If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. You might still think about Eric Schmidt as a “(big) tech guy” and businessman, but his passion for (geo)politics was always evident, even while he served as Google’s CEO. These days, Schmidt is the chair of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a think tank that would like to position itself as a reference point to a military alliance, NATO, and get it to “monitor disinformation in real-time.” SCSP’s ambition is no less than to help craft new national security strategies, always with an eye on the alleged attempts to increase disinformation (here AI is to blame) – but also ways to combat that, and here, SCSP says (the US) must strengthen its “AI competitiveness.” The goal is to “win” what’s referred to as the techno-economic competition by 2030 – there’s that deadline, favored by many a controversial globalist initiative. Here, the group would like NATO and its members to fight against what is described as AI disinformation, that new chapter in information warfare. Schmidt’s think tank doesn’t like what’s seen as the current reactive approach and the tired old debunking. That means there must be an “active” one – and the replacement for debunking would logically be some form of the dystopian concept of “prebunking.” (SCSP mentions both as desirable methods in a late 2022 report, but this time shies away from using the latter term.) SCSP wants various actors to carry out real-time surveillance of “disinformation” by means of spending money on tools fed with publicly available online data (aka, the cynically named “open source” data). In other words, real-time mass-scale internet data scraping. Such tools already exist and are used by law enforcement, causing various levels of controversy. Next comes prebunking, even if the latest batch of SCSP recommendations stops short of calling it that. But what would you call it? “NATO should provide its own positive narrative to get out ahead of disinformation, and highlight failures of authoritarian regimes, especially on their own digital platforms.” And to make this work, SCSP wants NATO to co-opt various governments and companies, as well as NGOs. Inside the alliance, a “disinformation unit” should be formed. Last but not least, the think tank says – “Foster healthy skepticism.” Perhaps starting with SCSP’s own roles, goals, and affiliations. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Eric Schmidt’s AI Think Tank Urges NATO to Monitor “Disinformation” in Real-Time, Coordinate Responses appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. As part of a dramatic escalation of conflict between private sector principles and local judiciary mandates, X announced the immediate cessation of its operations in Brazil this Saturday. The company attributed its decision to direct threats against its legal team by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who issued secret orders demanding compliance with censorship directives. According to a statement from X, Justice de Moraes threatened to arrest their legal representative in Brazil unless the platform adhered to these orders. The company disclosed this information publicly, sharing the secretive order to highlight what it perceives as an abuse of power. “Last night, Alexandre de Moraes threatened our legal representative in Brazil with arrest if we do not comply with his censorship orders. He did so in a secret order, which we share here to expose his actions,” the statement read. Despite multiple appeals to the Supreme Court, which according to X, went unheard, and the Brazilian public remaining uninformed about the orders, the company expressed its concerns over the lack of transparency and due process. “Despite our numerous appeals to the Supreme Court not being heard, the Brazilian public not being informed about these orders, and our Brazilian staff having no responsibility or control over whether content is blocked on our platform, Moraes has chosen to threaten our staff in Brazil rather than respect the law or due process,” X elaborated. X and its owner, Elon Musk, have continued to face censorship demands from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Musk has publicly criticized these demands, arguing they violate Brazilian law, and has shared the court orders online. The latest censorship targets include a pastor, a current parliamentarian, and the wife of a former legislator, all known for their critical views of the government and support of former President Bolsonaro. X is required to block these accounts within 24 hours and maintain detailed logs, facing a fine of about $10,000 per day for non-compliance. In its statement, X also underscored that the drastic measure to shut down its operations was taken to ensure the safety of its staff. While the local operations have been halted, X reassured that its services would remain accessible to users in Brazil, signaling a commitment to continue providing unfiltered information despite the local challenges. Musk, echoed this sentiment in a statement released shortly after the announcement of the closure, emphasizing the continued availability of X’s services to Brazilian users. “Due to demands by ‘Justice’ @Alexandre in Brazil that would require us to break (in secret) Brazilian, Argentinian, American and international law, ? has no choice but to close our local operations in Brazil,” Musk posted. Adding that Moraes is an “utter disgrace to justice.” Musk then compared Moraes to Harry Potter villain Lord Voldermort. X’s departure from Brazil marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over digital rights and freedom of speech, casting a spotlight on the pro-censorship actions of judiciary members like Justice Moraes and their incompatibility with democratic values. “The people of Brazil have a choice to make – democracy, or Alexandre de Moraes,” X’s statement concluded, framing the incident as a pivotal choice for the nation’s future. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post X Draws the Line in Brazil, Shuts Down Local Operations Amid Censorship Clash appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

A cat waited months for a home until someone looked past his "grumpy old man" face and took a chance on him. SeymourHomeward Bound Cat AdoptionsSeymour, a Persian cat, was nine years old when he came to Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions.He needed a new home where he could be king and a loving family who would understand his quirks and needs. A bit shy upon arrival, Seymour looked displeased, taking his time adjusting and observing his new surroundings from a cat tree.His "grumpy-faced, slightly moody" demeanor was just a facade. Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions"He quickly let his sweet, attentive, curious, charming side take over - all you needed to do was look past the grumpy ole' man syndrome," Kimberly Wade of Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions shared with Love Meow."He liked attention on his own time, yet there was something captivating about him." Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsSeymour wasn't fond of being picked up and could be shy at first, but deep down, he adored good company and enjoyed getting brushed and petted. "He wore a grumpy face daily, but our staff and volunteers agreed he was all talk."Days turned into weeks, and Seymour continued to wait for the right family to come along. Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions"Perhaps, it's his 'grumpy' demeanor or facial expressions that push people away, but that's only his first layer. Seymour loves to be where the humans are."Eighty-six adoptions were made during June, and Seymour watched as these lucky kitties left the adoption center with their new families while he stayed behind. Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsAnother month went by, and his search for his forever home continued. He sat in his usual spot on the cat tree, patiently awaiting someone to come through the door. "As people got to know him, and he relaxed, that curious and charming side took over."One of the volunteers told her daughter about Seymour, and the young woman decided to pay a visit. Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsShe brought a brush to the meet-and-greet, sat next to Seymour, who was in his preferred lounging spot, and offered him his favorite treats. Within minutes, Seymour approached her and accepted the offer as a sign of approval."Once I met him and learned his story, I knew he just needed a little love and a quiet place to call home," she shared with Love Meow. Homeward Bound Cat AdoptionsAfter nearly four months, Seymour bid farewell to the staff at the adoption center and departed for his forever home.He quickly settled in and claimed every inch of his new abode. He lay on the floor with his paws folded neatly like a wise man, sharing his feline wisdom through whiskers and purrs. Seymour at his forever home@themistergrouch"Now, he runs our house like the little prince he was always meant to be."No longer hanging out in just one spot, Seymour roams around the house, napping anywhere he chooses. He sleeps soundly with his paws and belly pointing to the ceiling, not a care in the world. @themistergrouchSeymour, the shelter staff's favorite grouch, is loving his new life as "the Persian Prince.""Our grumpy-faced, slightly moody yet wonderfully sweet Persian, who was [at the adoption center] much longer than we ever anticipated, is now home with the coolest cat-loving person we could hope for." @themistergrouch"(He's) always so proper with his crisscrossed paws." @themistergrouchShare this story with your friends. More on Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions on Instagram and Facebook. More on Seymour on Instagram @themistergrouch.Related story: Cat Runs Up to Guy Trailing Him Home, Shortly After He Finds Tiny Kittens in His House

'Gimmicks' and Price 'Gauging': WaPo Editorial Board Blasts Kamanomics

The Saturday morning editions of the network morning shows took different approaches to Vice President Kamala Harris’s radical proposal to install price controls on food. ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today barely touched it, portraying it as if it were just another proposal, while CBS Saturday Morning was more willing to say the proposal was more politics than actual economics. ABC was the worst offender, as White House correspondent Mary Bruce put a positive spin on the proposal during the top-of-the-show rundown, “Vice President Kamala Harris details her vision ahead of the Democratic Convention. The policies aimed at protecting your pocketbook. Donald Trump, taking aim.”     Why would Trump want to take aim at the idea of protecting voters’ pocketbooks? To find out, viewers had to wait a few minutes for a report from Jay O’Brien, who played a clip of Harris urging people to “compare my plan with what Donald Trump intends to do. He plans to give billionaires massive tax cuts year after year. You know, I think, if you want to know who someone cares about, look who they fight for.” Labeling Harris’s agenda “ambitious,” O’Brien continued, “Harris's ambitious agenda, much of which would have to be cleared by Congress, calling for a federal ban on price gouging of groceries, up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers, a tax credit of up to $6,000 for families of a newborn, and capping the cost of insulin at $35 and other out-of-pocket prescription drug prices at $2,000.” O’Brien did play a generic Trump clip, but it didn’t give viewers any insight into the history of price controls leading to shortages, “Kamala Harris is a radical California liberal who broke the economy.” NBC White House correspondent Allie Raffa was only marginally better, “promising to address the issue at the top of voters' minds. Her plan includes an expanded child tax credit up to $6,000 for families with newborns and up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers. Harris also saying she’ll work with Congress to impose a federal ban on what her campaign calls price gouging in the food industry.” She then played a clip of Harris declaring, “Most businesses are creating jobs, contributing to our economy, and playing by the rules, but some are not.” Unlike O’Brien, Raffa did manage to play a clip of Trump attacking Harris’s price control scheme, but made it sound like he was talking about inflation: RAFFA: Former President Trump blaming Harris for rising inflation during his own event this week. TRUMP: Something straight out of Venezuela or the Soviet Union. CBS correspondent Natalie Brand was the best of the trio. As part of her report, she interviewed Prof. Steven Hamilton, who liked the housing parts of Harris’s plan, “But he's skeptical of Harris's call for a federal ban on price gouging on groceries and other goods.” Hamilton didn’t mention shortages or black markets, but did suggest no serious economist would ever propose such a thing, “I think that's really, frankly, more of a, kind of, populist, you know, thing rather than something driven by real economics.” Brand also played a clip of Trump calling Harris a “radical left person” who “wants to put price controls all over the place, which will end up driving up your prices, not down your prices.” And drive down supply, but ABC and NBC would rather not talk about that.  Here are transcripts for the August 17 shows: ABC Good Morning America 8/17/2024 7:00 AM ET MARY BRUCE: Vice President Kamala Harris details her vision ahead of the Democratic Convention. The policies aimed at protecting your pocketbook. Donald Trump, taking aim. … JAY O’BRIEN: Fresh off the vice president laying out her economic plan in the first major policy speech of her just weeks old campaign. KAMALA HARRIS: Compare my plan with what Donald Trump intends to do. He plans to give billionaires massive tax cuts year after year. You know, I think, if you want to know who someone cares about, look who they fight for. O’BRIEN: Harris's ambitious agenda, much of which would have to be cleared by Congress, calling for a federal ban on price gouging of groceries, up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers, a tax credit of up to $6,000 for families of a newborn, and capping the cost of insulin at $35 and other out-of-pocket prescription drug prices at $2,000.  Meantime, Donald Trump holding his own rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, today after spending the week slapping Harris and the Biden administration's handling of the economy. DONALD TRUMP: Kamala Harris is a radical California liberal who broke the economy. *** NBC Today 8/17/2024 7:06 AM ET ALLIE RAFFA: Promising to address the issue at the top of voters' minds. Her plan includes an expanded child tax credit up to $6,000 for families with newborns and up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers. Harris also saying she’ll work with Congress to impose a federal ban on what her campaign calls price gouging in the food industry.  KAMALA HARRIS: Most businesses are creating jobs, contributing to our economy, and playing by the rules, but some are not. RAFFA: Former President Trump blaming Harris for rising inflation during his own event this week. DONALD TRUMP: Something straight out of Venezuela or the Soviet Union. *** CBS Saturday Morning 8/17/2024 NATALIE BRAND: But he's skeptical of Harris's call for a federal ban on price gouging on groceries and other goods. KAMALA HARRIS: So, believe me, as president, I will go after the bad actors. STEVEN HAMILTON: I think that's really, frankly, more of a, kind of, populist, you know, thing rather than something driven by real economics. BRAND: Vice president Harris is also calling to expand the child tax credit to families with newborns. Her proposals would require Congressional approval. DONALD TRUMP: Radical left person wants to put price controls all over the place, which will end up driving up your prices, not down your prices.

There was a time not so long ago when the birds and the bees had a pretty straightforward gig. We had males, we had females, and the most complicated thing about it was deciding who takes out the trash. But unless you’ve been living under a cultural rock — or perhaps on a very distant planet — it's become abundantly clear that those days are behind us. 'The peer review in youth gender medicine is completely dysfunctional. There is a small group of ideologues who do the peer review and suppress the scholarly exchange.' Now, gender and sex have become the social equivalent of advanced calculus, and everyone seems to be working with a different equation. In this brave new world, even the birds and bees are questioning their identities. This is not just a passing trend but a profound societal shift. The discussion around gender, once grounded in biology and tradition, has morphed into an ideological battleground, and few have dared to question the prevailing narrative — except for those like Dr. Kristopher Kaliebe. A distinguished psychiatrist and professor at the University of South Florida, Kaliebe has not shied away from challenging the status quo. As a board-certified expert in general, forensic, and child and adolescent psychiatry, he has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in treating non-conforming and gender-dysphoric youth. Yet what he sees in his field today alarms him. Kaliebe argues that leading professional organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association have become mouthpieces for political agendas, sidelining rigorous scientific debate in favor of a predetermined narrative. Kaliebe's critique is sharp and unflinching. He points out that these organizations have unilaterally endorsed medicalized and affirmative treatments for gender dysphoria in minors based on flimsy evidence, often derived from studies riddled with methodological flaws. Worse, this endorsement was made without the broad consent of their members or the benefit of a robust, open debate. According to Kaliebe, the result is a suppression of scholarly skepticism, where dissenting voices are marginalized and important questions go unasked. This is not just a professional concern for Kaliebe; it’s a matter of intellectual integrity. He sees this as a symptom of what Jonathan Haidt describes as "structural stupidity" — a decline in intellectual rigor and an increase in groupthink, driven by ideological conformity rather than objective analysis. The medical community, once committed to evidence-based practices, is now, in Kaliebe’s view, at risk of becoming an echo chamber where only politically convenient truths are allowed to be heard. Kaliebe speaks from experience. “At the University of South Florida,” he says, “I have been consistently supported by my trainees, peers, and administration. I discuss these issues openly with students and all levels of trainees. We have a pleasant, rigorous, open dialogue. There is no problem.” But this intellectual freedom is not universal. “Unfortunately, I hear from colleagues up North and out West that it is not the same at many other universities,” Kaliebe notes. In psychiatric professional organizations, he observes a sadder state of affairs: “These organizations have chosen to take on a role primarily as advocacy organizations and thus de-emphasized their role as scientific organizations.” Kaliebe’s attempts to raise concerns have been met with resistance. He has submitted multiple letters and articles to the journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, only to have them consistently declined. “The peer review in youth gender medicine is completely dysfunctional,” he asserts. “There is a small group of ideologues who do the peer review and suppress the scholarly exchange.” The implications of this ideological capture are profound, particularly when it comes to the treatment of adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria. Kaliebe emphasizes the need for a more nuanced, individualized approach. First and foremost, he advocates for addressing comorbid conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, ADHD, or personality disorders, which often accompany gender dysphoria. Treating these underlying issues, he argues, should be a priority before considering more radical interventions like social transitioning or hormone therapy. Kaliebe is particularly cautious about social transitioning in minors, warning that it may prevent the natural resolution of gender dysphoria. He suggests that youth continue using their birth names and pronouns as they explore their identities, allowing for a more thoughtful and less pressured development process. Family therapy and education are also crucial, as clinicians have a responsibility to support families while avoiding the automatic encouragement of medical transitions. Moreover, Kaliebe stresses the importance of physical and mental well-being in this context. Engaging in vigorous physical activity, practicing mind-body techniques like yoga and meditation, and fostering a sense of shared humanity beyond gender identity can all play significant roles in helping adolescents navigate this challenging period. Finally, Kaliebe urges a re-evaluation of the slogans that often dominate the discourse around gender-affirming care. Many youths and their families, he warns, are unaware of the evidence challenging the safety and efficacy of medical transitions. Sexual orientation and trauma history, too, must be carefully considered, as they can be significant factors in the development of gender dysphoria. In the end, Kaliebe’s message is clear: Psychotherapy should be the primary approach for addressing persistent gender dysphoria, ensuring that treatment plans are comprehensive, supportive, and grounded in rigorous science. His call for open, evidence-based debate within medical organizations is not just a plea for intellectual honesty but a necessary step to prevent harm and restore credibility to a field that, in his view, has lost its way.

For fans of Terraria and the survival sandbox genre, Necesse has been a breath of fresh air since it was officially released in 2019. Now, merely a week after the game received a massive graphics overhaul, the developers have revealed a roadmap for future updates that look to shake up the game significantly. Continue reading Terraria style city builder Necesse lays out fresh update roadmap MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best relaxing games, Best building games, Best sandbox games

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