UNION BUSTING FOR FUN AND PROFIT: REED HASTINGS THE VILLAIN OF THE NEWEST NETFLIX MOVIE

UNION BUSTING FOR FUN AND PROFIT

REED HASTINGS THE VILLAIN OF THE NEWEST NETFLIX MOVIE

Attention all Hollywood insiders! We are currently facing a perfect storm, and it's not just because of the recent rainy weather. No, the real storm is brewing in the entertainment industry, and the villain of the hour is none other than Reed Hastings, the co-founder and former CEO of Netflix.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But Netflix is our savior! They've given us endless hours of binge-worthy content!" And while that may be true, we can't ignore the fact that Hastings has a history of going after unions. He's already spent millions trying to destroy the teachers' unions and is now setting his sights on the entertainment industry.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are currently in negotiations with Netflix, and things are not looking good. The WGA has even declared a strike against practices popularized by Netflix, such as the use of AI. But fear not, my fellow Hollywood insiders, for we have some strong leaders on our side.

Meredith Stiehm, president of the WGA, and Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, are standing strong and supporting their members and bargaining teams. They know that the key to winning big gains in contracts is to put members at the forefront of negotiations. And they're not alone. Both unions have large bargaining teams that are broadly representative of their membership and are committed to open communication with their members.

But let's not forget about Hastings and his multimillion-dollar bonuses. Rumor has it that they may be on the line this year because of the writers' strike. So, let's take a moment to imagine how Hastings might be feeling right now. He's probably sitting in his office, surrounded by his fancy gadgets and expensive artwork, wondering how he got himself into this mess. Well, Reed, let me tell you something. You can't mess with Hollywood unions and expect to get away with it.

In all seriousness, though, this strike is not just about money. It's about protecting the livelihoods of writers and actors who have dedicated their lives to this industry. They deserve fair wages, healthcare, and pensions. And they deserve to be treated with respect.

So, let's stand with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in their fight against Hastings and his anti-union agenda. Let's show him that Hollywood unions are not to be messed with. And let's hope that this storm passes quickly so we can get back to doing what we do best: creating amazing content that brings joy to millions of people around the world.

These Unions Are on the Front Lines Fighting Against the Uberization of Us All | The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/wga-oea-ups-teamsters-strikes/ 

Netflix bosses’ multimillion-dollar bonuses may be on the line this year because of the writers strike https://fortune.com/2023/06/02/hollywood-writers-strike-netflix-shareholders-wga-executive-pay-meredith-stiehm-reed-hastings/ 

Big Education Ape: Netflix Billionaire Reed Hastings' Crusade to Replace Public School Teachers With Computers | Alternet https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2016/03/netflix-billionaire-reed-hastings.html 

Big Education Ape: Billionaire Reed Hastings Plans Luxury Resort to Train Teachers to Think Like Him | Diane Ravitch's blog https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2020/06/billionaire-reed-hastings-plans-luxury.html 

Big Education Ape: California School Boards Association’s President takes on Netflix CEO’s call for privatization for school boards « School Board News https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2014/04/california-school-boards-associations.html 

WHO CAUSED THE CRISIS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER WORKFORCE

 

WHO CAUSED THE CRISIS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER WORKFORCE

Are we at a crisis point with the public teacher workforce? Well, if you ask the billionaires who have been waging a war on education, the answer is a resounding "yes." But don't worry, folks, I'm here to break it down for you in a way that's both witty and informative.

First of all, let's talk about these billionaires. They've spent billions demonizing public education, while cutting funding to schools and colleges through dark money super PACs and foundations. They even have front organizations supporting politicians who become warriors in the billionaires' war on public schools and teachers. It's like a twisted game of chess, but instead of knights and rooks, we have billionaires and teachers.

But why are these billionaires so hell-bent on destroying public education? Well, it's simple. They want to privatize everything. They want to turn education into a for-profit industry, where only the wealthy can afford to send their children to good schools. It's like they're trying to create a modern-day caste system, where the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait, isn't education supposed to be a public good? Isn't it supposed to be accessible to everyone?" Yes, my friend, you are correct. But these billionaires don't care about accessibility. They care about profits. And if that means sacrificing the education of millions of children, so be it.

So what does this mean for the public teacher workforce? Well, it means we're in trouble. Five decades ago, the U.S. was training an army of college students to become teachers, with 1 in every 5 bachelor's degrees earned in the field of education. But now, education is an afterthought for many college students. They'd rather study business, engineering, or even the visual and performing arts.

And who can blame them? Teaching has become a thankless job, with low pay and little respect from society. It's like we've forgotten that teachers are the backbone of our education system. They shape young minds and inspire the next generation of leaders. Without them, where would we be?

But fear not, my fellow citizens. We can fight back against these billionaires and their war on education. We can support our public schools and teachers by voting for politicians who prioritize education funding. We can volunteer at our local schools and donate supplies to classrooms in need. We can even become teachers ourselves!

Yes, you heard me right. We can become teachers ourselves. It's not too late to join the fight and make a difference in the lives of our children. Sure, the pay may not be great and the hours may be long, but the reward of shaping young minds is priceless.

In conclusion, we are indeed at a crisis point with the public teacher workforce. But we can't give up hope just yet. We must band together and fight for our education system. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll live in a world where billionaires invest in education instead of tearing it down. A girl can dream, right?

So there you have it, folks. The public teacher workforce may be in crisis, but it's not too late to turn things around. Let's make teaching great again. And if all else fails, we can always just clone Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World.

Education was once the No. 1 major for college students. Now it's an afterthought. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/education-majors-colleges-decline-teacher-pay/ via @cbsmoneywatch 

Are we at a crisis point with the public teacher workforce? Education scholars share their perspectives | Brookings https://www.brookings.edu/articles/are-we-at-a-crisis-point-with-the-public-teacher-workforce-education-scholars-share-their-perspectives/

MEATAXE MIKE MILES CONTINUES TO SLICE AND DICE HISD

 

MEATAXE MIKE MILES CONTINUES TO SLICE AND DICE HISD

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, gather 'round for a tale that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even scratch your head a bit. We're talking about the one and only MeatAxe Mike Miles, the superintendent of HISD who's been slicing and dicing salaries like a master chef in a butcher shop.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of this story, let's establish some ground rules. First of all, if you're a teacher in HISD, you might want to sit down for this one. And if you're not a teacher in HISD, well, you might want to sit down too. This is going to be a wild ride.

So, what's the deal with MeatAxe Mike? Well, he's been promising big things for HISD teachers for a while now. Raises, bonuses, you name it. But when it comes down to it, he's been under delivering like a pizza place that takes an hour to deliver your pie.

But wait, there's more! Just when you thought things couldn't get any crazier, HISD releases a new payscale called the New Education System. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it might be fancy, but it's also causing some major confusion among the teachers.

Some are seeing big raises, some are seeing small raises, and some are seeing no raises at all. It's like a game of Russian roulette, but instead of bullets, it's paychecks.

So what's the difference between a MeatAxe Mike lie and a MeatAxe Mike fairy tale? That's a good question. We're not sure there is one. But we do know that when it comes to promises of higher salaries for HISD teachers, MeatAxe Mike has been spinning some pretty tall tales.

Now, we don't want to be too hard on MeatAxe Mike. After all, he's got a tough job. But we also don't want to let him off the hook. When you promise something to hard-working teachers who are already underpaid and overworked, you better deliver.

So what's the moral of this story? Well, maybe it's that promises are easy to make but hard to keep. Or maybe it's that we need to start valuing our teachers more and paying them what they deserve. Or maybe it's just that MeatAxe Mike needs to step up his game.

Whatever the moral is, one thing is for sure: the saga of MeatAxe Mike and HISD salaries is far from over. So buckle up, folks. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

HISD changes leave parents, teachers with mixed emotions https://houstonlanding.org/houston-isd-hisd-mike-miles-plans-parents-teachers/ 

Confusion happening over new salaries for HISD teachers after district releases New Education System payscale https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/07/18/confusion-over-new-salaries-for-hisd-teachers-after-district-releases-payscale-for-new-education-system/ 

HISD takeover: Deadline for teachers to resign from schools without penalty hits, unknown how many have decided - ABC13 Houston https://abc13.com/hisd-takeover-kris-adams-new-education-system-teachers-in/13515851/ 

Some HISD teachers in reform program upset after low salary offers https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/confusion-rampant-among-houston-isd-teachers-new-18204489.php 

WONDER WOMAN FRAN DRESCHER - SAG-AFTRA WGA STRIKE #SAGAFTRAstrike #SAGAFTRA

WONDER WOMAN FRAN DRESCHER

SAG-AFTRA WGA STRIKE 

Fran Drescher, the actress known for her iconic role in "The Nanny," has emerged as an unexpected voice of labor in America. As the president of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, broadcasters, and recording artists, Drescher has been at the forefront of the fight for fair wages and working conditions in the entertainment industry.

But how did a woman best known for her nasal voice and comedic timing become a champion for workers' rights? It all started with her own experiences in Hollywood.

Drescher began her career as a struggling actress, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. She worked as a dental assistant and a cosmetics saleswoman before landing her breakthrough role in "The Nanny." Despite her success, Drescher never forgot the struggles she faced as a young actor trying to make it in an industry that often undervalues its workers.

When she was elected president of SAG-AFTRA in 2019, Drescher saw an opportunity to make a difference for her fellow actors and performers. She has been a vocal advocate for fair wages, better working conditions, and stronger protections against harassment and discrimination.

In an interview with Variety, Drescher spoke about the importance of unions in protecting workers' rights. "Unions are the only thing that stands between us and corporate greed," she said. "Without unions, we would have no leverage to negotiate for fair wages and working conditions."

Drescher's leadership has come at a critical time for the entertainment industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. As productions shut down and actors were left without work, Drescher fought to ensure that SAG-AFTRA members were protected. She helped negotiate safety protocols for productions to resume, and pushed for financial relief for actors and performers who were struggling to make ends meet.

But Drescher's advocacy extends beyond the entertainment industry. She has been a vocal supporter of workers' rights more broadly, speaking out in support of the Fight for $15 movement and other efforts to raise the minimum wage.

As labor unrest continues to roll across the country, Drescher's voice has become increasingly important. Union members look to her as a leader who understands the struggles of working people, and who is willing to fight for their rights.

Drescher's journey from struggling actress to labor leader is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. As she continues to fight for fair wages and working conditions, she reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society.

So let us all take a page from Fran Drescher's book and speak up for what is right. Whether we are actors, teachers, nurses, or any other type of worker, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And with leaders like Fran Drescher at the helm, we can be sure that our voices will be heard.

How Fran Drescher became the voice of labor in America As labor unrest rolls across the country, union members hope the SAG-AFTRA president is exactly what the doctor prescribed. https://news.yahoo.com/fran-drescher-became-voice-labor-171942451.html 

SAG-AFTRA, AMPTP Spar Over Terms of Rejected Contract Offer: ‘Deliberately Distorts,’ Says AMPTP; ‘Rewarded for Exploiting Workers,’ Says Union https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-strike-amptp-contract-reject-fight-1235672764/ via @variety 

Actors Strike: SAG-AFTRA Reveals Proposals for Studios, Streamers – The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/actors-strike-sag-aftra-proposals-studios-streamers-1235534950/ 

'MAGA JOE' MANCHIN SET TO PISS ON HOPE AGAIN

NO LABEL FOR JOE MANCHIN?

'MAGA JOE' MANCHIN SET TO PISS ON HOPE AGAIN

In a surprising move, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has been spotted at an event in New Hampshire organized by No Labels, a third party outfit that hopes to get on the ballot in 50 states for the 2024 presidential election with a “unity ticket”. But what does this mean for the future of politics in America? Well, it could mean chaos, confusion, and a whole lot of laughs.

No Labels is a curious organization that aims to bring together people from across the political spectrum. But let's be real, it's just MAGA all dressed up without the nastiness of Trump. And who better to represent this new wave of "moderate" Republicans than Joe Manchin, the senator who loves to dig coal and reminisce about the good old days in Dixie.

If Manchin decides to run for president as a No Labels candidate, it could spell trouble for the Democrats. With his popularity in West Virginia and his "moderate" views on issues like gun control and the environment, he could easily split the Democratic vote and hand the White House to the Republicans in 2024. And let's not forget about his crucial seat in a finely-balanced Senate. If Manchin jumps ship, the Democrats could lose their majority and be left floundering in a sea of red.

But who are these No Labels people anyway? Well, according to their founding chairman Joseph Lieberman, they're just a bunch of MAGA Democrats who want to bring people together. And what could be more unifying than a third-party candidate who pulls more from Biden than Trump? I mean, who needs unity when you can have chaos?

In all seriousness though, No Labels is a fascinating experiment in American politics. They claim to represent the silent majority of Americans who are tired of partisan bickering and want to see real change. But can they really deliver on their promises? Can they bring together Republicans and Democrats in a meaningful way? Or are they just another flash in the pan, a footnote in the long history of American politics?

Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, with Joe Manchin at the helm of this new movement, we're in for a wild ride. So buckle up America, it's going to be a bumpy one.

 Democrats fear a Joe Manchin No Labels presidential run could hand Trump the White House - live https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2023/jul/17/manchin-third-party-biden-trump-2024-live-updates 

Former lawmakers plan new group to stop No Labels presidential bid - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/11/gephardt-no-labels-third-party/ 

PENNSYLVANIA PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS: I QUIT!!!

 

PENNSYLVANIA PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS: I QUIT!!!

Attention all students and parents in Pennsylvania! If you thought your school was chaotic before, just wait until you hear this news. According to a recent study, Pennsylvania is experiencing a mass exodus of principals and teachers. That's right, it's like a scene out of a movie where everyone is running for the exit before the building explodes. Except in this case, it's the schools that are exploding with problems.

Now, before you start panicking and running for the hills, let's take a closer look at what's going on. Apparently, nearly 10,000 teachers left their jobs in 2022-23, which is more than any other year on record. That's a lot of teachers! It's like they all decided to form a flash mob and quit at the same time. Maybe they were inspired by that "take this job and shove it" song.

But wait, it gets even better (or worse, depending on how you look at it). During the same school year, principal attrition increased to 15.4%, which is the highest it's been since data was made available. That means 463 principals left their positions. It's like a game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it's principal's offices. And instead of music, it's the sound of teachers shouting "I quit!"

So what's causing all of this chaos in Pennsylvania schools? Well, there are a few theories floating around. Some people think it's because of low pay and benefits. Others think it's because of the stress and pressure that comes with the job. And then there are those who think it's because of the students themselves. Let's face it, kids can be pretty crazy sometimes.

But whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure: Pennsylvania schools are in crisis mode. It's like the Wild West out there, with teachers and principals fleeing for their lives (or at least their sanity). If you're a student in Pennsylvania, you might want to invest in some running shoes just in case you need to make a quick escape.

Of course, all of this chaos does have its upsides. For one thing, it's a great excuse to skip school. "Sorry, Mom and Dad, but my school doesn't have any teachers or principals today. I guess I'll just have to stay home and watch Netflix." Plus, it's kind of funny to imagine all of those teachers and principals running for the exit like they're in some kind of action movie.

But in all seriousness, something needs to be done to fix this problem. Students need teachers and principals who are dedicated to their jobs and who can provide a stable learning environment. Maybe it's time for Pennsylvania to invest more in education and pay their educators what they deserve. Or maybe they just need to hire some clowns to entertain the kids instead of teachers.

In conclusion, Pennsylvania schools are going through a rough patch right now. But with a little bit of effort and a lot of humor, we can get through this together. Who knows, maybe this will all make for a great story to tell our grandkids one day. "Back in my day, we had to run for our lives just to get an education!"

Pennsylvania teachers are quitting in big numbers. Here’s why some from the Pittsburgh area left for good. | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2023/07/09/pennsylvania-teachers-quitting-pittsburgh/stories/202307060139

Pennsylvania principals leaving schools at 'substantial' rate, new report finds | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2023/07/15/pennsylvania-principals-leaving-schools-penn-state-report/stories/202307150011 

Monmouth school superintendents quit jobs, leave the state https://www.app.com/story/news/education/2023/07/17/monmouth-school-superintendents-quit-jobs-leave-state/70406103007/ 

THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM: WHO WILL WIN THE TITLE OF DUMBEST GOVERNOR

THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM: WHO WILL WIN THE TITLE OF DUMBEST GOVERNOR

In a country where political satire is becoming indistinguishable from reality, the competition for the title of Dumbest Governor is heating up. Forget about the Oscars or the Super Bowl, this is the ultimate contest of one-upmanship, where the goal is not to govern wisely or serve the people, but to pander to the most extreme and irrational elements of the electorate. The three front runners are: Texas Governor Abbott, Oklahoma Governor Stitt, and Florida Governor DeSantis. Let's take a closer look at their qualifications for the coveted title.

Abbott: The Lone Star Loon

Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, is a man who knows how to make a fool of himself. He has been a loyal disciple of Trumpism, even when it meant endangering the lives of his own constituents during the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also shown a remarkable talent for blaming others for his own failures, such as the recent power outages that left millions of Texans freezing in the dark. But Abbott's true genius lies in his ability to come up with absurd and unconstitutional laws, such as the ban on abortion after six weeks, which makes him a strong contender for the Dumbest Governor title. His latest stunt is to build a border wall with private donations, as if he were playing Minecraft instead of running a state. Abbott's campaign slogan should be: "Make Texas Dumber Again!"

Stitt: The Sooner Stupid

Kevin Stitt, the Governor of Oklahoma, is a man who makes you wonder how he got elected in the first place. He has been a loyal disciple of Trumpism, even when it meant denying climate change or promoting conspiracy theories. He has also shown a remarkable talent for ignoring the needs of his own constituents, such as the recent surge in Covid-19 cases that overwhelmed hospitals and led to unnecessary deaths. But Stitt's true genius lies in his ability to waste taxpayer money on useless projects, such as his plan to build a new Capitol building, even though there is nothing wrong with the old one. His latest stunt is to sign a bill that protects drivers who hit protesters with their cars, as if he were living in a Mad Max movie instead of a civilized society. Stitt's campaign slogan should be: "Make Oklahoma Grate Again!"

DeSantis: The Sunshine Simpleton

Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, is a man who makes you wonder if he ever read a book or watched a documentary. He has been a loyal disciple of Trumpism, even when it meant downplaying the severity of Covid-19 or promoting unproven treatments. He has also shown a remarkable talent for catering to special interests, such as the recent law that bans transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports, even though there is no evidence of any harm caused by such participation. But DeSantis' true genius lies in his ability to act as if he were above the law, such as his recent pardon of all Covid-19 related fines and penalties for businesses that violated safety regulations. His latest stunt is to sell merchandise that mocks Dr. Fauci and promotes his own political ambitions, as if he were running for class clown instead of Governor. DeSantis' campaign slogan should be: "Make Florida Gator Again!"

Oneupmanship: The Art of Being More Stupid

The sad reality is that these three Governors are not outliers or exceptions, but symptoms of a larger problem: the degradation of political discourse and the triumph of tribalism over reason. They are not trying to govern effectively or solve complex problems, but to appeal to the lowest common denominator of their base and to outdo each other in their loyalty to Trumpism. They are not leaders, but followers; not statesmen, but demagogues. They are not making America great again, but making it dumber again.

The question is not which one of them is the Dumbest Governor, but how much damage they can do before they are voted out or impeached. The real competition is not among them, but among us: the voters who have the power to elect or reject them; the citizens who have the responsibility to demand accountability and transparency from them; the human beings who have the capacity to think critically and empathetically about the common good.

Let's not be fooled by their slogans or their tweets; let's not be intimidated by their bluster or their threats; let's not be divided by their lies or their hate. Let's be smarter than they are; let's be wittier than they are; let's be funnier than they are. Let's make America great again by making it smarter again.

Author of spoof story shared by Greg Abbott calls him one of ‘dumbest people in the country’ | Greg Abbott | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/17/greg-abbott-spoof-story-garth-brooks-author-dumb 

ELON MUSK LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM 'TWITTER CRAP ON MY WINDSHIELD'

 

ELON MUSK LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM

 'TWITTER CRAP ON MY WINDSHIELD'

In an unexpected move, the self-proclaimed "stable genius" Elon Musk has announced a new direct funding program for Twitter right-wingers, hatemongers, and conspiracy theorists. Yes, you read that right. The man behind Tesla and SpaceX wants to reward those who post hate on Twitter.

According to Musk, these individuals are the "pot stirrers" of the internet and deserve to be compensated for their efforts. In a recent tweet, he stated, "I love a good conspiracy theory and some good old-fashioned hate speech. It keeps things interesting."

The program, aptly named "Twitter Crap on My Windshield," will provide financial incentives for those who consistently post offensive content on the social media platform. The more hate you spew, the more money you'll receive.

But wait, there's more! Musk has also promised that your Twitter feed will be like a windshield that keeps getting crapped on by nasty birds. What a delightful image.

It's unclear how much money participants will receive, but Musk has hinted that it will be enough to make a difference in their lives. He even suggested that some may be able to quit their day jobs and focus solely on spreading hate online.

Critics of the program have called it irresponsible and dangerous. They argue that hate speech should not be rewarded and that it only serves to further divide society.

But Musk is undeterred. He believes that the program will bring much-needed entertainment to Twitter and will help him achieve his ultimate goal of colonizing Mars.

So, if you're a Twitter user who loves to stir the pot and spread hate, this is your chance to cash in. Just remember, your words have consequences, and participating in this program may have long-lasting effects on your reputation and relationships.

In conclusion, while we can't deny the humor in Musk's latest venture, we must also recognize the potential harm it can cause. Let's strive for a world where hate speech is not rewarded but rather condemned. And maybe, just maybe, we can all enjoy a Twitter feed that isn't constantly covered in crap.

Elon Musk Makes Two Important Changes On Twitter Following Ad Revenue Sharing Program – Deadline https://deadline.com/2023/07/elon-musk-makes-two-important-changes-twitter-ad-revenue-sharing-program-1235439143/ 

BILLIONAIRES ACTING BADLY: WTF A CAGE MATCH OR A DICK MEASURING CONTEST, SERIOUSLY

 

BILLIONAIRES ACTING BADLY

WTF A CAGE MATCH OR A DICK MEASURING CONTEST, SERIOUSLY 

Billionaires are a funny bunch, aren't they? They have so much money that they don't know what to do with it. They buy islands, yachts, and private jets, and yet they still act like they're broke. They feud with each other like they're in high school, and they do some pretty outrageous things. From cage matches to dick measuring contests to an island of underage girls, billionaires have done it all. And you know what? They suck. Maybe literally.

Let's start with the feud between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. These two tech billionaires have been at each other's throats for a while now, and it looks like they're finally going to settle their differences in a cage fight. Can you believe it? Two of the most influential people in the world are going to duke it out like a couple of MMA fighters. I can wait to see what happens.

According to some sources, the feud started when Zuckerberg launched a new social media platform called Threads, which is similar to Musk's Twitter. Musk called Threads a "tapeworm" and tweeted that "Zuck is a cuck". Ouch. That's gotta hurt. Musk then challenged Zuckerberg to a cage match, suggesting the "Vegas Octagon" as the location. Zuckerberg responded with "send me location". This isn't going to be good.

Musk joked that he had a great move called "The Walrus", where he would just lie on top of his opponent and do nothing. He also said he almost never worked out, except for picking up his kids and throwing them in the air. Classic Musk. Zuckerberg, on the other hand, has been training in mixed martial arts (MMA) and has won jiu-jitsu tournaments. He also has a younger age and a higher net worth than Musk. This is shaping up to be quite the battle.

The potential fight has generated a lot of buzz and memes on social media, with some users debating who would win and others mocking the idea. Some experts have said that Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), would be interested in hosting the fight. I can already see the pay-per-view numbers going through the roof.

But Musk and Zuckerberg aren't the only billionaires acting badly. Donald Trump, the former US president and billionaire, paid only $750 in federal taxes in 2016 and 2017, and could owe $100 million to the IRS after an audit. Robert F. Smith, the wealthiest Black man in America and a philanthropist, admitted to hiding $200 million in offshore accounts and evading taxes for 15 years. He paid a $139 million fine to the IRS, the largest tax fine ever. Leon Black, the founder of private equity firm Apollo Management, paid $50 million to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for personal financial advice between 2012 and 2017, despite Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.

And who can forget about Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of blood-testing company Theranos? Her net worth dropped from $4.5 billion to zero after it emerged that her company was being investigated by federal agencies for fraud and misleading investors. She is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. And then there's Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire financier and convicted sex offender, who was arrested in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors. He died by suicide in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial. His death sparked conspiracy theories and investigations into his powerful associates, including Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.

But it's not just these high-profile cases that show how billionaires can act badly. Jeff Bezos has been criticized for his treatment of Amazon workers, who have alleged that they are overworked, underpaid, and subjected to unsafe working conditions. Bezos has also been criticized for his personal wealth, which is estimated to be over $180 billion. Elon Musk has been criticized for his erratic behavior on Twitter, where he has made controversial statements about a variety of topics, including politics, climate change, and the media. Musk has also been accused of overworking his employees at Tesla and SpaceX.

Mark Zuckerberg has been criticized for his handling of user privacy at Facebook. In 2018, it was revealed that Facebook had allowed Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm, to access the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their consent. Zuckerberg has also been criticized for his lack of transparency about Facebook's algorithms and data collection practices.

Bill Gates has been criticized for his past investments in fossil fuels. Gates has since pledged to divest from fossil fuels, but he has been criticized for not doing so sooner. Gates has also been criticized for his handling of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been accused of funding projects that have had negative consequences for local communities.

These are just a few examples of billionaires acting badly. There are many other examples that could be cited. But one thing is clear: billionaires suck. Maybe literally. They have so much money that they don't know what to do with it, and they often act like entitled brats who think they're above the law. But we can still laugh at them, right? After all, what else can we do?

THE DEFT DIVE

Feud between **Elon Musk** and **Mark Zuckerberg**, two of the most influential tech billionaires in the world. According to some sources, they have agreed to settle their rivalry in a **cage fight**. Here is what I found from the web:

• - The feud started when Zuckerberg launched a new social media platform called **Threads**, which is similar to Musk's **Twitter**. Musk called Threads a "tapeworm" and tweeted that "Zuck is a cuck".⁵⁶
• - Musk then challenged Zuckerberg to a cage match, suggesting the "Vegas Octagon" as the location. Zuckerberg responded with "send me location".¹⁶
• - Musk joked that he had a great move called "The Walrus", where he would just lie on top of his opponent and do nothing. He also said he almost never worked out, except for picking up his kids and throwing them in the air.¹
• - Zuckerberg, on the other hand, has been training in mixed martial arts (MMA) and has won jiu-jitsu tournaments. He also has a younger age and a higher net worth than Musk.⁵⁶
• - The potential fight has generated a lot of buzz and memes on social media, with some users debating who would win and others mocking the idea. Some experts have said that Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), would be interested in hosting the fight.²⁴⁶

These are some of the latest developments in the billionaire brawl between Musk and Zuckerberg. You can learn more by clicking on the links below.

Bing, 7/16/2023

(1) By The Numbers: How Billionaires Musk And Zuckerberg Stack Up On .... https://www.forbes.com/sites/phoebeliu/2023/07/09/billionaire-brawl-now-whos-winning-the-fight-between-musk-and-zuckerberg/.

(2) Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg agree to hold cage fight - BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65981876.

(3) Elon Musk Says He Will Train for Cage Fight Against Mark Zuckerberg. https://greekreporter.com/2023/06/26/elon-musk-train-cage-fight-mark-zuckerberg/.

(4) Marc Andreessen throws his support behind an Elon Musk-Mark Zuckerberg cage fight in a talk with Peter Thiel. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/marc-andreessen-throws-his-support-behind-an-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-cage-fight-in-a-talk-with-peter-thiel/ar-AA1dR6i4.

(5) Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg’s surprisingly long history of trying to outdo each other. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/elon-musk-and-mark-zuckerberg-s-surprisingly-long-history-of-trying-to-outdo-each-other/ar-AA1dA6Nb.

(6) Musk reacts hilariously to him & Zuckerberg photoshopped together. https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/elon-musk-net-worth-mark-zuckerberg-threads-latest-news-16-july-2023/.

• - **Donald Trump**, the former US president and billionaire, paid only **$750** in federal taxes in 2016 and 2017, and could owe **$100 million** to the IRS after an audit¹.
• - **Robert F. Smith**, the wealthiest Black man in America and a philanthropist, admitted to hiding **$200 million** in offshore accounts and evading taxes for 15 years. He paid a **$139 million** fine to the IRS, the largest tax fine ever¹.
• - **Leon Black**, the founder of private equity firm Apollo Management, paid **$50 million** to disgraced financier **Jeffrey Epstein** for personal financial advice between 2012 and 2017, despite Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008¹.
• - **Elizabeth Holmes**, the founder of blood-testing company Theranos, saw her net worth drop from **$4.5 billion** to zero after it emerged that her company was being investigated by federal agencies for fraud and misleading investors. She is facing up to **20 years** in prison if convicted².
• - **Jeffrey Epstein**, a billionaire financier and convicted sex offender, was arrested in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors. He died by suicide in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial. His death sparked conspiracy theories and investigations into his powerful associates, including Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump².

These are just some of the scandals that have rocked the billionaire world in the past decade. You can learn more by clicking on the links below.

Bing, 7/16/2023

(1) Here Are The Biggest Billionaire Scandals Of 2020 - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2021/12/27/here-are-the-biggest-billionaire-scandals-of-2020/.

(2) Wildest Billionaire Scandals That Defined the 2010s - Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/wildest-billionaire-scandals-that-defined-the-2010s.

Examples of billionaires acting badly:

• Jeff Bezos has been criticized for his treatment of Amazon workers, who have alleged that they are overworked, underpaid, and subjected to unsafe working conditions. Bezos has also been criticized for his personal wealth, which is estimated to be over $180 billion.
• Elon Musk has been criticized for his erratic behavior on Twitter, where he has made controversial statements about a variety of topics, including politics, climate change, and the media. Musk has also been accused of overworking his employees at Tesla and SpaceX.
• Mark Zuckerberg has been criticized for his handling of user privacy at Facebook. In 2018, it was revealed that Facebook had allowed Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm, to access the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their consent. Zuckerberg has also been criticized for his lack of transparency about Facebook's algorithms and data collection practices.
• Bill Gates has been criticized for his past investments in fossil fuels. Gates has since pledged to divest from fossil fuels, but he has been criticized for not doing so sooner. Gates has also been criticized for his handling of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been accused of funding projects that have had negative consequences for local communities.
• Warren Buffett has been criticized for his opposition to raising taxes on the wealthy. Buffett has argued that he pays his fair share of taxes, but he has also benefited from tax breaks that are available to the wealthy. Buffett has also been criticized for his investment in Wells Fargo, a bank that has been accused of widespread fraud.

These are just a few examples of billionaires acting badly. There are many other examples that could be cited. It is important to note that not all billionaires behave badly. However, the examples listed above demonstrate that there is a pattern of bad behavior among some of the world's wealthiest individuals.

In addition to the examples listed above, here are some other things that billionaires have done that have brought criticism, disgust, scandals, and just weird things:

• Leonardo DiCaprio was criticized for attending a party hosted by a Russian oligarch who was under investigation for corruption.
• Richard Branson was criticized for launching a space tourism company while the world was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Amancio Ortega was criticized for his company's use of sweatshop labor.
• Steve Wynn was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women.
• Jeff Epstein was convicted of sex trafficking and died in prison while awaiting trial on additional charges.

These are just a few examples of the bad behavior that some billionaires have exhibited. It is important to remember that not all billionaires are bad people. However, the examples listed above demonstrate that there is a pattern of bad behavior among some of the world's wealthiest individuals.