Ben Webster
@benwebster440.bsky.social
piano technician, writer, 1940s slang enthusiast
Is this a misleading graph? Doesn't it imply that the circles are stacked on top of each other? The # of book bans, as defined and counted by PEN America, was about 2.5 times bigger in 2024-25 (6,870) than in 2021-22 (2,532). But the graph makes it seem the most recent numbers dwarf the earlier.
October 30, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Is this a misleading graph? Doesn't it imply that the circles are stacked on top of each other? The # of book bans, as defined and counted by PEN America, was about 2.5 times bigger in 2024-25 (6,870) than in 2021-22 (2,532). But the graph makes it seem the most recent numbers dwarf the earlier.
I'm proud of Harvard for not caving to these absurd demands. H. isn't perfect; it can do better at encouraging a range of viewpoints. But what the government wants is hostile takeover. Also, the idea that any of this is somehow in the cause of protecting Jews is a transparent, cynical lie.
Harvard Will Not Comply With a List of Trump Administration Demands
Federal officials said they would freeze the money after Harvard said it would not submit to requests to overhaul hiring and report international students who break rules.
www.nytimes.com
April 15, 2025 at 1:29 AM
I'm proud of Harvard for not caving to these absurd demands. H. isn't perfect; it can do better at encouraging a range of viewpoints. But what the government wants is hostile takeover. Also, the idea that any of this is somehow in the cause of protecting Jews is a transparent, cynical lie.
Reposted by Ben Webster
9/ The tariffs are DESIGNED to create economic hardship. Why? So that Trump has a straight face rationale for releasing them, business by business or industry by industry.
As he adjusts or grants relief, it’s a win-win: the economy improves and dissent disappears.
As he adjusts or grants relief, it’s a win-win: the economy improves and dissent disappears.
April 3, 2025 at 3:29 AM
9/ The tariffs are DESIGNED to create economic hardship. Why? So that Trump has a straight face rationale for releasing them, business by business or industry by industry.
As he adjusts or grants relief, it’s a win-win: the economy improves and dissent disappears.
As he adjusts or grants relief, it’s a win-win: the economy improves and dissent disappears.
My favorite feature of a Trump presidency is being presented with one shameless falsehood every morning. "Volodymr Zelenskyy is a dictator." He's like a tear-off Lie of the Day calendar.
February 19, 2025 at 5:33 PM
My favorite feature of a Trump presidency is being presented with one shameless falsehood every morning. "Volodymr Zelenskyy is a dictator." He's like a tear-off Lie of the Day calendar.
The appropriate response is laughter
Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza and Says Palestinians Should Move
The president met with the Israeli prime minister at the White House, meeting in person with another world leader for the first time since returning to power.
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2025 at 5:08 AM
The appropriate response is laughter
When their app lights up with a ride, Albuquerque Uber drivers must think: At last! Someone to share my life story with! A sympathetic ear for all my personal struggles! A friend with whom I can frankly discuss career aspirations, childhood regrets, legal quandaries, relationships, sex...
February 2, 2025 at 5:56 AM
When their app lights up with a ride, Albuquerque Uber drivers must think: At last! Someone to share my life story with! A sympathetic ear for all my personal struggles! A friend with whom I can frankly discuss career aspirations, childhood regrets, legal quandaries, relationships, sex...
Heard Shostakovich 5th Sym played by NM Philharmonic tonight. I always love Shost., mainly because he never repeats anything once more than necessary. But also hear a parody of political bluster in the skewed bombastic fanfares, + a hint of paranoid ideology in the dark jumping patterns.
February 2, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Heard Shostakovich 5th Sym played by NM Philharmonic tonight. I always love Shost., mainly because he never repeats anything once more than necessary. But also hear a parody of political bluster in the skewed bombastic fanfares, + a hint of paranoid ideology in the dark jumping patterns.
Hello, I am here!
And hope that Bluesky will prove to be the less commercial, less moronic, but still broadly popular social network we're in need of.
And hope that Bluesky will prove to be the less commercial, less moronic, but still broadly popular social network we're in need of.
November 18, 2024 at 5:25 AM
Hello, I am here!
And hope that Bluesky will prove to be the less commercial, less moronic, but still broadly popular social network we're in need of.
And hope that Bluesky will prove to be the less commercial, less moronic, but still broadly popular social network we're in need of.