Author: weegee

  • Tony Tulathimutte’s Rejection: A Fearless Satire of Modern Vulnerability

    Tony Tulathimutte’s Rejection is a bold, unflinching dive into the absurdities and vulnerabilities of modern life, told through a series of seven interconnected stories. The book explores themes like rejection, loneliness, and alienation with biting satire and razor-sharp humor, earning praise from literary heavyweights like The New Yorker’s Jia Tolentino and The New York Times’ Dwight Garner. Whether chronicling the trials of a “pornsick Asian virgin” or dissecting performative allyship in “The Feminist,” Tulathimutte crafts characters and scenarios that are both deeply uncomfortable and strikingly real.

    What sets Rejection apart is Tulathimutte’s ability to merge the vulgar with the profound, creating a tone that is as exhilarating as it is unsettling. While some readers may find its confrontations with societal failures grueling, others will appreciate its fearless humor and incisive critique of contemporary culture. As Tulathimutte puts it, the platform for rejection may change, but the human experience behind it remains timeless—a sentiment he explores with humor, intelligence, and surprising empathy.

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  • Free Beacon’s Expose of Columbia Grifter, Joseph Slaughter

    Yes, that’s his real name. Here’s a summary of Jessica Costescu‘s expose in the Free Beacon.

    Joseph Slaughter, an English professor at Columbia University, has sparked controversy with his comments on historic airplane hijackings. During an October lecture titled “Hijacking Human Rights,” Slaughter described the 1970s hijackings by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) as “spectacular” and “remarkable,” citing footage of the events and praising the hijackers for feeding their captives. He framed the hijackings as part of a “national liberation imaginary” and highlighted how the media of that era referred to the hijackers as “guerrillas” or “liberation fighters” rather than terrorists. Slaughter’s remarks drew criticism for downplaying the violence of these incidents, including one in which a steward was shot by a hijacker, and for his claim that such actions played a role in reshaping international human rights discourse.

    The lecture has drawn sharp criticism from students, alumni, and advocacy groups, who accuse Slaughter of glorifying terrorism and rewriting history. Critics have also pointed to the broader institutional climate at Columbia, where anti-Israel rhetoric has gained traction, as demonstrated by events such as a “Palestinian Resistance 101” panel featuring individuals linked to designated terror organizations. While Slaughter defended his comments as an academic exploration of historical narratives, many, including Ari Shrage of the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association, are calling for his suspension. The incident raises pressing questions about the boundaries of academic freedom and the ethical responsibilities of educators in addressing topics involving violence and terrorism.

  • In-depth on Canada’s Anti-Semitism problem

    Via Bari Weiss’ The Free Press – our summary:

    The unfolding narrative of antisemitism in Canada under Justin Trudeau’s leadership paints a troubling picture of societal and institutional erosion. In a deep investigation, the escalating hatred toward Jewish communities is traced back to the normalization of anti-Zionist rhetoric and the failures of government and educational institutions to address it. From York University professor Sarah Rugheimer’s firsthand experience with swastika-covered posters and campus hostility to acts of synagogue vandalism and threats against Jewish students, the piece reveals a chilling pattern of increasing hostility. Shockingly, even liberal political circles have embraced “Anti-Palestinian Racism,” a framework that brands foundational Jewish and Zionist beliefs as inherently racist.

    This atmosphere of fear and targeted hate is compounded by Canada’s immigration policies and a rise in ideologies that conflate anti-Zionism with progressive values. The Jewish community’s sense of security has been shattered, with hate crimes soaring by 670% since October 2023 and law enforcement stretched thin. As antisemitism weaves into Canada’s political fabric, liberal leaders like Selina Robinson have faced severe backlash for deviating from accepted narratives. The broader concern isn’t just the Jewish community’s safety—it’s a warning about the fragility of Western values under the strain of unchecked hatred and divisive politics.

  • Change Dashboard Owner in Salesforce

    To change the owner of a dashboard in Salesforce, follow these steps:

    For a Single Dashboard:

    1. Navigate to the Dashboards tab or the Analytics tab.
    2. Locate the dashboard you wish to transfer.
    3. Click the dropdown arrow next to the dashboard name and select Change Owner.
    4. In the dialog box, choose the new owner.
    5. Optionally, check the box to Send Email Notification to inform the new owner.
    6. Click Submit to finalize the change.

    For Multiple Dashboards:

    1. Go to the Analytics tab.
    2. Click on Browse, then select Dashboards.
    3. Select the dashboards you want to transfer by checking the boxes next to their names.
    4. Click on Manage Items and choose Change Owner.
    5. Select the new owner for these dashboards.
    6. Optionally, check the box to Send Email Notification.
    7. Click Submit to complete the process.

    Permissions Required:

    • To change the dashboard owner to anyone in your organization: You need the View All Data permission.
    • To change the dashboard owner from and to anyone who reports to you in the role hierarchy: You need the View My Team’s Dashboards permission.
    • To be assigned as the owner of a dashboard: You need the Edit My Dashboards, Create and Customize Dashboards, and Manage Dashboards permissions.

    For dynamic dashboards, additional permissions may be required.

    Note: The new owner will be granted edit access to the dashboard folder.

    If you don’t see the option to change the dashboard owner, ensure that your Salesforce administrator has enabled this feature. They can do so by navigating to Setup, entering Reports and Dashboards Settings in the Quick Find box, and selecting Allow users to change dashboard owner (Lightning Experience Only).

    For a visual guide on this process, you can watch the following video:

  • Columbia University Faces $3.5 Billion in Annual Financial Risk Due to Trump Election Win

    In the wake of Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Columbia University is grappling with the potential for significant financial exposure under the incoming administration. A new risk analysis conducted by the university projects that up to 55% of Columbia’s operating budget – a staggering $3.5 billion per year – could be vulnerable to federal policy changes.

    The analysis identified five key financial levers that a Trump administration could pull to impact Columbia’s funding:

    1. Government research grants
    2. Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements for healthcare services
    3. Federal student financial aid
    4. Visas for international students
    5. Potential new taxes on endowments of wealthy universities like Columbia

    In the short term, the most probable risks include slowdowns in the flow of new research grants as well as limitations on student visas. Together, these two areas represent $250 million to $1.3 billion in annual revenue for the university.

    However, the long-term risks are even more concerning. Broader policy shifts around healthcare funding, student aid programs, and endowment taxation could put up to $3.5 billion in yearly revenue in jeopardy for Columbia if fully enacted. This would be a major blow to the university’s operations and mission.

    As one of the leading research and educational institutions in the nation, Columbia is now faced with developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate against these risks. University leadership, including the Trustees, President, administration and University Senate will need to act swiftly and decisively to put a robust risk management toolkit in place.

    Strengthening Columbia’s resilience and safeguarding its academic mission must be the top priority in the uncertain times ahead. Creative thinking, contingency planning and steadfast commitment to our educational values will all be required. The Columbia community must come together to ensure that we can continue fulfilling our vital role, even in the face of unprecedented financial headwinds in the years to come.

    Sources: Steve McGuire

    Stand Columbia Society

  • Producer Focus: Jennings Lang, The Agent Who Would Be King

    In the glittering world of Hollywood, few careers have been as colorful or as transformative as that of Jennings Lang. From his beginnings as a New York lawyer to becoming one of Universal’s most ambitious producers, Lang’s story reads like a script from one of his own movies – complete with scandal, innovation, and spectacular successes.

    Getting Started

    When Lang arrived in Hollywood in 1938, he wasn’t carrying a producer’s portfolio but a lawyer’s briefcase. Within a year, however, he had pivoted to become a talent agent, partnering with Flora Pam, who would later become his first wife. His sharp legal mind and keen eye for talent quickly made him one of Hollywood’s most formidable agents, rising to become president of the Jaffe agency before joining the powerhouse MCA.

    Personal Drama

    In December 1951, Lang’s career nearly came to a dramatic end in a parking lot. Film producer Walter Wanger, convinced Lang was having an affair with his wife, actress Joan Bennett, shot Lang in the left thigh. The incident became front-page news, with Wanger serving four months in prison after pleading insanity. In a tragic twist, Lang’s wife Flora, who had publicly stood by him during the scandal, passed away shortly afterward.

    The Television Pioneer

    Rather than let the scandal define him, Lang reinvented himself at MCA TV Limited. As vice president, he became a crucial figure in television’s golden age, developing iconic series like “Wagon Train,” “The Bob Cummings Show,” and “McHale’s Navy.” His understanding of audience tastes and ability to shepherd projects from concept to screen proved invaluable in the burgeoning television industry.

    Master of the Disaster Epic

    By the 1970s, Lang had found his true calling as a theatrical film producer. He developed a particular flair for disaster epics, understanding that audiences craved spectacle on a massive scale. His crowning achievements included “Airport 1975” and “Earthquake,” the latter featuring the innovative Sensurround technology that literally shook theaters during dramatic sequences.

    The Dirty Harry Connection

    One of Lang’s most interesting, though lesser-known, contributions to cinema history came through his involvement with “Dirty Harry.” In 1969, Lang was the first to bring the original screenplay (then titled “Dead Right”) to Clint Eastwood’s attention. When other major stars passed on the project, including John Wayne and Frank Sinatra, Lang found himself unable to secure a lead actor and sold the film rights to ABC Television. However, ABC found the script too violent for television, which led to Warner Bros. acquiring the rights. This circuitous path ultimately resulted in the film landing with Clint Eastwood, who reverted the development back to the original screenplay and in the process created one of cinema’s most iconic characters, uttering some of the most memorable lines in film history. “Wel,, do ya, punk?”

    Lang’s working relationship with Eastwood extended to other projects as well. He’d earlier worked with Eastwood on the actor’s directorial debut, “Play Misty for Me,” as well as the westerns, “The Beguiled,” (a critical and commercial failure) and the successful “High Plains Drifter.”

    The Producer’s Touch

    What set Lang apart was his comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry from multiple angles – legal, talent management, television, and film production. He brought this unique perspective to each project, knowing how to balance creative ambition with commercial viability. His experience as an agent gave him an edge in working with talent, while his legal background helped him navigate the complex dealings of Hollywood productions.

    Lang’s career was cut short by a stroke in 1983, but not before he had left an indelible mark on the industry. He passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy that demonstrated the evolving role of the producer in Hollywood – from mere financier to creative force.

    In many ways, Jennings Lang embodied the American dream in Hollywood: a New York lawyer who transformed himself into one of the industry’s most versatile and successful producers. His career serves as a masterclass in adaptation, resilience, and the art of bringing spectacular entertainment to the masses.

    His story reminds us that the best producers are more than just money managers – they’re visionaries who can spot trends, nurture talent, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment. From surviving scandal to pioneering new technologies like Sensurround, Lang’s career demonstrated that sometimes the most dramatic stories in Hollywood happen behind the camera.

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