#Regulatory burden

[morlibertarianism]

The Falsehood of the "Meth-Caused Homelessness" Claim: A Libertarian Response

Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is simplistic and reductionist to suggest that it is caused by a single factor such as meth addiction. While meth addiction may be a factor for some homeless individuals, it is important to recognize that it is not the sole cause and that a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing homelessness will not be effective.

Homelessness has multiple root causes, including lack of affordable housing, job insecurity, mental illness, and the failure of social safety net programs. Additionally, excessive zoning regulations can limit the availability of affordable housing, contributing to the homelessness problem.

So what can be done to address homelessness? Rather than relying on targeted government intervention, we should focus on strategies that lower time prices and make resources more affordable. This can include policies that reduce the cost of living, such as lowering taxes and regulatory burdens, and that increase access to credit and capital, making it easier for individuals to help themselves and others. By empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and overcome homelessness, we can create a more prosperous and self-sufficient society.

It is important to recognize the complexity of homelessness and to approach it with a nuanced and multifaceted approach. Only by understanding the root causes and implementing targeted solutions can we hope to make a lasting impact and reduce homelessness in our communities. This means moving beyond simplistic explanations that pin the blame on a single factor such as meth addiction, and instead considering the multiple root causes of homelessness. It also means focusing on strategies that lower time prices and make resources more affordable, rather than relying solely on targeted government intervention that may function more as a jobs program for those who claim to help the homeless rather than actually helping the homeless. By empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and overcome homelessness, we can create a more prosperous and self-sufficient society.

[terotam]

Boat Maintenance with CMMS — A Modernized Approach to Systematic Maintenance Management

[kristinagehrmann]

The US Copyright Office is currently asking for input on generative AI systems ...

... to help assess whether legislative or regulatory steps in this area are warranted. Here is what I wrote to them, and what I want as a creative professional: AI systems undermine the value of human creative thinking and work, and harbor a danger for us creative people that should not be underestimated. There is a risk of a transfer of economic advantage to a few AI companies, to the detriment of hundreds of thousands of creatives. It is the creative people with their works who create the data and marketing basis for the AI companies, from which the AI systems feed. AI systems cannot produce text, images or music without suitable training material, and the quality of that training material has a direct influence on the quality of the results. In order to supply the systems with the necessary data, the developers of those AI systems are currently using the works of creative people - without consent or even asking, and without remuneration. In addition, creative professionals are denied a financial participation in the exploitation of the AI results created on the basis of the material. My demand as a creative professional is this: The works and achievements of creative professionals must also be protected in digital space. The technical possibility of being able to read works via text and data mining must not legitimize any unlicensed use! The remuneration for the use of works is the economic basis on which creative people work. AI companies are clearly pursuing economic interests with their operation. The associated use of the work for commercial purposes must be properly licensed, and compensated appropriately. We need transparent training data as an access requirement for AI providers! In order to obtain market approval, AI providers must be able to transparently present this permission from the authors. The burden of proof and documentation of the data used - in the sense of applicable copyright law - lies with the user and not with the author. AI systems may only be trained from comprehensible, copyright-compliant sources.

____________________________

You can send your own comment to the Copyright Office here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/COLC-2023-0006-0001

My position is based on the Illustratoren Organisation's (Germany) recently published stance on AI generators: https://illustratoren-organisation.de/2023/04/04/ki-aber-fair-positionspapier-der-kreativwirtschaft-zum-einsatz-von-ki/

[youknowwhoiamassbutt]

Okay seemingly random headcanon

Shanks has always had ADHD, Buggy autism.

Shanks is hyperactive, talks too much, lacks volume control, oblivious to his surrounding, hyperfixates on things, has no sense of personal space because he wants to hug and kiss all over every one of his friends and can't fathom his friends having a different love language than him.

As he grew up, he learned ways of coping, because, while he never really realized that he was different from other people, he did notice that others reacted badly to who he was inherently. He got a lot of energy out with his active, pirate lifestyle, until he got older, learned things about the one piece, lost Buggy, and his motivation waned, losing much of his energy to do anything (lacking dopamine). He became more aware of his surroundings and others' feelings as his Observation Haki developed, and he learned when he made people uncomfortable, when to shut up, and when to keep his physical distance. But the biggest, and most detrimental habit he developed was alcohol. Alcohol numbed his sensory intake, making his need for constant motion as a regulatory tool unnecessary. It helped him stay quiet when people were talking because it slowed his thinking. It was NOT helpful with motivation or impulse control, but that wasn't an issue when he had Benn by his side keeping him in check and telling him when ideas were stupid and going to get him or someone else killed.

Without Buggy, the one person that loved and embraced Shanks fully for who he was, granted, with a lot of complaining and teasing, Shanks lives a fragmented life, he lives as the persona he's created to be accepted. Without Buggy there to listen to his rants about anything and everything, Shanks feels insignificant, like a burden if he opens his mouth to ramble for thirty minutes about something he'll forget three days later. Without Buggy to advocate for, Shanks often forgets to think about his own needs. Without Buggy, Shanks has no one in his life to latch onto and not let go, to hug, to snuggle, to rest his head on when he's tired. All of his crew love him, and they don't mind the occasional side hug, but no one lets him attach himself to them like Buggy did.

Buggy is highly emotional, hypersensitive to the reactions of those around him, sensory sensitive, doesn't like public displays of affection or physical touch with no purpose, hyperreactive, struggles to inwardly reflect on his own emotions and decipher what they mean and why he is feeling them.

Buggy never learned many coping mechanisms, at least, not healthy ones. He tried to become big and scary so people were too afraid to judge him, to look down on him and treat him like he's weird. He avoided emotional intimacy so that he wouldn't have to decode his own feelings and relay them to another person. He avoided physical intimacy so he wouldn't have to grapple with his own emotions around his body and feeling vulnerable. He used the loud noises of his "performances" to hype himself up and hide who he really is inside but would always shut himself away in silence afterward to decompress. He never learned to control his outbursts, however, and is incapable of successfully masking for more than a few minutes at a time.

Without Shanks to facilitate the things he needs, and shamelessly ask for accommodations, Buggy lives an isolated, miserable, scary, and overwhelming life. Without Shanks, the one person that pushed passed his emotional walls, the person that forced Buggy to recieve physical affection, something he very much craves but is scared to accept for fear of judgement, Buggy's lonely.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Outside Online:

On February 29, Daniel, Wyoming resident Cody Roberts allegedly ran a juvenile wolf down with his snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, transported it to the town’s Green River Bar, posed for photos with the animal, then either beat or shot it to death, depending on which version of the report you read. State wildlife officials received a tip about the incident, and later fined Roberts $250 for a misdemeanor violation of Wyoming’s prohibition against possession of live wildlife. No other charges or penalties have been brought against him. As of April 10, however, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office announced that they—along with the Sublette County Attorney’s office—are now investigating Roberts.

“The individual was cited for a misdemeanor violation of Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations, Chapter 10, Importation and Possession of Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife,” says the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in a statement addressing the incident. “The department’s investigation indicated there were no other statutory or regulatory violations.”

The 206-word statement itself acknowledges the controversy that’s raging around the incident, saying: “The department acknowledges the significant concern and dismay expressed by many people from around the state and nation.”

Why was Roberts able to torture a wolf to death with no serious consequences? The answer lies not only in Wyoming’s incredibly lax wildlife regulations, but also in the violence that permeates the relationship between the state and its most famous wild animal.

After being extirpated in 1926, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reintroduced wolves to Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Wolves, the villains in many childhood stories, are a locus of fear for humans. But the animal also serves a vital role in its native ecosystem, where it helps keep ungulate populations healthy by slowing the spread of disease. And it does that at a net financial benefit to taxpayers, since tourists now flock to the state to view wolves. A study conducted in 2021 found that wolf-related tourism brings over $35 million annually to areas surrounding the park.

Speaking of taxes, before all the culture warring and fear mongering, it was the goal of the Republican Party to reduce tax burdens faced by the wealthy and corporations. The Republican Party’s policy positions are widely unpopular, so the GOP instead hoodwinks voters using fear and lies. The Republican-led Wyoming Statehouse passed a bill in 2021 calling to exterminate 90 percent of the state’s wolf population—a bill based on lies and misinformation. Pushing for policies based on fear instead of science has led to regulations around wolves that are unique among wildlife laws, mostly in their encouragement of cruelty.

When management of the species transferred from federal to state control in 2012, Wyoming’s political leaders established two distinct areas with differing population management goals. Areas adjacent to Yellowstone were set aside for trophy hunting, where wolf hunting is regulated. The rest of the state was designated a “predator zone” where wolves can be killed without regulation, reason, or justification. Wyoming also classifies coyotes, red fox, stray cats, jackrabbits, porcupines, raccoons and striped skunks as predators, and permits killing them throughout the state.

“You could pull a wolf apart with horses in 85 percent of the state,” explains Amaroq Weiss, Senior Wolf Advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. In the predator zone, there is no regulation governing how or when wolves can be killed. This stands in contrast to typical hunting regulations in any other state, where what are called “methods of take” are carefully defined to ensure animals are killed in ethical, humane ways, along with precise dates, to-the-minute guidelines on legal shooting hours, and generally universal bans on artificial light sources. The age and sex of animals it’s permissible to shoot are also written in law. But none of that is true in Wyoming’s predator zone when it comes to wolves. You don’t even need a hunting license or tag to kill one, just the opportunity.

Weiss cites “wolf whacking” as an example, and it’s how Roberts captured the wolf he would go on to torture and kill. The term describes using a snowmobile to run a wolf to the point of exhaustion. Once it slows or collapses, you kill the animal by running it over. As Roberts’ escapade demonstrates, sometimes that might take multiple impacts, and sometimes the animal is simply left to die a slow, painful death.

[pokemoncaretips]

The absol

General notes: The absol is something of a tragic pokemon. Burdened by superstition and fear, rumours have clouded over the fact that it is a genuinely lovely pokemon to care for and train. Smart, biddable and eager to please, absol deserve far more than they get. 

Despite their serious countenance and grim reputation, absol can be playful and curious, and according to some trainers, downright goofy at times.

General care: A carnivorous pokemon by nature, they do require a diet to match, whether you use the store bought meat eaters kibble or make your own. Though like all pokemon, they enjoy berries as treats. As mountain dwelling pokemon, they need a LOT of exercise to simulate the way wild absol are constantly roaming their territory. Congratulations on your new hiking hobby. Their horn is not, in fact, a horn, but rather is made up out of stiff cartilage, packed densely with nerve clusters. It is sensitive, and should be avoided while bathing. If it ever becomes damaged, take your absol to a pokemon centre immediately. We cannot discuss absol without talking about their capacity to detect disasters. You should quickly familiarize yourself with its normal behaviour and remain alert to changes. Though each absol is slightly different, the severity of the change can depend on what's coming and how bad it will be. If the absol is trying to leave a building and refuses to obey commands, you should leave immediately and advise others to follow suit. If it’s restless and pacing, start checking weather sites and other official channels in case of oncoming storms. If it sits down in place and begins to emit a piercing howl similar to an air raid siren, get under the nearest sturdy desk or table, as this strong, urgent signal often precedes sudden disasters like earthquakes.

Absol are excellent pokemon for people with anxiety disorders, schizophrenia or other severe mental health issues due to their clear, unambiguous signals of actual, real danger.

Care rating: Green.

Training: Absol are very good pokemon in terms of training, both for house rules and battling. As well, thanks to recent campaigning efforts, they have been finally added to the list of official service pokemon, with glowing results. As they are carnivorous, it is recommended to socialize them with smaller prey pokemon to ensure tragedy doesn’t strike. Training rating: Green.

Safety: Sadly, while I’d like to give these pokemon greens across the board, I would be incredibly negligent not to provide proper warning. Due to the constant superstitions around absol, both you and your pokemon may be at risk, particularly if you travel to rural areas. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is this:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

It is:

Against the law to deny pokemon access to daycare unless they are on the list of pokemon presenting a physical threat to workers health. (Pokemon Daycare Regulatory Act, 1996) Against the law to deny access to pokemon centres. (Pokemon Healthcare Act, 1968) Against the law to deny a service pokemon access to buildings. (Service Pokemon Regulatory Act, 2023) I recommend keeping these and any other laws you think apply on a card in your wallet to bring out in case you encounter issues. Be aware of possible vigilantes and if possible, bring another pokemon with you as added safety. It’s sad to have to provide these warnings, especially for one of the few pokemon I would unreservedly trust enough to leave alone with children, but until more people understand these beautiful pokemon, such is life. Safety rating: Orange.

Overall ranking. A lovely pokemon with a bad reputation.

[shieldfoss]

When you say that the US makes cheap nuclear illegal, are you saying that it is directly illegal, like there's a law setting the price that utilities must charge? Or are you saying that the regulatory burden to build nuclear is so high in the US that it cannot be cheap?

It's a special variant of the last one where nuclear power, if sufficiently profitable, is assumed to not have invested enough in safety and must invest more in safety.

[acceptccnow]

Mastering Credit Card Processing in High-Risk E-Commerce

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO | Accept-Credit-Cards-Now.com

In the fast-paced world of online commerce, the ability to accept credit card payments is undeniably paramount for businesses striving to thrive. However, when your enterprise operates within a high-risk industry, navigating the intricate landscape of credit card processing can be quite an imposing challenge. Fear not, for we are about to embark on a journey into the realm of high-risk credit card processing, unveiling the secrets that will empower your high-risk e-commerce venture to ascend to unprecedented heights.

DOWNLOAD THE MASTERING CREDIT CARD PROCESSING INFOGRAPHIC HERE

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Delving Deeper into High-Risk Payment Processing Payment processing within high-risk sectors necessitates specialized solutions that have been meticulously designed to cater to businesses that are burdened with a higher probability of chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory scrutiny. These specialized services ensure that even high-risk merchants can competently and securely manage credit card payments.

The Role of Merchant Accounts and Processing Merchant accounts stand as the linchpin of credit card processing, offering businesses the vital infrastructure required for accepting and processing credit card payments. High-risk payment processing is a multifaceted solution that not only empowers businesses to process credit card transactions but also effectively mitigates the distinctive risks entwined with their respective industries. Within this context, we explore the key components that underscore the indispensability of high-risk payment processing. A high-risk payment gateway emerges as a vital conduit between your e-commerce website and the payment processor, meticulously transmitting transaction data and safeguarding the sanctity of sensitive customer information.

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The Influence of SEO in High-Risk Credit Card Processing In the digital epoch, an online presence is unequivocally indispensable, a truism that holds particular weight within high-risk industries. The strategic deployment of effective SEO strategies has the potential to catapult your high-risk e-commerce business to unprecedented heights. When prospective customers embark on searches for high-risk credit card processing, credit repair merchant processing, or CBD payment processing, your website should indisputably secure a place among the top search results.

Mastering high-risk credit card processing is undeniably a game-changer for businesses navigating the tumultuous waters of challenging industries. By gaining a profound understanding of the intricacies of payment processing within high-risk sectors and harnessing the untapped potential of credit card payments, you can firmly position your business for sustained growth and lasting success. Thus, whether you operate within the domain of credit repair, CBD products, or any other high-risk industry, the moment has arrived to wholeheartedly embrace the world of high-risk credit card processing and witness the ascension of your e-commerce venture.

[mariellaolden]

NO TO JEEPNEY PHASEOUT !!!!!!

SAY HELLO TO A WORSENED TRANSPORT CRISIS BY 2024

By: Mariella Angela H. Olden (December 28, 2023 | 9:25 PM)

Following a meeting with transportation officials, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on December 12 that no further extensions for consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV) shall be granted.

One of the cultural markers of Philippine identity is the jeepney. Jeepneys have been the primary mode of transportation for Filipinos due to its affordability and accessibility, particularly for students and workers. Furthermore, it has traditionally been the primary occupation of drivers and operators.

In June 2017, the government established the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), intending to replace and eventually phase out traditional jeepneys to improve public transportation. However, with the impending phaseout of jeepneys by December 31, 2023, drivers and operators will be forced to purchase costly modern vehicles supported by the government.

Data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) indicates that five days before the consolidation deadline, 31,058 traditional jeepneys, or 73.5% of them in Metro Manila, have yet to be consolidated. These unconsolidated units are highly not a minority.

Why should drivers, operators, commuters, and workers fight back? Among the many effects of the PUVMP is the increase in the minimum fare that will continue to make Filipinos suffer. The PUV Modernization program is a business. Corporations and large businesses will take over and have the advantage of raising fares to pay for expensive "modern jeeps." In contrast, this is a big disadvantage to the families of the drivers and operators, who will sink into debt due to the burden of the monthly payment of the modernized vehicle.

In addition, the Department of Energy and LTFRB has reported that the number of registered vehicles in the Philippines exceeds 9 million. Just over 250,000, equivalent to 2% of jeepneys, make up the total.

More detrimental effects of this program include the modern jeepney being way more expensive than the traditional jeepney. The price of a typical jeepney ranges from P150,000 to P250,000. The cost of operating a modern e-jeepney will rise by 1,766.7% to P2.8 million for drivers and operators. Although P160,000 will be given as a subsidy according to LTFRB, which amounts to a mere 5.7% of the jeepney's entire cost, jeepney drivers will be forced to make at least more earnings each day to be able to settle their loan if they were to switch to the modern jeepney.

By the year 2024, the mass transport crisis in the country will worsen. The government cannot fill such a large and significant gap in public transport in the country. With the influx of imported cars, many local manufacturers and industries will be affected.

The PUVMP program is forcefully erasing one of the main parts of our identity as Filipinos and only in favor of a few rich and foreign interests, making the Filipino masses suffer, further impoverished, and left behind.

Drivers, operators, commuters, and workers—

Unite and fight for #NoToJeepneyPhaseout #NoToPUVPhaseout #NoToPUVModernizationProgram!

[beardedmrbean]

Traditionally incoming Argentinian presidents give an inauguration speech inside of Congress to other politicians. Javier Milei, a former “tantric sex instructor” turned libertarian economist, symbolically gave his speech with his back to the Congress facing towards the people. 

“For more than 100 years, politicians have insisted on defending a model that only produces poverty, stagnation, and misery,” President Milei said. “A model that assumes that citizens exist to serve politics, not that politics exists to serve citizens.” He also promised an “end a long and sad history of decadence and decline” and promote a new era based on peace, prosperity, and freedom.

Since his headline-making election victory last month, media portrayal of Milei has ranged from dismissive to condescending, often depicting him as an eccentric “far-right populist.” Yet, since taking office, Milei has shelved many of his campaign’s more contentious proposals and begun implementing a radical but, by international standards, orthodox reform plan to revitalize Argentina’s faltering economy.

Milei inherited a challenging situation. Argentina’s economy has shrunk by 12 per cent over the last decade, annual inflation reached an extraordinary 160 per cent in November, while the poverty rate increased to 40 per cent in the first half of 2023.

Argentina has a fascinating economic history that led up to this point. In the 19th century post-independence Argentina adopted a liberal constitution that helped deliver an impressive economic expansion.

By the early 20th century, Argentina was one of the world’s richest countries, driven by agricultural exports. Real wages were comparable to Britain and only slightly below the United States. Millions fled destitution in southern Europe for a new life in Argentina. Buenos Aires has been labelled the “Paris of South America” because of spectacular neoclassical architecture built during this era.

This turned to disaster over the subsequent decades because of collectivist rule – from military dictatorships to avidly socialist leaders. Argentina nationalised industries, subsidised domestic production, limited external trade, and introduced an unaffordable welfare state. This has become known as the Peronism, named after 20th century president Juan Domingo Perón, a leftist populist leader who supressed opposition and controlled the press.

This agenda accelerated in recent decades under self-identifying Peronist leaders, turning Argentina into one of the world’s most closed and heavily regulated countries. The latest Human Freedom Index places Argentina at 163rd in the world for openness to trade and 143rd for regulatory burden. This has culminated in an economy on the precipice of economic disaster.

Not wasting any time, Milei has proposed a mega package of over 350 economic reforms to open the economy and remove regulatory barriers. This includes privatising inefficient state assets, eliminating rent controls and restrictive retail regulations, liberalising labour laws, lifting export prohibitions, and allowing contracts in foreign currencies.

There has been a notable absence of some of most radical ideas – such as legalising organ sales or banning abortion. He has also put on hold plans to dollarise the economy and abolish the central bank. Instead, at least by international standards, the agenda contains several orthodox economic reforms.

Many of the measures – such as cutting spending to get the deficit (currently at 15 per cent of GDP) under control, opening the country up to international trade, and liberalising the airline industry through ‘open skies’ policy – would be required to join the European Union. The government is eliminating capital and currency controls and allowing the peso to devalue – measures that the IMF’s managing director Kristina Georgieva said these are important to stabilise the economy.

There are undoubtedly significant challenges ahead and some darker elements to agenda.

Milei has been, uncharacteristically for a politician, honest that “in the short term the situation will get worse”. The removal of price controls, for example, will increase inflation until demand and supply can stabilise to end shortages. But, he says, “then we will see the fruits of our efforts, having created the foundations of a solid and sustainable growth over time.”

The government is facing significant opposition, with the union movement organising mass protests and threatening a general strike. The government has responded by proposing questionable new anti-protest laws, that include lengthy jail sentences for road-blocking and requirements to seek permission for gatherings of more than three people in a public place. Milei, who could struggle to get much of his agenda through Argentina’s Congress, is asking for sweeping emergency presidential powers until the end of 2025. This raises serious questions about democratic accountability.

Nevertheless, there are some positive early signs. Since Milei’s election Argentina’s flagship stock index has risen by almost one-third and the peso’s value has not collapsed. Argentina could soon benefit from a major new shale pipeline pumping one million barrels of crude a day (helped along by reforms that allow exports of oil and sales at market prices) and the mining of the second largest proven lithium reserves in the world.

Argentina has long served as a solemn reminder that prosperity is neither inevitable nor unassailable. Misguided policies can transform mere challenges into a profound crisis. Milei is offering a glimmer of hope: redemption may just be possible. Let’s also hope that Britain’s leaders can similarly take the path of reform, ideally before things get as bad as Argentina.

Matthew Lesh is the Director of Public Policy and Communications at the Institute of Economic Affairs

[racefortheironthrone]

Re: housing, I agree with your ideas but I just read that NYCHA needs like $78 billion for repairs. From a national budget standpoint that is trivial but that's still a lot for the city budget, so my question is do you think it is possible to build public housing at a robust rate considering the costs and usual political opposition (see recent housing failure in NY state gov)? Also do you think there is a way to get costs down?

In public policy, the devil is always in the details.

So I read the same articles that you've read, which mention that NYCHA just reported that they need $78 billion to repair and renovate their buildings, and that figure is almost double the $45 billion estimate from 2017. And then I read the actual report, which explains that $78 billion is how much NYCHA will need to spend over the next twenty years.

$78 billion divided by 20 is $3.9 billion a year. Now I don't want to minimize the problem: NYCHA's operating budget, which is separate from the NYC municipal budget, is about $4 billion a year and its capital budget is about $8 billion a year, so these repairs represent a significant additional cost burden for NYCHA. However, the NYC municipal budget is $107 billion a year - financing these repairs is not beyond the fiscal capacity of the City of New York, especially if it can get some assistance from the State Budget and HUD.

Counter-intuitively, I actually think this issue is an example of the costs of not spending money when it comes to public housing. As I've said before, trying to build public housing as cheaply as possible is actually counter-productive, because cheap construction runs down faster and increases maintenance and repair costs. In part what we are seeing now is the long-term consequences of the Federal Housing Acts of 1937 and 1949 and New York's state and city level housing laws requiring public housing to be built as cheaply as possible, as well as budgeting decisions made by NYC and NYCHA since the 1970s that have downplayed building new housing to replace the older stock and sought to save money from maintenance and repair budgets.

If instead NYCHA housing had been built to and operated at the same standards as similarly sized private apartment complexes that house New York's middle class and affluent residents, the buildings would be looking much better for their age - and NYCHA's repair bill would be much, much lower.

But to answer your question: it is absolutely possible for New York to build large amounts of high quality public housing, if it's willing to spend the money to do so, and the governor doesn't massively alienate the same progressive legislators and labor groups whose support they'll need to overcome suburban resistance to affordable housing.

And in terms of bringing down costs, I'd recommend that the state directly construct the housing rather than going through the traditional private contractors. (Also, if the state wants to really save money and be sneaky, instead of negotiating set-asides that merely designate a percentage of units as (temporarily) "affordable" in return for tax and regulatory benefits, have those negotiate a percentage of units as publicly-owned. Scatter-site housing via inclusionary zoning!)

[the-perfect-wagnerite-again]

Hello! Why didn’t you like guns germs and steel? I was thinking of reading it but I just wanted a heads up. Thank you a lot!

So it's not that it's a bad book exactly, but it's certainly not great. A good comparison would be the narrative of the American Revolution that you learned about in elementary and middle school. The particular facts, dates, and rote recitation of individual events is probably mostly correct, but the narrative structure that enframes and coheres those isolated nodes of information is entirely without historical merit.

In Diamond's case, the narrative that he chooses to use to interpret all facts and events that he considers relevant to the story of human development is geographical distribution, to the explicit exclusion of any other vector of influence. To this end, Diamond onboards plainly incorrect assumptions about the human species (such as the assumption that all human beings are neurologically identical) and begs the question on the material causes of nonmaterial developments (religious practice is an outgrowth of material circumstances, the reverse is never mentioned).

A particular peeve I have with Diamond is his out-of-hand dismissal of IQ as a legitimate measure of intelligence. In his introduction, he glibly slides past IQ tests as unimportant trivia quizzes, as if the reason the natives of New Guinea perform poorly is because such tests are asking subjects to identify Bach fugue subjects or determine mathematical operation orders. Diamond is well aware, as is anyone who has ever taken an IQ test, that such exams measure abstract cognitive power through such problems as pattern-recognition and spatial reasoning, problems utterly divorced from cultural influence or environmental factors. There is, to date, no measure of cognitive aptitude as accurate and correlative with intelligence as IQ - which is precisely why we use it. Those who assume a priori that all human beings innately have identical neurological profiles are obligated to ignore this fact, because the reality of performance disparities between groups is politically inconvenient for their emotionally-informed assumption. It is with this dismissal of reality that Diamond can assert such absurdities as "New Guinea natives might actually be smarter than most modern Europeans" (this is based, as far as I can tell, exclusively on Diamonds personal experience with the local tribesmen of Papua New Guinea during his excursions there).

With that in mind, every relevant fact that Diamond selects as a necessary step in the development of human societies is "true" in the sense that, in a vacuum, there is mostly likely a positive truth-value to the individual assertions he presents. Most inventions are accidental. Most technologies are spread through cultural exchange. Most agricultural developments depend on beasts of burden. All of this is true. In aggregate, Diamond takes these facts as excuses to explain away the poor development of sub-Saharan Africans and reframe the advancements of Europeans as the products of chance, accident, and luck.

I would say that the biggest flaw of the book is Diamond's position that geographical distribution is the ONLY factor in human development, rather than one factor of many. The spiritual drive of a people, its native psychometric capacity, and its coevolutionary characteristics are every bit as important as its access to material resources, if not more important ( e.g. as regulatory vectors for those resources in the first instance). Read it with a heaping pile of salt.

[nordholm]

Unlocking Financial Excellence: Premier Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Dubai

In the vibrant economy of Dubai, maintaining accurate financial records through precise Accounting and Bookkeeping Services is instrumental for business success. Entrusting these critical tasks to seasoned professionals from Nordholm, one of Dubai's Leading Accounting and Bookkeeping Companies, ensures meticulous record-keeping while adhering to international standards.

We specialize in delivering tailored Accounting and Bookkeeping Services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in Dubai and the broader UAE. We serve as strategic partners, guiding investors and businesses through company formation, visa procedures, bank account setup, HR functions, payroll management, VAT compliance, and comprehensive accounting services.

Compliance with the stringent International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) lies at the heart of our service commitment. Leveraging extensive knowledge and proven expertise, we ensure clients meet their obligations under UAE laws by meticulously maintaining daily transactional records and delivering comprehensive financial reports.

Here’s a glimpse of the Specialized Services We offered

Accounts Payable Management: Ensuring accuracy and efficiency in managing payable accounts.

Bank Reconciliation Services: Regularly reconciling bank statements and accounts for accuracy.

General Bookkeeping Duties: Handling fundamental bookkeeping tasks with meticulous attention.

Profit and Loss Statement Preparation: The preparation of profit and loss statements is essential for evaluating the financial performance of a business.

Accounts Receivable Management: Efficiently tracking and managing receivable accounts for optimal cash flow.

End of Service Benefit Handling: Effectively handling employee benefits with expert knowledge of regulatory compliance, ensuring the proper management of end-of-service benefits.

Payroll Processing Services: Timely and accurate payroll processing for seamless HR operations.

Financial Reporting and Analysis: Delivering insightful reports and analysis for informed decision-making.

Expert Accounting Advice: Offering tailored advice and strategies to address specific accounting needs.

Beyond resolving immediate accounting challenges, we are dedicated to implementing sustainable systems that proactively address potential financial obstacles on your business journey.

For businesses seeking Reliable Accounting and Bookkeeping Companies in Dubai, Nordholm’s dedicated team stands ready to alleviate the burden of financial management, enabling you to focus on propelling your enterprise towards greater success.

[man-and-atom]

Radioactive Waste

United States Atomic Energy Commission public information booklet, circa 1972.

We admit to curiosity about the phrase “it remains potentially dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years”. The fission products segregate naturally into two groups (nobody knows why), one with half–lives of less than thirty years, and one with half–lives of more than a hundred thousand years. The radiotoxic hazard is almost entirely in the former, and is effectively spent within a few hundred years.

It is possible that what is meant is that, if the waste were to be dispersed into the environment after a long period of cooling, some unknown geochemical process could possibly concentrate some of these long–lived fission products into a hazardous form. But the likelihood of this is vanishingly remote, especially because for any element except technetium, dilution with non–radioactive forms of the same element would almost certainly occur. Indeed, the “permissible body burden” given for iodine–129 (half–life 15·7 million years) in a 1959 regulatory guidebook is greater than the total amount of iodine normally present in the human body!

[goverment-agency-bracket]

The numbers are for my partially written justification. I think the NLRB takes the final.

NASA wins because USPS will have more negative interactions with voting population, plus USPS is run like a business nowadays.

FDA wins because it is a regulatory body (popular with Tumblr) and has much higher name recognition than NARA.

USDA wins on name recognition + Food Stamps + National Forest Service

FBI loses because it is the Feds. The FBI passed round one because of its domestic focus vs the CIA. But anyone with any knowledge of the left in America would never vote for it.

OSHA wins mostly on the power of being the meme for the longest thanks to OSHA-official.

VA wins because bad opinion of Buttigieg tanks DOT’s chances. Despite being bad, and directly connected to the military system, free healthcare is cool, and the work the VA does do is mostly good.

NIH wins because Tumblr users have PubMed to thank for their degrees.

CDC wins on goodwill from COVID.

FDA wins because we love regulators. Not super confident about this one but I think the following matchups wouldn’t change if it were NASA.

NPS wins because it is not burdened by the controversy of farm subsidies.

OSHA win 3. VA can’t stand up to OSHA’s meme + regulation + civilian combo.

NIH wins, PubMed.

FDA wins via its regulatory body status. NPS is cool, but not getting poisoned by your lunch is cooler.

OSHA wins. Meme > PubMed

OSHA wins because it is mostly equal to the FDA, but has less stupid policies and is a bigger meme.

GPO wins. USAMRIID is bogged down by being connected to the Army.

EPA wins. Climate change  & name recognition

Smithsonian wins. Mostly on name recognition and personal good feelings.

NIST wins because of the typo for WPA. Otherwise WPA would’ve cinched it.

NSF wins because who gives a shit about the partially gov’t funded contractor.

PHS wins because it is winning now. Tbh I’m not sure why its winning.

NPR. No one likes the draft, lots of people like NPR.

NLRB actually does pro labor things. BLS is important but is never gonna win this fight.

I kind of gave up after that but I think my predictions are okay. That said I don't actually know that much about the government.

This is so valid! I love your explanations!

[accountcloud]

Navigating the Landscape of Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping Services- A Guide to Choosing the Best Agencies

Tax preparation and bookkeeping are integral parts of running a successful business. However, for many entrepreneurs and business owners, these tasks can be daunting and time-consuming. That's where professional services come in handy. In cities like Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and NSW, agencies like Account Cloud offer comprehensive tax preparation and bookkeeping services to alleviate the burden on businesses. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best agency for your needs? Here's a guide to help you navigate the landscape:

1. Assess Your Needs: Before you start your search for a tax preparation and bookkeeping service agency, it's essential to assess your needs. Determine the scope of services you require, such as tax filing, payroll processing, financial reporting, or general bookkeeping. Understanding your requirements will help you narrow down your options and find agencies that specialize in the services you need.

2. Experience and Expertise: When entrusting your financial matters to a third-party agency, it's crucial to ensure they have the necessary experience and expertise. Look for agencies with a proven track record in tax preparation and bookkeeping services. Consider factors such as the number of years in business, client testimonials, and the qualifications of their team members.

3. Industry Specialization: Different industries have unique tax and accounting requirements. Whether you're in retail, hospitality, healthcare, or any other sector, consider choosing an agency that specializes in serving businesses similar to yours. Industry-specific knowledge can ensure compliance with relevant regulations and optimize tax strategies tailored to your business.

4. Technology and Innovation: The accounting landscape is continually evolving, with advancements in technology reshaping how financial tasks are performed. Seek out agencies that embrace technology and leverage innovative solutions to streamline processes and enhance accuracy. Cloud-based accounting platforms, automation tools, and data analytics can significantly improve efficiency and decision-making.

5. Communication and Accessibility: Effective communication is key to a successful partnership with a tax preparation and bookkeeping agency. Choose an agency that prioritizes clear and transparent communication, keeping you informed about your financial status and any regulatory changes that may affect your business. Additionally, consider their accessibility and responsiveness to inquiries or concerns.

6. Compliance and Security: Compliance with tax laws and regulations is non-negotiable when it comes to financial matters. Ensure that the agency you choose adheres to the highest standards of compliance and stays updated with the latest regulatory changes. Moreover, prioritize security measures to protect sensitive financial information against unauthorized access or data breaches.

7. Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows, your accounting needs may evolve as well. Select a tax preparation and bookkeeping agency that can scale its services according to your business growth. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, flexibility in service offerings and pricing structures ensures that you receive tailored solutions aligned with your current and future needs.

8. Cost and Value: While cost is undoubtedly a factor in the decision-making process, it's essential to consider the value proposition offered by the agency. Instead of solely focusing on the lowest price, evaluate the services, expertise, and support provided in relation to the cost. A higher upfront investment in quality services can often yield long-term benefits and cost savings through improved financial management.

Choosing the best tax preparation and bookkeeping services agency requires careful consideration of various factors, including your specific needs, the agency's experience and expertise, industry specialization, technology adoption, communication practices, compliance standards, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. By conducting thorough research and due diligence, you can find a trusted partner like Account Cloud to handle your financial affairs efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business with peace of mind.