If you have a hard time staying focused on a task, you’re not alone. In a Crucial Learning poll of 1,600 people, two out of three responded that they have a hard time staying focused on one task or one person. And this difficulty focusing happens in both of the major areas of life, with 68% responding that they have a hard time focusing at work and 62% said they struggle to focus at home.
It’s not surprising that most people have attention deficit issues, considering what the vast majority of us are carrying around with us all day long. It’s no longer just other people who occasionally interrupt what we’re doing, but rather our daily barrage of message, emails, app notifications, news headlines, social media check-ins, advertisements and other distractions our phones or other handheld devices offer us.
However, according to productivity expert Chris Bailey, it’s not so much the distractions that are keeping us from focusing, but rather the overstimulation of our brains that cause us to seek out distractions in the first place.
In a 2019 TEDx Talk, Bailey, author of “Hyperfocus” and “The Productivity Project,” shared that the key to focusing better isn’t to try to try harder to focus, but rather almost the opposite: Rediscover boredom and let your brain wander where it will, or what he refers to as “scatterfocus.”
The first step in combating the overstimulation of our brains is to consciously lower the level of stimulus. Bailey himself began trying this out with an experiment. He noticed that most of his day was spent going from screen to screen, from the moment he woke up in the morning to when he went to sleep at night. The biggest culprit was his phone, so he spent an entire month only using his phone for 30 minutes a day.
“It took about a week to adjust downward into a new, lower level of stimulation,” he shared, “but once I did, I noticed that three curious things began to happen. First, my attention span grew. It was like I could focus on things, not effortlessly, but with much more ease than I could before this experiment started. In addition to this, though, as I was going about the world and especially when my mind wandered a bit, I had more ideas that my mind arrived at, and on top of this, I had more plans and thoughts about the future. Getting rid of one simple device led to these three effects.”
The experiment was so successful that he decided to try to lower his level of stimulation even further. He asked his followers to share the most boring things they could think of for him to do, and he would choose one a day to do for an hour. After a month of doing things like reading the iTunes terms and conditions and watching a clock tick for an hour, he noticed the same kinds of effects as he did with his phone experiment. He was able to focus even more effortlessly, not because he had fewer distractions, but because he was less stimulated and therefore didn’t seek the distractions in the first place.
Bailey makes a strong case for creating more empty space and less stimulation in our lives so that our brains are better able to focus.
“Erection” is a tricky word. There’s a lot of other words — words that have very different meanings — that sound almost like it. Back in 2022, footballer-turned-laughable failed MAGA candidate Herschel Walker found that out the hard way (so to speak), when he went on Fox News and declared, “This erection is for the people.” Now a similar embarrassment has befallen Jake Tapper.
Jake Tapper tells Nikki Haley Donald Trump participated in an “erection”
Per Mediaite, the CNN host was interviewing Nikki Haley about the Supreme Court deciding Donald Trump can’t be stricken from Colorado ballots. Haley, the last GOP Trump rival standing, said she was “happy” with the ruling, saying, “Look, I’m trying to defeat Donald Trump fair and square. I don’t need them taking him off the ballot to do it.”
Tapper replied by pointing out that “their official explanation was not they didn’t like Donald Trump. They said he participated in an erection…”
Unlike Walker, Tapper caught himself, saying the word he meant to say: “insurrection.” He then tried to explain his gaffe, saying, “I got up at five this morning to do Kasie Hunt’s show and I’m exhausted.”
Throughout the incident Haley’s generic smile never changed, though she did chuckle when Tapper tried to explain his slip-up.
House of the Dragon is not one of the shows that got derailed by last year’s twin strikes. They film outside the U.S., partly away from jurisdiction (though that also meant they couldn’t change the scripts while shooting). What’s more, they wrapped photography before SAG-AFTRA joined the WGA on picket liens. That means that its second season isn’t on the far horizon. In fact, it’s actually due awfully soon.
Per Variety, round two of House of the Dragon is set to begin dropping on HBO in June. When in June? That’s not yet known.
What is known is that Season 2 won’t have as many episodes as Season 1. House of the Dragon kicked off with 10 episodes, introducing us to some of Daenerys Targaryen’s predictably messy ancestors. When we return for more, there will only be eight.
The Game of Thrones prequel began about 300 years prior to the events of the show that began it all, and it ended with the death of Lucerys Targaryen, which did not sit well with Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra. Will Season 2 feature her launching into some grisly revenge? Will there be even more dragons? You’ll be able to find out when House of the Dragon returns in about three months.
Unfortunately, so did a few of her devoted super fans, the Barbs. As the “Beep Beep” rapper took to the Oakland Arena stage on March 1, clips of her opening performance quickly flooded social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). But there was one video that stole all the spotlight, and it didn’t involve Minaj at all. A now-viral visual shared on the platform showed several concertgoers involved in a vicious brawl.
In the clip, two attendees are seen punching another ticketholder. The blows exchange as security watches from afar before eventually intervening to separate the parties. With tensions still high, the last frame of the video shows the individuals yelling while being held back before it ends.
It is unclear what initiated the incident as none of the individuals have been publicly identified. Minaj also hasn’t addressed the viral video. However, she did take a moment to pen a touching note to her fans for their continued support days later. “Dear Barbz, I love you,” she wrote. “I really do. Always have. Always will.”
Minaj has several dozen shows left on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour. The next performance is slated for March 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. View the full tour schedule (here), working setlist (here), and tour merch (here).
And any event that combines keynote speakers and panel workshops, industry networking, and awesome parties will always be high on our list. We like fun stuff.
With the event spanning 10 days, making sure your accommodations are dialed in is key to ensuring a smooth experience. If you’re still sorting where to stay in Austin for your SXSW festivities, we compiled our list of some of our favorite hotels for SXSW 2024, based on proximity to the Austin Convention Center and overall guest offerings.
citizenM Austin Downtown
CITIZENM AUSTIN DOWNTOWN
What better way to kick back during your downtime at SXSW than in Austin’s newest affordable luxury hotel?
Having just opened its doors, citizenM Austin Downtown features 344 signature rooms with XL king-size beds, a 24-hour gym, a rooftop bar and pool, and lots of contemporary art.
The hotel will be hosting an array of complimentary SXSW programming for guests and the public from March 8th-16th. Guests can participate in its “bucking bed” experience on March 8th at 99 Trinity Square to win a free night at the hotel and also unwind at the hotel’s “unplug zone” throughout the week with complimentary barista-brewed coffee from 2-5 pm. There will also be signature cocktails at the SXSW Second Play Stage from 5-7 pm.
Amenities:
Free Wi-Fi
Fluffy pillows
European cotton sheets
Colored mood lighting
Power shower
XL King bed
Blackout blinds
24/7 food & drinks
World-class art
Price: $419 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.70 Miles
Located in downtown Austin’s music and entertainment district, Thompson Austin and its sister property tommie Austin offer sibling boutique luxury escapes. The “two hotels in one” span 32 stories full of sleek, architectural elements with bold design and airy, urban spaces — making the properties a comfortable retreat for guests attending SXSW. The Thompson and its adjoining restaurant, Diner Bar by Mashama Bailey, were featured on the 2022 Uproxx Fall Travel Hot List, where Uproxx travel editor Steve Bramucci called Bailey’s fried ugali the best bite he tasted that year.
Along with being in walking distance to many SXSW activations, the hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites with stunning views of the city skyline or Lady Bird Lake, a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views, as well as a signature restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine. And, unlike many of Austin’s downtown properties, it has a pool with a
Amenities:
Rooftop pool
Patio
Four onsite restaurants and bars
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Cityscape views
Hardwood floors
Leather furnishings
Stone mosaics
Electric vehicle charging
Free Wi-Fi
Fitness center
Golf simulator
Pet friendly (free!)
Price: $850 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.16 Miles
Located right in downtown Austin, JW Marriott Austin is a popular choice for SXSW attendees due to its proximity to the conference venues. The hotel offers luxury comfort paired with sophisticated amenities, including an on-site spa, outdoor rooftop pool, room service, seven bars, four restaurants, Starbucks, and the largest guest rooms in the city.
Each of its 1000 rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows,
During SXSW, the JW Marriott Austin provides exclusive services such as a dedicated concierge for event information and planning, as well as transportation assistance.
Amenities:
Free Wi-Fi
Seven bars
Four restaurants
Floor-to-ceiling windows
On-site spa
Fitness center
Rooftop pool & patio
Electric car charging station
Price: $539 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.19 Miles
Recognized as a coveted Austin hotel since 1886, The Driskill offers a grand, historic setting entrenched in timeless charm. With a prime downtown location off of 6th Street, the hotel is the perfect vantage point for exploring Austin’s entertainment district and be in the thick of the action for SXSW. Guests are welcomed into a grand columned lobby with marble floors and stained-glass windows before settling into one of its 189 historic rooms and suites adorned with luxury and gold, vintage furnishings.
Additionally, the hotel is home to one of Austin’s most iconic upscale restaurants, The Driskill Grill.
Amenities:
Free Wi-Fi
Three onsite restaurants & bars
Business services
Room service
24-hour fitness center
Concierge
Pet friendly
Art history tours
Live music
Afternoon tea service
Valet parking
Custom furnishings
In-room balconies
Price: $561 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.31 Miles
If you want to stay right in the heart of the action of SXSW, then Hilton Austin is your go-to hotel as it’s linked to the Austin Convention Center. The hotel offers over 800 rooms and suites, providing a comfortable and modern hotel stay for guests who want direct access to most events and activations for SXSW.
When you’re not at SXSW, you can explore East Sixth Street nightlife just two blocks away while the historic Rainey Street is less than a mile away.
Amenities:
Free Wi-Fi
Two restaurants
Full service spa with steam room and sauna
Rooftop pool
City views
Topgolf swing suite
24-hour fitness center
F45 training studio
Business center
UPS store
Pet friendly
Electric vehicle charging stations
Price: $756 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.04 Miles
The Fairmont Austin is a luxurious hotel located in downtown Austin located amid the greenery of Palm Park and Waller Creek, offering a sophisticated retreat for SXSW attendees. Featuring 1,048 rooms stacked across 37 stories, guests will wake up each morning with picturesque vistas of Austin’s dramatic cityscape, Lady Bird Lake, and the State Capitol.
During SXSW, Fairmont Austin offers exclusive services such as a dedicated concierge for event planning and transportation assistance to the Austin Convention Center.
Amenities:
Five onsite restaurants and bars
Rooftop pool
Spa
Fitness center
Meeting & business center
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
High ceiling-high windows
Plush bathrobes
Price: $640 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.05 Miles
The Austin Marriott Downtown is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Austin, offering a convenient and comfortable stay for SXSW attendees. Boasting over 600 modern rooms and suites, guests will be able to enjoy its rooftop pool and tiki bar, two-level lobby bar, and signature restaurant Corinne while not staying busy with SXSW programming.
The property is a great choice for guests at the conference in work more — with 60,000 square feet of meeting space and a location across the street from the Austin Convention Center.
Amenities:
Rooftop pool & bar
Meeting space
Fitness center
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Electric car charging station
Gift shop
Price: $484 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.05 Miles
Recently renovated, the Courtyard Marriott – Downtown Austin offers a convenient and comfortable stay for SXSW attendees. With its prime location adjacent to the Austin Convention Center and within walking distance of the 6th Street music scene, the hotel provides easy access to SXSW events, dining, and entertainment venues. The hotel features modern and spacious rooms, perfect for relaxing after a busy day at SXSW, as well as the fitness center, business center, and rooftop terrace.
The hotel also offers a bistro serving breakfast and dinner options, as well as a 24-hour market for snacks and drinks.
Amenities:
Starbucks
Onsite restaurant
Parking
Fitness center
Indoor pool
Rooftop terrace
Free Wi-Fi
GoBoards
Communal work tables
Business center
Skyline views
Fold out sofa sleepers
Price: $539 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.06 Miles
The Westin Austin Downtown offers a modern and upscale stay for SXSW attendees, conveniently located one block away from 6th Street and the Austin Convention Center. With over 360 rooms and suites, the hotel provides a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring or attending SXSW events without a huge crowd of guests in the hotel. Guests can enjoy several dining options onsite, a rooftop bar and pool with panoramic views of the city skyline, and more.
Amenities:
Onsite restaurant & bar
Rooftop pool & lounge
Heavenly® Beds
Heavenly® Showers
20th floor, 24-hour WestinWORKOUT fitness studio
Concierge
Pet friendly
Business center
Free Wi-Fi
Gift shop
Parking
Electric vehicle charging stations
Price: $538 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.15 Miles
Hotel Van Zandt is a trendy boutique hotel located in the vibrant Rainey Street district, offering a unique and stylish stay for SXSW attendees. The hotel features 319 modern rooms and suites, each with a distinct Austin vibe. Guests can head to the 4th floor of the hotel to catch nightly live music and unique Austin experiences, including vinyl brunches and local songwriter showcases.
Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary social hours from 5-6 pm with housemade margaritas, beer, and wine, as well as discounts to partnered local businesses. The best part? The property is an easy five-minute walk to the Austin Convention Center.
Amenities:
Rooftop pool
Complimentary check-in beverage
Complimentary locally brewed drip coffee from Café 605
Complimentary usage of TREK Bikes
Daily $10 credit to Geraldine’s, The Pool Deck or Café 605
10% off all retail and treats at Barkin’ Creek’s Rainey Street location
Complimentary Charred Edamame from Anthem
24-hour fitness center
Room service
Mini-bar
Plush robes
Printing services
Free Wi-Fi
Pet friendly (free!)
Price: $572 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.18 Miles
The LINE is downtown Austin’s newest hotel brand, boasting unique and stylish accommodations on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. The redesign of the 1965 jazz club showcases art by emerging local artists throughout the property and features multiple locally sourced dining options, including an Alfred coffee bar in the lobby.
The hotel features 428 modern rooms and suites with stunning views, as well as a rooftop pool, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel offers complimentary weekly events for guests, including fireside tarot readings, happy hour, slow-flow yoga, and more.
Amenities:
Saltwater infinity pool
Pet friendly (free!)
On-site dining
Spa
24-hour fitness center
Local Texas art
Free Wi-Fi
Minibar
Room service
Complimentary bikes
Valet parking
Price: $505
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.25 Miles
Located in the Second Street District, W Austin is a vibrant and modern hotel offering a stylish and energetic stay for SXSW attendees. The hotel features 251 contemporary rooms and suites, each designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious experience. Guests can enjoy special amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views, a modern steakhouse, a café, and more.
The hotel also hosts weekly live music events, specifically Sunday pool parties.
Amenities:
Rooftop pool & bar
Spa
24-hour fitness center
24-hour in-room dining
Pet friendly
Scott Newton famous music scene photography
Turndown service
Parking
Live music
Price: $400 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.40 Miles
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Hotel Indigo features 134 stylish and modern rooms designed to reflect the vibrant culture of Austin. Surrounded by neon lights and soulful sounds, the pet-friendly hotel offers a fitness center, business center, locally-sourced cuisine, rooftop bar, and more.
Located just a short walk from the Austin Convention Center, Hotel Indigo is a great choice for your stay during SXSW.
Amenities:
Skyline rooftop pool & bar
24-hour fitness center
Valet parking
Onsite restaurant
Live music
Local art
City views
Room service
Price: $410 per night
Distance from Austin Convention Center: 0.33 Miles
Comic book movies are in a rough patch these days. Once a sure bet, they’re now like to underperform if not outright bomb. As it happens, there’s already a major makeover afoot over at the DCEU, who brought in James Gunn — director of the only superhero smash of 2023 — to bring us things like a new, less brooding Superman. While he’s at it, maybe he needs another new Batman (apart from the one already played by Robert Pattinson, of course). If so, John Oliver has a suggestion.
On Sunday’s episode of Last Week Tonight, the HBO host unloaded on Donald Trump’s claim that former president’s need to have total immunity. The Supreme Court recently agreed to take up his claim, answering the question of whether ex-commanders-in-chief should be prosecuted if they commit crimes. Oliver thinks there’s already a clear answer: “Yes.”
To drive his point home, he laid out some other questions with obvious answers: “Did Robert Durst kill those people? Or Which cereal mascot f***s the most? Or who should play the next Batman? And for the record, the answers are, absolutely, it’s not even close [Tony the tiger], and Natasha Lyonne.”
Eventually Lyonne herself caught wind of Oliver’s pitch, to which she agreed, sort of, writing, “we all know I should be playing the Penguin but I’ll handle Batman if that’s what Gotham needs.”
John Oliver Says Natasha Lyonne Should Be Cast As The Next Batman
So how about it, James Gunn and fellow DCEU honcho Peter Safran? Maybe there should be two Batmans: one incredibly serious, starring Pattinson, and one a little goofier, with Lyonne as either the Caped Crusader or a villain, much the way the ’60s TV version cast hams like Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Eartha Kitt, and Otto Preminger to play the baddies.
You can watch the latest Last Week Tonight over at Max.
For the first 30 years of his music career, Sean “Diddy” Combs was known for being a hit music producer, ace talent evaluator, and bombastic (if sometimes a bit unscrupulous) businessman. These days, though, you’re more likely to see his name associated with the fallout from his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura’s accusations of sexual abuse against him.
He’s lost business partnerships, stepped down from roles in companies he’s created, and distanced himself from the public eye, all while maintaining that the growing number of similar allegations against him are false. He’s currently facing a slew of lawsuits and fans might be wondering what he’s accused of and by whom. Find out here. Trigger warnings for descriptions of sexual assault below.
November 2023: Two Women Sued Diddy For Sexual Assault
Shortly after settling Cassie’s lawsuit against him for an undisclosed sum, Combs was sued again by two women in separate lawsuits. Joie Dickerson-Neal filed suit in New York Supreme Court on November 23, accusing him of drugging her drink on a date in 1991 and sexually assaulting her. Dickerson-Neal says Combs also recorded the incident and showed it to others, making her a victim of revenge porn.
Another woman filed an anonymous lawsuit, claiming Combs and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and her friend in 1990 or ’91.
December 2023: Another Woman Accused Diddy Of Raping Her When She Was 17 Years Old
In a new lawsuit filed in December, a third woman came forward with allegations against Combs, once again filing as a Jane Doe. In her suit, she claims Combs and two other men raped her in 2003, when she was 17 years old, after picking her up at a club in Detroit.
February 2024: A Former Diddy Producer Accused Him Of Sexual Harassment
The latest complaint against Combs came from Rodney Jones — aka Lil Rod — a producer on Combs’ 2023 album Off The Grid. He said while staying with Diddy from September 2022 to November 2023, Diddy forced him to have sex with prostitutes, threatened, and harassed him.
Combs’ attorneys have dismissed all of the accusations against him as “money grabs,” but they’ve still affected his business partnerships
Ah, fish sandwich season. That special time of year when restaurants across the fast food universe turn their focus from chicken sandwiches and cheeseburgers to the mighty fish sandwich. We’re about a month deep into the season (which begins on February 14th to coincide with Lent) and we’ve already launched one big fish sandwich ranking by Uproxx’s resident whiskey and fish sando expert, Zach Johnston.
While I stand behind and fully co-sign Zach’s ranking, I couldn’t help but notice his ranking left off a few of my personal favorites (which aren’t as easy to come across down Kentucky way). So to give you the full and comprehensive picture of fast food fish sandos (Zach’s word, I’m stealing it!), I decided to hit the sandwiches Zach couldn’t get to and pit them against one another in a blind taste test.
Methodology
Fish sandwiches are best enjoyed when they’re piping hot, so I kept this list relatively short and picked up the sandwiches I could collect quickly to ensure they were still hot. Here is our tasting class today:
Carl’s Jr Panko-Breaded Fish Sandwich
Popeyes Spicy Flounder Fish Sandwich
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
Luckily, where I’m located I can pick up all three of these sandwiches and get back to my apartment in just 15 minutes, which is a fast food blind taste test record for us.
Once I had the sandwiches in my apartment, I took some pictures and then had my girlfriend shuffle them up and serve them to me one at a time under the cover of a blindfold.
Here are the results:
PART I — The Fish Sandwich Blind Taste Test
Taste 1:
Dane Rivera
A pungent garlic and onion flavor balanced by a bright, slightly sweet, and buttery fish flavor, with a crispy bite, and a slightly salty finish. The bun is buttery, nice and spongey, and a great canvas for the rich flavors.
We’re off to a good start!
Taste 2:
Dane Rivera
The fish here is markedly different than Taste 1, it’s sweeter, and milder, with a very clean and buttery flavor. I’m also tasting a bit of cayenne spice and smoked paprika which pair nicely with the pickles.
I’m not tasting any tartar sauce here, what we have instead is something far smokier that sort of… ~sizzles~ on the aftertaste in a very addicting way.
This sandwich pulled me in for another bite.
Taste 3:
Dane Rivera
This one is just lacking. The lettuce is noticeably wilted, the tartar sauce is runnier and not as rich as Taste 1, and the fish itself isn’t very flavorful. The panko breading surrounding it is nice and crispy, with a great crunch, but I’m just not getting a whole lot of flavor here.
It’s clear that his is the weakest of the bunch.
PART II — The Fish Sandwich Ranking:
3. Carl’s Jr. — Panko-Breaded Fish Sandwich
Carls Jr.
The real draw of Carl’s Jr.’s Panko-Breaded Fish Sandwich is that you can pick up two for only $6, which hovers around the cost of just one sandwich from Wendy’s or Popeyes.
I love a deal as much as the next person but if what you’re after is flavor, this one is going to leave a lot to be desired.
The Bottom Line:
The sandwich isn’t as thick and luxurious as the competition, but at two for $6, this is the best deal you’re going to find.
2. Wendy’s — Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
Wendy
For some people, Wendy’s is going to be the number one choice. If you want that classic Alaskan Pollock meets tartar sauce flavor profile, this sandwich delivers.
This sandwich has a great flavor, all of the ingredients are well considered and work harmoniously, plus it has cheese — always a welcome addition and brings a bit of creaminess into the equation. But it didn’t win me over like our number one choice.
The Bottom Line:
If what you love about fish sandwiches is that mild and delicate fish meets rich tartar sauce flavor profile, this sandwich is one of the very best in all of fast food.
1. Popeyes — Flounder Fish Sandwich
Popeyes
Two things make this sandwich a cut above the rest. The first is that it uses that winning Popeyes flavor profile that makes the chicken sandwich such a game changer. It takes that same spice blend and pairs it with a spicy and savory cayenne-based sauce. It’s savory, smokey, and rich.
It also has a novelty factor. Most fast food fish sandwiches utilize Alaskan Pollock, which is a fine option, but Popeyes uses flounder, which tends to have the same delicate flavor profile but a more flaky texture. That textural difference makes the Flounder Fish sandwich melt in your mouth in a way the other fast food sandwiches just don’t.
The Bottom Line:
Our favorite fish sandwich in this taste test, to be sure! It’s only available for a limited time, so be sure to hit up Popeyes before the month’s end if you want to experience what makes this sandwich special.
This time last year Scott Adams, aka the guy who does Dilbert, wasn’t doing so hot. Perhaps attempting to seize the title of “world’s most divorced man” from Elon Musk, the cartoonist went on a leftfield rant advising white people to “get the hell away from Black people.” As a result his comic strip was yanked from scores of papers nationwide, his career effectively torched. Did this convince him to tone it down a hair? Of course not. In January he dropped some kooky ideas about how the border crisis can really be blamed on sperm. Now his bozo thoughts on election integrity have gotten him thoroughly and patiently schooled.
Hi Scott!
Big fan of your work (minus the racist stuff of course).
No election is perfect. And no election administrator would ever claim a perfect election.
But U.S. elections are actually designed to auditable; they must be reconciled; and they must be tested.
For example,…
— Stephen Richer—MaricopaCountyRecorder (prsnl acct) (@stephen_richer) March 4, 2024
Per Raw Story, it all started when Adams decided to randomly write about the last presidential race. “We can disagree on whether there is proof the 2020 election was rigged,” he said. “But can we all agree our election systems are not fully auditable and lots of stuff goes ‘missing’ the day after the election? Our system is not designed for us to know it worked or did not work. That’s not an accident.”
But what if the Dilbert guy has no idea what he’s talking about? That’s basically what Stephen Richter, a County Recorder for Maricopa, Arizona (and a Republican), suggested when he chimed in with a lengthy tutorial on what he was getting wrong, which was a lot.
“Hi Scott! Big fan of your work (minus the racist stuff of course),” Richter wrote. “No election is perfect. And no election administrator would ever claim a perfect election. But U.S. elections are actually designed to be auditable; they must be reconciled; and they must be tested.”
Richter went on to explain — at great length, in a tweet/post that ran over 600 words (and who knows how many characters) — how elections are carried out in the U.S. versus how they’re done elsewhere.
“For example, while some countries allow digital voting (e.g. Brazil) or even internet voting (e.g. Estonia), the vast, vast majority of U.S. jurisdictions (93%) use paper ballots,” Richter explained. “This can put to rest any allegation of hacking. This can put to rest any allegation of “vote switching.” This means there is an auditable paper trail that can be tested after the election.”
Richter also reminded Scott that there were many, many times people contested the results of the 2020 election, and how each were handled accordingly (and reiterated that Joe Biden absolutely defeated Donald Trump).
“I’m sure you’re aware that were many, many legal challenges to the November 2020 election — close to 100 by my last count,” he explained. “Many of these afforded evidentiary hearings. For a summary, see this report: https://lostnotstolen.org. For anyone claiming significant error or fraud in the 2020 election, that person would have to explain why the courts got it wrong, every single time. Or why plaintiffs consistently demurred when asked for evidence in court.”
As for the whole idea that who won the 2020 presidential race is up for debate? Richter had a good line for that one:
So while I suppose, “we can disagree on whether there is proof the 2020 election was rigged,” that’s like saying we can disagree that the Rangers beat the Diamondbacks in the last World Series. Sadly, the Rangers won.
Adams did respond to Richter, though he admitted he stopped reading in the middle of the first long paragraph. He wondered why voting machines exist when there are paper ballots. He then declared “Checkmate.”
But Richter responded to him anyway, explaining — again, patiently ‚— that machines help tabulate votes faster than by hand, though there’s usually a hand-count afterwards to ensure accuracy.
Depends what you mean by voting machines.
Do you mean machines where you actually digitally vote (e.g. Brazil)?
Or do you mean machines that just tabulate the ovals that are marked by hand?
The latter are used in almost every jurisdiction — jut like with the standardized…
— Stephen Richer—MaricopaCountyRecorder (prsnl acct) (@stephen_richer) March 4, 2024
Surely Adams has some other tinfoil thoughts he’d still has yet to share with the world. And surely we’ll see some of those at some point, because the Dilbert guy has a lot of free time these days.
On the day of the NBA trade deadline in February, the Toronto Raptors made a somewhat unexpected move to acquire veteran big man Kelly Olynyk, along with young wing Ochai Agbaji, via a trade with the Utah Jazz. While the Raptors remain in something of a transitional phase, Olynyk has fit in well in Toronto, and word broke from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday evening that the 32-year-old will be sticking around on a two-year contract extension.
Toronto Raptors center Kelly Olynyk has agreed on a two-year, $26.25 million contract extension, Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN. Deal is the max that Olynyk was able to extend on. pic.twitter.com/KjFBVsI15u
As noted in ESPN’s reporting, the Raptors were limited on how much money they could offer Olynyk on an extension. The most he could sign for would be a five percent raise from his current salary, and Olynyk, who was born and raised in Canada, could add two years to his current deal if he agreed to do so by the end of the league year on June 30.
For the season, Olynyk is averaging 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game with 54.2 percent shooting and 39.8 percent from three-point distance. His efficiency is down in a small sample with Toronto, but Olynyk does open things up on the offensive end with his floor-spacing and passing ability in the frontcourt.
Though Toronto’s forward-facing direction remains a bit unclear as the team battles in the play-in race in the East, this is a solid contractual value for Olynyk. He also pairs well with many kinds of players, even with defensive challenges along the way, and Olynyk was clearly happy enough in his return to Canada to commit there for two more seasons.
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