So I tried going to my desktop and using a VPN. I got in to the website but when I logged in I got the message that the US is blocked Implying it might be done at the account level. https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/44c6b27c0cfc428e77092b65153c6e0eda4fd799d2db3572b1dbe25ab84f5b0a/ed41d191ed11088d2826eb8e502cb9a36f0a08b1394ac3b084a4b82368833e42.webp https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/44c6b27c0cfc428e77092b65153c6e0eda4fd799d2db3572b1dbe25ab84f5b0a/f6080e5a9c1bac1d9aa7e18d72f597c72b14734db39525a8c2c36e45e1d69e20.webp

With a VPN set to Korea and airplane mode on I still get this. https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/44c6b27c0cfc428e77092b65153c6e0eda4fd799d2db3572b1dbe25ab84f5b0a/e058e1fe3200b12cbb11a61533d13e9ce5b02dfe6d50f2daacc364c5c2cfcf89.webp

If they can let you log in and get your data they could still provide the service but they chose not to. Probably to force the issue. Still a good chance that it’s back up and running Monday. https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/44c6b27c0cfc428e77092b65153c6e0eda4fd799d2db3572b1dbe25ab84f5b0a/4b78a8f1d229c8bc787a701554978e1e897a8bd93699527f99ca6e8d08ac6df9.webp

This is misleading. The law only forces app stores and web hosts to stop distributing them. They could leave the service running if they wanted to. They don’t want to. https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/44c6b27c0cfc428e77092b65153c6e0eda4fd799d2db3572b1dbe25ab84f5b0a/06c19257aef651a94be41d06ece143261807e25af3b0b835b15348b7d04f378c.webp

So does TikTok shut itself at midnight eastern time?

Interesting move. Not sure the CCP will go for it. Essentially doesn’t force Bytedance to sell but invest in a joint venture controlled by a US company. https://www.engadget.com/social-media/perplexity-ai-has-reportedly-submitted-an-11th-hour-bid-to-save-tiktok-in-the-us-215012514.html

The end of the story. @ronxo.bsky.social and I

gathered on Damn Fine Podcast one last time to remember David Lynch.

Listen: https://www.damnfinepodcast.com/2025/01/18/dfp-50-the-end-of-the-story/

Your move US government https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyeer3qp12o

The court said it didn’t see clear evidence that the security justification was irrational and since people have many other options, the burden on expression did not outweigh the concern. It was narrowly focused too. Not much precedent https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-656_ca7d.pdf

The question is whether the law burdens the expressive rights of its users. Since the law is content neutral, punishing TikTok for security and data concerns, it warrants intermediate not strict scrutiny and survives because it does not burden speech in general broader than necessary

I’m reading TikTok v. Garland which is eminently readable. Not legalese. It says that TikTok’s speech right is not abridged somewhat because it’s a foreign company but also because it has the option of selling…

Evening Palisades briefing says no visible flames seen today. Still smoke and extreme active heat and need to beware of that during the wind event. But contingency lines are strong. Also infrastructure repair on PCH making good progress. https://www.youtube.com/live/cmU89WHv7PE?si=YfyrsKVaJw4TJAwW

So if a taco is a sandwich, is Lasagna, nachos?

This is what is happening on the Palisades fire. If you want actual quality information delivered concise and well. https://www.youtube.com/live/Rggj3Y6RDzs?si=5TwTunN_uFC7Gg-X

Personal observation. When relying on social media for our fire news we were more stressed and less well informed. When relying on local news providers and Watch Duty we were less stressed and more well informed. Social Media can deliver good info but its work to find it among the entertainment.

Excellent article from Thomas Curwin at the LA Times on how to prevent urban fires https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-11/fire-experts-asses-los-angeles-blazes-amid-changing-times

One of the seemingly less important but critical pieces of crisis management going on in LA right now is traffic control. If there weren’t people directing traffic the gridlock would be deadly. Just something I though while watching the evacuations out of Encino last night.

I’m flying home to a city in fire, my dog had to leave training, exhausted by CES, but at least I can sit in the airport and watch the Blues beat the Ducks. https://cdn.nostrcheck.me/44c6b27c0cfc428e77092b65153c6e0eda4fd799d2db3572b1dbe25ab84f5b0a/9c11190d8607b7b2d0316cbf329b91d5d5cb86fb724ac3d88fdc0496a3b1e0cb.webp

I know the CES news is finally calming down when I see iPhone SE rumors return.

DTNS meetup Wednesday Jan. 8 at 6 PM at the Famous Food Center in Resort World in Las Vegas. Spread the word