222 Comments

Ari, Thank you for your thought-provoking journalism. I love that you cover fun subjects like music and food on your excellent show which I always enjoy with a glass of Cabernet. As a retired reading teacher, I certainly support free speech and freedom of the press. But watching the apparent decline of so many Americans' ability to think critically and discern truth from fallacy is so disheartening. I do hope my life's work was not wasted. Teach your children well.

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That's the problem, Janice: our children are no longer being taught well on many levels because people who know nothing about educating others are interfering in the name of political and/or evangelical points. I wish I were still working in the field of Education so I could quote the sad statistics. Critical thinking skills are not formally taught in K-12, nor even in any undergraduate program of which I am aware. And, in most home-schooling situations, forget about it! That means, generally one isn't formally taught critical thinking until graduate school; and, with declining college enrollment, more and more of us aren't getting to that point. But, again, even if critical thinking were taught in K-12, the far right would probably see to it that it wasn't taught for long. I can even see many ultra-conservative parents not wanting to pay for Junior to take such a class in his early college years, either. I honestly believe there is a large group of people in our country that doesn't want their children to think for themselves. They will say that they do; but, I think they just want children to think as their parents do, and as their preachers say.

And, so that I can say I'm keeping up with Janice and Ari, I am also enjoying a glass of Cabernet while I read. It helps me think more critically.

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Lori! Your latter sentence should be in demand , as another thing to comment on :)

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In PA, standardized tests do access intermediate grade elementary students’ ability to think critically and my district’s curriculum included those skills as part of our reading comprehension curriculum.

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"Intermediate grade elementary..." Does specific instruction on the topic of critical thinking extend beyond intermediate grade elementary in PA? Is this now a nationwide mandate? A topic too big for this discussion, to be sure.

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Yes, federal curriculum standards at the US Dept of Ed require that students receive instruction and assessment on critical thinking skills. Each state adapts these guidelines to their own, establishing standards and benchmarks by grade level. This info is accessible online.

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Love this statement and it is so very true, “ But watching the apparent decline of so many Americans' ability to think critically and discern truth from fallacy is so disheartening.”

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Yes, the last part is exactly how I feel! There are days where I feel so sad that people are so easily duped.

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so well said,

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wow Janice- I am a retired reading teacher too! I had the same thoughts as you when reading Ari's piece. I know critical reading and knowing how to identify credible sources etc were always part of our schools ELA/Reading curriculum. As the internet became an important vehicle for communication, we added digital learning ie. how to identify credible sources on the internet etc. so students wouldn't be victims of the digital divide.

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What about those without internet access? How did they fare?

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That's why we taught them in school, using computers in the classroom. We wanted to expand students to digital literacy especially for those who may not have access at home. There were many who did not have access, or had to share one computer in the household. Some had issues with internet connections at home as well. Since the pandemic though more students have access at home as districts provided them with laptops/ipads.

Our goal with digital literacy was to show students how to utilize the tool of the internet, how to analyze and evaluate the content. and recognize the benefits and dangers just like learning how to read a newspaper or other media.

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Of all Ari's subjects to date, this one holds my greatest interest. I eagerly look forward to reading all comments.

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Donna, Hi! You should see US all b4 you joined in........many VERY funny comments :)

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Hi Ari and Happy Wednesday😃 I hope that you are enjoying your much deserved vacation (resting, relaxing and rejuvenating). Thanks for posting today’s newsletter even when you are on vacation…that is dedication😃

I will not be surprised if Trump’s Twitter account is reinstated. I think that Elon Musk mentioned this yesterday but we shall see. Because of misinformation, I don’t trust any news from social media. We will see how Elon Musk runs Twitter when he takes over.

In America, money is power and you can control anything including the government with money.

Like Wu Tang Clan’s C.R.E.A.M. and you recently quoted this on The Beat, “cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. get the money dollar dollar bill y’all” I love this song😃

If I see your discussion thread about food, I will join in the conversation 😂🤣😂

I am not on Twitter (Thank God🤣) and never cared about Twitter…I am pretty sure that I don’t miss anything😃

Enjoy your vacation to the fullest, Ari😃

“A break from everything is much needed every once in a while.”

Cheers🍾🥂

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Hi Sandra!!! I'm not on any other social media either. That's what I love about being here with you wonderful articulate people.😊

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Well consider yourself lucky because it can consume a lot of valuable time. I'm trying to put myself on a diet.

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Hi C.G.!!! I had a "former" friend who was always on Facebook. So i was never really interested. I do try to read some Twitter posts, but the little blue bird sometimes won't let me.😀 Have a good week!!!

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Hey, how's it going? I have to say FB is my least favorite of all the social media platforms. But I can talk in length on it, so I'm still there. I jump on, post something or reply, and jump off. I always wondered what all you can view when you're not a Twitter user. You have a great week as well!! 😊

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😂😂😂Hear! HEAR!

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👏👏👏

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Sometimes I get this close to shutting down my Facebook account but then I talk myself out of it.😃 Social media has its pros and cons. The pros are the reasons that I am still on social media.

I definitely love this newsletter forum where we learn from one another through our comments

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About two years ago, I unfriended everyone on Facebook, family included. I keep my account open for two reasons only, and neither one mandates that I interact with anyone else. I admit that it took me a good 30 days or so to stop wondering what I was missing, but now I love it. It's quite liberating.

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Sandra, I just read today that Musk's bid, may not go through.....merci beucoup....spelling!!

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Hi Bernie. Reading this, I got excited, but paused to check it out. So, he bought >5% stake in Twitter and failed to disclose it to the SEC, in a timely manner. Now, that would be an issue for you and me, but as with Zuckerberg, these agencies (plus Congress) look the other way. If successful, he will shock me if he keeps it. Musk enjoys the limelight and toying with the media. He’s a lot like Trump, but with true dollars and smarts. Although, sometimes, he outsmarts himself. This just might be one! As for his power of a one-man ownership, I see it as Ari.

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Well I have missed a whole bunch of stuff ladies. I was on Notes for a bit and now I’m unsure of how much I want to keep up with it.

I do not know why I didn’t get the notification for this newsletter. I get a notification for all of the comments-but why not notify me when Ari has a newsletter?!?! I have to get caught up with this!!

Feels like I was pointed in one direction while the Real Real was here!!

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Hi Pamela! What newsletter?! I missed it also. I wrote about his guest, June Ambrose. A great interview! But what else is new, Ari does remarkable interviews! Hope you’ve been well!❤️

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Oh Lordy Ms Diva - please ignore my idiocy of the evening!! I started reading and then realized it was from 2022!!! I was not aware of the newsletter yet way back then! 😂 I have slept more than my share the last few days (that is my story & I’m sticking to it!!

I wondered why there were fewer people!! LMFAO 🤣

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😂😂😂😂😂Holy cow, pick me up off the floor! Pamela, you shoulda been in the comics-you are hilarious!

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Hi Diva!!! Thanks for doing our homework for us. Loved your comment, ,"He is alot like T---p, but with true dollars and smarts".😀😀😀

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Hi Bernie!!! Oh let's hope it's true!!!

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Oh really? 🤔 I hope that it is true.

Merci beaucoup😃

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I never joined Twitter, I shouldn’t have joined Facebook.. Why do we let one man monopolize a product and such an important one..anything can happen… there are laws against monopolies 💪

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Hello, Michele..You make a very GOOD point!

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Thank You Bernadette…. It’s the truth, people are in love with power and money..☺️☺️☺️

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Thank You Ari… i never miss your show.. excellent reporting and love the lyric comebacks 🙃

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I am seriously thinking of moving to the Outer Hebrides to farm sheep for the rest of my life. The problem with Elon Musk is that he doesn't recognize limits, boundaries. Of course, he's not alone in that, but I think having control of one of the biggest and most popular social media sites is going to feed Musk's ego and not nourish his sense of right and wrong. With that much control of any medium in the hands of a single person, I only see our country going straight to Fascism.

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🐑!

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Lots of sheep farms there correct Lori😉😊

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I like the idea of the Outer Hebrides on a farm🙏

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OK! Eve and myself are going w/ Lori.....any one else interested? :)

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Lori! I've visited The Outer Hebrides, when I was a child..mum was Scott's :)

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Will no longer participate on Twitter once Trump is reinstated. More opportunity to spread, hate, chaos, discord and lies, not giving him a forum in my life.

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I'll go along w/that............Um! "Once Trump is what" ????

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😂😂😂 insert ANYTHING, Bernie.

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Once Trump STOPS "pretending he's VERY stupid! OH! Wait a minute.... oops!

He ISN'T pretending.............my mistake lol

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NOT!

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Ari once said, and I will paraphrase as I can’t remember the saying exactly: “There are things that you know that you know and then there are things that you think you know.” There are a whole lot of people who fall into the later which is the dangerous aspect of all social media.

This piece left me with more questions than comments so please humor me.😂😂😂

Who determines what a lie consists of? Many Republicans just call them alternative facts! So will those apparent blatant lies fall under what could become a blurred definition of free speech?

Is the Twitter algorithm only as good as the programmer who created it? Can it be skewed/slanted one way or another based on my programming abilities, my malicious intent, or my political affiliation? Power can do some mighty bad things in the hands of a person who worships the almighty dollar. Money, money, money for the love of money as the O’Jays would so aptly sing!🎤🎶💰

Two more thoughts/questions:

When Musk amassed his riches, was the first thing he did go out and buy himself some hair?😂😂 Just asking (a little shade)?🤷🏽‍♀️🤔😂

Finally, Ari, will you stay on Twitter? If not how will we read your witty random thoughts about food and other things?😂🥰

Be glad when you are back, but if you are resting it is well deserved. I will emphasize “if you are resting!”😉 Be safe stay well.

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I'm still mad that alternative facts was even a thing muttered.

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…Cause people like stupid.

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Olddiva xx....."HEY",that was MY word (for Donny Boy)...not fare I had NABS on it :)

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OK, I give!😂

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Unfortunately there's alot of them around these days.😏

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😂😂😂

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Yes indeed and you are right on the money 💰👏🏽👍🏽

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Very well said Kim!!! You did make me laugh out loud with the hair shade!!! Funny!!😀

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Hi V!

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Hi Diva!!!💗

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o.k......I'm away (having a T.I.A.) the other month and what happens, I get back and now the "GANG" has ...a new password = H!

I LOVE ALL THE TRULY CHEERFUL/FUNNY COMMENTS.....changes an otherwise (serious) site........Um! Come to think of it, BOTH work :)

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Kim! Hello.....Any "bets" that Ari ISN'T quite resting? ha! ha!

Yikes! it's so hot here in Elk Grove Village, 84 Fahrenheit! It came-on right after cold snap.

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No bets on that because you are talking about the hardest working anchorman in America. He don’t stop after the sun goes down either! I think his mantra is the same as the Two Chainz song that says “I can sleep when I die!” So he definitely isn’t resting.😉

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Two thoughts on this. The Ari Food Forums are delightful. Have thought so since I first learned the wonders of Red Vines from you.

The other is that I usually write something on Twitter, on my Twitter Anniversary. Not this year. It coincided with this *Acquisition*. (Too sad/mad!)

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🍌

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I thought he preferred Twizzler. 😁 But, yes same for me!

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😂😂😂😂😂😂You got jokes, today!

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😂 just a few, Diva. It's all in good fun.

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Yes indeed, I love joining in Ari’s conversations about food😃👍🏽

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It definitely gets more attention than politics. It just shows we all can use some simpler, casual conversation that feels good. And food always feels good.

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C,Girl.........AND guess who missed all of the fun..........."Bernie"...ME lol

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Freedom of Speech should be a simple concept. You offer your opinion on any subject you want, but honestly and truthfully, lies are not allowed. Equally, you don't use rhetoric to incite riot, bring harm in any form (physical, psychological, etc.,) to others. Let's hope that Musk keeps Twitter honest and truthful. If he only uses it for his own ends, then its a sad day for the country.

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Albaiza, I admire your positivity.

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We miss you Ari!!! Jason is doing a great job, but it's just not the same without you.😊

Thanks for bringing us another one of your very insightful pieces. Elon Musk is a rich power hungry billionaire, who wants more power. He wants to be in charge of the biggest social media platform, and decide who will actually have "Freedom Of Speech". Hopefully we will never be censored on this forum.

Enjoy the rest of your vacation!!! See you next week!!!😁

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This statement, “Elon Musk is a rich power hungry billionaire, who wants more power. He wants to be in charge of the biggest social media platform, and decide who will actually have "Freedom Of Speech"” - so true

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Well-stated, V: “Rich; Power-Hungry; Billionaire,” and still, it’s not enough!

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Always wanting more with these people!!!😢

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I believe Musk wants more power and buying twitter than allowing Trump to speak on twitter, as free speach Musk won't stand down regarding Trump speaking about his violent thoughts. Many followers of Trump will follow his conspiracy.

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I think we all have the same fear.

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Hello Ari,

I am a relative Twitter newbie and enjoy it cause there is room for passionate (and ofttimes hilarious) discourse -- all within the context of free speech. I mean, where would we be without your food takes? (I also noted that the blackberry vs raspberry ...uhmmm... "debate" got over 8600 likes during some really dark political times, so thank you!)

Musk is a businessman who will also care about money-making of some sort. If his brand of "free speech" ceases to amuse us, then we'll just drop him like...ahem...a hot potato! 😂🥔

And here's a question that I feel Twitter is made for: If the "Beat with Ari Melber" is not hosted by Ari Melber, is it still the "Beat with Ari Melber?" 🤔🤔 Enjoy you vay-cay 🥃🌞❤️

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No and that is why I do not watch when Ari is not hosting!😉 Sorry all others who sit in for him. You are just not the same vibe, IMHO🤷🏽‍♀️❤️

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Hi Kim you should still watch Jason is a good host and it helps in terms of Ratings and views

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Hi Patricia,

I sometimes just keep the TV on and "listen" instead of "watch" for this reason. Jason's good, tho.

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Sandra....I've "been known to listen" while on my p.c. I Guess so I don't miss any recent (BREAKING) news...As Forest Gump once said, it's like a full box of chocolates etc....

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Glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t watch The Beat when Ari isn’t hosting. It’s just not the same. Kind of like a banana split without the banana. Joining in on the fruit conversation.🍌

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Isn't it "Bananas" how we love the host of our favorite MSNBC nightly news show? He definitely does have his news cred though!😂😂😂😂🐐 100 Truth!

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Yep. He’s the best for many reasons. I would watch if he ever had Ayman filling in for him. But he’s the only one. So, it’s time to enjoy some grapes.🍷. Have a good evening everyone.

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Hello, Kathy...I just commented about my habit w/"GRAPES too, "Bernie"

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Kim...IF..just IF Ari decides to (also) have an audience...I want DIBS on a FRONT ROW SEAT......w/all you ladies beside me lol "Bernie"

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You know it! He would be so flattered, I am sure!😂😂😂

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Bernie, IF, just IF I were to learn how to fly well, I’d sit there with you.😂😂😂. I promised God in 2014, should I get home safely, it would be the last time I try to help HIM take off and land the plane. Promise kept! I imagine it would be great to meet Ari and many others, here. Been kinda slow this week, also. Just unidentifiable stuff!😄. Nice weekend! In Wellness & Hapoiness

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Olddiva......okey-dokey... (it's a simple saying from my past= o.k!

I've flown since I was 18 yrs.......exciting then; still is.....how about

if we, (whoever wants too).... ask him..........when he returns?

olddiva, I'll sit near u & keep u laughing... God would appreciate it, so would u...right? x x :)

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🤣😂🤣

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I tend to agree with you. Different energy, I feel. 😊

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Sandra........AND......looks!!!!!! :)

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Kim...look @ the comment I just wrote to Sandra

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I prefer Ari, AND enjoy Jason’s perspectives. MSNBC has some powerful “seat fillers.”

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I HAVE to agree about J.Johnson :)

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Hello my friend.....check out my comment just made to (Kim)....it's iconic to say the least,don't u think!!!! I know I'm late catching up, but I needed extra sleep this past week....I've missed a lot of fun, I see. See you Monday ok? "Bernie"

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I feel the same.

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Hi Sandra!!! I usually don't watch if Ari isn't there, but I do like Jason Johnson. So I have been watching this week. But it's isn't the same, no awkward pauses, and dad jokes.😁 Have a good week!!!

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Hello V, the awkward pauses after the dad jokes have me rolling on the floor! Lol

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That's why we love him. He is intelligent and knows what he is talking about, and has a sense of humor that makes us laugh.😀

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V....Ari's intelligent.......OH! I am looking at how (good-looking) and funny he

can be! Just joking..these past months (4 me) aren't much too laugh about, so glad there's other things ON THIS SITE....I've had so may negative things that I CAN forget about....this and "The Beat" work for me :)

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Alright...I HAVE to ask WHAT DAD JOKES? I knew I was missing a lot :)

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A great weekend for you, too.

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That's a lot of likes for a fruit post. I enjoy them too! I always think, ooh, here's a food tweet, Ari's hungry again. 😂

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C.Girl...Darn it...I'm NOT on tweet, so I'm ignorant to the stories told about FOOD, hope he shows that side of him (when he can), 'sounds' interesting & fun "Bernie" :)

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Haha, he has a ton of food post on Twitter. Definitely provokes debate. Some good takes, some bad takes but he rides with both. He's been doing a better job of sharing those on other platforms. So maybe he'll share more here as well so many more can join on. But yes, food and other random stuff he does post. I love them! My all time favorites tho are his Say It To My Face post on FB/IG. 😊

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C.Girl......can u tell a smidgen of what he wrote? Or should "I-have-been-there" :)

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I'm not sure if substacks allows for links, but I'll try and see if it works.

https://youtu.be/T3QGEtD57RA

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Perfect C.G.....many thanks :)

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Hi C.G. Happy Saturday!!! Ok, explain the "Say It To My Face".😏

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It's a short video he does where he has friends, family, and guests say whatever they choose to say to his face. They're mostly jokes, on the occasion kind words. Ari is good at not taking himself too serious and laughs along. A good quality to have. I have my favorites. The ones with his brother are hilarious and sweet. Shows they have a great relationship. But my all time favorite is with Bobbito, who was a guest on the show. That one had my 😂. I hope you had a good weekend!

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Hi C.G.!!! It's on You Tube. I just saw it. It's soooo funny!!😁 Ari is such a good sport. Loved it!!!💗 Thanks for letting us know.👍 Have a great week!!!😘

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C.Girl........O.K! How much $$$ are we talking about AND is it worth it? lol

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Yes PLEASE.........I'm wondering too, thanks...:)

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😂🤣😂

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Hehehe!!!😀

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😂

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Sandra, hello again! Did know that, here in Illinois THE BEAT come on 5 pm AND I've found myself looking at the clock, getting a (SMALL) glass of w.wine and eagerly looking forward to watching Ari!!!!! Keep forgetting he's on "HOLIDAY".....(Um! vacation then);

it's just NOT the same w/o him!

Oh! watching the Queen on BBC America....got a bit caught up with my English/American grammar"...AND........ I've lived here well over 25 years :)

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I understand 😊 my grammar tends to be very English since l was born on the island of Barbados, watching other stuff too😉 totally agree😊

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Eve... I thought I WAS ALONE...how silly is THAT. have a lovely week-end :)

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You are never alone, enjoy your weekend too, life has away of showing us we are not, keep safe😉😊

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Hello Bernadette,

Ari does indeed appear to have loyal viewers! And, it's quite okay to say "holiday " lol. (P.s. took me a while to "unlearn" spelling certain words w/o a "u" for ex. 😊)

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Forgot to mentioned l lived in England as well😉😊

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Eve.....may I ask where? My twin still lives in the little town of Halstead, Essex....near Colchester; to give you some perspective...thanks! "Bernie"

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Good morning live is West Yorkshire not too far from Leeds, a town called Batley. Have a great Sunday😊😉

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Hi no l tend to watch something else, it is not the same🤷‍♀️😊

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Agreed!

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No it is not!

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If only Twitter was used to mostly talk about food (I'm not on Twitter but my IG is basically a food blog). The existence of misinformation is terrifying to me. At this rate, when do we start governing based on misinformation? All those "tough calls" you bring up, Elon Musk is under no obligation to draw any of those lines, right? I don't think I like where this is headed...

(As an aside, you can neutralize the fancy aspect of raspberries by just buying the frozen kind year-round. In-season peaches, on the other hand? I will shell out for those.)

Get back to that vacation, now!

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I never have used Twitter nor did I ever feel a need to. I am on Facebook and sometimes I wonder why. Actually I was on Facebook because during the pandemic our church service was going to be on it. Somehow that did not work. I see things on Facebook that I don't like so I just scroll past them. Actually our Pastor calls it Wastebook. I just hope that #45 does not get back on Twitter but I guess Musk will decide that. As far as what I believe or watch that is just one news program The Beat With Ari Melber. I am not watching this week since Ari is on vacation. Sorry I am sure that people that fill in are great they just are no Ari. Enjoy your vacation Ari I am sure you need it.

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Hello, Karen! I've also never felt the need to go on twitter/face book, it's o.k. since there ARE other ways of communicating, right?

I have to agree re: your latter comment..... They don't have his looks either... lol

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I couldn’t agree more with your statement, “ I am on Facebook and sometimes I wonder why.“ Sometimes, I do feel like deactivating my FB account

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I see some things on Facebook that I wish i could unsee.

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Karen....DO TELL... what could those be......lol

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Pour Que?

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Mine lasted exactly 6 weeks, when I cancelled it...couldn't really "get-with-it" :)

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Sandra...I did just that a few months ago....I found I had NO need for it :)

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Hi Ari, Thanks for this post. I agree tha Elon Musk is a complex individual who lacks boundaries. I think that lack of boundaries is part of what has made him so successful. He does not allow anything to hold him back from his goal. Because we suspect, but don’t really know, how he intends to use Twitter, it’s a frightening moment. And justifiably so. Being Amoral as a businessman is one thing, being amoral as a media outlet is something else. I suspect that a kind of lawlessness rules Elon Musk. And a heavy dose of ego. You know that saying about absolute power corrupting absolutely? If he wants to carve up the globe with Trump and Putin, and ravage the earth and control it’s populations, so that he and his buddies can live in the ultimate gated community, space, then I think the DOJ had better figure out how to reign him in, before he he figures out a way around things.

In each man lies the power for good and for evil. We know where Putin and Trump are in this picture, let us hope that this particular Israeli remembers his Jewish upbringing well enough to know his purpose on this earth is Tikkun Olam, to heal the planet, and to do good works. But then again, we are ALL capable of anything given the right circumstances…

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Interesting, and thank you for the thoughtful response!

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I agree with your statement, “I think the DOJ had better figure out how to reign him in, before he he figures out a way around things.”

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Thoughtful words, Ari. Enjoy your vacation!

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