#Substack education program

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

Celebrating My First 50 Students on Udemy and First 500 Subscribers on Substack

As an appreciation, I offer a 33% discount (max I can do) to my Medium and Substack Friends, and I also donated my course to the Substack Mastery Boost program to help freelance writers I failed Vocal Media in 2023 and the Medium boost program in 2024 but now, in 2025, I am winning on Substack and Udemy and determined to succeed thanks to the support Dr Yildiz, his team, and his community. 18…

[raised-to-walk]

A montage of the issue covers for An Unexpected Journal from 2018 to 2024.

An Unexpected Journal was a quarterly journal dedicated to cultural apologetics started by alumni of the apologetics masters program at Houston Baptist University.

I was one of the founding members of the journal, was on the board of directors from 2018 to 2024, edited hundreds of essays for the journal, solicited contributors, produced all of the books themselves apart from two, produced all of the livestream launch parties, and have promoted the journal continuously on my channel here on YouTube, my social media platforms, and my website, raisedtowalk.org.

In August 2024, I resigned from the board of directors and disassociated completely from the journal. You can watch my resignation announcement here.

"Why I'm no longer associated with An Unexpected Journal: https://youtube.com/live/BcOC2edJdP0

You can read more of the story behind that resignation on my Substack:

"AI, Education, and Underhanded Sabotage" https://raisedtowalk.substack.com/p/ai-education-and-underhanded-sabotage

To any of the former contributors watching this, thank you for your participation in An Unexpected Journal and for sharing your work with us. You made the journal what it was. I appreciate you and your efforts and I wish you success in all of your future endeavors.

This has been a hard parting for me, but I remind myself that I learned a lot through my efforts with AUJ, I met a lot of amazing people, and we put out good work.

I am proud of the efforts I was a part of … I don't control anyone else's actions.

[mystacoceti]

and since it's on my mind now I guess I want to say something again about the Science of Reading/Whole Language debate

it's obvious why Republicans have fixated on whole language pedagogy for a few decades now. it's couched in hippy dippy rhetoric about allowing each individual child to flourish in their own unique way free from the ruinous and stifling influence of authority/the teacher/phonics drills. but that's the rhetoric, which doesn't necessarily have much to do with actual practice. for all the talk about supporting each individual child to become each of their realized, individual selves, the whole language proponents can actually get really fucking shirty when the question of learning disabilities and difficult students comes up. the kids are seen as drags on the other, better students, and, at the most callous, as wastes of resources. and often these programs aren't even set up to give struggling students meaningful support in any way. but still, it's "progressive" education so it divided a lot of people in that same old knee-jerk way

then you get some big, national moment and everyone can come together and say that was bad, with the pseudo-objectivity of longitudinal studies and cognitive science to support the superficial agreement of people all across the political spectrum, from left-wing substack scholars who promote progressive education to far right legislators who believe public education and teachers unions are nuisances.

in the United States, we're already moving on to the Science of Reading as the paradigm, and we can already see it will probably come with a needlessly strict blanket focus on phonics — in spite of what researchers suggested, regardless of what individual students need, political value of whatever it is we're doing be damned. the contradictions of why seemingly disparate groups would come together on this issue gets lost or brushed aside with the truism that "we're doing this for the kids." but that's okay, because when all's said and done the most important thing, whether in OECD rankings or SAT scores, is sticking it to the Chinese

[marcoluther]

How to Launch a Successful Cryptocurrency in 2025

The cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, and launching a successful cryptocurrency in 2025 requires a well-thought-out strategy. With increasing regulations, technological advancements, and shifting market dynamics, entrepreneurs must adapt to the latest trends to build a thriving digital asset. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps to successfully launch a cryptocurrency in 2025.

1. Define Your Cryptocurrency’s Purpose

Before launching a cryptocurrency, you need to establish a clear purpose and unique value proposition. Ask yourself the following questions:

What problem does your cryptocurrency solve?

How does it differ from existing cryptocurrencies?

Who is your target audience?

Your cryptocurrency development could be a payment token, utility token, security token, governance token, or an AI-powered digital asset. Ensure your project addresses a real-world need and stands out in a saturated market.

2. Choose the Right Blockchain Technology

Selecting the right blockchain for your cryptocurrency is crucial. You can either build a new blockchain or launch a token on an existing blockchain like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Solana, or Avalanche. Consider the following factors:

Scalability – Can the blockchain handle high transaction volumes?

Security – Is the blockchain resistant to attacks?

Interoperability – Can it communicate with other blockchains?

Smart Contracts – Does it support decentralized applications (dApps)?

If you want more control, launching your own Layer 1 blockchain is an option, but it requires significant development resources.

3. Tokenomics Design and Supply Mechanism

A well-structured tokenomics model determines the success of your cryptocurrency. Key factors to consider include:

a. Total Supply

Decide whether your cryptocurrency will have a fixed supply (like Bitcoin) or an inflationary model.

b. Distribution

Plan how your tokens will be allocated:

Founders & Team (15-20%)

Development & Ecosystem Growth (30-40%)

Community & Airdrops (10-15%)

Private & Public Sale (ICO/IDO/IEO) (20-30%)

c. Utility & Incentives

Tokens should have real utility to drive demand. Use cases may include:

Governance (voting rights in a DAO)

Staking rewards

Gas fees for transactions

Access to exclusive features in an ecosystem

Defining an effective vesting schedule ensures that the founding team and investors don’t dump tokens, preventing price crashes.

4. Smart Contract Development and Security Audits

Developing secure and efficient smart contracts is essential. Use reliable blockchain programming languages such as:

Solidity (for Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains)

Rust (for Solana and Near)

Move (for Aptos and Sui)

Security is a major concern, so conducting smart contract audits from firms like CertiK, Hacken, or OpenZeppelin will help detect vulnerabilities and protect investors from exploits.

5. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Cryptocurrency regulations are tightening worldwide. Ensure your project complies with local and global regulations, including:

KYC (Know Your Customer) & AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements

Securities Laws Compliance (especially for security tokens)

Taxation and Reporting (as per regional laws)

Registering your cryptocurrency company in a crypto-friendly jurisdiction such as Switzerland, Singapore, or the UAE can provide regulatory advantages.

6. Build a Strong Community and Marketing Strategy

A cryptocurrency’s success heavily relies on community adoption and engagement. Implement a multi-channel marketing strategy to drive awareness:

a. Social Media & Content Marketing

Leverage platforms like:

X (Twitter) – Regular updates, AMAs, and engagement

Discord & Telegram – Community discussions and support

YouTube & TikTok – Crypto influencer collaborations

Medium & Substack – Long-form educational content

b. PR & Influencer Marketing

Get your project featured on:

Crypto news sites (CoinTelegraph, CoinDesk, Bitcoin.com)

Influencer reviews (YouTubers, Twitter influencers, and bloggers)

Podcast appearances (Crypto-focused shows)

c. Airdrops & Bounty Programs

Running airdrop campaigns and bounty programs on platforms like Galxe and Zealy can drive initial adoption.

d. Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with crypto exchanges, DeFi projects, and Layer 1 blockchains can boost credibility and adoption.

7. Fundraising Strategy: ICO, IDO, IEO, or VC Funding

Funding is essential for development and marketing. Here are the most common ways to raise capital:

a. Initial Coin Offering (ICO)

A direct token sale to the public

Requires a strong whitepaper and marketing campaign

Popular for early-stage community funding

b. Initial DEX Offering (IDO)

Token launch on decentralized launchpads like DAO Maker, Polkastarter, or Binance Launchpad

Liquidity pools are used for trading

More decentralized than ICOs

c. Initial Exchange Offering (IEO)

Conducted on a centralized exchange (CEX) like Binance, KuCoin, or OKX

Higher trust level due to exchange involvement

d. Venture Capital (VC) Funding

Involves private equity firms and blockchain-focused VCs

Typically requires equity or token allocation

Boosts credibility but may reduce decentralization

A combination of community-driven funding and VC support can provide a balanced financial strategy.

8. Listing on Crypto Exchanges

To ensure liquidity and accessibility, list your token on:

Centralized Exchanges (CEXs): Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, OKX

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Curve

For major exchange listings, liquidity, regulatory compliance, and a strong community are key factors.

9. Developing a Robust Ecosystem

A successful cryptocurrency should go beyond just a token and build a full ecosystem. Consider:

dApp development (DeFi, NFT, GameFi, AI Agents)

Staking & Yield Farming to incentivize users

Layer 2 Scaling Solutions for faster transactions

Cross-chain integrations for interoperability

Having an ecosystem boosts long-term utility and adoption.

10. Continuous Development & Adaptation

Crypto is a fast-evolving space, and projects need to continuously innovate. Keep improving by:

Upgrading smart contracts for efficiency

Implementing governance proposals (if decentralized)

Expanding partnerships and ecosystem development

Engaging with the community for feedback

Conclusion

Launching a successful cryptocurrency in 2025 requires a combination of technical expertise, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and strategic marketing. By following these steps defining a strong purpose, choosing the right blockchain, developing secure smart contracts, ensuring legal compliance, and building a thriving ecosystem you can create a sustainable and impactful cryptocurrency project.

[propicsmedia]

The Psychology Behind 'Sex Sells': The Vampire Effect The Psychology Behind 'Sex Sells': The Vampire Effect Why does sex grab our attention? It's a question that has intrigued scientists, psychologists and marketers alike for decades. Our brains are wired this way. The human brain is a complex organ and its wiring makes it particularly sensitive to sexual cues. We are programmed to notice anything related to reproduction. This is an evolutionary trait that has been passed down through generations. It is essential for the survival of our species. Without this instinct, the human race might not have thrived as it has. One theory is called the vampire effect. This theory delves into the psychological aspects of why sexual imagery is so captivating. This theory suggests that sexual imagery works like a vampire. Just as a vampire draws blood, sexual imagery draws our attention. It sucks our attention away from everything else. This can be particularly effective in advertising, where capturing attention is crucial. We focus on the image, not the product. This can sometimes be a double-edged sword for advertisers. FULL VIDEO on our SUBSTACK https://substack.com/@propicsmedialtd/note/p-156689984?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=1l6b01 #Advertising #MarketingStrategy #MarketingTips #education #businessdevelopment #media #advertisingcampaigns #television #motionpictures #retail #contentcreation #newmedia #economy #economicgrowth

[thatstormygeek]

For Elon Musk and Matt Taibbi, it is an unconscionable act of censorship to shadowban a Nazi but it is absolutely fair game on researchers and academics.

Taibbi’s larger project in the broad genre of anti-intellectualism is raging against and trying to put an end to the study of misinformation itself. He celebrated and thanked his readers for their battlefield victory when the Stanford Internet Observatory—a Stanford University program that studied how mis- and disinformation spread online—was forced to dismantle after a barrage of attacks, threats, and lawsuits by the GOP and Jim Jordan. “A Rare Win for Free Speech!” is what he called the act of shutting up pesky academics engaging in the Forbidden Research. And you know I so rarely seize on an opportunity to use a tired Orwell reference even if it fits, but doublethink really does come to mind here. ... Putting aside what you personally feel is true or false about any given topic, misinformation is nevertheless a real thing. We have to put that down as an axiom. Those on the right who weaponize paranoia over censorship want to muddy even that concept. It is fair and very reasonable to say that adults of sound mind in general need ultimately to be trusted to sort fact from fiction in their own lives. I agree. It would chafe strongly against my policy to treat people as ends-in-themselves if I argued otherwise. That said, the systematic project of the right to sow distrust in and dismissal of experts, academics, researchers, and the discipline of critical thinking itself threatens (I believe deliberately) the ability of adults to arrive at these truths. When political operatives try to convince you that you are arbiters of your own personal truths and there are no professionals or experts who can help guide you—that, in fact, they are nefarious and untrustworthy people—it comes precariously close to a cynical project to eliminate the idea that there is such a thing as truth. That’s when all sorts of political bullshittery returns to the table.

The clearest and most alarming example of all this fell into my lap as I was gathering my thoughts for this piece—last week every single social media platform (except Substack, to their immense credit) censored the independent journalist Ken Klippenstein after he published an internal research document about JD Vance that was leaked to him by a hacker (a suspected state actor, possibly Iranian). There is quite plainly no substantial difference between the publishing of this document and the publishing of the Hunter Biden leaks or, perhaps more analogous, the leaks of the Russian-hacked DNC emails back in 2015. What’s more, the universal censorship of this leak, demanded by the GOP and its proxies, comes after those very same people made all the same platforms promise under oath that they would never do this exact thing ever again after the brutal smackdown they were given for mishandling the Hunter Biden laptop. The only difference in this case? Which side of the political aisle the fallout stands to damage.

[bethestaryouareradio]

Sun Smart, Angel Scroll, Climate Distress

Tune in LIVE weekly to the upbeat, positive lifestyle broadcast where producer and host Cynthia Brian showcases strategies for success on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®. Available wherever you listen to your favorite programs!

Summer is HOT, HOT, HOT. Find ways to stay safe in the sun, surf, and shore. Protect your skin while swimming and having fun in the sun.

In The Angel Scroll, author Penelope Holt transports readers on a thrilling hunt for three miraculous paintings that are destined to usher in spiritual enlightenment. The author combines romance and mystery with the race to find sacred artifacts in a story that explores ancient truths, the modern world, and the spiritual space between.

Whether politicians believe it or not, climate change is real and many people suffer from climate anxiety. 65% of Americans report worrying about global warming. How can you cope with being overwhelmed by our climate? Find out simple strategies that will help.

Follow StarStyle®:

https://www.instagram.com/starstyleproductions/

Bio: Penelope Holt

Penelope Holt was born and educated in England, now living in New York. She is a novelist, playwright, business writer, and marketing executive. In addition to writing fiction, The Angel Scroll, and The Apple, based on the controversial Herman Rosenblat Holocaust romance, Holt is a prolific writer, editor, and co-author of non-fiction. She is married with two children. http://www.penelopeholt.com;  penelopeholt@x.com; penelopejaneholt@instagram.com

penelopeholt@linkedin.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/150843/sun-smart-angel-scroll-climate-distress

#penelopeholt, #Theangelscroll, #sunsmart, #climatechange, #climate distress,#BTSYA,#nonprofitoftheyear,#be the star you are, #voice America network, #empowerment,#growingwiththegoddessgardener,

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOK: Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!  Available at www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store .

Read article about Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures: : https://lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1807/Lamorinda-Weeklys-Goddess-Gardener-uses-her-farm-experience-to-write-Stella-Bellas-Barnyard-Adventures-for-kids.html

LIVE SHOW 4-5pm PT: https://bit.ly/3cDti0Z

Places to Listen to StarStyle Radio:

Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are/id669630180?mt=2

Tunein: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Motivational/StarStyle---Be-the-Star-You-Are-p46014/

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/voice-america/be-the-star-you-are

IHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-starstyle-be-the-star-you-31083110/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zDdwzlsHH44caWiMQdD25

SubStack: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/228120.rss

Pocketcasts: https://pca.st/mjw2ng5n

Be the Star You Are! 501 c3 charity offers help, hope, and healing for women, families and youth in need.

BTSYA Operation Disaster Relief. Please donate. http://ow.ly/ks8A30lekGe

Read how BTSYA is Making a Difference: https://www.ibpa-online.org/news/460747/IBPA-Member-Spotlight-Cynthia-Brian.htm 

Read our Newsletter: The Morning After: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/p/the-morning-after?

[grin4987]

What is a Content Creator and How Does the Creator Economy Work?

In today’s digital age, the term “content creator” has become ubiquitous, often associated with individuals who produce and share various forms of digital content online. From YouTube stars to Instagram influencers, podcasters to bloggers, the spectrum of content creators is vast and diverse, reflecting the broad array of platforms and mediums available in the digital landscape. But what exactly defines a content creator, and how do they fit into the burgeoning creator economy?

Defining the Content Creator

A content creator is someone who generates original material for online platforms. This material can encompass a wide range of formats, including videos, articles, podcasts, social media posts, photography, and more. The key characteristic of a content creator is their ability to attract an audience through their unique voice, perspective, or expertise.

Content creators often build their presence on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Substack, and Patreon, where they engage directly with their audience. They may specialize in niches such as beauty, gaming, technology, lifestyle, education, or entertainment. The content they produce can be informative, entertaining, educational, or a combination thereof, tailored to resonate with their followers.

The Creator Economy

The creator economy refers to the ecosystem where content creators monetize their work and build sustainable careers. This ecosystem is fueled by several key elements:

Monetization Channels: Content creators can earn income through various channels, including ad revenue, sponsorships, subscriptions, merchandise sales, donations, and exclusive content offerings. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch offer revenue-sharing programs based on ad views and subscriptions, while Patreon allows fans to support creators through monthly subscriptions.

Audience Engagement: Successful content creators cultivate a loyal audience by consistently delivering valuable content and fostering a sense of community. Engagement metrics such as likes, shares, comments, and subscriptions are crucial as they demonstrate audience interest and loyalty.

Platform Diversity: The creator economy thrives on diversity across platforms, allowing creators to leverage multiple channels to reach different audiences. This diversity reduces dependency on any single platform and provides creators with more opportunities to monetize their content effectively.

Tools and Support Services: As the creator economy expands, numerous tools and services have emerged to support creators. These include analytics platforms, content management systems, marketing tools, and agencies specializing in creator representation and brand partnerships.

How the Creator Economy Works

The creator economy operates on a decentralized model where creators have direct access to their audience and can monetize their content independently. Here’s how it typically works:

Content Creation: Creators produce original content tailored to their chosen platform and audience. This content can range from daily vlogs and tutorials to in-depth articles and live-streamed events.

Audience Building: Creators use social media, SEO strategies, collaborations, and cross-platform promotion to attract and grow their audience. Building a dedicated following is essential for long-term success in the creator economy.

Monetization Strategies: Creators monetize their content through various strategies:

Advertising Revenue: Earned through platform-based ads (e.g., YouTube AdSense).

Sponsorships and Partnerships: Collaborate with brands for sponsored content or partnerships.

Subscriptions and Memberships: Offer exclusive content or perks through platforms like Patreon or OnlyFans.

Merchandise Sales: Sell branded merchandise such as clothing, accessories, or digital products.

Community Engagement: Maintaining active engagement with followers is crucial. Creators often interact through comments, live chats, Q&A sessions, and exclusive content for supporters.

Diversification and Sustainability: Successful creators diversify their income streams to ensure stability. They may expand into new platforms, launch online courses, or explore crowdfunding options.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the creator economy presents abundant opportunities for entrepreneurial individuals, it also comes with challenges:

Platform Dependency: Changes in algorithms or policies can affect income streams.

Monetization Hurdles: Earning consistent revenue requires building a sizable and engaged audience.

Competition: The growing number of creators makes it challenging to stand out.

However, with creativity, dedication, and strategic use of available tools and platforms, content creators can carve out successful careers in the digital realm. The creator economy continues to evolve, offering new avenues for monetization and innovation, making it an exciting space for both creators and their audiences alike.

[casaamarilla]

510: Cryptolombia? Digital currencies in Colombia and Latin America

This week, Emily Hart is setting out into the Wild West of cryptocurrencies here in Colombia and beyond. Is cryptocurrency the future of finance in Latin America? Is it safe? Is it just another way for rich people to hide their wealth from the tax man? Or for criminals to launder income? Or could it be a way for people to take banking into their own hands, a way for all of us to take control from a global system of banking we have so little say in? To explain all of that, we have on the show today Mat Di Salvo, Colombia-based correspondent covering crypto since 2019 for Decrypt, and two experts from Global Financial Integrity, a Washington DC-based think tank focused on illicit financial flows, corruption, and money laundering. Claudia Helms is the Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Program at GFI, having worked at the Organization of American States; And formerly at the UN, Claudia Marcela Hernández works as Policy Analyst for Central America in Global Financial Integrity. By early 2020, the region had 15.8% of the total volume of bitcoins worldwide, and it has grown exponentially since then. Last year, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina were in the top 20 for global adoption – Colombia was 32nd in the world. Venezuela was 40th. Looking at crypto in any country requires a close look at the context, unique in every case: this region is turning to digital and virtual currencies for many different reasons, using it to send remittances, invest, and save – especially important in countries that have unstable governments, high inflation, or low levels of trust in institutions. Here in Latin America, levels of poverty and informal employment might create barriers to usage, while technological and educational gaps create unique challenges for users, especially when a new digital revolution of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets arrives without adequate regulation, government oversight, or consumer awareness – particularly around scams and security. This is why GFI started https://criptoabierto.com/ - a set of resources around crypto in Latin America designed for users and policy-makers alike. Basically, regulation of cryptocurrencies in the region does not adequately match its current usage and adoption. Colombia has yet to adopt legal framework, despite a growing number of users, but there is movement around this issue and various institutions have released commentary on it, and President Gustavo Petro has expressed interest in encouraging crypto usage - and mining - in the country. Thanks to the anonymous nature of this universe, it’s difficult to get accurate data on exactly who is using crypto and what for, and though it’s certainly not only criminals using these currencies and assets, they have high potential for money laundering and channelling illicit flows of money, from stolen funds and fraud to payments for illegal goods and funding of terrorist groups. We’ll be talking about the opportunities and risks associated with cryptocurrencies, how their form and use are evolving, plus how (and why) cryptocurrencies can and should be regulated. The Colombia Briefing is also reported by Emily Hart – to get it direct to your inbox or email, you can subscribe to the Colombia Briefing via her Substack substack.com/@ehart or subscribe to the podcast’s Patreon.

Check out this episode!

[theapprof]

Anatomy of Trust: Promoting Integrity in A&P Education | Winter Shorts | TAPP 146

Episode 146 of The A&P Professor podcast is one of our winter shorts, where I replay interesting segments from previous episodes. In this one, we discuss the importance of academic integrity in the Anatomy & Physiology course. We emphasize the need to incorporate discussions about integrity in the syllabus and course materials and share real-life examples of violations in the healthcare field. We highlight how dishonesty can have serious consequences and discuss strategies for prevention, such as using multiple test versions and unique topics for papers/projects. Providing examples of acceptable practices and discouraging unethical behavior foster a culture of integrity. We invite listeners to contribute their own strategies for promoting academic integrity.

00:00 | Introduction

01:07 | Academic Integrity in Anatomy & Physiology

29:39 | Modeling Professional Integrity

38:34 | Staying Connected

  ★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-146.html

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📰 Get the once-or-twice-weekly TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

Guess what? this is one of our winter shorts! Yep, that's right, it's a shorter-than-usual episode in which I present one or two, or maybe three or four, classic, evergreen segments from previous episodes that are remastered, reconstituted, and recycled for your listening and learning pleasure. But mainly it's to give me a break for self-care over the holiday season. We'll be back to our regular programming in late January.

  Academic Integrity in Anatomy & Physiology

28.5 minutes

One way to approach “the cheating issue” in our courses is to promote a culture of academic honesty from the start. But how do we do that? Kevin shares some practical tips you can use for a comprehensive approach to creating and maintaining a culture of professional and academic integrity in your A&P courses (or any courses, really). This segment was first heard in Episode 25.

★ Promoting Academic Integrity in Our Course | Episode 25 (the original broadcast of this segment)

★ What the Best College Teachers Do (the Ken Bain book mentioned in this episode) geni.us/8AoG9QY

★ Syllabus Episodes (includes the syllabus episode mentioned several times in this podcast)

★ Academic Integrity (A special topic page at The A&P Professor website; includes additional information and links to resources)

★ Why be honest? (about academic integrity; for students) AandP.info/bed

★ Kevin’s Academic Integrity statement (This is a statement I have used in my course syllabi. You are welcome to adapt it according to your own course and institution’s needs. It’s an example to get you thinking about actively promoting honesty.) my-ap.us/2NiIQer

★ Kevin’ Academic Integrity Case Study handout/activity (This document is an example of an in-class activity that I use to promote discussion of academic integrity. It’s a handout used for small group discussions. You can adapt it to fit your needs, per the attribution/share-alike license enclosed in the document.) my-ap.us/2MRQv6t

★ Frank O’Neill @growgraymatter (Turn on your “Frank O’Neill filter.”) twitter.com/growgraymatter

★ Using copyrightable materials in teaching (Some good practical advice from the University of Minnesota Libraries. But ask your own librarians for help. And don’t forget, I’ve got an upcoming episode with an expert!) my-ap.us/2Ls92Si

★ Testing as Teaching (this seminar at The A&P Professor website shows you how I use Respondus test editor, one of many available test editors that can also easily produce multiple versions of a test)

★ Caring for Students Helps Them Succeed | Episode 19 (the episode where I focused on “that empathy thing”)

★ Cheating in College: Why Students Do It and What Educators Can Do about It (a book you might find to be helpful) geni.us/6D9LMC

★ Using Media in Our A&P Course | Advice From Barbara Waxer | Episode 28 (this is that "later" episode mentioned in this segment)

★ The Cheater! Academic Integrity in Remote Learning | TAPP 81

★ Is AI the Beginning or End of Learning? | TAPP 131 addresses issues regarding academic integrity

★ Even MORE Test Answers | Normal Body Temperature? | TAPP 101 includes some discussion of academic integrity

★ Please call in with your ideas and tips for promoting academic integrity:

1-833-LION-DEN or 1-833-546-6336

podcast@theAPprofessor.org

Note that this segment was produced years before ChatGPT and similar chatbots existed. But the principles remain the same.

★ Is AI the Beginning or End of Learning? | TAPP 131 (an episode produced just as ChatGPT was rolling out and being discovered by students)

★ Can I use AI for my assignment? (example snippet from an integrity handout I used in a graduate program for training anatomy & physiology faculty that specifically address the use of AI tools) AandP.info/tbh

Please rate & review The A&P Professor—it helps others decide whether to give us a try! 😁

★ RateThisPodcast.com/theAPprofessor

  Modeling Professional Integrity

9.5 minutes

Greg Crowther, whose song was featured in episode 25, calls in with an important point about modeling professional integrity for students: we should always cite the work of others. Yikes, look at the trouble that MIT and other elite universities are having right now! Whether we are using material legally is a separate issue. If we tell students they are plagiarizing if they don’t cite others’ works, then we are hypocrites if we don’t model that behavior ourselves. This segment was first heard in Episode 26.

Kevin mentions some other benefits of consistently citing the work we use in our courses.

★ Modeling Professional Integrity | Episode 26 (the original broadcast of this episode)

★ The HAPI graduate program in which Kevin teaches AandP.info/rx4

★  Using Media in Our A&P Course; Advice From Barbara Waxer | Episode 28 (a media expert explains best practices)

★ Billionaire launches plagiarism detection effort against MIT president and all its faculty (article in Science about current issues) AandP.info/0iz

★ Plagiarism problems: What constitutes plagiarism? And do colleges take it seriously? (from the Teaching column in The Chronicle of Higher Education) AandP.info/02p

Please call in with your reactions, ideas, and tips for promoting academic integrity:

1-833-LION-DEN or 1-833-546-6336 podcast@theAPprofessor.org

AandP.info/eaq

  People

Production: Aileen Park (announcer),  Andrés Rodriguez (theme composer,  recording artist),  Karen Turner (Executive Editor), Kevin Patton (writer, editor, producer, host).

Not People

Robotic (AI) audio leveling/processing and transcription is done by Auphonic.com and Rev.com and the content, spelling, grammar, style, etc., of these episode notes are assisted by various bots, such as Grammarly and QuillBot.

    If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-146.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-146.html

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[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

From Zero to Substack Hero Level 4 Intro on YouTube

Freelance Writing Business in 2025 and Beyond with Mastery and Beyond Dear freelance writers, As I introduced before, I am developing a comprehensive online training program for freelance writers specializing on Substack. I have already published two levels on Udemy and about to publish level 3 this weekend. It will be around 10 levels and 65 modules covering 2 exceptional books of Dr…

[sikshapedia]

Nurturing Future Pharmacists: Best Pharmacy Colleges in Durgapur, West Bengal

When it comes to pursuing a career in pharmacy, finding the right college can make all the difference. In Durgapur, West Bengal, there are several top-notch institutions that offer comprehensive pharmacy programs. Whether you're interested in a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma) or a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), this article will guide you through the best pharmacy colleges in Durgapur.

Durgapur Institute of Advanced Technology & Management (DIATM)

DIATM is among the top B.Pharma colleges in Durgapur, offering a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy program. Known for its modern infrastructure and highly qualified faculty, this institution provides students with a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. DIATM's commitment to academic excellence and research opportunities make it a preferred choice for pharmacy enthusiasts.

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Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Sciences

Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy is renowned for its exceptional pharmacy programs, including both B.Pharma and D.Pharm courses. The college is dedicated to producing skilled pharmacists who can contribute to the healthcare sector. Their state-of-the-art laboratories and industry connections give students hands-on experience and ample job opportunities upon graduation.

Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Science & Research

This institution is one of the best D.Pharm colleges in Durgapur. Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Science & Research offers a two-year Diploma in Pharmacy program that equips students with essential skills and knowledge for the pharmaceutical industry. The college is committed to providing quality education and grooming future pharmacy professionals.

BCDA College of Pharmacy & Technology

BCDA College of Pharmacy & Technology offers a B.Pharma program with a strong emphasis on research and development. With a dynamic curriculum and experienced faculty members, this college provides students with the skills they need to excel in the pharmacy field. Its well-equipped laboratories and libraries are an asset for aspiring pharmacists.

Durgapur Society of Management Science (DSMS)

DSMS offers a diverse range of pharmacy programs, including B.Pharma and D.Pharm. With a focus on holistic development and industry-specific knowledge, DSMS prepares students for rewarding careers in pharmacy. Their experienced faculty and vibrant campus environment enhance the learning experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pharmacy college is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a pharmacist. The above-mentioned institutions in Durgapur, West Bengal, offer a variety of pharmacy programs, ensuring that students receive quality education and training to excel in this field.

Whether you're pursuing a B.Pharma degree or a D.Pharm diploma, these colleges provide the necessary infrastructure, faculty support, and industry connections to help you succeed. It's essential to research and evaluate each option to determine which one aligns best with your career goals and aspirations. So, take your time, explore your options, and embark on a path towards a fulfilling and rewarding career in pharmacy.

[mariacallous]

@thecardiganqueen

From his substack post about getting more men into "HEAL" (which I'm assuming will form part of the basis of the Brookings article addressing it, and that chapter of his book):

Above all, we need a culture shift so that certain jobs stop being seen as no-go zones for men. This means tackling the stigma faced by many men who do choose these roles as effeminate, or as professional failures. Women have had to break down gender stereotypes to enter male professions; men will have to do the same for female-dominated HEAL jobs.

Back in 2000, Rachel Kranton and George Akerlof created a new scholarly field of “identity economics.” They showed that individual decisions are shaped not just by the hard numbers of a cost–benefit analysis but by the more personal aspects of human identity. As they wrote:

In a world of social difference, one of the most important economic decisions that an individual makes may be the type of person to be. Limits on this choice would also be critical determinants of economic behavior, opportunity, and well-being.

Breaking prescribed gender identity norms, for example, comes at a cost to an individual. This acts as a deterrent. An equilibrium is created that maintains the norm, and thus the cost of breaking it. or as they put it: Ij = Ij(aj,a_ j;cj,ej,P)

Kranton and Akerlof applied their model to segregation in the labor market, as well as unpaid work at home. They argued that feminism reduced the “identity loss” for women choosing to work in traditionally male jobs, and to men working in pink-collar jobs or in the home. But so far only the first of these has been true. The same year that Kranton and Akerlof published their paper, the comedy film Meet the Parents hit the screen. one of the main themes of the movie is that the main character, played by Ben Stiller, is a nurse. As another character to him:

That’s great to give something back like that. I’d love to find time to do volunteer work.

Role models are crucial here. You can’t be what you can’t see. Popular culture has an important part to play here. Decisions made in Hollywood and New York about the TV shows, adverts, and movies consumed by millions can influence behavior more than any laws passed in Washing- ton, DC. Will and Grace helped pave the way for marriage equality. MTV’s 16 and Pregnant significantly reduced teenage pregnancy rates. A stronger representation of men in HEAL roles in shows and ads could help to reduce the identity loss for boys and men who might pursue these professions.

All these proposals will require intentional effort and institutional support. Some can be public. Just as the National Science Foundation supports a range of initiatives for women into STEM, the Department of Health and Human Services could do the same for men into nursing, and the Department of education for men into teaching. But we also need philanthropic foundations committed to gender equality to devote some of their resources to the cause of men in HEAL. We need companies to sponsor conferences, mentoring programs, and marketing campaigns. We need new, well-resourced nonprofit and advocacy organizations, like those that have been so successful at getting more women into STEM.

[arcticdementor]

Imagine that the US was competing in a space race with some third world country, say Zambia, for whatever reason. Americans of course would have orders of magnitude more money to throw at the problem, and the most respected aerospace engineers in the world, with degrees from the best universities and publications in the top journals. Zambia would have none of this. What should our reaction be if, after a decade, Zambia had made more progress?

Obviously, it would call into question the entire field of aerospace engineering. What good were all those Google Scholar pages filled with thousands of citations, all the knowledge gained from our labs and universities, if Western science gets outcompeted by the third world?

For all that has been said about Afghanistan, no one has noticed that this is precisely what just happened to political science. The American-led coalition had countless experts with backgrounds pertaining to every part of the mission on their side: people who had done their dissertations on topics like state building, terrorism, military-civilian relations, and gender in the military. General David Petraeus, who helped sell Obama on the troop surge that made everything in Afghanistan worse, earned a PhD from Princeton and was supposedly an expert in “counterinsurgency theory.” Ashraf Ghani, the just deposed president of the country, has a PhD in anthropology from Columbia and is the co-author of a book literally called Fixing Failed States. This was his territory. It’s as if Wernher von Braun had been given all the resources in the world to run a space program and had been beaten to the moon by an African witch doctor.

…

Phil Tetlock’s work on experts is one of those things that gets a lot of attention, but still manages to be underrated. In his 2005 Expert Political Judgment: How Good Is It? How Can We Know?, he found that the forecasting abilities of subject-matter experts were no better than educated laymen when it came to predicting geopolitical events and economic outcomes. As Bryan Caplan points out, we shouldn’t exaggerate the results here and provide too much fodder for populists; the questions asked were chosen for their difficulty, and the experts were being compared to laymen who nonetheless had met some threshold of education and competence.

At the same time, we shouldn’t put too little emphasis on the results either. They show that “expertise” as we understand it is largely fake. Should you listen to epidemiologists or economists when it comes to COVID-19? Conventional wisdom says “trust the experts.” The lesson of Tetlock (and the Afghanistan War), is that while you certainly shouldn’t be getting all your information from your uncle’s Facebook Wall, there is no reason to start with a strong prior that people with medical degrees know more than any intelligent person who honestly looks at the available data.

…

I think one of the most interesting articles of the COVID era was a piece called “Beware of Facts Man” by Annie Lowrey, published in The Atlantic.

…

The reaction to this piece was something along the lines of “ha ha, look at this liberal who hates facts.” But there’s a serious argument under the snark, and it’s that you should trust credentials over Facts Man and his amateurish takes. In recent days, a 2019 paper on “Epistemic Trespassing” has been making the rounds on Twitter. The theory that specialization is important is not on its face absurd, and probably strikes most people as natural. In the hard sciences and other places where social desirability bias and partisanship have less of a role to play, it’s probably a safe assumption. In fact, academia is in many ways premised on the idea, as we have experts in “labor economics,” “state capacity,” “epidemiology,” etc. instead of just having a world where we select the smartest people and tell them to work on the most important questions.

But what Tetlock did was test this hypothesis directly in the social sciences, and he found that subject-matter experts and Facts Man basically tied.

…

Interestingly, one of the best defenses of “Facts Man” during the COVID era was written by Annie Lowrey’s husband, Ezra Klein. His April 2021 piece in The New York Times showed how economist Alex Tabarrok had consistently disagreed with the medical establishment throughout the pandemic, and was always right. You have the “Credentials vs. Facts Man” debate within one elite media couple. If this was a movie they would’ve switched the genders, but since this is real life, stereotypes are confirmed and the husband and wife take the positions you would expect.

…

In the end, I don’t think my dissertation contributed much to human knowledge, making it no different than the vast majority of dissertations that have been written throughout history. The main reason is that most of the time public opinion doesn’t really matter in foreign policy. People generally aren’t paying attention, and the vast majority of decisions are made out of public sight. How many Americans know or care that North Macedonia and Montenegro joined NATO in the last few years? Most of the time, elites do what they want, influenced by their own ideological commitments and powerful lobby groups. In times of crisis, when people do pay attention, they can be manipulated pretty easily by the media or other partisan sources.

If public opinion doesn’t matter in foreign policy, why is there so much study of public opinion and foreign policy? There’s a saying in academia that “instead of measuring what we value, we value what we can measure.” It’s easy to do public opinion polls and survey experiments, as you can derive a hypothesis, get an answer, and make it look sciency in charts and graphs. To show that your results have relevance to the real world, you cite some papers that supposedly find that public opinion matters, maybe including one based on a regression showing that under very specific conditions foreign policy determined the results of an election, and maybe it’s well done and maybe not, but again, as long as you put the words together and the citations in the right format nobody has time to check any of this. The people conducting peer review on your work will be those who have already decided to study the topic, so you couldn’t find a more biased referee if you tried.

Thus, to be an IR scholar, the two main options are you can either use statistical methods that don’t work, or actually find answers to questions, but those questions are so narrow that they have no real world impact or relevance. A smaller portion of academics in the field just produce postmodern-generator style garbage, hence “feminist theories of IR.” You can also build game theoretic models that, like the statistical work in the field, are based on a thousand assumptions that are probably false and no one will ever check. The older tradition of Kennan and Mearsheimer is better and more accessible than what has come lately, but the field is moving away from that and, like a lot of things, towards scientism and identity politics.

…

At some point, I decided that if I wanted to study and understand important questions, and do so in a way that was accessible to others, I’d have a better chance outside of the academy. Sometimes people thinking about an academic career reach out to me, and ask for advice. For people who want to go into the social sciences, I always tell them not to do it. If you have something to say, take it to Substack, or CSPI, or whatever. If it’s actually important and interesting enough to get anyone’s attention, you’ll be able to find funding.

If you think your topic of interest is too esoteric to find an audience, know that my friend Razib Khan, who writes about the Mongol empire, Y-chromosomes and haplotypes and such, makes a living doing this. If you want to be an experimental physicist, this advice probably doesn’t apply, and you need lab mates, major funding sources, etc. If you just want to collect and analyze data in a way that can be done without institutional support, run away from the university system.

The main problem with academia is not just the political bias, although that’s another reason to do something else with your life. It’s the entire concept of specialization, which holds that you need some secret tools or methods to understand what we call “political science” or “sociology,” and that these fields have boundaries between them that should be respected in the first place. Quantitative methods are helpful and can be applied widely, but in learning stats there are steep diminishing returns.

…

Outside of political science, are there other fields that have their own equivalents of “African witch doctor beats von Braun to the moon” or “the Taliban beats the State Department and the Pentagon” facts to explain? Yes, and here are just a few examples.

Consider criminology. More people are studying how to keep us safe from other humans than at any other point in history. But here’s the US murder rate between 1960 and 2018, not including the large uptick since then.

So basically, after a rough couple of decades, we’re back to where we were in 1960. But we’re actually much worse, because improvements in medical technology are keeping a lot of people that would’ve died 60 years ago alive. One paper from 2002 says that the murder rate would be 5 times higher if not for medical developments since 1960. I don’t know how much to trust this, but it’s surely true that we’ve made some medical progress since that time, and doctors have been getting a lot of experience from all the shooting victims they have treated over the decades. Moreover, we’re much richer than we were in 1960, and I’m sure spending on public safety has increased. With all that, we are now about tied with where we were almost three-quarters of a century ago, a massive failure.

What about psychology? As of 2016, there were 106,000 licensed psychologists in the US. I wish I could find data to compare to previous eras, but I don’t think anyone will argue against the idea that we have more mental health professionals and research psychologists than ever before. Are we getting mentally healthier? Here’s suicides in the US from 1981 to 2016

…

What about education? I’ll just defer to Freddie deBoer’s recent post on the topic, and Scott Alexander on how absurd the whole thing is.

Maybe there have been larger cultural and economic forces that it would be unfair to blame criminology, psychology, and education for. Despite no evidence we’re getting better at fighting crime, curing mental problems, or educating children, maybe other things have happened that have outweighed our gains in knowledge. Perhaps the experts are holding up the world on their shoulders, and if we hadn’t produced so many specialists over the years, thrown so much money at them, and gotten them to produce so many peer reviews papers, we’d see Middle Ages-levels of violence all across the country and no longer even be able to teach children to read. Like an Ayn Rand novel, if you just replaced the business tycoons with those whose work has withstood peer review.

Or you can just assume that expertise in these fields is fake. Even if there are some people doing good work, either they are outnumbered by those adding nothing or even subtracting from what we know, or our newly gained understanding is not being translated into better policies. Considering the extent to which government relies on experts, if the experts with power are doing things that are not defensible given the consensus in their fields, the larger community should make this known and shun those who are getting the policy questions so wrong. As in the case of the Afghanistan War, this has not happened, and those who fail in the policy world are still well regarded in their larger intellectual community.

…

Those opposed to cancel culture have taken up the mantle of “intellectual diversity” as a heuristic, but there’s nothing valuable about the concept itself. When I look at the people I’ve come to trust, they are diverse on some measures, but extremely homogenous on others. IQ and sensitivity to cost-benefit considerations seem to me to be unambiguous goods in figuring out what is true or what should be done in a policy area. You don’t add much to your understanding of the world by finding those with low IQs who can’t do cost-benefit analysis and adding them to the conversation.

One of the clearest examples of bias in academia and how intellectual diversity can make the conversation better is the work of Lee Jussim on stereotypes. Basically, a bunch of liberal academics went around saying “Conservatives believe in differences between groups, isn’t that terrible!” Lee Jussim, as someone who is relatively moderate, came along and said “Hey, let’s check to see whether they’re true!” This story is now used to make the case for intellectual diversity in the social sciences.

Yet it seems to me that isn’t the real lesson here. Imagine if, instead of Jussim coming forward and asking whether stereotypes are accurate, Osama bin Laden had decided to become a psychologist. He’d say “The problem with your research on stereotypes is that you do not praise Allah the all merciful at the beginning of all your papers.” If you added more feminist voices, they’d say something like “This research is problematic because it’s all done by men.” Neither of these perspectives contributes all that much. You’ve made the conversation more diverse, but dumber. The problem with psychology was a very specific one, in that liberals are particularly bad at recognizing obvious facts about race and sex. So yes, in that case the field could use more conservatives, not “more intellectual diversity,” which could just as easily make the field worse as make it better. And just because political psychology could use more conservative representation when discussing stereotypes doesn’t mean those on the right always add to the discussion rather than subtract from it. As many religious Republicans oppose the idea of evolution, we don’t need the “conservative” position to come and help add a new perspective to biology.

The upshot is intellectual diversity is a red herring, usually a thinly-veiled plea for more conservatives. Nobody is arguing for more Islamists, Nazis, or flat earthers in academia, and for good reason. People should just be honest about the ways in which liberals are wrong and leave it at that.

…

The failure in Afghanistan was mind-boggling. Perhaps never in the history of warfare had there been such a resource disparity between two sides, and the US-backed government couldn’t even last through the end of the American withdrawal. One can choose to understand this failure through a broad or narrow lens. Does it only tell us something about one particular war or is it a larger indictment of American foreign policy?

The main argument of this essay is we’re not thinking big enough. The American loss should be seen as a complete discrediting of the academic understanding of “expertise,” with its reliance on narrowly focused peer reviewed publications and subject matter knowledge as the way to understand the world. Although I don’t develop the argument here, I think I could make the case that expertise isn’t just fake, it actually makes you worse off because it gives you a higher level of certainty in your own wishful thinking. The Taliban probably did better by focusing their intellectual energies on interpreting the Holy Quran and taking a pragmatic approach to how they fought the war rather than proceeding with a prepackaged theory of how to engage in nation building, which for the West conveniently involved importing its own institutions.

A discussion of the practical implications of all this, or how we move from a world of specialization to one with better elites, is also for another day. For now, I’ll just emphasize that for those thinking of choosing an academic career to make universities or the peer review system function better, my advice is don’t. The conversation is much more interesting, meaningful, and oriented towards finding truth here on the outside.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

December 13, 2020

Heather Cox Richardson

As of today, the United States has more than 16 million confirmed coronavirus infections, with more than 200,000 cases diagnosed every day. We are closing in on 300,000 deaths from Covid-19. On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration gave Emergency Use Authorization to the coronavirus vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer. Today, Pfizer began to ship the first of about 3 million doses of vaccine from its facility in Michigan. Pfizer will be working with UPS and FedEx to send the vaccines around the country.

The first to get the vaccine will be high-risk health care workers. Along with them, White House staffers who work close to Trump will be among the first to receive the vaccine, to prevent more of them from becoming ill with Covid-19 after so many of them have become sick in the past months. There has been a backlash to this information, as critics note that the administration has downplayed the virus, officials have refused to wear masks, and the White House has held large gatherings that turned out to be superspreader events, so the idea that Trump staffers will now take scarce vaccines doesn’t sit very well. After the New York Times broke this story, Trump tweeted late Sunday night that he has asked for staffers not to get the vaccine immediately, “unless specifically necessary.”

Still, the eagerness of Trump administration officials to take it might help convince reluctant Americans that the vaccine is safe. The Biden-Harris team has already launched a drive to educate people about the vaccine, worried that the Trump administration’s downplaying of the virus has set that effort back significantly. While a president-elect generally stays quiet in the weeks before taking office under the principle that America has only one president at a time, Biden is indicating that he will not stay silent in the face of mounting deaths the White House refuses to acknowledge. "We’re in the teeth of the crisis right now," the president-elect said Friday. "This nation needs presidential leadership right now. … You know, we… have to face it head on.”

To combat widespread skepticism about the vaccine, Biden is highlighting trusted public health experts like Anthony Fauci, as well as other well-known figures who have agreed to be vaccinated on television. Biden’s team is also working with the Advertising Council, a nonprofit organization of advertising agencies that produces public service announcements, to launch a $50 million advertising campaign in the new year. This effort is late getting started and has been hampered by Trump’s politicization of the vaccine process, which led executives from both Pfizer and Moderna, the companies with the most promising vaccines so far, to skip Trump’s “vaccine summit” at the White House last week.

Aside from his aggressive action to combat the coronavirus, an evaluation of Biden’s nominees tells us a great deal about what we can expect of his administration. He has chosen institutionalists with a great deal of experience, and with a general bent toward fairness in government. So, for example, Dr. Janet L. Yellen, Biden’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, has served as chair of the Federal Reserve and chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and her hallmark was always her defense of wage workers at a time when leading Republican lawmakers insisted that building the economy meant cutting taxes for those at the top of the economy.

Yellen is known to support lower interest rates, which tend to boost borrowing and thus the economy, but also worries about the extraordinary debt under which the country now labors. The budget deficit in 2020 was $3.1 trillion, and the debt is more than $20 trillion, which means that more than $52 billion of our tax dollars every year go into paying interest on the debt. That amount is as much as the combined budgets of the Departments of Commerce, Education, Energy, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, and State. Yellen has suggested that she sees a need to raise taxes—which heartens progressives—and to cut retirement programs, which horrifies them. She worries about the long-term effects of the rising debt as baby boomers age, doubling spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Last year, Yellen told the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care Fall Conference that she thinks our financial issues “will not be solved without some additional revenues on the table, but I also find it hard to believe that it won’t be solved without some changes to those programs…. So this is certainly something that people in this audience should have in their sights as something that will greatly affect the well-being of our cohort or, more likely, our children.”

This moderation is cheering former Republicans, like Jennifer Rubin at the Washington Post, and making progressives despair. But Biden’s picks seem to be less about indicating the content of his administration than indicating he plans to have an administration in the first place. He seems to be signaling that he intends to rebuild the framework of the government that Trump has dismantled in his four years. As for what comes once that framework is rebuilt, his choice of California Senator Kamala Harris—the first woman, and the first woman of color, on a presidential ticket-- as his running mate suggests he is not signaling a return to the past. Biden has always been famous for being in the middle of the Democratic pack, and will move to the left or the right according to what he hears from the public.

The president-elect is rushing to jump into the presidency in the face of a leadership vacuum as Trump continues to stew over his election loss and to plot yet more ways he can try to overturn the results. All those options are weaker than the ones that have already failed. That’s not to say damage isn’t being done: yesterday, Trump supporters who refuse to accept his defeat roamed U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C, where last night, people were assaulted, 33 were arrested, and four stabbed.

It is not clear what is going to happen to the Republican Party with Trump demanding loyalty even as he is losing battle after battle after a very clear defeat in the election, and his base turning violent. Those lawmakers who have signed on to Trump’s attack on our democratic processes have painted themselves into a corner along with the extremist Trump base, and their strategy might weaken them politically.

In an important move today, evangelical leader Beth Moore, the founder of Living Proof Ministries, a Bible-based women’s group from Houston, Texas, who has almost a million followers on Twitter, tweeted: “I do not believe these days are for mincing words. I’m 63 ½ years & I have never seen anything in these United States of America I found more astonishingly seductive & dangerous to the saints of God than Trumpism. This Christian nationalism is not of God. Move back from it…. Fellow leaders, we will be held responsible for remaining passive in this day of seduction to save our own skin while the saints we’ve been entrusted to serve are being seduced, manipulated, USED and stirred up into a lather of zeal devoid of the Holy Spirit for political gain….”

Moore follows this weekend's statement by evangelical Karen Swallow Prior, who said she was “now embarrassed and ashamed” for voting for local and state Republican candidates (although she had never voted for Trump). “What a bunch of money-grubbing, power-hungry, partisan cowards who care nothing about conservatism,” she tweeted. Conservative journalist David French also wrote this weekend that “the frenzy and fury of the post-election period has laid bare the sheer idolatry and fanaticism of Christian Trumpism.”

If evangelicals return to their traditional stance that politics corrupts religion, the modern-day Republican Party is in trouble. In this year’s election, about 80% of white evangelicals supported Trump. They make up 15% of the U.S. population, but because they turn out in huge numbers, they provided about 40% of Trump’s votes in 2020. Since the Reagan years, white evangelicals have been a crucial part of the Republican base. If they are starting to rethink their loyalties, it will be a game changer.

—-

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON