John Oliver, Disney, and the Fight for Free Speech John Oliver just handed America its new national motto, and put Disney’s board, Trump and the maggots in their place. Last week on *Last Week Tonight*, Oliver torched ABC’s brief decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel after Trump threw another tantrum over being mocked. CorporateContinue reading "“F**k You, Make Me”"
Peter Thiel’s Apocalypse
Audio Version (please click for RSS) Overcast Link Faith, Fear, and the Future of Technology Yet another billionaire’s attempt to warp, manipulate and re-interpret the Bible for his own world view? Peter Thiel, the billionaire investor behind some of Silicon Valley’s most powerful technology firms (and JD Vance!), is urging audiences to see the futureContinue reading "Peter Thiel’s Apocalypse"
The “Perfect Storm” in Healthcare
A "Perfect Storm" in the American healthcare system is developing, driven by mounting structural failures and stupid political decisions. The core issues include severe physician shortages, government cutbacks on Medicare and preventative services, looming loss of ACA marketplace subsidies, and major reductions in public health and child nutrition programs, all combining to reduce access, qualityContinue reading "The “Perfect Storm” in Healthcare"
If AI Can Diagnose, What Are Doctors For?
Dr. Dhruv Khullar’s New Yorker article, “If A.I. Can Diagnose Patients, What Are Doctors For?,” explores how large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are transforming medical diagnostics, blending compelling anecdote with wide-ranging critique. The article opens with the story of Matthew Williams, whose mysterious gastrointestinal illness eluded eight clinicians but was quickly explained byContinue reading "If AI Can Diagnose, What Are Doctors For?"
Android vs iOS
I just spent a week forcing myself to use the Pixel 10 Pro and honestly, I couldn’t wait to get my new iPhone 17 Pro. Tech reviewers hype up Android flagships every year, but they gloss over the little quality-of-life annoyances that, day-to-day, really add up. After a week on “pure” Android, I now getContinue reading "Android vs iOS"
Pixel 100x Pro Res Zoom
I've been fooling around with the new Pixel 10 Pro for the last week (My 10-day Android trial has been a disaster so I am returning it next week for the new iPhone.) Here is a comparison of photos at 100x zoom using Google's Pro Res Zoom, which works on some sort of artificial intelligenceContinue reading "Pixel 100x Pro Res Zoom"
When Jokes Become Crimes, Democracy Is in Peril
Free Speech Anyone? Let's be clear. The Charlie Kirk assassination was horrific and no way to be condoned. And our government's ridiculous and toxic response is clearly not helpful or to be condoned! An administration that pardoned violent January 6 rioters now claims that a late-night comedy monologue is a danger to the republic. PoliticalContinue reading "When Jokes Become Crimes, Democracy Is in Peril"
A Tribute to my Mother
Phyllis Varipapa’s story began almost 103 years ago, in October of 1922, though even her birthday carried a bit of mystery and mischief. Her father swore it was the 22nd, her birth certificate claimed the 24th, and her baptismal record the 26th. That meant her loved ones never had just one day to celebrate her,Continue reading "A Tribute to my Mother"
One More Day
The cast of Les Misérables sings 'One Day More' at the show's 25th anniversary concert live from the O2 Arena in London! Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary (2010.)
Dr. Bot: Why Doctors Can Fail Us
And Why We Must Demand Responsible AI in Medicine It’s time to ask a hard question : Are medical errors really the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Every day, clinicians, no matter how skilled, work against a tide of fatigue, outdated knowledge, limited time, and systemic biases. The cost is measured inContinue reading "Dr. Bot: Why Doctors Can Fail Us"
