

As for the grocers, they’re laughing all the way to the bank. Freedonia Group’s financial analysis reveals that a typical store could be raking in $200,000 in profit per location by selling these reusable bags, which, ironically, are often discarded after a measly three uses. This means a major retailer could be pocketing a cool $42 million annually across all its New Jersey stores from bag sales alone.

So, while the ban was lauded for reducing beach litter, per local environmentalists and WHYY reports, it’s clear that the policy has been a boon for retailers and a bane for the environment. Governor Murphy’s office, at the time of writing, hadn’t responded to requests for comment on this fiasco.

This is what happens when feel-good environmental policies are not thought through. It’s high time politicians realized that their poorly planned initiatives often do more harm than good, both to the environment and to the people they claim to protect. The New Jersey plastic bag ban is a prime example of such misguided governance.

Author: Blake Ambrose

In a sudden turn of events, Pixar, a once iconic animation studio now steeped in woke ideology, faces significant layoffs in 2024. This move comes as Disney, Pixar’s parent company, aggressively pushes to boost streaming profitability. Originally famed for its groundbreaking animations, Pixar’s recent shift in focus has led to a diminished reputation.

Reports suggest that the studio may cut its workforce drastically, though exact numbers are not yet confirmed. This step is part of Disney’s broader strategy to drive Disney+, their streaming service, towards profitability. Despite an impressive surge in Disney+ subscribers, reaching 150.2 million, the streaming division continues to operate at a loss. The deficit has shrunk considerably, from almost $1.5 billion to $387 million, but profitability remains elusive.

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, has expressed a commitment to streamlining the company for efficiency, with a particular focus on turning streaming into a profitable venture. This includes integrating Hulu content with Disney+ in the U.S., potentially consolidating their streaming offerings.

The struggle Pixar faces reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry. Post-pandemic audience behaviors have shifted, with a growing preference for fresh, original content over familiar franchises. Theatrical releases, once a mainstay for Pixar’s success, have seen a decline in audience enthusiasm. This was evident in the lukewarm response to Pixar’s “Soul,” which, despite its innovative storyline and notable release during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, performed poorly at the box office.

Entertainment industry strategist Brandon Katz highlighted the challenge of re-engaging audiences with theatrical experiences and the growing demand for new stories. He noted that Pixar’s last major box office success with an original story was “Coco” in 2017.

Despite these setbacks, Pixar isn’t pulling back on its production schedule. The studio plans to release several new titles, including a sequel to “Inside Out” and “Elio,” an intergalactic adventure story, in the coming years.

This scenario paints a bleak picture of what was once a powerhouse in animation. Pixar’s pivot to a more politically driven agenda has not only diminished its creative edge but now threatens its very workforce. The studio’s future success hinges on its ability to adapt to Americans’ disdain for woke agendas. We’ll have to wait and see if they learn their lesson.

Author: Blake Ambrose

The latest proposal from the World Economic Forum (WEF) is an astonishing display of ignorance and arrogance. In their recent publication, they claim to have the solutions for the global economy’s woes, but their lack of understanding and consensus among experts is painfully evident. With 56% of chief economists predicting a weakening global economy and 43% seeing unchanged or stronger conditions, it’s clear that there’s no real agreement on the economic future. This ambiguity screams incompetence from the WEF.

Their approach to job creation is equally baffling. The WEF suggests shifting away from plastic, which is fundamentally oil-based and integral to our civilization’s infrastructure. This move, they claim, will create jobs. However, it’s hard to see how abandoning a material that underpins much of our daily life will lead to anything but massive job losses and economic chaos. The lack of a clear transition plan makes this proposal seem even more ludicrous.

Further, the hypocrisy of the WEF is glaring. The world’s wealthiest individuals, many of whom are regulars at the Davos summit, have seen their fortunes skyrocket to $869 billion since 2020. These are the same individuals who contribute to the very problems they claim to want to solve. Their wealth, much of which is tied up in assets and not liquid cash, means they couldn’t fix these problems even if they wanted to. The notion that Jeff Bezos, with his $180 billion net worth, could liquidate his assets without causing economic havoc is laughable.

It’s increasingly clear that the WEF and similar entities are out of touch with reality. Their grand plans for the world are built on shaky foundations and a misunderstanding of basic economic principles. People don’t need more money thrown at problems created by the elite; they need practical skills and knowledge to navigate the mess created by these globalist agendas. Skills like growing your own food, water filtration, and preparing for energy shortages are becoming essential for survival.

In essence, the WEF’s latest spin is a perfect example of the blind leading the blind. Their lack of real solutions and understanding of the economy is not just disappointing, but also dangerous. It underscores the need for individuals to become self-reliant and skeptical of the narratives pushed by these globalist entities. The world economy isn’t a game, and it’s time these so-called leaders realized that.

Author: Scott Dowdy

Congress is preparing to vote on a funding bill next week to avoid a government shutdown. This continuing resolution (CR) aims to extend government funding through early March. According to reports from Punchbowl News and Axios, and confirmation from a source to the Daily Caller News Foundation, the agreement among congressional leaders will maintain a “laddered” approach. This approach, first used in the November CR, would extend funding for four depts. until March 1st and the others until March 8.

The text of the measure is expected to be available online on Sunday evening, as stated by a spokesperson for the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Additionally, House Republicans plan to hold a conference call on Sunday evening to discuss the plan.

The decision to opt for a CR has been a point of contention within the GOP, with disagreements over the duration of government funding. Some Republicans, referred to as “appropriators,” are reportedly in favor of a longer extension to allocate more funds for defense. However, others within the party want a shorter extension to maintain pressure on budget negotiations.

In December, Mike Johnson, reflecting on the use of CRs and the potential for government shutdowns, described such approaches as a “dereliction of duty.” He expressed a desire to return to a more standard budgetary process as required by law, to avoid similar situations in the future.

Recently, House Republicans and Senate Demsreached an agreement on spending for the rest of 2024. The CR will give lawmakers additional time to draft the necessary legislation. The agreed-upon total spending, as negotiated by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson, is reportedly about 20% higher than the full-year government spending in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Some House conservatives have opposed this deal, criticizing it for not reducing spending sufficiently and for failing to ensure funding for conservative border policies. As of now, Senate Majority Leader Schumer has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.

This stopgap funding bill represents a critical step in averting a government shutdown, reflecting ongoing debates over federal spending and budget priorities within Congress.

Author: Steven Sinclaire

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