No Maybes

A couple of weeks ago, 60 Minutes had this segment about the yes|no “bet on anything” prediction market company Polymarket.

Anderson Cooper didn’t ask if Polymarket uses AI. Online sources say it does. Is the voting entirely human, or have bots infiltrated that part of the system? It seems ripe for manipulation.

I’m not going to join Polymarket, but I will make these two virtual bets.

  • Q: Was Donald Trump’s MRI for a suspected mini-stroke? A: YES
  • Q: Will Donald Trump serve out his full term? A: NO

Find Mass Money

Everything is expensive, especially here in greater Boston. But is the state so unaffordable that 1 out of 3 Massachusetts residents wish they could leave?

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/leaving-massachusetts-poll-cost-of-living/

Maybe there’s some money sitting idly in a forgotten account.

https://www.findmassmoney.gov/

Here’s a suggestion from today’s Jumble.

The Mass State Lottery has a new Millionaire for Life game.

Not So Fast, Netflix!

Along with a gazillion other people, I recently received this message from Netflix.

Hi Douglas,

We recently announced that Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO. This unites our leading entertainment service with Warner Bros.’ iconic stories, bringing some of the world’s most beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, Game of Thrones and the DC Universe together with Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton and KPop Demon Hunters.

What’s changing?

Nothing is changing today. Both streaming services will continue to operate separately. We have more steps to complete before the deal is closed, including regulatory and shareholder approvals. You’ll hear from us when we have more to share. In the meantime, we hope you’ll continue to enjoy watching as much as you want, whenever you want – all on your current membership plan.
We know you might have questions. Check out our Help Center for more information or contact us at any time.

Thank you for choosing Netflix. We’re committed to bringing you more great TV shows, movies, games and live programming.

The Netflix team

Netflix didn’t pay Pope Trump the indulgence money he requires, so of course he is favoring a hostile bid for Warner. Once already this year, CBS/Paramount paid a cash tribute to the King to get his approval for a merger. To ensure he gets his cut from them again, his son-in-law is backing Paramount.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/08/trump-netflix-wbd-paramount.html

There are good reasons why Netflix shouldn’t acquire Warner. Failure to participate in a thoroughly corrupt president’s shakedown isn’t one of them.