Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter develop technology to identify extremism
Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter on Monday announced they had joined forces in an attempt to curb explicit terrorist imagery online.
The move follows criticism from Brussels that big US social media groups have made insufficient effort to clamp down on hate speech.
In a statement, the technology groups said they were building new technology that would identify extremist content, including terrorist recruitment videos and images of executions, via a digital fingerprint known as a “hash”, which would then be compiled into a shared global database. Once created, the hash would be attached like a watermark to content, which would then be easy to identify and take down.
Scrambling for an explanation for Donald Trump’s victory, many in the media and on the left have settled on the idea that his supporters were consumers of “fake news” — gullible rubes living in an alternate reality made Trump president.
To be sure, there is such a thing as actual fake news: made-up stories built to get Facebook traction before they can be debunked. But that’s not what’s really going on here.
What the left is trying to do is designate anything outside its ideological bubble as suspect on its face.
In October, President Obama complained that we need a “curating function” to deal with the “wild-wild-west-of-information flow.” Who would be doing this “curating” is unclear — but we can guess: “Obviously,” Noah Feldman writes at Bloomberg View, “it would be better if the market would fix the problem on its own . . . But if they can’t reliably do it — and that seems possible, since algorithms aren’t (yet) fact-checkers — there might be a need for the state to step in.”
Comedian Jon Stewart sat down for a lengthy post-election conversationWednesday with New York Times editor Chris Smith and dished on all aspects of politics in the era of Trump.
“It is odd to be in a position of knowing that the leader of the free world tweeted that you were a pussy at 1:30 in the morning,” the former Daily Show host said of President-elect Donald Trump.
Stewart was set to discuss his new book, The Daily Show: An Oral History, but spent most of the evening airing his thoughts on the presidential election, why Obama was bad for freedom of the press and Hispanics, and how corporate media helps divide America.
“Not everybody that voted for Trump is a racist,” Stewart said, mimicking remarks he made in November. “I don’t give a fuck what any of you say to me. You can yell it at me, you can tweet it at me. They’re not all racists. Or they’re not giving tacit support to a racist system. We all give tacit support to exploitative systems as long as they don’t affect us that badly.”
By this point in the year, most high school seniors have walked across the stage and grabbed their diploma. Many parents sit proudly by during this process, sniffing back tears and saying, “I can’t believe they’re ready to move on to college!”
The unfortunate fact of the matter is, they may not be as ready as the parents, teachers, or even students themselves think.
That’s one of the findings from a National Curriculum Survey released by the ACT.
As the ACT explains, the survey serves “to ask educators about what they teach (or don’t teach) in their courses and how important they feel various topics in their discipline are for students to be successful in these and future courses.”
Here’s something that many Americans — including some of the smartest and most educated among us — don’t know: The official unemployment rate, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, is extremely misleading.
Right now, we’re hearing much celebrating from the media, the White House and Wall Street about how unemployment is “down” to 5.6%. The cheerleading for this number is deafening. The media loves a comeback story, the White House wants to score political points and Wall Street would like you to stay in the market.
None of them will tell you this: If you, a family member or anyone is unemployed and has subsequently given up on finding a job — if you are so hopelessly out of work that you’ve stopped looking over the past four weeks — the Department of Labor doesn’t count you as unemployed. That’s right. While you are as unemployed as one can possibly be, and tragically may never find work again, you are not counted in the figure we see relentlessly in the news — currently 5.6%. Right now, as many as 30 million Americans are either out of work or severely underemployed. Trust me, the vast majority of them aren’t throwing parties to toast “falling” unemployment.
There’s another reason why the official rate is misleading. Say you’re an out-of-work engineer or healthcare worker or construction worker or retail manager: If you perform a minimum of one hour of work in a week and are paid at least $20 — maybe someone pays you to mow their lawn — you’re not officially counted as unemployed in the much-reported 5.6%. Few Americans know this.
My research was attacked by thought police in journalism, activist groups funded by billionaires and even the White House.
By
ROGER PIELKE JR.
Updated Dec. 2, 2016 7:04 p.m. ET
Much to my surprise, I showed up in the WikiLeaks releases before the election. In a 2014 email, a staffer at the Center for American Progress, founded by John Podesta in 2003, took credit for a campaign to have me eliminated as a writer for Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight website. In the email, the editor of the think tank’s climate blog bragged to one of its billionaire donors, Tom Steyer: “I think it’s fair [to] say that, without Climate Progress, Pielke would still be writing on climate change for 538.”
WikiLeaks provides a window into a world I’ve seen up close for decades: the debate over what to do about climate change, and the role of science in that argument. Although it is too soon to tell how the Trump administration will engage the scientific community, my long experience shows what can happen when politicians and media turn against inconvenient research—which we’ve seen under Republican and Democratic presidents.
I understand why Mr. Podesta—most recently Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman—wanted to drive me out of the climate-change discussion. When substantively countering an academic’s research proves difficult, other techniques are needed to banish it. That is how politics sometimes works, and professors need to understand this if we want to participate in that arena.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Knights of Columbus Council #1736 held their annual senior citizens Christmas party in the Parish Center at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Sunday, December 4th. Guests were treated to a buffet lunch, entertainment, Christmas carols, and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Patrick Mullin took the microphone and lead the crowd in Christmas carols a cappella. Finally, Santa arrived and distributed gifts for all. The Knights are proud to host this event every year, honoring the finest citizens of Ridgewood.
Pictured (from left): Maria Mediago, Vice President, Facilities Management, The Valley Hospital; Howard Halverson, Director, Environmental Services, The Valley Hospital; and Audrey Meyers, President and CEO, Valley Health System.
December 4,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) has recognized Valley’s commitment to recycling with an outstanding achievement award.
Valley was lauded for its recycling efforts, which include solid waste, medical waste, recycled waste and hazardous waste. The hospital uses a single-stream recycling system and makes a concerted effort to recycle whenever possible. For example, the OR now sends its reports electronically, which is saving hundreds of reams of paper annually. The hospital also recycles items such as old hospital beds and sends certain medical goods to be recycled for use by other institutions.
According to the EPA, “The Department promotes recycling through the annual recycling awards program that is coordinated in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR). The awards recognize the outstanding recycling achievements of municipalities, counties, businesses and industry and individuals, as well as schools and other institutions and are presented at ANJR’s annual recycling symposium. This program has generated positive publicity for New Jersey’s recycling efforts.”
President-Elect Donald J. Trump Intends to Nominate Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
December 5,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate Dr. Ben Carson to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Dr. Carson is a distinguished national leader who overcame his troubled youth in the inner city of Detroit to become a renowned neurosurgeon who served as the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
“I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as our next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ben Carson has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities and families within those communities. We have talked at length about my urban renewal agenda and our message of economic revival, very much including our inner cities. Ben shares my optimism about the future of our country and is part of ensuring that this is a Presidency representing all Americans. He is a tough competitor and never gives up.”
“I am honored to accept the opportunity to serve our country in the Trump administration,” said Dr. Carson. “I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need. We have much work to do in enhancing every aspect of our nation and ensuring that our nation’s housing needs are met.”
Ben Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 18, 1951. While his mother lacked access to a quality education, she encouraged her sons in their scholastic pursuits and instilled the value of hard work. Carson graduated with honors from Southwestern High School, where he also became a senior commander in the school’s ROTC program. He earned a full scholarship to Yale University and graduated in 1973 with a B.A. degree in psychology.
Carson then enrolled in the School of Medicine at the University of Michigan, choosing to become a neurosurgeon. Dr. Carson became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33 and earned fame for his groundbreaking work separating conjoined twins.
Twenty years ago, Carson and his wife Candy started the Carson Scholars Fund, which is now active in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It has provided more than 7,300 scholarships since 1994 to students from all backgrounds that achieve at the highest academic levels and community service. It also encompasses the Reading Room program and reading rooms have been placed throughout the country to stimulate a love for reading, especially in those who are underserved.
In 2000, the Library of Congress selected Dr. Carson as one of its “Living Legends.” The following year, CNN and Time magazine named Dr. Carson as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists. In 2006, he received the Spingarn Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the NAACP. In February 2008, President George W. Bush awarded Dr. Carson the Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Here come those moving trucks for the late Spring selling season..so many
Families moving south for lower taxes ,retirees seek social security favorable or non tax status for retirees.Younger families will end up holding the bag of worst choices in order to stay in north jersey. Technology is also creating a huge increase in home office remote work lifestyles.which means that as long as the children are in a decent school district the past ties to the need to be in a commuter friendly costly tax town is not as high on the list as in years past.Familiies also have to save hundreds of thousands of after tax dollars as their kids college and high costs years are just ahead.Not everyone is a Wall Street mogal or a ridgewood millionaire.We need to keep costs in check,examine cross township shared muni services,Garbage , Maintenance ,sewers departments ..even Fire Department etc.TAXES ARE TOO HIGH RIDGEWOOD AND NO ONE IS ADDRESSING THIS RISK To our home investments here ..lots of for sale signs I mid winter is a possible early warning .people getting out early
Tuesday, December 6 with New York Times money columnist Mr. Ron Lieber, who will address parents and guardians on “How, When and Why to Talk to Your Kids about Money.”
December 5,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The district’s free Wellbeing Series for parents, guardians and the general adult public continues on Tuesday, December 6 with New York Times money columnist Mr. Ron Lieber, who will address parents and guardians on “How, When and Why to Talk to Your Kids about Money.”
Mr. Lieber’s program will cover the basics of allowance, chores, clothing, phones, cars and college, with a focus on values. His talk will be given at Benjamin Franklin Middle School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m.
Mr. Lieber has written extensively on the topic of money and personal finance. He is the author of several books, including bestsellers “The Opposite of Spoiled” and “Taking Time Off: Inspiring Stories of Students Who Enjoyed Successful Breaks from College and How You Can Plan Your Own,” co-authored with Colin Hall.
Closing out the first part of the series is a program on Special Education 101 on Tuesday, December 13 by Dr. Kim Buxenbaum, district Director of Special Programs. Dr. Buxenbaum will provide an overview of the process and procedures for educational intervention with struggling students and discuss referral for special education evaluations, classification and service delivery.
This program will take place at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, from 7-9 p.m. Parents and guardians of children currently receiving special education and those concerned about their child’s progress in school are especially encouraged attend.
Dr. Buxenbaum currently oversees the district’s pre-K through Grade 12 programming for Special Education students, English Language learners and students at risk, while also directing the district’s crisis counseling program. Dr. Buxenbaum earned her doctorate in School Psychology from Rutgers University, where she also worked as an adjunct professor. Over the years, Dr. Buxenbaum has served as a clinical psychologist both in institutions and private practice.
Programming in the second half of the school year will begin with a meaningful interactive program on suicide from the Minding Your Mind organization on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. “Just Talk About It: A Suicide Prevention Program will take place at George Washington Middle School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. (snow date, January 11).
On Wednesday, February 1, author, New York Times columnist and teacher Ms. Jessica Lahey will present “The Gift of Failure” at George Washington Middle School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. The program will focus on the importance of self-motivation to success and ways that parents can support their children to stay motivated over the long term. “Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder” will follow on Tuesday, March 14 with author,
“Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder” will follow on Tuesday, March 14 with author, advocate and Founder of the Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness Ms. Johanna Kandel. This program will take place at George Washington Middle School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. On Tuesday, April 4, district Director of Special Programs Dr. Kim Buxenbaum will return to the program schedule with a presentation on “Least Restrictive Environment/Transitions.” She will explain terminology and describe the district special education program. This presentation and panel discussion will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Education Center. Psychologist and author Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair will cover the topic, “Protecting Children and Family Relationships in the Digital Age” on Tuesday, April 18 at the George Washington Middle School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. The final speaker in the Wellbeing series will be Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg,
Psychologist and author Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair will cover the topic, “Protecting Children and Family Relationships in the Digital Age” on Tuesday, April 18 at the George Washington Middle School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. The final speaker in the Wellbeing series will be Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, pediatrician,
The final speaker in the Wellbeing series will be Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, pediatrician, professor and author. Dr. Ginsberg will speak to parents and guardians on Tuesday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m. on the topic, “Fostering Resilience,” and at 7 p.m. on “Authentic Success.” The morning program will take place at the Ridgewood Public Library Auditorium, located at 125 North Maple Avenue. The evening program will take place at George Washington Middle School Auditorium.
All programs are free and open to the adult public.
Ridgewood’s Benjamin Franklin Middle School is located at 335 N. Van Dien Avenue. George Washington Middle School is located at 155 Washington Place. The Education Center is located at 49 Cottage Place.
This year’s Wellbeing Series, developed for parents, guardians and the Ridgewood adult public by the district’s Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. The ten-presentation series is a component of the Ridgewood Public Schools Community Outreach Program, which strives to help parents and guardians create balance in children’s lives and support their emotional health.
The series is co-sponsored by The Valley Hospital, with support from The (Ridgewood Education) Foundation and the district’s Home and School Associations.
For more information, please contact the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at 201-670-2700, ext. 10532 or email [email protected]
Ridgewood NJ, Congratulations to the Ridgewood Maroons for winning the North 1 Group 5 State Championship at MetLife Stadium by defeating Passaic County Tech 14-13! The Maroons completed their 12-0 season and first perfect campaign since the middle fifties .
As chronicled on this blog MetLife Stadium had been the home of many disappointments both on and off the field for the Ridgewood Maroons over the years ,but this time thanks to a strong defense it was a different tune.
With the offense struggling to gain its rhythm, the Maroons defense stepped up and forced a pair of turnovers deep in the Passaic Tech territory. The takeaways led to all of Ridgewood’s scores and the state championship.
The breaks went all Ridgewood surviving an extra point try to tie with 1:24 remaining on the clock and the 14-13 victory led to the first perfect campaign since 1956.The win also marked the fifth state sectional championship for the Maroons and the first since 2004.
Matteo Renzi, who staked his future on winning the vote, says he takes full responsibility for the “extraordinarily clear” defeat.
Italian PM Matteo Renzi has said he will resign after losing a key referendum on constitutional reform.
Mr Renzi had staked his future on a “Yes” vote, vowing to quit if voters rejected his plans to reduce the role of the country’s Senate and take back powers from regional authorities.
The result plunges the country into political turmoil, with the effects likely to be felt on the markets and across the rest of Europe.
“The experience of my government ends here,” Mr Renzi said in a televised address to the nation after early results suggested he may have lost by as much as 20 points.
‘Our values unify us and our values are about supporting America’s working families’
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said that despite Democrats losing the House, Senate, and almost two-thirds of state houses, the American people don’t want a new direction.
