The Ledes

Thursday, July 3, 2025

CNBC: “Job growth proved better than expected in June, as the labor market showed surprising resilience and likely taking a July interest rate cut off the table. Nonfarm payrolls increased a seasonally adjusted 147,000 for the month, higher than the estimate for 110,000 and just above the upwardly revised 144,000 in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday. April’s tally also saw a small upward revision, now at 158,000 following an 11,000 increase.... Though the jobless rates fell [to 4.1%], it was due largely to a decrease in those working or looking for jobs.”

Washington Post: “A warehouse storing fireworks in Northern California exploded on Tuesday, leaving seven people missing and two injured as explosions continued into Wednesday evening, officials said. Dramatic video footage captured by KCRA 3 News, a Sacramento broadcaster, showed smoke pouring from the building’s roof before a massive explosion created a fireball that seemed to engulf much of the warehouse, accompanied by an echoing boom. Hundreds of fireworks appeared to be going off and were sparkling within the smoke. Photos of the aftermath showed multiple destroyed buildings and a large area covered in gray ash.” ~~~

The Wires
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The Ledes

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

New York Times: “The Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, who emerged from the backwoods of Louisiana to become a television evangelist with global reach, preaching about an eternal struggle between good and evil and warning of the temptations of the flesh, a theme that played out in his own life in a sex scandal, died on July 1. He was 90.” ~~~

     ~~~ For another sort of obituary, see Akhilleus' commentary near the end of yesterday's thread.

Help!

To keep the Conversation going, please help me by linking news articles, opinion pieces and other political content in today's Comments section.

Link Code:   <a href="URL">text</a>

OR here's a link generator. The one I had posted died, then Akhilleus found one, but it too bit the dust. He found yet another, which I've linked here, and as of September 23, 2024, it's working.

OR you can always just block, copy and paste to your comment the URL (Web address) of the page you want to link.

Note for Readers. It is not possible for commenters to "throw" their highlighted links to another window. But you can do that yourself. Right-click on the link and a drop-down box will give you choices as to where you want to open the link: in a new tab, new window or new private window.

Thank you to everyone who has been contributing links to articles & other content in the Comments section of each day's "Conversation." If you're missing the comments, you're missing some vital links.

INAUGURATION 2029

Commencement ceremonies are joyous occasions, and Steve Carell made sure that was true this past weekend (mid-June) at Northwestern's commencement:

~~~ Carell's entire commencement speech was hilarious. The audio and video here isn't great, but I laughed till I cried.

CNN did a live telecast Saturday night (June 7) of the Broadway play "Good Night, and Good Luck," written by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, about legendary newsman Edward R. Murrow's effort to hold to account Sen. Joe McCarthy, "the junior senator from Wisconsin." Clooney plays Murrow. Here's Murrow himself with his famous take on McCarthy & McCarthyism, brief remarks that especially resonate today: ~~~

     ~~~ This article lists ways you still can watch the play. 

New York Times: “The New York Times Company has agreed to license its editorial content to Amazon for use in the tech giant’s artificial intelligence platforms, the company said on Thursday. The multiyear agreement 'will bring Times editorial content to a variety of Amazon customer experiences,' the news organization said in a statement. Besides news articles, the agreement encompasses material from NYT Cooking, The Times’s food and recipe site, and The Athletic, which focuses on sports. This is The Times’s first licensing arrangement with a focus on generative A.I. technology. In 2023, The Times sued OpenAI and its partner, Microsoft, for copyright infringement, accusing the tech companies of using millions of articles published by The Times to train automated chatbots without any kind of compensation. OpenAI and Microsoft have rejected those accusations.” ~~~

     ~~~ Marie: I have no idea what this means for "the Amazon customer experience." Does it mean that if I don't have a NYT subscription but do have Amazon Prime I can read NYT content? And where, exactly, would I find that content? I don't know. I don't know.

Washington Post reporters asked three AI image generators what a beautiful woman looks like. "The Post found that they steer users toward a startlingly narrow vision of attractiveness. Prompted to show a 'beautiful woman,' all three tools generated thin women, without exception.... Her body looks like Barbie — slim hips, impossible waist, round breasts.... Just 2 percent of the images showed visible signs of aging. More than a third of the images had medium skin tones. But only nine percent had dark skin tones. Asked to show 'normal women,' the tools produced images that remained overwhelmingly thin.... However bias originates, The Post’s analysis found that popular image tools struggle to render realistic images of women outside the Western ideal." ~~~

     ~~~ Marie: The reporters seem to think they are calling out the AI programs for being unrealistic. But there's a lot about the "beautiful women" images they miss. I find these omissions remarkably sexist. For one thing, the reporters seem to think AI is a magical "thing" that self-generates. It isn't. It's programmed. It's programmed by boys, many of them incels who have little or no experience or insights beyond comic books and Internet porn of how to gauge female "beauty." As a result, the AI-generated women look like cartoons; that is, a lot like an air-brushed photo of Kristi Noem: globs of every kind of dark eye makeup, Scandinavian nose, Botox lips, slathered-on skin concealer/toner/etc. makeup, long dark hair and the aforementioned impossible Barbie body shape, including huge, round plastic breasts. 

New York Times: “George Clooney’s Broadway debut, 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' has been one of the sensations of the 2024-25 theater season, breaking box office records and drawing packed houses of audiences eager to see the popular movie star in a timely drama about the importance of an independent press. Now the play will become much more widely available: CNN is planning a live broadcast of the penultimate performance, on June 7 at 7 p.m. Eastern. The performance will be preceded and followed by coverage of, and discussion about, the show and the state of journalism.”

No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land. -- Magna Carta ~~~

~~~ New York Times: “Bought for $27.50 after World War II, the faint, water stained manuscript in the library of Harvard Law School had attracted relatively little attention since it arrived there in 1946. That is about to change. Two British academics, one of whom happened on the manuscript by chance, have discovered that it is an original 1300 version — not a copy, as long thought — of Magna Carta, the medieval document that helped establish some of the world’s most cherished liberties. It is one of just seven such documents from that date still in existence.... A 710-year-old version of Magna Carta was sold in 2007 for $21.3 million.... First issued in 1215, it put into writing a set of concessions won by rebellious barons from a recalcitrant King John of England — or Bad King John, as he became known in folklore. He later revoked the charter, but his son, Henry III, issued amended versions, the last one in 1225, and Henry’s son, Edward I, in turn confirmed the 1225 version in 1297 and again in 1300.”

NPR lists all of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize winners. Poynter lists the prizes awarded in journalism as well as the finalists in these categories.

 

Contact Marie

Email Marie at constantweader@gmail.com

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Tuesday
Mar292016

An Experiment in Representative Democracy

During the past few weeks, I've been trying to think of a way of keeping Reality Chex going without having to do much, um, work. It wasn't until this morning that I hit on a possible solution that will take some cooperation among Reality Chex regulars but won't require an undying commitment (nor anything like the 8-12 hours a day I've spent on it during presidential election seasons).

So here's the idea, tho I'm very open to suggestions to modify the "plan." If somewhere between four and ten regular contributors would be willing to post a link or two to news & views in the main body of the daily Commentariat, let me know. You can contact me here. It isn't especially difficult, as those of you who've run your own blogs know. In fact, it's easier than creating links in the Comments section, as contributors do regularly. I'll provide instructions.

I'll try to set up a new page at about 5:00 pm ET every day, but these lucky "correspondents" would have the ability to do it, too, if I am busy installing reclaimed baseboards in the closet (today's project) or tiling a bathroom or two (next week's fun). The page, over the course of the day, would end up functioning in a fashion similar to the way it does today.

Meanwhile, we'll make sure the Comments are open.

This is a little bit of a riff on the much-despised New York Times comments caste system. I don't like it, but it wouldn't be too helpful to have that "Fuck you, asshole" guy mucking up the page, so I think it best to limit those with direct access to the main page.

Let me know what you think, & if you're a regular contributor who is willing to help run the show, please let me know via e-mail (linked above). Soon.

Marie

Comments Off

Reader Comments (21)

Marie -- I plan to send you an e-mail from home, in response to your idea, after the (my) workday.

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterPatrick

Please make this happen! Loss of RC would be great, as I know of no other site that so aptly summarizes the news.

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterJack Fuller

I believe the comments following an article by Coates in The Atlantic are often moderated/censored quite effectively by a handful of volunteers.
Could you not publish a list of publications/bloggers to be monitored by volunteers who would undertake to daily read and submit 'articles' to be scrutinized by a few lead volunteers you feel could be trusted to exercise control over what is published and to shepherd the comments allowing you to reduce your input to perhaps an hour a day or just function as a court of last resort for disputes? Whatever you decide giving up control is going to be difficult for you.
If you can find no way to keep Realitychex functioning to your standards I would just like to say that it has been an educational few years that I have been lurking here. I had no idea of the difficulties/responsibilities involved in running a site like Realitychex. It's been illuminating, which makes losing you just that much more painful and the internet a few bits less valuable.

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterCowichan's Opinion

Although I think it would be absolutely wonderful to be able to continue Reality Chex using commenter/volunteers, I know I cannot be one of them. I am waaaay too tech-impaired. (Jeebus, I can't even embed a link correctly.) Also, that old bromide "Too many cooks spoil the broth" comes to mind. I just cannot imagine Reality Chex without Marie--but, as you all know, I am an old hippie who gets high on "train wreck" and wanders the streets--so I may be "misunderestimating" my tech-savvy fellow commenters. Hope so.

I saw Nancy's offer to set up a Facebook page just for us, and I must say, although not a FB fan, I am interested. (Sorry, David, I know you are horrified!) Anyway, I belong to a closed FB group that functions very well, partially because it has someone in charge. It is subject-specific, and I am sure that helps too. Very, very different from the little I have seen on regular FB which mostly makes me want to arc a bean.

I am wondering if anyone else, besides Nancy, is interested in a closed Facebook group dedicated to political news and sidelights. I think we could persuade CW to participate a bit if we offered to help her tile! I would want only those of us who are commenters here on Reality Chex as members--including those who follow RC but do not make many comments. But, NO TROLLS. I think that could be accomplished by having Marie check the list of group "members" to make sure we are all Kosher. And we would probably need some volunteer commenters to keep the TROLLS at bay and point out obvious errors, etc. I could certainly do that.

That's where I am as of right now. One last concern: we have not heard from Barbarrosa for a very long time. Do any of you have any information about what has happened with him? Knowing how ill he was with ALS, I fear the worst.

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterKate Madison

I'm intrigued by this idea and believe that it could work, although there may be a trial and error period. I also wish I could say, Hey, count me in for several postings a day, but my nonwork time is limited. However, I have particular interests, as I am sure everyone else does, and pick and choose what I read accordingly. Perhaps the contributors could dedicate themselves, not completely but largely, to particular fields of interest. Hunting for articles that specifically address, for example, restrictions on a woman's right to choose would be quicker than checking out all the major papers and favorite blogs to see what seems Reality-Chex worthy.

And I agree with Marie that posting on a blog is a simple thing, once you get used to it.

(And @Kate Madison, I too have wondered/worried about Barbarossa. A member of my extended family has just been diagnosed with ALS. I can't begin to imagine how she and her husband are coping with this.)

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterElizabeth

I have written to Marie telling her I am willing to take on some responsibility.

I, too, have wondered about Bob––so Bob––if you can, let us know how you are faring.

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterPD Pepe

I have also written and offered to help. I think this could work ( not as splendidly as Marie's version) and I am game to try. I would also be happy to do the Facebook idea, where we could also post photos and perhaps share some slightly more personal info and views., and in general relax the rules a bit. Either, or both, would be fun!

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterVictoria D.

Hmmm. Considering those of us who sit in the back row, who love to listen and learn from RC but are afraid, no - incapable of fashioning eloquent arguments and hurling spitballs like all of the rest of you elites; will there be 'seats in the back' of your putative FB site for us non-troll quiet types?

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterJeff K

Please keep us "readers but not commenters" in the loop - as many have written I have read RC "first thing in the morning and last thing at night" - for years.

Many thanks - especially to Marie B. and all of the remarkable and quotable comments from all of you - they are very influential !!

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterMaytag Lady

I have been a follower of this site for several years (not a commenter) and just as others have written, I read through the postings almost every morning and again later in the day. I hope a means can be found to keep Reality Chex active. If not, I will miss it.

I do not know how much work that it takes to link the various sources and write the text introducing the links and other editing tasks, but I certainly appreciate all of that work. Thanks CW for all of your work.

March 29, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterTerry

Reality Chex is Marie Burns. Marie Burns is Reality Chex.

Reading other comments, I have waffled between further eulogizing, commiserating, and often feeling like the relative who overstayed the visit and now can’t simply get in the car and drive off. You know, the relative or friend who keeps running back for one last hug! (Knowing full well the host would like nothing better than to sit in an ‘empty’ house and enjoy a glass of wine, do the leftover dirty dishes…or wash socks!)

Despite wanting RC to go on and on, it seems a daunting task for volunteers to co-ordinate and continue. The job description is a killer. But, good luck!

Over the years, Marie has outdone the postman. Every day, year-after-year, RC has been there as we dawdled over morning coffee—before adding our own ‘brilliant’ comments! She has been there seven days a week, 365 days a year, through holidays, road travels, personal matters, power outages, snow, wind, hurricanes, thick & thin, and forever washing those darn socks!

Thank you, Marie.

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterMAG

Part 2...continued:
Reality Chex is Marie Burns. Marie Burns is Reality Chex.

What if... (jus’ speculating) how about a ‘Same Time, Next Year’...or (now I’m pushing it) a same time, next month Reality Chex Monthly Recap? Where Reality Chex takes a look at past and current news on a single day...with a week open to comments?

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterMAG

I love reading good news! I look forward to the new format and would love to be included on the facebook group.

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterLisa

This idea seems like a workable solution for your readers and regular commenters. Same setup, just minus you doing the heavy lifting, Marie. The Facebook solution I offered yesterday (and let me say how much I hate Facebook) was as a last awful resort.

I never considered myself a regular commenter and I doubt I'll comment in the future (baseboards, gardening, grandkids and cancer), but it sure would be nice to have the site continue.

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterNancy

Put me in the category of Jeff K and Maytag Lady, a loyal silent follower for many years.
Thank you Marie for your hard work and witty comments.

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterRussellr

I've been lurking since Marie stopped writing her magnificent replies to the NYT. Reality Chex has been a large part of my semi-handicapped life ever since and I cannot possibly thank Marie and her contributors enough. You put into words my all too scattered thoughts on the politics of this country (anger through joy) and express them to a T. It will be an awful loss to me if/when? this website is discontinued. So please, if it's decided to keep RC open but on a limited basis, don't cross me off your list. I wish I could help but if I could, I wouldn't be a lurker. Marie, I am so humbled by your prowess. You deserve a life outside of RC more than anyone in the world but oh damn; I'm going to miss you.

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterMaggy

Continuing in some fashion is an exciting prospect! I've been a back-rower, not a commenter and never a troll (!), so I'm not sure I should weigh in with an opinion on what form it might take--but (here comes the opinion anyway), a closed Facebook group is easy for posting. Whatever form it takes, I hope I may be included in its readership. And once again, Marie, I remain dazzled by your accomplishments here, and so grateful for the many years you have helped me stay informed. Hard act to follow doesn't begin to describe!

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered Commenterexalto

For more years than I'm capable of remembering Reality Chex has been a constant companion as I consume half a dozen large cups of coffee. There are hundreds/thousands like me who have responded only a few times over those years whose dwindling mental capacity have found this place to be a refuge of clear thought and rational reasoning.
Facebook is probably the best option, in one form or another to continue the dialogue.
Thanks again Marie!
Hglad


thanks again

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterH. Glad

Thank you Marie. I have been taking a free ride twice a day on REALIY CHEX for years now. Am grateful and hope to be able to continue the ride making only an occasional comment from left field.

March 30, 2016 | Unregistered Commentercarlyle

I wish I could offer to help with the logistics of keeping RC running, but (stop me if you've heard this before) I'm woefully inadequate when it comes to technology. I've been a daily reader ever since I discovered Marie commenting at the New York Times several years ago, and I'm now completely addicted to RC. I don't post because (among other things) I'm always late to the discussion (as, for example, today) but I relish sitting in the shadows listening to the conversation of the best Commentariat on the internet, bar none.

If this excellent group finds a way to maintain the site, albeit in a different format, I would appreciate being included on the list of approved members. I promise I'm not a troll.

This seems like a good place to express my deep gratitude to Marie for her indefatigable efforts, 24-7-365 for so many years, and my equally deep appreciation for her brilliance, wit, and no-nonsense attitude toward the news of the day. It's no wonder she's attracted such a stellar group of commenters.

I'm grateful for all of you, and I hope this doesn't have to be good-bye.

Namaste.

March 31, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterRose in Michigan

I second the eloquent message that Terry posted on the 29th. I too have been a silent fan and supporter, and have promoted this very thoughtful, passionate and dedicated site to many of my like-minded (and not-so-like-minded) friends and relatives over the years. I hope this new approach is wildly successful, but whatever the long-term outcome may be, many humble thanks to CW from bringing this "baby" through adolescence. I have grown to depend on it as an island of intelligence leavened with humor. I hope that the rest of us can carry it on to a long and productive adulthood.

March 31, 2016 | Unregistered CommenterK2inVT
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